"That is an insult!" he fiercely declared, glaring at the little plebe as if he longed to devour him. "Such an insinuation is an insult! Do you mean to say that I had anything to do with the assault upon you?"
"I don't mean to say anything more about it."
"Oh, you don't? That is actually an open defiance. But I am going to put a question to you, and see if you will refuse to answer me. What do you know about it?"
"I know enough to mind my own business."
Frank laughed softly, and it was Bascomb's turn to flush angrily.
"You are very cool about it," grated the bully, reaching out and picking up a glass of water. "Perhaps this will make you still cooler."
He flung the water full and fair into Fred Davis' face.