"I do. What is more, I command you to go to work at once."
Robert looked his step-father firmly in the face.
"You command me to go to work?" he repeated slowly.
"Yes, I do," blustered Mr. Talbot, thinking by his loud voice to intimidate the boy.
But he didn't understand the boy with whom he had to deal. Robert eyed his step-father contemptuously. James Talbot, though perhaps an inch taller, was less heavily built, and looked thin and puny beside the sturdy boy whom he was trying to coerce. He felt the contempt which Robert's face so plainly expressed, and it enraged him, for he was a man of violent temper.
"I think, Mr. Talbot," said Robert, after a pause, "that you will have hard work in getting your orders obeyed."
If James Talbot had not been beside himself with rage, he would not have dared to act as he did. He seized a stout stick lying on the ground and sprang towards his disobedient step-son.
Robert instantly seized the ax, which was conveniently near, and brandished it in a threatening manner.
"Don't you dare to touch me!" he exclaimed in excitement.
James Talbot turned pale.