“I will let you alone when I have locked you in the ice-house,” added Mr. Brookbine, giving his patient several sharp twists and shakes, which certainly did not improve his temper.
“He sneaked up behind me, or I should not have needed any help,” said Dory, who felt that he had suffered a partial defeat in being taken by surprise. “I am sorry I did not see him, for I think I should have made it hot for him.”
“I shall make it hot for you before you have seen the end of this affair. I will teach you what it is to insult your betters,” replied Oscar. “If I don’t pitch you into the lake before I have done with you, it will be because I can’t.”
“Any time when you are ready, let the fun
begin,” added Dory, when he had better have held his tongue.
“You will cool off in the ice-house; and we will see what you can do in there,” continued Mr. Brookbine, as he dragged the rebel out of the pilot-house.
“Let me alone! I don’t let anybody put his hands upon me,” yelled Oscar, struggling to escape from the grasp of the carpenter.
“But you will be a good boy, and let me put my hands upon you, won’t you?” added the big mechanic.
“No, I won’t! I will be the death of you if you don’t let go!”
“Steady, my boy: you are getting excited. You are wasting a great deal of bad breath on nothing.”