“Yes, sir!”
“Ah! And you saw fit to change your voice, eh? and actually had the impudence to tell me you hadn’t even seen a house-boat?”
“Sad, very sad case,” observed Bates.
“I beg pardon, Colonel; I said I hadn’t seen any rascally boys, and that’s the truth.”
“You are one of the young scamps yourself,” thundered Colonel Ellison. “I suppose, Redfern, you will even deny that George was on the boat?”
“You ought to know me better than that, sir.”
“He’s losing his nerve,” said Bates.
“Well, just understand, Redfern, that if I ever catch you having anything more to do with my nephew I shall seek redress through the law. George will go back with me to-night, and——”
“A mighty good thing for George, too,” remarked the irresponsible Bates.
“I have given orders that you shall never be allowed to enter my grounds again. Do you understand me?”