“That’s my affair. I have some business with him—important business.”
“If you don’t clear out I’ll kick you downstairs.”
A glance at his uncle’s face satisfied Tip that he meant what he said, and making a virtue of necessity, he descended the stairs, two steps at a time.
“Come back here and let me out!” he called. “I’ll pay you well.”
If Tip had heard this he would have been tempted to retrace his steps, for if there was anything the young rascal was fond of it was money. But he was already out of hearing.
Gerald, however, heard a key inserted in the lock, and his hopes rose again. He had not heard the voice of Standish, and was not aware of his presence, but stood ready to make a rush out of the room when the door opened. But he reckoned without his host. The door opened, indeed, but only sufficiently to admit the figure of Samuel Standish.
“Mr. Standish!” exclaimed Gerald in astonishment.
“Yes, my dear young friend. I’ve come to make you a call.”
AS Mr. Standish spoke, he slipped into the room adroitly, closed the door again, and locked it.
He looked about for a seat, and discovered a rocking-chair, which, like the chair Gerald occupied, appeared to be suffering from infirmity and old age.
“Glad to see you again, Gerald!” he said urbanely.
“Mr. Standish, are you responsible for this outrage?” demanded Gerald angrily.
“For what outrage, my dear young friend?”
“Did you send that boy to lure me in here?”
“That boy is my promising nephew, Tip Standish.”
“I am not surprised to hear it. Was he acting under your orders?”
“You’ve hit it, my dear boy. He _was_ acting under my orders, and I am proud to say that he did himself credit.”
“He told me a story about being in danger of a beating from his mother.”
“His mother is a poor weak woman weighing about ninety pounds. She isn’t strong enough to harm a fly.”
“Tip has remarkable inventive powers. He may make a story-writer in time.”
“I am quite sure he doesn’t excel you—in invention, Mr. Standish.”
“Thank you, dear boy. It is pleasant to be appreciated. You do me proud, you really do.”
“Never mind compliments, Mr. Standish. Of course you had some object in luring me here. What is it?”
“I admire the quickness with which you come to business. Really you are a very smart boy.”