"I'm glad to see you," he said. "It's long since we met."
"Yes," answered Grit.
He was not prepared to return the compliment, and express pleasure at his stepfather's return.
"I'm glad you and your mother have got along so well while I was away."
Grit felt tempted to say that they had got along better during Mr. Brandon's absence than when he was with them, but he forbore. He did not want to precipitate a conflict, though, from what his mother had said, he foresaw that one would come soon enough.
"Your mother tells me that you make money by your boat," continued Mr. Brandon.
"Yes, sir."
"That's a good plan. I approve it. How much money have you made to-day, now?"
"I have a dollar or two in my pocket," answered Grit evasively.
"Very good!" said Brandon, in a tone of satisfaction. "You may as well hand it to me."