"I know that you dislike Richard, Mr. Gilbert."
"So I do. He's artful and bad; but you'll find him out some day."
"I don't think you do him justice. Artful is the very last word I should apply to him."
"You may be deceived."
"If I am, I shall never put confidence in any boy again. But you haven't answered the charge, Mr. Gilbert."
"It isn't worth answering," said the book-keeper, scornfully.
"Still, I would be glad to have you give an answer one way or the other," persisted Mr. Rockwell.
"Then it's a lie, of course."
"It's true," said Micky.
"I hope you consider my word as of more value than this vagabond's," said Gilbert, contemptuously.