"You can find out for yourself, as I did."
"Don't be mean, Bob."
"Mean? I am not mean."
"I don't say you are. We have always been good friends, you know."
Bobby did not know it; so he looked at the other with a smile which expressed all he meant to say.
"You hit me a smart dig the other day, I know; but I don't mind that. I was in the wrong then, and I am willing to own it," continued Tom, with an appearance of humility.
This was an immense concession for Tom to make, and Bobby was duly affected by it. Probably it was the first time the bully had ever owned he was in the wrong.
"The fact is, Bob, I always liked you; and you know I licked Ben Dowse for you."
"That was two for yourself and one for me; besides, I didn't want Ben thrashed."
"But he deserved it. Didn't he tell the master you were whispering in school?"