“That's a pretty story!” said Alonzo. “I don't believe Uncle Oliver would be such a fool as to send you ten dollars. If he did, you got it, and now want to get as much more, pretending you haven't received it.”
“You are mistaken,” said Phil quietly.
“If you didn't get the letter, how do you know any was written, and that there was anything in it?” asked Alonzo triumphantly, feeling that the question was a crusher.
“I don't care to tell you how I know it. Do you deny it?”
“I don't remember whether Uncle Oliver gave me any letter or not.”
“Will you be kind enough to give me his address in Florida, so that I may write to him and find out?”
“No, I won't,” said Alonzo angrily, “and I think you are very cheeky to ask such a thing. Ma was right when she said that you were the most impudent boy she ever came across.”
“That's enough, Alonzo,” said Phil quietly. “I've found out all I wanted to.”
“What have you found out?” asked Alonzo, his tone betraying some apprehension.
“Never mind. I think I know what became of that letter.”