"That's nonsense, father. Where has the money gone to? Whatever you do, speak the truth. If you choose to say you won't—"
"Well, then, I won't," said he, roused suddenly to anger. "I never made Brisket any promise!"
"But mother did; she as is now gone, and far away; and it was her money,—so it was."
"It wasn't her money;—it was mine!" said Mr. Brown.
"And that's all the answer I'm to get? Very well. Then I shall know where to look for my rights. And as for that fellow there, I didn't think it of him, that he'd be so mean. I knew he was a coward always."
"I am neither mean nor a coward," said Robinson, jumping up, and speaking with a voice that was audible right across Spavinhorse Yard, and into the tap of the "Man of Mischief" public-house opposite. "As for meanness, if I had the money, I would pour it out into your lap, though I knew that it was to be converted into beef and mutton for the benefit of a hated rival. And as for cowardice, I repel the charge, and drive it back into the teeth of him who, doubtless, made it. I am no coward."
"You ran away when he bid you!"
"Yes; because he is big and strong, and had I remained, he would have knocked me about, and made me ridiculous in the eyes of the spectators. But I am no coward. If you wish it, I am ready to fight him."
"Oh, dear, no. It can be nothing to me."
"He will make me one mash of gore," said Robinson, still holding out his hand. "But if you wish it, I care nothing for that. His brute strength will, of course, prevail; but I am indifferent as to that, if it would do you a pleasure."