About the same instant Leo closed his book savagely, and sprang to his feet, his manly face wearing a decidedly belligerent look.
"See here, Fitz; you have said just about enough," Leo began, both fists clinched. "Mr. Checkynshaw is a friend of ours, and we are not going to sit here and have him abused."
"Don't be angry, Leo; he isn't worth minding," whispered Maggie in his ear.
"Then he gave you the reward?" added Fitz, sitting down again.
"He did," replied Maggie.
"Well, that is the only white spot on the general blackness of his character."
"No, 'tisn't!" protested Leo.
"You will excuse me, Miss Maggimore, if you think I speak too plainly; but candor is one of the attributes of a gentleman."
"It's not necessary for you to be so very candid," suggested Maggie.
"I know the man," said Fitz, pompously. "Did I ever tell you how he treated me and my mother? I never did. Well, I will."