“He’s becoming depraved fast!” exclaimed Rattleton. “He can laugh over it in a heartless manner.”
“Yes; he’s going to the dogs, sure enough!” grunted Bruce. “It’s a shame! He was able to withstand temptation till he came here to naughty Paris.”
“Boys,” said Diamond, “I’m afraid it’s no joking-matter.”
And that made Frank laugh still harder.
Wiping his eyes, Merry said:
“My dear Diamond, surely you have not been affected by the air of Paris? You are constant enough to Juliet, whom you left in England.”
Jack’s face turned crimson.
“Oh, that’s nothing serious!” he protested, scowling at Frank, and trying to make Merry understand that he did not wish too much said before the others.
But Harry and Bruce were quick to catch on, and they made it rather warm for Diamond for some minutes.
“Oh, you fellows think you are smart!” exclaimed the Virginian. “You are ready to turn from Frank any time, and pick at me, but you can carry it too far!”