“What does this mean, Tom?” exclaimed Mrs. Allen.
“Mac and Bob quarreled—but it don’t amount to nothin’.”
“Are you hurt, Bob?” inquired Mrs. Balfour excited, noticing the traces of blood on Bob’s face and clothes.
“No,” said Bob trying to smile, “we were just wrestlin’ a little. I guess I bumped my mouth.”
“What was the quarrel about?” exclaimed Mrs. Allen, sternly.
No boy spoke.
“Mac,” continued Mrs. Allen, her eyes glistening, “why were you all fighting?”
Mac, a little defiantly, replied, “Well, it was all in fun. I was a testin’ him out. I jes’ called him a ‘sissy’ fur fun.”
Mrs. Allen looked at him with no attempt to conceal her indignation. Mrs. Balfour, her face set, gazed at Mac a full moment, and then added: