Mr. Cromley seemed to sense that there was a strained feeling between the parties of lads, and he said nothing to bring on hostilities.
“So they aren’t friends of yours, eh?” questioned the old miner when Jack and Noddy were speeding off down the road after a backward look at the three chums.
“I should say not!” declared Jerry. “Anything but that!” and his face showed his disgust.
“Hum! I’m sorry,” went on Mr. Cromley.
“We aren’t!” laughed Jerry. “We don’t enjoy knowing such contemptible characters.”
“No, I mean I’m sorry for what I told them. Are you certain they aren’t to be relied upon?”
“They most certainly aren’t!” burst out Ned. “What would you think of a fellow who, while in the army, would shoot himself, inflicting a minor wound, so he wouldn’t have to fight but could go to the hospital?”
“I’d think he was a—dirty skunk!” burst out the miner. “Did that Noddy Nixon do that?”
“He sure did! And Jack Pender is as bad,” declared Bob.