Chip knew that he could have both Bully and his father arrested for what had taken place at Carsonville. This, however, was far from his thoughts.
“Nothing. Make yourself right at home, old man. Only I wouldn’t advise you to light up that cigarette in here.”
Bully had started to roll a cigarette. He paused, looking up quickly.
“Why not?”
“It’s not allowed. Go ahead and suck it all you want to, but don’t light it. We don’t approve of coffin nails at Fardale, and if the guards smelled smoke they’d throw you out of here in a hurry.”
Carson grunted. Nevertheless, he apparently decided to take Chip’s warning in good part. There was an undernote to Merry’s voice that told him the other was not joking this time.
He finished rolling the cigarette, licked it, and carefully inserted it into one corner of his mouth. Then he lolled back in his chair, glanced around, and favored Chip with a black look.
“You fellers are goin’ to get the hide licked off you to-day,” he announced. His confidence was returning, as Merry made no hostile move.
“Thanks for the news,” said Chip easily. “Are you going to pitch?”
“No. We got a new feller named Green. He’ll show you dubs what real pitchin’ is, and I’m goin’ to back him to the limit.”