Then one boy suddenly came up to Shirley.
“I told you to fight,” he said. “You didn’t do it. I watched you. Now I am going to make you fight.”
Shirley shrank back.
“Put up your fists,” called the boy.
The others gathered round to see the fun.
“He’s a coward,” they said. “He’s afraid to fight. Hit him anyhow.”
They surrounded Shirley with angry gestures.
It was at this moment that Dick interfered.
“Let the kid alone,” he said quietly, moving into the midst of the others. “If he doesn’t want to fight, he doesn’t have to. Maybe he’s not the fighting kind. Let him alone.”
There was an angry growl from the others.