“Oh, he understands all right. He’s just trying to tease us. Let’s have a look at the room opposite, Bull.”
“I don’t want to see the room opposite,” Gary protested with vehemence.
“Then why not have a look at the back rooms? Of course, they aren’t as sunny as this, but I’ve no doubt they’re quite comfortable.”
“I’ll stay just where I am,” growled Gary. But there was a tone of uncertainty in his voice. Gil smiled indulgently. Poke flecked an imaginary speck of dust from his sleeve.
“Strange how dense some folks are, Gil,” said the latter. Gary flushed, and tried bluster.
“You fellows think you can come here and bullyrag me into doing anything you like. Well, you’re mightily mistaken. I know my rights and I intend to stand up for them.”
“Noble youth! But you haven’t any rights in this case, Bull. You’re just making a silly ass of yourself and being disagreeable. Don’t let’s have any bother about it, Bull.” This from Gil.
“I rented this room—”
“S-sh! Remember, please, that there’s a gentleman present,” remonstrated Poke. “Be sensible, Bull. Honest, you’ve got your signals mixed.”
Gary looked from one to the other for a moment, swallowed hard once and yielded. “All right, but I don’t have to give this room up unless I want to.”