Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1881 edition. Excerpt: ... Charles Brand. Jenny, do you know he's going to be my partner?" "No," said Jenny, in a choking voice; "I did not know." "Ah, but he is," said Jermin, with a cackling laugh, "and somebody else's too, if I mistake not. I say, Charley, old fellow, I don't mind; but you must not carry on like that before Penelope Ann. She's like fire in such a case." Brand was going to reply hotly, and put an end to the miserable fraud, but they were close to the house, and Mr. Franklin came forward out of the shadow to meet them, after nodding to Tom, who had shown him his treasures. "Come, my girls," he said rather sternly, "it is late for you to be out; and it's growing damp." "Oh, but Mr. Jermin's with them, Stephen," said Aunt Alicia from the porch. "Come in, James," and they entered, leaving Brand standing on the lawn with his host. There was silence for a moment or two, as the latter led the way a little farther from the house. "You are displeased at what you have seen, Mr. Franklin," said Brand at last. "I don't know yet, my lad," said the farmer, sharply; "perhaps I am, and perhaps I'm not. Look here, you are very fond of fishing, and I said I should be glad to see you any time you'd call, Mr. Brand." "You did, sir." "Well, you've been pretty often, and seem very fond of fishing indeed." "Look here, sir," said Brand, hastily; "I will be perfectly frank with you." "So will I with you, young man," said the other, sternly; "and then I'm going to ask you to walk round to the stables where...