“No, thank you. It would only be wasting your time,” said Congreve, with a languid wave of his hand. “I quite understand that Philip here was playing the bully——”
“What! Do you mean to insult me?” asked Philip, hastily.
“Oh, no; I am only stating facts. Philip, then, was bullying two children, when you stepped in and knocked him down.”
“I deny it!” said Philip, flushing.
“Then where’s the injury you want satisfaction for?” asked Congreve.
“Do you take the part of a bully, then?” asked Harry, puzzled.
“Yes; for the bully happens to be my friend, and I stand by my friends, right or wrong. Accordingly, I propose to leave you here, tied hand and foot, for a few hours, or until you succeed in getting loose. It will be soothing to the feelings of my friend Philip, and will give you time to reflect upon your mistake in attacking the son of a rich man.”
“But,” urged Harry, “I might have to stay here all night!”
“Quite possible! Fortunately, however, there are no wild beasts prowling about in this forest, and you won’t incur any danger.”
“But my mother will be worried about me.”