`` Certainly I am , '' answered the latter curtly . `` Bob offered me twenty dollars for the dog , and he 's coming after him next week . '' `` Oh , Mr. Lawson , '' said Ernest , rising to his feet , his small , freckled face crimson . `` Oh , do n't sell Laddie ! 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 XXXXX the boy , Richard , '' she said .
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