I held mine out frankly, for I had had my say, and I was determined to show them that I could act like a man.
“Now with me,” said Uncle Jack in his hard stern way.
“And with me,” said Uncle Bob.
I shook hands all round; but in spite of every effort my lip would quiver, and I had to bite it hard to keep down the emotion I felt.
“Shall I speak?” said Uncle Jack.
Uncle Dick nodded.
“Why not wait till after tea?” said Uncle Bob.
“No, I shall tell him now,” said Uncle Jack grimly. “I’m hungry, and we may as well spoil his tea and get his share, for he will not be able to eat after what I’ve said. Cob, my lad, we’ve been talking this over again very seriously.”
“All right, uncle!” I said quietly. “I’m quite ready to go. I’ve packed up, but I’d rather go to-morrow morning. I want to go and shake hands with Pannell and bid Piter ‘good-bye.’”
“You have packed up?” he said rather sternly.