"I'll punish him all the same."
By this time Tom and Jennie were near him again, on their return.
"You don't treat me with much ceremony, Miss Watson," said Graham, with an evil smile.
"My mother doesn't like me to make too many acquaintances," said Jennie demurely.
"She is very prudent," sneered Graham. "You have known your present companion quite a long time."
"I hope to know him a long time," said the young lady promptly. "Let's us continue our walk, Tom."
In discomfiture which he was unable to hide, Graham walked away.
"Evidently, Graham, you are no match for those two youngsters," said his friend, in amusement, which Graham did not share.
Graham did not reply, but seemed moody and preoccupied.
Tom and his companion noticed Graham's displeasure, but they felt indifferent to it. They had no desire to continue his acquaintance. Our hero introduced Mr. Waterbury to his new friends, and this gentleman, who was a thorough gentleman, except on the rare occasion when he yielded to the temptation of strong drink, made a favorable impression upon both.