But Sam was not of the heroic type. He shrank from throwing himself on the world.
"I should starve," he said. "Would you run away, Clip, if you were in my place?"
"Wouldn't I just!"
"And you, Bob?"
"He wouldn't strike me but once," said Bob, proudly.
"It's all well enough for you, but I think I'm a coward. When my uncle comes at me my heart sinks into my boots, and I want to run away."
"You'll never make a hero, Sam."
"No, I won't. I'm an awful coward, and I know it."
"How is your aunt? Is she any better than your uncle?"
"She's about the same. She don't whip me, but she's got an awful rough tongue. She will scold till she's out of breath."