"I knew him when he was poor."
More and more puzzled by the independent manner of this shabby stranger, Clarence made a spurt, and soon found himself in the grounds of his father's house.
"With whom were you talking, Clarence?" asked Stephen Ray, as his son joined him on the piazza.
"One of the most impudent tramps I ever came across," answered Clarence. "He made an attack upon me, and pulled me from my bicycle."
Stephen Ray's cheek flamed with anger. An insult to his son was an insult to him.
"Why did he do this? How dared he?" he demanded angrily.
"Because I happened to touch him as I passed," answered Clarence.
"He actually pulled you from your bicycle?" asked Stephen Ray, almost incredulous.
"Yes."
"I should like to meet him. I should feel justified in ordering his arrest."