"I want you to spend the forenoon in sawing and splitting wood. Your mother tells me there is need of a fresh supply." "I don't understand you, sir," said Robert coldly. "Mr. Webber always saws and splits wood for us." "He always has hitherto, but this arrangement is to be changed." Robert's eyes flashed. He was beginning to understand now. "Why? Is my mother unable to pay him?" "That is not the point. You are strong and well able to do the work. There is no need of going to unnecessary expense." Robert's lip curled. "You really expect me to work at the woodpile?" he said. "I do. What is more, I command you to go to work at once." Robert looked his step-father firmly in the face. "You command me to go to work?" he repeated slowly. "Yes, I do," blustered Mr. Talbot, thinking by his loud voice to intimidate the boy. But he didn't understand the boy with whom he had to deal. Robert eyed his step-father contemptuously. James Talbot, though perhaps an inch taller, was less heavily built, and looked thin and puny beside the sturdy boy whom he was trying to coerce. He felt the contempt which Robert's face so plainly expressed, and it enraged him, for he was a man of violent temper. "I think, Mr. Talbot," said Robert, after a pause, "that you will have hard work in getting your orders obeyed." If James Talbot had not been beside himself with rage, he would not have dared to act as he did. He seized a stout stick lying on the ground and sprang towards his disobedient step-son. Robert instantly seized the ax, which was conveniently near, and brandished it in a threatening manner. "Don't you dare to touch me!" he exclaimed in excitement. James Talbot turned pale. "Are you insane?" he demanded, drawing back in affright. "No, but I don't propose to be bulldozed. Just lay down that stick, if you please." Mechanically Talbot dropped it. "You have a terrible temper!" he exclaimed. "I hope not, but I am quite prepared to defend myself, Mr. Talbot." "How old are you, sir?" "Sixteen." "Then you are under authority. You are bound to obey me." "Am I? I don't recognize you as having any authority over me." "Evidently you have a good deal to learn. Once more, will you obey me?" "Once more, I won't," returned Robert firmly. "You will be sorry for your disobedience. You haven't seen the end of this." He turned and walked back to the house, feeling with mortification that he had been worsted in this first encounter with his step-son. "I'd like to flog that boy within an inch of his life," he muttered spitefully. "I--I wish I dared to grapple with him." Robert and his step-father didn't meet at dinner or supper, as the latter had to go away on business. "Mother," said Robert, "do you wish me to take Mr. Webber's place at the woodpile?" "No, Robert. It was Mr. Talbot's idea. He thought it would be healthful exercise for you." "Why not for him?" "I will try to get him off the idea."