This appeared to satisfy Ben, but Larry, moving slightly nearer, took up the word for himself.
“And would you say my mother was a coward?” he asked in a tense voice, his body gathered as if for a spring.
“Larry, I wouldn't say nothing about your mother,” replied Mop earnestly. “I think your mother's a bully good woman. She was awfully good to my mother last winter, I know.”
The spring went out of Larry's body. He backed away from Mop and the boys.
“Who said your mother was a coward?” inquired Mop indignantly. “If anybody says so, you bring him to me, and I'll punch his head good, I will.”
Larry looked foolishly at Ben, who looked foolishly back at him.
“Say, Mop,” said Larry, a smile like a warm light passing over his face, “come on up and see my new rabbits.”