You've got to---" Walter cut him off with the utmost vehemence.

"Don't tell me what I got to do! I know what I got to do better'n you, I guess! I stay at Lamb's, see ?" Adams rose angrily.

"You'll do what I tell you.

You can't stay down there." "Why can't I ?" "Because I won't let you." "Listen! Keep on not lettin' me: I'll be there just the same." At that his father broke into a sour laughter.

"THEY won't let you, Walter! They won't have you down there after they find out I'm going." "Why won't they?
You don't think they're goin' to be all shot to pieces over losin' YOU, do you ?" "I tell you they won't let you stay," his father insisted, loudly.
"Why, what do they care whether you go or not ?" "They'll care enough to fire YOU, my boy!" "Look here, then; show me why." "They'll do it!" "Yes," Walter jeered; "you keep sayin' they will, but when I ask you to show me why, you keep sayin' they will! That makes little headway with ME, I can tell you!" Adams groaned, and, rubbing his head, began to pace the floor.