“He called me a clown!” burst from Ephraim.
“He insulted me!” grated Diamond.
“Let him take it back, darn him!”
“Let him apologize, confound him!”
“I tell you to drop it!” said Frank, firmly. “What sort of chaps are you that you can’t get along together and overlook trifles? I am ashamed of you fellows!”
The manner in which Frank said this brought a flush of resentment to Diamond’s cheeks. He drew himself up to his fullest height, and coldly said:
“Very well, sir; you will have no further cause to be ashamed of me. I will not give you the opportunity.”
“What do you mean?”
“That I see you are beginning to get down on me lately, since you have met your old friends from Fardale, and I will not trouble you any more. I will withdraw from the party and take the next train for the East.”
Frank looked astonished.