"I am sorry father isn't home. He just started for the village."

"Ahem! it was not to see your father that I called," answered Squire
Pope. "I wish to have a few words with this young man," indicating
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