"But, you see, when I was having my fling, which came to such an abrupt end at Monte, the governor got downright ratty with me--kicked up no end of a shine.
Told me not to darken his doors again, and that I might take my own road to the devil for all he cared, and generally played the part of the outraged parent.

I must say," he added ingenuously, "that the old boy had paid my debts and set me straight a good many times before he _did_ cut up rusty." "You're the only child, aren't you ?" Jerry nodded.

"Oh, well then, of course he'll come round in time--they always do.

I shouldn't worry a bit if I were you." "Well," said Jerry hesitatingly, "I did think that perhaps if I went to him some day with a certificate of good character and steady work from Errington, it might smooth matters a bit.

I'm fond of the governor, you know, in spite of his damn bad temper--and it must be rather rotten for the old chap living all by himself at Abbotsleigh." "Yes, it must.