Phil smiled at the eager, rolling eyes.
"Get out—you make me laugh—"
The boy ducked.
"Yassah—des call me if ye wants me—I'se right outside de do'."
The two cadets ate breakfast alone. The house was yet asleep—except the children. Their voices could be heard on the lawn at play. They had been put to bed early, at eleven o'clock. They were up with the birds as usual. The sun was an hour high, shining the glory of a perfect September morning. The boys strolled on the lawn. The children were everywhere, playing in groups. Little black and white boys mixed indiscriminately. Robbie Lee was playing rooster fight with Sid, his boon companion. The little black boy born nearest his birthday was dedicated to be his friend, companion and body servant for life.
Phil paused to see the rooster fight.
The boys folded their arms and flew at each other sideways, using their elbows as a rooster uses his spurs.
Robbie was pressing Sid against the fence of the rose garden. Sid's return blows lacked strength.
Robbie stamped his foot angrily.
"Come on now—no foolin'—fight! There's no fun in a fight, if you don't fight!"