"And maybe you did," exploded Stubbs. "Now, if you don't want my company, all you've got to do is to say so."
"Stubbs," said Chester, "you know we'd rather have your company than that of—of—of, well, say three wildcats."
"Ha! Ha! Ha!" laughed Hal.
"Think you're funny, don't you?" said Stubbs, gazing at Chester with a scowl.
"Not so funny as you and the wildcats, Stubbs." laughed Chester.
Stubbs wheeled his horse about.
"I can see I'm not wanted here," he said with dignity. "Therefore, I shall not bother you."
He rode back the way he had come.
"It's too bad," said Hal. "We've offended him and he's awfully angry."
He raised his voice and shouted: "Hey, Stubbs! Come back here."
Stubbs did not deign to turn his head.