Bart paused three feet away.
“I want to tell you that you are the meanest and most contemptible cur I’ve encountered in a long time,” answered Merriwell’s friend. “You’re a crawling, slimy, disgusting snake. I think that is plain enough for you.”
“’Ow dare you talk to me that way!” gasped the rascal.
“How dare I? Why, I can’t find words to express the contempt I feel for you! I can’t think of epithets nasty enough to fit you properly!”
Although Hollingsworth was infuriated, something about Hodge held him in check.
“I suppose you’re whining because I challenged your friend,” he said. “Didn’t I ’ave a right to do that?”
“You had a right to challenge him; but you know that is not what I mean.”
“I don’t know what helse you can mean.”
“Oh, yes you do know.”
“You lie! ’Ow can I know?”