Please , Mr. Lawson , do n't sell him ! '' `` What nonsense is this ? '' said Uncle Richard sharply . He was a man who brooked no opposition from anybody , and who never changed his mind when it was once made up . `` Do n't sell Laddie ! '' pleaded Ernest miserably . `` He is the only friend I 've got . I ca n't live if Laddie goes away . Oh , do n't sell him , Mr. Lawson ! '' `` Sit down and hold your tongue , '' said Uncle Richard sternly . `` The dog is mine , and I shall do with him as I think fit . He is sold , and that is all there is about it . Go on with your dinner . '' But Ernest for the first time did not obey . He snatched his cap from the back of his chair , dashed it down over his eyes , and ran from the kitchen with a sob choking his breath . Uncle Richard looked angry , but Aunt Kate hastened to soothe him . `` Do n't be vexed with the boy , Richard , '' she said . `` You know he is very fond of Laddie . He 's had to do with him ever since he was a pup , and no doubt he feels badly at the thought of losing him . I 'm rather sorry myself that you have sold the dog . ''
`` Well , he is sold and there 's an end XXXXX it .
about at from if of over since that to with