"Once more, I won't," returned Robert firmly.
"You will be sorry for your disobedience. You haven't seen the end of this."
He turned and walked back to the house, feeling with mortification that he had been worsted in this first encounter with his step-son.
"I'd like to flog that boy within an inch of his life," he muttered spitefully. "I—I wish I dared to grapple with him."
Robert and his step-father didn't meet at dinner or supper, as the latter had to go away on business.
"Mother," said Robert, "do you wish me to take Mr. Webber's place at the woodpile?"
"No, Robert. It was Mr. Talbot's idea. He thought it would be healthful exercise for you."
"Why not for him?"
"I will try to get him off the idea."