"Then why don't you join them, and evince your interest in some practical way?"
"I'd join our troops quick enough, if I was older. I'd be ashamed to stay at home and suck my thumb."
Jack looked at St. John steadily as he spoke, and this threw the spendthrift into a rage.
"Do you mean to insult me by that?" he roared.
"If the shoe fits you can wear it."
"I'll knock you down for the insult."
"I don't think you will."
"Why not?"
"Perhaps you are not able, that's why."
"Pooh! Do you think you can stand up against me?"