“That’s one thing.”
“What’s another?”
“You want to boss me.”
“Is that all?”
“I won’t be bossed by you. I won’t do as you say! Even if you are my brother, you can’t make me do just as you want to!”
Under the window the old Indian smoked on, apparently unhearing or unheeding.
“Dick,” said Merry, “I shall not try to make you do anything that will be to your harm.”
“You can’t make me do anything, whether it’s to my harm or not!”
Frank decided that he had been incautious in letting the word “make” pass his lips. He realized that this passionate, impulsive lad must be governed by reason, and that it would not do to try to drive him. Dick’s proud spirit would rebel against being driven, even though he knew the object was for his own good.
“You must see from me that not all boys who attend schools lose their health. In fact, the best schools to-day have gymnasiums and training-rooms where the students can work every day to become strong, just as they study to get an education. And all over the country boys are at work educating their bodies while they educate their minds. I have lots to tell you, Dick, about their games and their contests of strength and skill. I will tell you about baseball, football, and other games.”