With a stern ejaculation he drew back.
"Boy, where did that money come from ?" he challenged.
David sighed in a discouraged way.

It seemed that, always, the showing of this gold mean't questioning--eternal questioning.
"Surely," continued Simeon Holly, "you did not--" With the boy's frank gaze upturned to his, the man could not finish his sentence.
Before David could answer came the voice of Perry Larson from the kitchen doorway.
"No, sir, he didn't, Mr.Holly; an' it's all straight, I'm thinkin'-- though I'm free ter confess it does sound nutty.

His dad give it to him." "His--father! But where--where has it been ever since ?" "In the chimney cupboard in his room, he says, sir." Simeon Holly turned in frowning amazement.
"David, what does this mean?
Why have you kept this gold in a place like that ?" "Why, there wasn't anything else to do with it," answered the boy perplexedly.

"I hadn't any use for it, you know, and father said to keep it till I needed it." "'Hadn't any use for it'!" blustered Larson from the doorway.

"Jiminy! Now, ain't that jest like that boy ?" But David hurried on with his explanation.
"We never used to use them--father and I--except to buy things to eat and wear; and down here YOU give me those, you know." "Gorry!" interjected Perry Larson.