“Did you hear him say that?” asked Squire Haynes abruptly.
“Yes, I heard him say so to Mr. Morse.”
“Perhaps he means it, and perhaps he doesn't. If he don't take it, it is because he is afraid of public opinion. What's he going to do about the farm, while he is gone?”
“That is the strangest part of it,” said John. “I don't believe you could guess who is to be left in charge of it.”
“I don't choose to guess. If you know, speak out.”
John bit his lip resentfully.
“It's that conceited jackanapes of his—Frank Frost.”
“Do you mean that he is going to leave that boy to carry on the farm?” demanded Squire Haynes, in surprise.
“Yes.”
“Well, all I can say is that he's more of a fool than I took him to be.”