“And what did you do? Did you knock him over?”

“I would,” said James, “but I didn't care to pursue him. I thought I would wait and tell you.”

“And what do you want me to do?”

“To get Mr. Cameron to turn him off. I want him to starve,” said James, bitterly.

“You express yourself too strongly, James; but, under the circumstances, I can't blame you much. The boy is evidently a ruffian.”

“Yes, he is a ruffian and a brute, and I don't see what Mr. Cameron sees about him to like, I am sure.”

“Probably the boy makes him think he is a model of excellence. Such boys are apt to be deceitful.”

“He's deceitful enough. You'd think butter wouldn't melt in his mouth.”

“I shall make such representations to Mr. Cameron as, I flatter myself, will dispose of the case of this young rascal and make him repent his brutal and unprovoked assault. I'll go over to-morrow forenoon to the hotel and speak to him on the subject,” said the squire, pompously.

“Thank you, father. Put it as strong as you can.”