"Oh, well, then," drawled Hi, "I guess—-"
Grinning broadly, he thrust a hand in under his clothing, drawing out his gold watch.
"I guess," Hi continued, "that it's time now to quit looking.
It's quarter of nine. Good night!"
At sight of that watch Ted Teall's eyes bulged. Then the nature of the outrage dawned on him. In a moment all his pent-up emotions took the form of intense indignation.
"You mean fellow!" hissed Ted, his fists clenching. "You——-"
"Teall, when you play jokes," warned Martin coolly, "you always want to be sure to look out for the flare-back. Don't forget that. Good evening, father!"
Hi slipped off by the side of his parent just in time for Ted to slow down and realize that he couldn't very well thrash Hi with the elder Martin looking on.
Tom and Greg began to laugh.
"Oh, cheer up, Ted," Dick smiled. "All's well that ends well, you know."
"But this matter isn't ended yet," cried Ted Teall excitedly, shaking his fist at Hi Martin's receding back. "It isn't ended—-no, sir!—-not by a long shot!"