hese words of Clarence had the effect he desired. The stranger released
him, and eyed him with close scrutiny.

"So you are the son of Stephen Ray?" he said.

"Yes. What have you to say now?"

"That you had no right to run into me, whoever your father may be."

"I shall report your insolence to my father. I shall charge you with
violently assaulting me."

"I might have known you were Stephen Ray's son," said the stranger
thoughtfully.

"Do you know my father?" asked Clarence.

"I am on my way to call upon him."

"I don't think it will do any good. He never gives money to tramps."

"I have a great mind to give you another shaking up," said the man, and in
some fear Clarence edged away from him.

It was evident that this shabby-looking stranger had not a proper respect
for those who were in a higher station.

"I will tell him not to give you anything," continued Clarence.

"Like father, like son," said the stranger thoughtfully, apparently not
disturbed by the boy's threats.

Evidently he was no common tramp, or he would have been more respectful to
the son of the man from whom he was probably about to ask a favor.

"You just wait till you see my father. He'll give you a lecture that you
won't soon forget."

"You'd better get on your wheel, boy, and go right along," said the
stranger calmly.

"Do you know where my father lives?"

"Yes, at yonder fine house. I see him sitting out on the piazza. Shall we
go along together?"

"No, I don't keep such company as you."

"And yet some day you may be as poor and friendless as myself."

"That isn't very likely. My father is a very rich man."

"I knew him when he was poor."

More and more puzzled by the independent manner of this shabby stranger,
Clarence made a spurt, and soon found himself in the grounds of his
father's house.

"With whom were you talking, Clarence?" asked Stephen Ray as his son
joined him on the piazza.

"One of the most impudent tramps I ever came across," answered Clarence.
"He made an attack upon me, and pulled me from my bicycle."

Stephen Ray's cheek flamed with anger. An insult to his son was an insult
to him.

"Why did he do this? How dared he?"

"Because I happened to touch him as I passed," answered Clarence.

"He actually pulled you from your bicycle?" asked Stephen Ray, almost
incredulous.

"Yes."

"I should like to meet him. I should feel justified in ordering his
arrest."

"You will have a chance to meet him.