“Interesting!” retorted Jack. “Why, he acts like a fool!”
“Thanks,” said Ready, who seemed to have wonderfully sharp ears. “It’s my natural way, but if you have it copyrighted for your own use, sir, I’ll try to act differently.”
The face of the Virginian flushed.
“I did not speak to you, sir!” he flashed.
“No; but you spoke of me, and I happened to hear what you said. I don’t mind, as you’re not worth minding.”
“You’re too fresh!” said Diamond.
“You’re not the man to put salt on my tail,” was the instant retort. “What did you ever do? You never made a touch-down in your life. You can’t play football. I don’t believe you can play marbles. You should be silent in the presence of your superiors.”
That was too much for Jack Diamond.
“Of all the swelled heads I ever saw, you are the biggest!” he exclaimed. “Just because you happened to get a chance to play a few minutes to-day, you have an idea that you are something remarkable.”
“I divided the honors with Frank Merriwell,” said Ready. “Any fellow with a sense of fairness will acknowledge that.”