“Never mind my size,” cried Gerald, rushing past Arthur. “I’m not afraid of you! I said you lied, and I say it again!”
“Cut that out, Pennimore!” interrupted a big chap who had entered. He was Durfee, a First Class fellow, and captain of the Baseball Team. “You’re not big enough to fight Hiltz, so don’t call him names. What’s the row, anyway?”
“He says I cheated!” cried Gerald, almost on the verge of tears. “He’s told Ryan that I cut the course! He’s told everyone.”
“Well, did you?”
“No!”
“All right; let it go at that. He says you did, you say you didn’t. Your word’s as good as his, I suppose. Let Ryan settle it. Move along, Jake, you’re blocking the traffic.”
“I’m perfectly willing to let Ryan settle it,” said Hiltz, as he drew away. “But I’m not going to have that little bug call me names.”
“Oh, tut, tut!” said Durfee, shoving him playfully away. “It’s a pity about you, Jake. Run along now. As for you, Pennimore, just remember that it isn’t good form to call names, especially to upper classmen. Besides which,” he added with a smile, “it isn’t wise.”
“I’m not afraid of him,” said Gerald. Durfee grinned and winked at Arthur Thompson.
“I wouldn’t be either,” he muttered as he turned away.