"This insolence is a little too much!" exclaimed his step-father, pale with passion. "Leave this house instantly or I will have you put out!"
Before there could be an answer the bell rang. Mr. Kenyon put a restraint on himself.
"Go out at once," he said, "I have other visitors who require my attention."
The door opened, and the lawyer and Mr. Bundy were admitted. To Mr. Kenyon's surprise both nodded to Oliver. It was revealed to him that they were his friends.
"Gentlemen," he said, with less courtesy than he would otherwise have shown, "I do not know you. I am occupied, and cannot spare you any time this morning."
"We cannot excuse you, Mr. Kenyon," said Nicholas Bundy. "We come here as the friends of this boy, your step-son. My companion is Mr. Brief, a lawyer, and my name is Bundy—Nicholas Bundy."
Mr. Kenyon winced at this name.
"I don't understand you," he said. "We have no business together. I must request you to excuse me."
"Plain words are best," said the lawyer. "Mr. Kenyon, I am authorized to demand your instant relinquishment of the property and estates of the late Mr. Conrad."
"In whose favor?" asked Mr. Kenyon, whose manner betrayed agitation.