Philip stiffly.

"I am at your service, Squire Pope," said Philip, with ceremonious
politeness.

"We came about the fiddle," interrupted Nick Holden, who always wanted
to have a share in the conversation.

Squire Pope frowned, for he did not relish Nick's interference.

"Nicholas," he said severely, "I apprehend I am competent to manage the
business we have come upon."

"Don't get riled, squire," said Nick, by no means abashed by this
rebuke. "I thought you were kinder slow about comin' to the point."

"Your interruption was very indecorous. I do not require any assistance
or any suggestions."

"All right, squire!"

Squire Pope now turned to our hero, and said:

"As I was about to say, when interrupted by Nicholas, I have come to
require you to give up--the Violin which, without authority and against
my express command, you withheld from the auction."

"The violin is mine, Squire Pope," said Philip firmly, "and I mean to
keep it!"

"You talk like an ignorant boy. As a minor, you had no claim to the
possession of any article except your clothing. I judged it best that
the violin should be sold at the auction, and it is presumptuous for you
to set up your judgment against mine!"

"I don't take that view of it," said Philip, and then he stopped.

He knew it was of no use to argue against the squire, who was obstinate
to the verge of pig-headedness, if I may be allowed to use the
expression. He felt that it would be only wasting his breath.

"It is quite immaterial how you view the subject," said the squire
pompously. "My mind is made up, and my resolution is not likely to be
shaken by a boy."

"Then, sir," answered Philip, in a respectful tone but with a slight
smile, "it is hardly worth while for me to say any more."

"I am glad you have arrived at so sensible a conclusion," said Squire
Pope. "I take it that you have the violin here."

"Yes, sir."

"Then bring it out and give it to me."

Now came the critical point, when Philip must array himself in
determined opposition to Squire Pope. He felt that he was entirely in
the right; still he regretted the necessity of the antagonism.

Philip had one thing in his favor: He had plenty of self-control, and,
although he was very indignant at the course of the squire, which he
regarded as unjustifiable, he made up his mind to be as respectful as
circumstances would permit.

"I don't think you understand me, Squire Pope," he said. "I refuse to
give up th