Meanwhile Kit was enjoying the performance, and thinking very little of how his action would be regarded by Ralph, for whom he had no very cordial feeling, though they had been, from the necessity of the case, close companions for many years.
On their return home, Kit and Ralph reached the gate together.
"It seems you're a great hero all at once," said Ralph, with a sneer.
Kit understood the sneer, but did not choose to notice it.
"Thank you for the compliment," he responded quietly.
"O, I didn't mean to flatter you! You are puffed up enough."
"Are you sorry I jumped into the ring, Ralph?" asked Kit good-naturedly.
"I don't believe there was any real danger."
"Then I must congratulate you upon your courage. All the rest of us were frightened, and even Mr. Barlow admitted that there was danger."
"The lion was half tame. It isn't as if he were wild."