"You were a foolish fellow to run away. I'm not going to hurt you; neither is anybody else."
Noddy was not a little astonished to find Mr. Grant, in his own homely terms, "trying it on" in this manner. It was not strange that the constable, or even Squire Wriggs, should resort to deception to entrap him; but he was not quite prepared for it from the upright proprietor of Woodville. If he was wanted "bad enough" to induce a gentleman of wealth and position to make a journey to Albany after him, it was the very best reason in the world why he should get out of the way as soon as possible.
"How is Miss Bertha, sir?" asked Noddy, who did not know what else to say.
"She is quite well, and feels very badly now at your absence. You have made a great mistake, Noddy," replied Mr. Grant.
"Is Miss Fanny pretty well, sir?"
"Very well. We don't wish to injure you, or even to punish you, for setting the boat-house on fire. The worst that I shall do will be to send you——"
"Is Ben any better than he was?" continued Noddy, fully satisfied in his own mind in regard to the last remark.
"Ben is very well," said Mr. Grant, impatiently. "Now, you will come with me, Noddy, and not try to run away again."
"How is Mrs. Green and the rest of the folks?" asked Noddy, fully resolved that even Mr. Grant should not "pull wool over his eyes," as he quaintly expressed his view of this attempt to deceive him.
"She is well. Now come with me, Noddy. I will give you a good supper, and you shall have everything you need. Your circumstances have changed now, and you will be a rich man when you are of age."