" came a loud, harsh voice
from the doorway of the library, and turning quickly Dave and Roger
found themselves confronted by an old man, white with sudden rage, and
brandishing a heavy cane in his hand.

CHAPTER XVII

ON THE NORTH SEA

Both Dave and his chum were startled by the sudden interruption, and for
the moment did not know what to say. They looked at the old man and then
at Nick Jasniff. The latter turned pale and seemed thoroughly ill at
ease.

"Who says a relative of mine is dishonest?" repeated the old man, and
now he strode up to Dave and raised the cane over the youth's head.

"If you refer to this boy as your relative, I say he is dishonest,"
answered Dave, stoutly.

"And so do I," added the senator's son.

"Nicholas dishonest! It cannot be! There must be some mistake."

"I am sorry for you, sir, but there is no mistake," returned Dave.

"Who are you, sir?"

"My name is David Porter. I come from the United States. Nicholas and
myself and my friend here all attended the same boarding school."

"The place called Oak Hall?"

"Yes, sir. I presume you are Mr. Philip Chesterfield."

"I am, and I am a great-uncle to Nicholas." The old man lowered his
cane. "What do you know of Nicholas?" he questioned, curiously.

"I know a great deal, Mr. Chesterfield. If you care to hear the story I
will tell it to you."

"Don't you listen to him, Uncle Phil," stormed Nick Jasniff, in
increasing fear. "He'll tell you nothing but a bundle of lies."

"I can prove every statement I make," answered Dave.

"Dave will tell you nothing but the truth," added Roger.

"Who are you, young man?"

"My name is Roger Morr."

"He is the son of United States Senator Morr," added Dave.

"Ah, indeed!" The fact that Roger's father occupied a high political
position seemed to have considerable effect on Philip Chesterfield.

"They are a couple of fakirs!" cried Nick Jasniff. He knew not what else
to say.

"Nicholas, be silent. I will listen to their story, and then you can
have your say."

"If you are going to listen to them, I'll get out," stormed the runaway,
and edged for the door.

"No, you don't; you'll stay here!" exclaimed Dave, and blocked the way.
"I came all the way from America to catch you, and you are not going
until I get through with you."

A brief war of words followed, which came to an end when the old
gentleman locked the door. Then he had Dave and Roger tell their tale in
full, after wh