"So I don't treat him decently," repeated Wolverton, his small eyes snapping.
He had by this time crawled behind the trunk of the tree under which Sam was reclining.
"I sometimes think I'd like to run away and never come back," continued Sam.
"You do, hey?" snarled Wolverton, as he stepped out from behind the tree.
Sam jumped to his feet in dire dismay, and gazed at his uncle panic-stricken.
"Did you just come?" he stammered. "I didn't hear you."
"No, I reckon not," laughed his uncle, with a queer smile. "So you want to get quit of your aunt and me, do you?"
"I don't reckon to live with you always," faltered Sam.
"No; but you ain't a-goin' to leave us just yet. There's a little matter I've got to inquire into."
Sam looked up inquiringly.