“What made you say he wasn’t scared, then?”
“I only said he didn’t seem afraid,” answered Talbot, apologetically.
“Be careful what you say in future, young fellow!” said Jim, sternly; “that is, if you are a friend of mine. If you are going over to Roscoe, you can go, and I shall know how to treat you.”
“But I am not going over to him. I don’t like him,” said the cowardly boy.
“Very well; I accept your apology this time. In future be careful what you say.”
By this time Wilkins and Roscoe had reached the clump of big trees, and had seated themselves under their ample branches. Then, for the first time, glancing backward toward the school, they became aware of the advancing troop of boys. Wilkins saw them first.
“There’s Jim coming!” he exclaimed. “Now you are in a pickle. He means business.”
“I suppose,” said Hector, coolly, “he has decided to accept my invitation, and come to see me.”
“You’ll find he has,” said Wilkins, significantly.
“He seems to have considerable company,” remarked Hector, scanning the approaching party with tranquillity.