"He is an ignorant barbarian. Mr. Craven wouldn't like to have you associate with such a man."
"I care very little what Mr. Craven would like," said Frank.
"He is your step-father."
"If he is, I can't help it. I am only responsible to my mother for my conduct, and she would not object to my keeping company with a countryman."
"I shouldn't want to own it," sneered Sharpley.
"Why not?"
"This Tarbox, if that is his name, is as green as his native hills, and an ignorant boor."
"I don't agree with you, Colonel Sharpley," said Frank, undaunted. "He is not well educated, but he has brains enough to have invented a plow of an improved pattern, which he is exhibiting here. He is young yet, and if he succeeds he will get rid of his awkwardness, and may in time occupy a prominent position in the community."
"I don't approve of elevating the rabble," said Sharpley; "and as you are my ward, I desire you not to associate with this Tarbox."