The change in his manner and tone was so great and so unexpected that Keith was amazed. He had never been spoken to before quite in this way. He, however, repressed his feeling.
"I should certainly render you the best service I could," he said; "but you would not expect me to say anything to Squire Rawson that I did not believe? He has talked with me about these lands, and he knows their value just as well as you do."
Mr. Wickersham looked at him with a cold light in his eyes, which suddenly recalled Ferdy to Keith.
"I don't think that you and I will suit each other, young man," he said.
Keith's face flushed; he rose. "I don't think we should, Mr. Wickersham. Good morning." And turning, he walked out of the room with his head very high.
As he passed out he saw Ferdy. He was giving some directions to a clerk, and his tone was one that made Keith glad he was not under him.
"Haven't you any brains at all?" Keith heard him say.
"Yes, but I did not understand you."
"Then you are a fool," said the young man.
Just then Keith caught his eye and spoke to him. Ferdy only nodded "Hello!" and went on berating the clerk.