CHAPTER XXII.
BANISHMENT
When Abner reached Oaklands next morning, Gilcrest, just returned from a ride to the lower farm, was standing on the stile-block, and a negro boy was leading his horse toward the stables. Gilcrest scowled at the young man as he rode up, and gave him no word of greeting, nor asked him to alight.
Abner began at once: "Major Gilcrest, I have come this morning to have a talk with you."
"Very well; state your business," was the curt rejoinder.
"It is private business and of grave importance. Can we not seek a more retired place than this?"
"Either here, or not at all, sir," answered Gilcrest.
"Major Gilcrest, no man has a right to treat another as you have me without some cause, and I demand the reason for your conduct."
"I'm answerable to no one save myself and my God for my conduct," returned Gilcrest. "Demand, indeed!" he continued with a short laugh. "What right has a popinjay like you to demand?"
"Well, then, I do not demand; I entreat you to assign some reason. I am willing to believe your motives to be good, but that you are laboring under some mistake."