"There is one thing I wanted to ask you, but whilst you are in this mood, I won't."
He turned to walk away. Dick realized the possibility of carrying a joke too far; in a minute was all repentance. He would not have wounded his friend's feelings for worlds; called out:
"Come back.... Orate. I'll be as sober as a judge."
He fully meant that.
CHAPTER XXVII
THE FINANCIAL LOADSTONE
Masters walked back to where Dick was sitting; stood facing the boy again. It was plain that he was really worried; evidently had something on his mind. Dick paid as much quiet attention as it was possible for him to bestow as the author spoke:
"You will oblige me very much by listening. This business reminds me of the boys and the frog, and I am not finding the rôle of frog a pleasant one to fill. If you will drop stone throwing and let me croak, I shall take it as a particular favour."