“Likely he did,” he answered. “So he went to the village, did he?”
“Yes; I saw him.”
“Well, he’s put it off a little. That boy’s cranky. I’m goin’ to give him a lesson he won’t forget very soon.”
“So you will, so you will, Jim,” chuckled Bates.
“That’s the way I generally take down these boys that put on airs,” said Jim, complacently. “This Roscoe’s the worst case I’ve had yet. So Wilkins went off with him, did he?”
“Yes; I saw them go off together.”
“I’ll have to give Wilkins a little reminder, then. It won’t be safe to take up with them that defy me. I’ll just give him a kick to help his memory.”
“He won’t like that much, oh, my!” chuckled Bates.
“When you see them coming, Bates, go and tell Roscoe I want to see him,” said Jim, with the air of an autocrat.
“All right, Jim,” said Bates, obediently.