“Nothing, young man—nothing,” he exclaimed.
“You certainly have not walked over here merely for the pleasure of looking at the house,” I said, smartly.
“I have come to see your mother, sir. And I propose to see her,” he said. “Last night I did not wish to make a disturbance while she was so ill. But I understand from Dr. Eldridge that she is much improved——”
“You are correct there, Mr. Downes,” I said. “And she will continue to improve I hope. But whether she is well or ill, you cannot see her.”
“Nonsense, boy! you are crazy. Do you know that I am a man, your uncle, and your mother’s business agent? Bold as you are, sir, you are a minor.”
“I never wanted to wish my life away before, sir,” I said, gravely. “But I do sincerely wish that I was of age, Mr. Downes. However, I believe I shall be able to hold my own with you, sir. At least, I shall try. And if this is to be your course I shall know what to do. Before you get into that house to trouble my mother again, I’ll place a guard around it.”
“You talk ridiculously. You cannot do such a thing.”
“No, perhaps not. And fortunately, I shan’t have to take such extreme measures. I have a better way of keeping you off the premises.”
“You would not dare do what you threatened last night, Clinton Webb,” he said, his voice shaking with anger.
“You pass me and go up to that door, and see whether I dare or not,” I returned, my eyes flashing. “Paul tried to stab me. I’ll have him arrested if he is in Bolderhead still, and if he has run away I’ll find means of having him brought back here to stand trial.”