These words were spoken in a stern voice by Jacob Winter, and emphasized by a heavy frown. The speaker was rather an undersized man, with a rugged, weather-beaten face. He had seen but fifty years, though his wrinkles and bowed shoulders indicated ten more.
The boy addressed had a bright, intelligent face and a fearless look. Ben Bruce detected the danger signals in the tone and face of his stepfather, but without a sign of hesitation he walked up to the farmer, and responded, “Here I am, sir.”
The man seemed aching to lay hold of the fearless boy, but something in his steadfast look appeared to deter him.
“Ain’t you ashamed of yourself, sir?” exploded Jacob Winters.
“Please let me know what I am to be ashamed of, Mr. Winter.”
“Ez if you didn’t know,” ejaculated Jacob.
“I don’t know.”
“Then I’ll tell you. Yesterday when I was away drivin’ your mother to the sewin’ circle two tramps came to the door, and you took it upon yourself to give ’em a loaf of bread and a pint of milk. Deny it if you dare!”
“I don’t deny it,” answered Ben boldly.
“You don’t!”