human
See anything of my son, Link?
gpt
No, sir,
human
Humph! I thought sure he'd be on this train, muttered Mr. Merwell, to no one in particular. He looked at the boys.
gpt
You came in on the train that just left, I suppose,
human
We did,
gpt
See anything of a boy about your own age in Helena, at the depot? He was coming on the eastern train.
human
Your son wasn't on the train,
gpt
Ah! you know him?
human
Yes.
gpt
Who are you, may I ask? I do not remember seeing you before.
human
I am Dave Porter. Link and I went to Oak Hall together.
gpt
Ah, I see! Mr. Merwell drew a long breath and nodded his head knowingly.
human
Dave Porter, you said. And who are these young men?
gpt
My school chums, Roger Morr and Phil Lawrence.
human
Indeed! Then you are the young men who caused my son so much trouble--caused him to be sent away, in fact,
gpt
It was Link's own fault that he was sent away, answered the senator's son.
human
If he had behaved himself he would have had no trouble.
gpt
Oh, of course, it is natural that you should shield yourselves. But I know my son, and I know he is not the person he has been made out to be by Doctor Clay and others. It was an outrage to allow the other boys at the school to get him into trouble as they did, and I have written to Doctor Clay to that effect.
human
Your son was entirely to blame,
gpt
He can be thankful that he was let off so easily, added Dave.
human
If it hadn't been for the honor of Oak Hall, there might have been a public exposure.
gpt
Bah! nonsense! But it is useless to continue this discussion here, in the presence of these young ladies. Perhaps I'll see you again about the matter--after I have interviewed my son personally.
human
Mr. Merwell, these young gentleman are my guests, put in Mr. Endicott, bluntly.
gpt
While they are stopping at my ranch I trust they will not be annoyed by any one.
human
Mr. Endicott, I shall respect your wishes so far as I can, returned Felix Merwell, with great stiffness.
gpt
But if these young men have done my son an injustice, they will have to suffer for it. I bid you good-day.
human
Oh, Dave, what do you think he'll do?
gpt
I don't know, was Dave's reply.
human
Of course, he is bound to stick up for Link.
gpt
I never liked him very much, and now I despise him,
human
One can readily see where Link gets his temper from, was Phil's comment.
gpt
He is nothing but a chip of the old block.
human
I am sorry that Mr. Merwell is my neighbor, came from Mr. Endicott.
gpt
But it can't be helped, so we'll have to make the best of it. My advice is, while you are out here, keep off his lands, and if he annoys you in any way, let me know.
human
We'll have to learn what his lands are,
gpt
Todd and the others can readily tell you about that, and about Merwell's cattle, too. But come, we have wasted too much time already. You'll all be wanting supper long before we reach the ranch.