It was Farnsworth who brought it to her, and he deliberately took a seat at her side, a seat that Van Reypen had just vacated.
"You can't sit there," said Patty, quickly; "Phil will be back in a minute."
"Will he?" said Big Bill, as he settled himself comfortably in the chair. "Do you think he can put me out?"
"Not unless you want him to," and Patty smiled at the big man, who looked so strong and powerful.
"Somehow, I don't. I like it here."
"Why?"
"Because I like to look at you. You're looking uncommonly well today. If I were to guess, I should say you have been having a rumpus with somebody."
"What is a rumpus?" inquired Patty, looking innocent.
"A rumpus, my child, is a tiff, a squabble, a set-to, a racket, a general scrimmage."
"I haven't exactly had those things, but, well, I may say I have been drawn into a somewhat spirited discussion."