"Very well, sir."
"Conley, I have called you in here to be a witness to what I am about to say. Do you hear?"
Billy nodded.
"During the past two days I have been insulted and abused by those two young cubs there, until it has come to a point where I appear to be no longer manager of this car. Your men outside have laughed at my discomfiture—yes, sir, actually made sport of me."
"I think you are mistaken. I—"
"I am not. I am never mistaken. This morning, this fellow Tucker not only defied me, but turned on the steam when I was examining a paste pot, and soaked me from head to foot. Then he ended up by throwing coal at me."
"Yes, and you started the row," retorted Teddy. "The idea of a big man like you pitching on to a boy. You ought to be ashamed of yourself."
"Stop it! I'll forget you are a boy if you goad me further.
But I have had enough of it. I'll stand it no longer.
Do you understand?"
No one replied to the question.
"This thing has gone far enough. Have you anything to say for yourself or your friend here, Forrest?"