He might not look at it as a joke, and you must not offend him.

I advise you, Kurt, not to challenge Mr.Trius in any way, for he might reply to you in some unexpected fashion.

He has his own ways and means of getting rid of people." Kurt was very anxious to get his mother's permission to run about that same evening by moonlight with his friends, and his mother granted it willingly.
"I hope you are not going on one of the unfortunate apple-expeditions I hear so much about," she added.
Kurt quite indignantly assured her that he would never do such a thing.
Lippo was pushing him to one side now.

The little boy had made attempts to reach his mother for several minutes, and he was delighted at his brother's quick departure.
"Mr.Rector sends you his regards and he wants to know if you wanted to give him an answer.

Here is a letter," said Lippo.
"Where did you bring the letter from ?" asked the mother.
"I didn't bring the letter.