"I'll do that, then!"
It would be wrong to seek to give the reader an impression that young Prescott was not afraid, and did not mind his two thrashings. He was afraid that Dexter would go to great lengths, yet Dick would not give the bully satisfaction by admitting any fear.
"What you've got to do, before I get through with you," Dexter announced, "is to beg my pardon and to promise that you'll never again interfere with me."
"You'll wait a long while, then," jeered Dick, "and you'll get strong man's cramp in both arms!"
"And you've got to do more than promise that much," continued the bully. "You've got to promise, solemnly, to help me in some plans that I have for the future."
"Oh? Plans against your wife, I suppose."
"Very likely," half admitted Dexter. "Whatever the plans are, you're going to help me in them."
"You're going about in a fine way, Dexter, to get my cheerful help."
"Never mind about the cheerful part of it," snarled the man. "You're going to help me, and I'm going to tame you."
"Gracious! What a fine, large tail our cat is growing," laughed Dick, though his voice did not ring very mirthfully.