“Thank you, Mr. Howard,” he said, “for your kindness about my mistake. Some teachers would have laughed at me.”
“I suppose it is natural to laugh at our mistakes,” returned Walter. “I was laughed at when I made the same one. But I know, from my own feelings, that it is not agreeable, and I don’t laugh unless I can’t help it. Peter’s mistake was more amusing than yours. Though he was ready to laugh at you, I observed that he didn’t enjoy being laughed at himself.”
“Peter is a bad boy. I am afraid you will have trouble with him, Mr. Howard.”
“So Mr. Barclay told me. I expect it, but I do not fear it. If Peter behaves well, I shall treat him well. If he undertakes to make trouble, I shall be ready for him.”
There was a firmness in Walter’s tone, and a determination in his manner, which tended to reassure Phineas; still, as he looked at Walter’s youthful form and thought of Peter’s strength, he was not entirely without apprehension.
“I am ready to stand by you, Mr. Howard,” he said, in a low tone. “If you need any help, I will be on hand.”
“Thank you, Mr. Morton,” said Walter, gratefully, for he knew how to value such assistance as the stalwart oldest pupil could render. “If there is need of it, I will certainly accept your offer. But if there should be any difficulty between Peter and myself, I think I can hold my own without assistance.”
“Peter is strong,” suggested Phineas, doubtfully.
“I should judge so, from his appearance, but strength is not all. Can he box?”
“No; he knows nothing of it.”