"So my conduct puzzles you, does it?" he inquired complacently.
"Yes, it does. I should think Oliver was your son instead of me."
"Have I not treated you as well as Oliver?"
"I think you ought to treat me better, considering I am your own son," grumbled Roland.
"I have good reasons for my conduct," said Mr. Kenyon mysteriously.
"What are they?"
"You are a boy, and it is not fitting I should tell you everything."
"You aint afraid of Oliver, are you?" demanded Roland bluntly.
Mr. Kenyon smiled pleasantly, showing a set of very white teeth as he did so.
"Really, that is amusing," he answered. "What on earth should make me afraid of Oliver?"