“What are you fellows laughing at?” demanded Gus fiercely, as he turned to face the boys, who had broken into a shout at Ned’s words.
“I don’t see anything funny in what Ned said.”
“That’s the funniest part of the whole thing, Gus,” said Hodge.
“Well, I guess if I wanted to I could rake up some things about every one of you that wouldn’t sound very pretty.”
“Go ahead,” called Smith.
“Is that the reason why you called out as you did when you came into the car?” asked Ned.
“He looked the part. That’s why I said what I did.”
“Every man does that more or less. My father says he can tell a preacher before the man says a word. So he can pick out a lawyer or a business man before a word is spoken. I suppose a fellow that comes from the country does carry around with him a few of the marks of his trade the same as everyone does, but if I lived where Dan does I wouldn’t think of apologizing. I’d be proud of it. Gus, does a man that makes his living sticking hogs come to look like his trade the same as a preacher or a lawyer or a business man?”
A shout of laughter caused Ned to look about him in pretended astonishment. Gus Kiggins settled back in his seat, his face glowering with anger. But he soon became silent, as he well knew that he was no match for Ned in such a contest.