"Where on airth have you been?" said Mrs. Fishley, chiming in with her husband; and if I had not realized before, I did now, that the squire had actually gone home.
"I haven't been a great ways," I replied.
As the fact of my absence, rather than where I had been, was the great grievance with my tyrants, I concluded not to tell them in what precise locality I had spent the forenoon. The old order of things was fully restored. It was snap, snarl, and growl. But I soon learned that there was something more than this. Captain Fishley and Ham both looked glum and savage; but they ate their dinner in silence.
"Buck, I want you," said the captain, in a very ugly tone, as I was going to the barn after dinner. "Come into the store."
I followed him into the shop. He sat down behind the post-office counter, looked at me sternly, and then gazed at the floor.
"Where have you been to-day?" said he, after his gaze had vibrated for some time between me and the floor.
"I haven't been far."
"Buck, have you got any money?" he added, sharply, and putting the question as a home thrust at me.
"Yes, sir, I have," I replied, startled by the inquiry; for it was evident to me now that the storm was coming in the shape of a tempest.
"How much have you got?"