"An't it enough for me to know it, without having it flung in my teeth?" he demanded.
"You deserve it all," retorted Chester, kindling.
"I do?" muttered Mark, with clenched fists.
"Oh, I am not afraid of you," said Chester, turning slightly pale, but not from fear.
His lips were firmly compressed, and he fixed his fine dark eyes upon the jockey, with a look of defiance.
"Boys, boys!" exclaimed Mr. Royden, impatiently, "what is all this about? Chester, leave the yard!"
"If you say so, I will go."
"I say so, if you can't stay and be on good terms with your neighbor."
"I only tell him calmly what I think," said Chester, with a resolute air.
"And if older persons had not been present," cried Mark, with another oath, "I should have flung you over the fence, like a puppy,—as you are!"