CHAPTER III.
JOHN'S TROUBLES BEGIN.
After putting Prince in the stable, John went into the house slowly, for he was in no hurry to anticipate what he feared would be an unpleasant interview.
"Where is Mrs. Oakley, Jane?" he asked of a servant whom he met in the hall.
"She's in the sitting-room, Master John," said Jane. "She wants to see you immediately."
"Very well; I'll go in."
He heard steps behind him, and, turning, found that Ben was following him.
"He wants to hear me scolded," thought John. "However, I won't take any notice."
Mrs. Oakley was sitting in a rocking-chair. She looked up with a frown as John entered. She had never liked him, but since Ben had declared, falsely, as we know, that John had no more respect for her than a servant, this dislike was greatly increased.