Mrs. Darrell was pleased that his attacks seemed directed to herself instead of Clarence, but she felt prematurely relieved, for now he came down upon Clarence. He said:
“Well, sir, since yourself and your mother have bought this land, and since I am an unreclaimed squatter, I suppose I had better leave this place, and go back to Alameda again. I suppose I can have that place again?”
“You will not have to lease it, father; you can have it rent free, as long as you live, if you prefer to reside there,” Clarence replied.
“How is that?”
“I bought the place, and if you wish you can live in it.”
“You? You bought the place! Then, by George! you have managed to coop me up,” said Mr. Darrell, drawing down the corners of his mouth and elevating his shoulders deprecatingly, as if he thought Clarence was a voracious land-grabber, who wanted to appropriate to himself all the vacant land in the United States.
“Don't say that, please. The place was for sale, Hubert telegraphed me, and I telegraphed back to buy it.”
“I didn't know you were so rich,” he answered, sneeringly.
Clarence made no reply.
“Well, I must admit you have cornered me completely; but as I don't want to live on the bounty of my rich son, I must get out of this place.”