“That’s just like his impudence. What did the squire say?”
“He came to me and ordered me to get it, so that it might be sold.”
“Shall I get it for you, then?”
“Not much!” answered Philip emphatically. “It is mine, as I have already told you. If the auction doesn’t bring in enough to settle up everything, I may agree to sell it for a fair price; but I am sure, from the prices, that it won’t be necessary.”
“Squire Pope’s a dreadful obstinate man,” said Frank doubtfully. “He may insist upon your selling the violin.”
“Let him do it!” said Philip contemptuously. “I should like to see him get it. Where have you put it, Frank?”
“Where Squire Pope won’t be apt to find it—in an old chest up in the garret. It’s full of old clothes, belonging to my grandfather, and hasn’t been looked into by any one except me for years. I put it away under all the clothes at the bottom. No one knows where it is except you and me, not even mother.”
“That’s good. I guess we can defy the squire, then.”
Half an hour later, Mr. Dunbar came home from the auction.
Philip went to meet him.