Poor Carrots was in a sad plight. His nose was bleeding, his cheek cut, and his head buzzing like a mill-wheel from the effects of the blows.
He seated himself on the curbstone, and was giving full sway to the grief and anger of his heart, when some one touched him gently on the shoulder.
Looking up quickly, he saw Teenie Massey, who asked in surprise:
"Why, what's the matter? Did Skip catch you?"
"Yes, he did; an' he stole a dollar that belonged to Teddy."
The enormity of this last offense caused Master Massey more surprise than if he had seen his friend in a much worse bodily condition. He had feared Carrots might get a whipping, but never believed Skip would be so bold as to commit downright robbery.
"How did it happen?" he asked solicitously.
Carrots told his story in the fewest possible words, and concluded by making the most dismal and blood-thirsty threats relative to what he would do to Master Jellison when the proper time should arrive—all of which had but little effect on Teenie.
When from sheer lack of breath the victim was forced to cease speaking, Master Massey asked in a matter-of-fact tone:
"Where do you s'pose you'll live now?"