Red Head waited.
“Come on,” he said at length. “I'll let you help me drive the cow home tonight.”
Still Willie hesitated, although he was almost willing to risk a licking to be allowed to slap the sleek legs of Mrs. Murphy's cow with a limber willow switch.
“Come on,” said Red Head. “I'll let you smoke my pipe.”
“Won't you lick me?” asked Willie doubtfully.
“Naw, I won't lick you. What would I want to lick you for?” Willie followed Red Head hesitatingly, with an eye to a safe retreat, if necessary.
One of the boys came forward from the group by the gate.