Very ungently William was deposited on the landing outside.
“You can keep your nasty little Branch to yourself, and don’t come bothering us,” was Robert’s parting shot.
It was then that William realised the power of numbers. He resolved at once to enlarge his Branch.
Rubbing the side on which he had descended on the landing, and frowning fiercely, he went downstairs and out into the road. Near the gate was Victor Jameson, Jameson Jameson’s younger brother, gazing up at Robert’s bedroom window, which could be seen through the trees.
“He’s up there talkin’,” he muttered scornfully. “Doesn’t he talk?”
The tone of contempt was oil on the troubled waters of William’s feelings.
“I’ve just bit him hard,” he said modestly.
The two linked arms affectionately and set off down the road. At the corner of the road they fell in with George Bell. William had left Ronald Bell, George’s elder brother, leaning against the mantelpiece in Robert’s room and examining himself in the glass. He was letting his hair grow long, and he hoped it was beginning to show.
“What do they do up at your house?” demanded George with curiosity. “He won’t tell me anything. He says it’s secret. He says no one’s got to know now, but all the world will know some day. That’s what he says.”
“Huh,” said Victor scornfully, “they talk. That’s all they do. They talk.”