Mary asked for an explanation of this, and the boys related all the circumstances. Mary said it was an intricate case.
“I don’t understand it exactly,” said Mary. “You returned him his property which you had borrowed, and at the same time put into his hands some property of your own. I don’t know whether it ought to be considered as only giving him back his dipper, or bailing him the fish.”
“I did not want the fish,” said Henry.
“No,” said Mary. “It is a knotty case. Let us go and ask father about it.”
“O, I don’t want to go,” said Henry.
“Yes, I would,” said Mary. “I’ll be your lawyer, and manage your side of the question for you; and we will get a regular decision.”
“Well,” said Henry, reluctantly. And all the children followed Mary and Lucy towards the house.
They found Rollo’s father in his room, examining some maps and plans which were spread out upon the table before him. When he saw the children coming in, he asked Mary, who was foremost, what they wanted. She said they had a law question, which they wanted him to decide.
“A law question?” said he.