"Sometimes a fellow has to skin," declared Griswold.
"Did you ever, Danny?" asked Diamond.
"Did I? Well! I have a patent scheme of my own."
"What is it?" asked Rattleton, eagerly.
"Why, I have a box of chalk crayons which I bought for myself. I have soaked them in alum water till they are hard, and I usually have several of them about my person. They are covered with diagrams and everything that may prove interesting or necessary. But I want to tell you something. I never use 'em unless I am driven to the wall."
"By that he means the blackboard," laughed Halliday.
"And you were talking about Harris and Ditson being skinners!" came reproachfully from Jones. "My dear young man, there is a place that burneth with fire and brimstone!"
"That is reserved for liars," chuckled Danny. "Jones, beware, any moment may be your next."
"That's right," agreed Jones, sadly. "I am sure I shall not live to see another day—if I die to-night."