“It is well you have come here,” began the squire in a dignified tone. “My son tells me that you have committed an unprovoked outrage upon him in dragging him from his wheel. I can only conclude that you are under the influence of liquor.”
Stephen Ray waited curiously to hear what the man would say. He was prepared for humble apologies.
“I am no more drunk than yourself, if that is what you mean, Stephen Ray.”
Squire Ray was outraged and scandalized.
“You must be drunk or you would not dare to talk in this way. Who authorized you to address me in this familiar way?”
“You are only a man, I believe, Stephen Ray. I have addressed you as respectfully as you have spoken to me.”
“Respect—to you?” repeated Mr. Ray disdainfully. “Has the time come when we must be respectful to tramps?”
“A poor tramp is quite as deserving of respect as a rich rascal.”
“What do you mean by that?” demanded the squire suspiciously.
“It was a general remark.”