We don't keep silence to shield him, but someone else, and it will make more trouble if you interfere.

Please don't.

It was partly my fault, but it's all right now.

So let's forget it, and talk about the _Rambler_ or something pleasant." "Hang the _Rambler!_ Come down and give me your word that this harum-scarum boy of mine hasn't done anything ungrateful or impertinent.

If he has, after all your kindness to him, I'll thrash him with my own hands." The threat sounded awful, but did not alarm Jo, for she knew the irascible old gentleman would never lift a finger against his grandson, whatever he might say to the contrary.