'I shall not pay for my brat of a son,' I said.

'Then he must pay for himself,' said they, 'unless we lay him by the heels.' 'Not in my house, I hope,' I said; and they laughed at that.

We were very merry together." "Yes, sir ?" "Good God! have I a fool for a son?
I ask you again, Who is it to pay ?" "When will they demand it ?" "Why, they may demand it next week, if they will! You were not at church on Sunday!" "I was not in Matstead," said the lad.
"But--" "And Mr.Barton will not, I think--" The old man struck the table suddenly and violently.
"I have dropped words enough," he cried.

"Where's the use of it?
If you think they will let you alone, I tell you they will not.

There are to be doings before Christmas, at latest; and what then ?" Then Robin drew his breath sharply between his teeth; and knew that one more step had been passed, that had separated him from that which he feared....