"Somewhat," said the Honourable Hilary, on whom this pleasantry was not lost. "You've be'n travelling on the lumber business, I take it."
"I know more about it than I did," his son admitted.
The Honourable Hilary grunted.
"Caught a good many fish, haven't you?"
Austen crossed the room and sat on the edge of the desk beside his father's chair.
"See here, Judge," he said, "what are you driving at? Out with it."
"When are you—going back West?" asked Mr. Vane.
Austen did not answer at once, but looked down into his father's inscrutable face.
"Do you want to get rid of me?" he said.
"Sowed enough wild oats, haven't you?" inquired the father.