Chot doubled up his fists. To do him credit he had no idea that Larry was crying because he felt so badly at the prospect of leaving the farm that had been his home for many years. Chot was a good-hearted boy, but thoughtless. So, when he saw one of his playmates weeping, which act was considered only fit for girls, Chot could not resist the temptation to taunt Larry.
“Do you want t’ fight?” demanded Chot.
“I’ll punch you for calling me names!” exclaimed Larry, his sorrow at the sale of his father’s armchair dispersed at the idea of being laughed at and called a cry-baby.
“You will, hey?” asked Chot. “Well, I dare you to touch me!”
“I’ll make you sing a different tune in a minute!” cried Larry, rushing forward.
Then, like two game roosters, both wishing to fight, yet neither desiring to begin the battle, the boys faced each other. Their eyes were angry and all tears had disappeared from Larry’s face.
“Will you knock a chip off my shoulder?” demanded Chot.
“Sure,” replied Larry.
Chot stooped down, found a little piece of wood and carefully balanced it on the upper part of his arm.