That last phrase was an unlucky one for Guy. The wicked boys took it up as a defiance.
“Take care of us, eh? That’s the talk is it? How will you do it, old fellow?” said Jem, sneering and chucking Guy’s chin.
“Keep your hands off me, if you please,” said Guy; “I want nothing of you only to let that poor girl alone.”
“It’s none of your business what we say to that gal,” said Noll Crawford.
“Yes, it is my business to see that you let her entirely alone,” replied Guy firmly. “So stand off, and let us take her quietly a way.”
“Shan’t do nothin’ of the kind,” said Peter Mink, running toward Madge, whose eyes flashed fire.
Guy grasped him by the collar and hurled him back from Madge, amidst the tears and cries of Carrie and Jessie who were both very much frightened.
“Oh! oh! a fight is it you want? Come I’ll fight with ye!” said Idle Jem, slipping up to Guy, and raising his fists as if for a battle.
“I never fight!” replied Guy. “Besides, we have nothing to fight about. I only wish you to let my little friend, Madge, alone.”
“She!” retorted Jem, “that swearing cat your friend, Master Guy Carlton. Pooh! You don’t have swearing gals among your friends, I know. That gal is some beggar’s brat, and we only want to have some fun with her.”