I can't stand bullying from anyone--makes me see
red at once."
"I know," Jake said. "I've never bullied you anyway. But I'm on the
war-path now, and you've got to take your physic whether you like it or
not. Say, Bunny, how much money did you drop at the races this
afternoon?"
"What's that to you?" said Bunny.
Jake's face hardened a little. "Well, I expected that," he said. "Afraid
to tell me, eh?"
"Not in the least afraid," said Bunny. "I dispute your right to know,
that's all."
"I see." Jake regarded him with a very direct scrutiny. "I'm to be kept
in my place, is that it?"
Bunny coloured. "That's the fourth time you've called me a bounder since
we came in. What do you mean by it, Jake?"
"What do I mean?" Jake spoke rather sadly. "Well, maybe that's just what
I do mean, Bunny. You're beginning to bound."
"Rot!" said Bunny, though he coloured more deeply than before. "You know
there isn't another fellow anywhere that I respect as I respect you.
But--dash it, Jake!--you must let me grow."
"I want you to," said Jake. "But for the Lord's sake, grow straight!" He
reached out and took Bunny by the shoulder. "I'm going to ask a big thing
of you, sonny, but I guess I shall know by the way you take it how much
your respect for me is worth.
Pages:
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144