Gus didn’t want to read it—that was the reason. It took him by surprise, for it was something he did not expect to receive. In accordance with Ned’s suggestion, however, he tore open the envelope, and ran his eye hastily over the few lines the letter contained. “Well, I call that pretty cool!” he exclaimed. “Any objections to telling what they say?” asked Ned. “None whatever. Read it for yourself, and read it aloud, so that I may be sure I have made no mistake.” Ned took the letter and read as follows:— * * * * * “MY DEAR BOY:—I learn that you have gone to Texas, to visit Ned Ackerman. I am sorry you thought it best to leave us without saying good-by, for if we had known that you were resolved to go, we should have given you all the aid in our power. I am sorry, too, that you went when you did, for we had anticipated much pleasure in your company during our summer’s visit to the trout streams of the Adirondacks. If you think you would like to come home when your visit is ended, I will send you the necessary funds. I do not suppose Mr. Ackerman will care to pay your expenses both ways. Your mother and I would be glad to hear from you as often as you may feel in the humor to write. I have paid all your debts.” Ned was very much astonished, and went over the letter twice, to make sure that he had read it aright. “What do you think of it?” demanded Gus. “It _is_ cool, that’s a fact,” answered Ned, who did not know what else to say; “very cool!” “It’s—it’s impudent!” exclaimed Gus, angrily; “downright insulting! Now, isn’t he a pretty father for a fellow to have!” he added, snatching the letter from Ned’s hand. “Just listen to this: ‘If we had known that you were resolved to go, we should have given you all the aid in our power;’ and ‘_if_ you think you would like to come home when your visit is ended!’ He might as well say that if I don’t want to return, I can stay away and welcome!” “It seems that the rest of them are going to the Adirondacks,” said Ned. “You know you always wanted to go there.” “That’s just what provokes me!” cried Gus, thrashing his boots angrily with his riding-whip, as he walked up and down the porch. “Of course, I always wanted to go there. I have tried more than once to induce father to consent, but he wouldn’t do it. He treated me like a dog and drove me away from home, and now he coolly informs me that he’s going trout-fishing this summer! I hope he’ll catch a whale, and that the whale will smash his old boat into kindling-wood, and tumble him out into the water!”