"Well," said Mr. Sprague, "what does he say?"
"What does he say? He won't say anything."
"Perhaps he didn't hear you," suggested Mr. Sprague.
"If he didn't he must be as deaf as a post."
"Slickening, is he?"
"That's about the size of it."
"Well, we can cure him of that."
"I'll tell you what to do, pa. I'll get the horsewhip and you can give him a good thrashing. I told him you would. There won't be any one to interfere up there."
"That's true. Go and get the whip, Oscar."
No employment was more congenial. Oscar went down-stairs with alacrity and soon reappeared with the whip. By this time his father was dressed and ready for action.