“I felt that I couldn’t tell you, uncle.”
“Why not, sir—why not?”
Aleck was silent once more.
“There you are, you see. As stubborn as a mule.”
“No, I’m not, uncle.”
“Now, look here, Aleck; I couldn’t go to bed without trying to make peace between us. Don’t contradict me, sir. I say you are stubborn. There, I’ll give you one more chance. Now, then, why did you fight those lads?”
“Don’t ask me, uncle, please. I can’t tell you.”
“But I do ask you, and I will know. Now, sir, why was it? For I’m sure there was some blackguardly reason. Now, then, speak out, or—or—or—I vow I’ll never be friends with you again.”
“Don’t ask me, uncle.”
“Once more, I will ask you, sir. Why was it?”