"On the level."
Spike started joyfully away, paused, turned, and came back with head a-droop.
"I guess it can't be done, Geoff," he sighed.
"Why not?"
"Well, y' see, it ain't as it was my own money, really."
"But it is!"
"No, it ain't! I haven't earned it, Geoff, an' I ain't a guy as sponges on his pals, not much I ain't. Take your money, Geoff. When I buy Hermy anything it's goin' to be bought with money as I've earned."
So Mr. Ravenslee thrust the bill back into his pocket and thereafter walked on, frowning and very silent, as one lost in perplexed thought. Wherefore, after more than one furtive glance at him, Spike addressed him with a note of diffidence in his voice.
"You ain't sore with me, are you, Geoff?"
"Sore with you?"