"Sir, you insult me!" exclaimed Coleman, with lofty indignation. "What do I—a rich man—want of your paltry two hundred and fifty dollars?"
"I don't believe you are a rich man. Didn't I tell you, I have been warned against you?"
"Who dared to talk against me?" asked Coleman indignantly. Then, casting his eyes about, he noticed Luke for the first time. Now it was all clear to him.
Striding up to Luke's seat, he said threateningly, "Have you been talking against me, you young jackanapes?"
"Yes, Mr. Coleman, I have," answered Luke steadily. "I thought it my duty to inform this man of your character. I have advised him to put his money into a savings-bank."
"Curse you for an impertinent meddler!" said Coleman wrathfully. "I'll get even with you for this!"
"You can do as you please," said Luke calmly.
Coleman went up to the farmer and said, abruptly, "You've been imposed upon by an unprincipled boy. He's been telling you lies about me."
"He has given me good advice," said the farmer sturdily, "and I shall follow it."
"You are making a fool of yourself!"