“Do you mean it?” questioned George.
“Of course I mean it.”
“You’re plucky, all right,” he said regarding her admiringly. “But I don’t like to have a contest with girls.”
“Why not? Are you afraid of them?” demanded Margery.
The boy flushed.
“No, ma’am. It isn’t manly, that’s all.”
“You mean it wouldn’t be manly to be beaten by girls, eh?” suggested Harriet.
“Well, yes, I suppose that’s what I mean.”
“Oh, very well. If you wish to back out, why, of course——”
“Back out? I guess not!” exclaimed Sam. “We’ll walk your heads off, if you say the word.”