"Indeed! How do you make that out?"
"I am your stepfather and natural guardian. I am the best person to take care of your money."
"I don't think so, and I propose to keep it myself," said Grit firmly.
"Do you defy me?" demanded Brandon angrily.
"If you call my refusing to give you my own money by that name, then I do."
"Boy, you don't know me!" said Brandon, in a tone intended to strike terror into the heart of his stepson. "Hitherto you have had only your mother to look after you, and she has been foolishly indulgent. Now you have a man to deal with. Once more, will you hand me that money?"
"I decline," said Grit firmly.
"Then on your head be the consequences," said Brandon. "You will hear from me again, and soon."
So saying, he stalked majestically from the chamber.
"I wonder what he means to do?" thought Grit.