"Yes, but I shouldn't like to worry the old man—at present."
"I was thinking of Dean. He don't treat me with any respect. He doesn't seem to know that you could turn the whole family out of doors."
"You don't like Dean, I infer."
"No, I don't," said Brandon, bluntly.
"He is rather independent for a boy in his circumstances," said the squire, slowly. "Sometime he may regret it."
Squire Bates raised his eyebrows slightly, and his words conveyed a vague threat.
"However," he added, "he may become more sensible, and understand his position better. Let us hope he will."
Brandon was not slow in communicating what had been said to Dean. The next time they had a difference he said: "You'd better keep good friends with me, Dean Dunham."
"Why," asked Dean, struck by his tone.
"Because my father's got a mortgage on your uncle's place, and I may get him to turn you all out into the street."