"Course I am! Every fellow's innocent until he's proved guilty."
"Where did you get that seal?"
"A—a—feller gave it to me."
"Who was he?"
"I dunno—never saw him before."
"Silas, you are lying to me."
"Well, what business have you got to come here pestering me with questions, as if you was trying to catch me?"
It was hard work for the old man, who was naturally of rather a violent temper, to keep his hands off his rebellious son; nevertheless, he restrained himself.
"Silas," he exclaimed after a brief pause, "there is blood upon your hands."
"Where? No, there isn't! They're clean!" ejaculated the young man in a tone of fright, starting to his feet and nervously examining his hands.