Brandon's face changed.
"Seems to me Dean Dunham is getting to be a person of a good deal of importance," he said. "What is the note about? If you are going to haul him over the coals I won't mind taking it."
"On the contrary, Mr. Kirby, our guest, is going to offer him a position as his clerk and private secretary."
"And did you recommend him to Mr. Kirby?" asked Brandon, considerably disgusted.
Squire Bates was sharp enough to understand the cause of Brandon's dissatisfaction.
"I don't mind telling you confidentially," he said with a smile, "that I don't envy the boy who works for Peter Kirby."
"Then it isn't such a great chance after all?"
"I suspect that Dean will be sorry he engaged to work for him within a week. But of course you won't let drop a word to prejudice the boy against accepting Mr. Kirby's offer."
"You may rely upon me, papa," said Brandon with a chuckle.