Next, the squire had taken a course of action which, plainly, had disconcerted the lad, though it had its conveniences too.

For, instead of increasing the old man's fury, the news his son had given him had had a contrary effect.

He had seemed all shaken, said Robin; he had spoken to him quietly, holding in the anger that surely must be there, the boy thought, without difficulty.

And the upshot of it was that no more had been said as to Robin's leaving Matstead for the present--not one word even about the fines.

It seemed almost as if the old man had been trying how far he could push his son, and had recoiled when he had learned the effect of his pushing.
"I think he is frightened," said the lad gravely.