for his pains. I'd like to see him try it, though! There'd be a
nice time of it, I guess. Wouldn't I creep off with him, as meek
as a lamb! Ho! ho!"

"Who is that old gentleman who came in just now?" I inquired of
the person who thus commented on the incident which had just
occurred.

"Mr. Hargrove is his name."

"And that was his son?"

"Yes; and I'm only sorry he doesn't possess a little more spirit."

"How old is he?"

"About twenty."

"Not of legal age, then?"

"He's old enough to be his own master."

"The law says differently," I suggested.

In answer, the young man cursed the law, snapping his fingers in
its imaginary face as he did so.

"At least you will admit," said I, "that Edward Hargrove, in the
use of a liberty to go where he pleases, and do what he pleases,
exhibits but small discretion."