It was plain that Fred was surprised that there should be any intercourse between the Kirkwoods and his brother.
"He called to see father; but he didn't see him," explained Phil, as though reading his thoughts and willing to satisfy his curiosity.
"Charlie's getting up a new trolley line. He wanted me to go in with him."
"Gave you a chance to escape from your farm? I should think you would be tempted."
"I didn't feel the temptation particularly," answered Fred; "but it was kind of him to come and see me."
"Well, there is that," Phil replied indifferently. "You seemed to get on first-rate with Uncle Amy. Was that the first time you ever talked to him?"
"Yes. But I remember that once when I was a little chap he met me in the street over by the college—I remember the exact spot—and gave me a penny. I seem to remember that he used to do that with children quite unexpectedly. I imagine that he does a lot of nice things for people."
"Uncle Amy," said Phil deliberately, "is the second grandest man now present on earth. Daddy is the first."
"I don't know your father, except as I see him in the street."
"I suppose not," said Phil.