Part 9 (1/2)
”So I hoped, sir. But I have only stated the plain facts.”
”It is a tissue of falsehoods, young man! Wait till I hear Percy's side of the story. The idea! my son has enough spending money without resorting to--to such unlawful means of obtaining more.”
”Well, it is my twenty-dollar bill that he gave to Mr. d.i.c.ks,” said Ralph, doggedly.
”Where did you obtain the bill?”
”A gentleman gave it to me for a.s.sisting him out of the water, after his sloop had been wrecked against the stonework of the bridge.”
”That is a likely story! As if twenty-dollar bills were flying around so thickly!”
”I am telling the truth, sir.”
”Who is the gentleman?”
”He is from New York, and is up here on a vacation.”
”I can hardly believe he gave you so much money.”
”He did, and I can prove it.”
”Well, be that as it may, I am certain Percy did not take your bill.”
”Did you give him a twenty-dollar bill?”
”I give him all the spending money he needs,” returned Squire Paget, evasively. ”He has probably saved the amount and had some one change his small money for one big bill.”
”He didn't have it changed into my bill--the one Mr. d.i.c.ks holds. That he got at the bridge--how, I don't know--and I am going to have it back.”
”Ha! do you threaten my son!” cried Squire Paget, wrathfully.
”I am going to make him do what is right, sir. I can't afford to lose twenty dollars and say nothing.”
Instantly Squire Paget flared up, and shook his fist in Ralph's face.
”If you dare to make trouble for my son I'll have you discharged as bridge tender,” he fumed. ”Understand that, Nelson! I am not going to have Percy's fair name ruined.”
At that moment, before Ralph could reply, a key was heard to turn in the front door, and a second later the squire's son strode into the house.
CHAPTER VIII.
SQUIRE PAGET MAKES A MOVE.
Percy Paget had not expected to see Ralph, and he was very much disconcerted when brought thus unexpectedly face to face with the young bridge tender.
”Why--er--you here?” he stammered, as he flung aside his hat.
”He has been telling a fine string of falsehoods against you, my son!” put in the squire, ere Ralph could speak.