"Don't you understand me? I say, be here instantly."
"Oh, yes, I understand you and will obey."
The good man is enraged. "You scoundrel," says he, "do you mean to disobey my orders and insult me?"
"Insult you and disobey you; I have done neither," replies the honest boy.
"Yes you have, and I will chastise you severely for it."
"No, master, I have not; I declare, I have not. I have obeyed you as well as I know how, to the very letter and spirit of your command."
"Didn't I tell you to be here in a minute, and have not you remained where you were? and didn't you say you would be here?"
"Yes, sir; and did not I do just what you told me to?"
"Why, no, you blockhead; I told you to be here."
"Well, I told you I would be there."