“I am sorry you look upon it in that light, Uncle Godfrey.”
“I distinctly decline your proposal. If you refuse to go to college, I wash my hands of you and your family. Do you understand that?”
“Yes, Uncle Godfrey,” answered Grant, crestfallen.
“Go home and think over the matter. My offer still holds good. You can present yourself at college in September, and, if you are admitted, notify me.”
The lawyer turned back to his writing, and Grant understood that the interview was over.
In sadness he started on his return walk from Somerset. He had accomplished nothing except to make his uncle angry. He could not make up his mind what to do.
He had walked about four miles when his attention was sharply drawn by a cry of terror. Looking up quickly, he saw a girl of fourteen flying along the road pursued by a drunken man armed with a big club. They were not more than thirty feet apart, and the situation was critical.
Grant was no coward, and he instantly resolved to rescue the girl if it were a possible thing.