"Have you any message from your father?"
"No, sir."
"Then why did you come here to take up my time?" demanded the squire, frowning.
"I came to do you a service, Squire Hudson."
"You came—to—do—me—a—service?" repeated the squire slowly.
"Yes, sir."
"You may as well come in," said the rich man, leading into the sitting-room.
Tom followed him into a handsomely furnished room, and the two sat down opposite each other.