"But I say I didn't hit him!" protested Sam. "I only poked him in the ribs with the end of it."
"Him? Who?"
"Leon Parker."
"And got yourself into trouble by it, for Mr. Chamberlain kept you after school and gave you a good talking to."
"Well, I guess that was about the way of it," said Sam reflectively.
"What did you poke him in the ribs for?"
"Because he had too much to say about—well, he had too much to say."
"Look here, Sam," said Oscar, stepping up and laying his hand upon his companion's shoulder; "I am proud of your friendship, and I know it will continue as long as you and I live. I wouldn't say or do anything to hurt your feelings, and I wish you would be equally careful of mine. Now, don't get yourself into trouble for me any more."
"Oh, it wasn't the least trouble in the world," answered Sam, purposely ignoring Oscar's meaning; he thought his friend was becoming altogether too serious. "I poked him just as easy—and I never hurt him a bit, either."