CHAPTER XVII.
THE EXPLOSION.
"What is the meaning of this, Cyril Dare?"
Had Cyril supposed that the master was so close at hand, he had subdued his passion to something short of striking a blow. He stood against the counter, his brow lowering, his eye furious; William looked angry too. Mr. Ashley, calm and dignified, waited for an answer.
None came. Cyril was too excited to speak.
"Will you explain it?" said the master, turning to William. "Fighting in my counting-house!"
"I cannot, sir," replied William, recovering his equanimity. "I do not understand it. I did nothing to provoke him, that I am aware of. It is true I said I must go over the gloves again that he had made up."
"What are those gloves flung there?"
"I was showing them to him—that they were not fit for firsts."