"Well, he was twisting young Melville's arm and the kid was yelling and--"
"You'd have yelled yourself," muttered the boy, with a sniffle.
"I came out and told him to stop it and he didn't. So I pulled the kid away from him and he got mad and punched me in the cheek. So I went for him. He's a mean pup, anyway, Dreer is."
The subject of the compliment stirred and opened his eyes with a groan. Then he looked blankly at Clint. "Hello," he muttered. "What's the--" At that moment his gaze travelled on to Penny and he scowled.
"All right, Durkin," he said softly. "I'll get even with you, you--you--"
"Cut it out," advised Clint. "How do you feel?"
"All right. Tell him to get out of my room. And that kid, too."
Penny nodded and retired, herding Melville before him, followed by the scowling regard of Dreer.
Clint tossed the towel aside. "I'll beat it, too, I guess," he said. "You'll be all right if you lie still awhile. So long."
"Much obliged," muttered Dreer, not very graciously. "I'll get square with that ugly pup, though, Thayer. You hear what I tell you!"