This was not the first time that this man had said things derogatory to my father’s memory, and it made me angry. “I think my father knew his own business best,” I cried. “He knew all about milling, and you don’t know a thing.” “Don’t talk to me in this style,” cried Mr. Norton, turning quickly. “What I’ve said I’ll stick to; your father was no business man. He didn’t know how to manage.” “He certainly made a mistake when he appointed you my guardian,” I replied pointedly. Mr. Norton turned pale. “What do you mean by that?” he demanded. “I mean just what I say.” “You don’t like the idea of my being set over you, eh?” “No, I don’t.” “Well, you’ll have to get used to it.” “I don’t think I ever shall. I could never like any one who spoke of my father in the style you have done.” “Hoity-toity! That is all boy’s talk.” “I mean it.” “Well, like me or not, you must remember that I am now in charge of everything. I shall expect you hereafter to do as I say.” To this I did not reply. I looked at Ford, and saw that his lip was curled up. Evidently he did not like Mr. Enos Norton any more than I did. “You have been having things here your own way too long. You have let the business go to the dogs, and all that sort of thing. Now all this has got to be stopped. I have got to get back my six hundred and fifty dollars, and then I have got to get what remains into shape, and invest it for your future good. How does your bank account stand at present?” and Mr. Norton stopped eating to hear my answer. I paused before replying. “Did you hear me?” he added. “How much money have you got in the bank?” “Not a cent,” I returned. And somehow it gave me pleasure to say so. “Not a cent! Come, I want the truth.” “I have told the truth. We have no bank account.” “Well, then, how much money have you on hand?” “Not a dollar.” “You mean that?” “If I didn’t I wouldn’t say so. Business is bad, and I have all I can do to make both ends meet. I took in twenty-one dollars yesterday, and paid it out on account a few hours afterwards.” Mr. Norton sank back in his chair. I could see that his hopes had had a great fall. Evidently he had expected me to mention quite a round sum. “Then how do you expect to pay me my six hundred and fifty dollars?” he demanded after a spell of silence. “I’m sure I don’t know.” “I laid out the money, and I expect it back.” “Well, as you have charge of my father’s affairs, you must get it back the best way you can,” I replied briefly. “None of your impudence!” “I am not impudent. I haven’t any money, and there is no money here belonging to father; that’s all there is to it.” Mr. Norton jumped up from his chair and strode about the room. “You are lying to me!” he cried passionately. “I tell the truth.” “I don’t believe a word of it,” he went on. “Your father had money, and either you have spent it, or else you intend to keep it from me. Now, I am going to know the truth.”