“‘Then why do you turn round and make fun of Bull when he’s in trouble? It seems to me you’re acting mighty like cowards!’
“The words had a magical effect. I don’t suppose it had struck the boys in that light before, but it was more than their manhood could stand to be called cowards.
“‘We ain’t cowards,’ said one, belligerently, ‘and I’ll fight anybody that says we are,’ after which they all looked sheepish and started off in twos and threes, calling to each other that they’d better hurry and finish that game in the field—it would be getting dark soon!”
“You always did have a way with the young folks, Lucy,” smiled her guardian; “but that was a real act of kindness. What did old Jim do?”
“Oh, he gave me a sort of wintry smile and said, ‘Thank’ee little gal. I couldn’t lick the lot of ’em myself, ’count of Bull here!’ Then he stumbled on, muttering to the dog.
“Poor old Bull,” Lucile concluded. “His glory had departed forever and ever——”
“Oh, Fire, long years ago——” the words came from ten girls’ hearts, low, sweet, and vibrant with feeling.
Their guardian sat as if turned to stone.