“If you have, say it quick.”
“I was angry when I spoke the words, and I am sorry for uttering them.”
“Ha, ha! humph!” yelled the half-dozen ruffians in concert.
“Get down on your knees and beg my pardon, then,” said Waddie.
“No, I will not do that,” I replied, firmly.
CHAPTER XII.
WOLF’S FORTRESS.
Under the influence of the better thoughts which my good mother had suggested to me, I was willing to do better deeds. I was ready to apologize; I had done so, but I could not go down upon my knees before such a fellow as Waddie Wimpleton, or any fellow, for that matter. It was hard enough for me to say I was sorry; and I had done so for my mother’s sake, rather than my own.
“I don’t think you are very sorry for what you said,” sneered Waddie.
“I am sorry enough to apologize. I really regret that I made use of any hard expressions,” I replied.