“I don’t care about any proclamation,” replied Ben wrathfully. “You get those slippers!”
“No, I won’t. What’s more, Holden, I’m through running errands and waiting on you. I didn’t come here to be any fellow’s servant.”
“It’s the—the custom here, Bryant, and you’ve got to do it!”
“I don’t approve of the custom,” answered Bert coolly. “It’s a very silly one. Why should I wait on you any more than you on me?”
“Because you’re a junior and I’m a senior. I’m older than you, and——”
“If you’re older you’re also stronger,” said Bert, “and so you’re better able to do things than I am. Anyway, I’m through. And so are the others. We’ve struck.”
“We’ll see about that, you fresh kid! Once more, now; I shan’t ask you again; will you get those slippers?”
“For the last time, Holden, I won’t.”
“Very well. You’ll be mighty sorry, though.” Ben took refuge in dignity. “It isn’t likely that we’re going to stand for having a new boy come in here—and disrupt the school. We—we’ll deal with you later.”