"Been tellin the tale again!" he trembled, as he rolled up his sleeves. "I've had more'n enough of it. Put em up! You're for it this journey!"
Alf had risen. He knew that look upon his brother's face, and was afraid.
"You mustn't touch me!" he screamed, shaking a crooked finger at the other. "I'm delicit, I am."
It was the ancient ruse which had stood him in good stead many a time at home and in the playground.
"Else you'll tell mother!" sneered Ern. "Very well. Have it your own way!"
He seized the model engine on the table, and smashed it down on to the floor. It lay at his feet, a broken mass, with spinning wheels.
Then Ern unlocked the door and went out.
At supper that evening he was still burning his white flare.
Alf saw it and was cowed; Mrs. Caspar saw it too and held her peace. Edward Caspar was, as always, away in the clouds and aware of nothing unusual when he looked in to say good-night.