"No; I am going to call upon him."
Percy hardly knew what to think. He had heard his father speak of "Uncle Jacob" and indulge in the hope that he had accumulated a fortune in California. His shabby attire did not suggest wealth, certainly, but Percy was wise enough to know that appearances are not always to be relied upon. If this old man were wealthy, he would be worth propitiating. At any rate, till he knew to the contrary he had better be polite.
"Will you ride to the house with me, sir?" he asked, considerably to Bert's surprise.
"No, thank you. There might be another upset. Jump into the buggy, and I'll walk along after you."
Percy was relieved by this decision, for he had no wish to be seen with such a companion.
"All right, sir," he said. "I'll see you at the house."
Without a word of acknowledgment to Bert, Percy sprang into the buggy and drove rapidly away.
"Shall I go with you, Uncle Jacob?" asked Bert.
"No, thank you. I can find the way. Tell your mother that I will call on her very soon."