"He never does agree with anybody. Now tell me how you managed to walk off."
John narrated how he found himself locked in, and how he resorted to the expedient of the bed-cord.
"You're a trump, John!" said David, slapping him on the shoulder. "I didn't think you had so much spunk."
"What did you think of me?" asked John, smiling.
"You see you're such a quiet fellow, you don't look as if you were up to such things. But what will you do if Mr. Huxter pursues you?"
"I can tell better when the time comes," said John.
"You wouldn't go back with him?"
"Not if I could help myself. I don't feel that he has any right to control me. He isn't my guardian, and he is the last man, I know, that my father would be willing to trust me with."
"I wish I could see how he looks when he finds you are gone. If you'd like to send him your love I could go round by the house on my way back."
"I don't think I shall need to trouble you, David," said John.