"To think that my only living descendant should go back on the family,
is too much to bear," he said. "There's only nephews and cousins
'sides you, Ralph. They are scattered here and yonder; they ain't a
carin' much about the family honor. Hit all depends on you, boy. I
wonder your pap's ghost ain't a haantin' you for bein' so careless."

Then Ralph would vaguely promise to do better, and the subject would be
dropped, only to crop up again whenever the old man felt more savagely
inclined than usual. Today, however, was the first time that the two
had come to an open and violent rupture.

When the boy came in sight of the cabin he beheld his grandparent
seated in the doorway absorbed, apparently in deep reflection.

Ralph crossed the foot log, opened the gate and walked up to the door.

"I am sorry I displeased you today," he began, "but I just couldn't do
what you wanted me to do----"

"Shet your mouth!" interrupted Granger harshly. "You are a disgrace to
your kin. I never would a believed it if my eyes hadn't a seen and my
ears a heard. You are no longer a grandson of mine. D'ye hear?"

Ralph's perplexed and distressed look seemed to again infuriate the old
man.

"Pack up your traps and get outn here!" he raged, brandishing his
walking stick. "My house is no longer a home for such as you."