Even Ferdy for a moment seemed grave and regretful.

Then after a glance at his father he recovered his composure.
"I'm not to blame," he said surlily, "if she did.

It was her fault." Aaron Wickersham turned on him.
"Stop," he said in a quiet voice.

"Not another word.

One other word, and, by God! I'll box your head off your shoulders.