"What harm is there in him?" asked Frank, quietly.
"He is an ignorant barbarian. Mr. Craven wouldn't like to have you associate with such a man."
"I care very little what Mr. Craven would like," said Frank.
"If he is, I can't help it. I am only responsible to my mother for my conduct, and she would not object to my keeping company with a countryman."
"I shouldn't want to own it," sneered Sharpley.
"This Tarbox, if that is his name, is as green as his native hills, and an ignorant boor."
"I don't agree with you, Colonel Sharpley," said Frank, undaunted. "He is not well educated, but he has brains enough to have invented a plow of an improved pattern, which he is exhibiting here. He is young yet, and if he succeeds he will get rid of his awkwardness, and may in time occupy a prominent position in the community."
"I don't approve of elevating the rabble," said Sharpley; "and as you are my ward, I desire you not to associate with this Tarbox."
"If you had any good reason to offer, Colonel Sharpley, or if Mr. Tarbox were an improper person, I would obey; but, under the present circumstances, I must decline."
"What! You dare to defy me!" exclaimed Sharpley, who was in a worse temper than usual, having lost money at cards the evening before.
"I don't wish to defy you, sir, but I must beg you to be reasonable."
"Do you dare insinuate that I am unreasonable?" said Sharpley, advancing as if to strike him.
Frank looked calmly in his face and didn't shrink. There was something in his eye which prevented the blow from falling. Sharpley bethought himself of another way of "coming up with" his rebellious charge.
"If you are going to act in this way," he said, "I shall send you home."
"I don't propose to go home, Colonel Sharpley," said Frank, firmly. "Now that I am here, I shall stay through the summer."
"Do you think you can compel me to keep charge of you?"
"No, sir; but since it is a trouble to you, I will place myself under the charge of Mr. Tarbox, though I feel quite competent to travel alone. If you will place in his hands what funds you have of mine, this will relieve you of all trouble."
"The deuce it will!" thought Sharpley, who knew that such a course would leave him absolutely helpless and penniless.