"I'll send you to a school in Vancouver this winter, if you'll wait,' he coaxed.
"You see, George,—Joe ain't half bad sometimes. But I was scared he might think I was givin' in.
"'Don't want your schooling. It's too late,' said I. 'I've arranged for myself, Joe Clark,—so there.'
"I ran out and left him.
"He's pretty mad, but I don't care any more, now you're goin' to help me with this grammar.
"You're sure you're not scared of Joe?" she repeated.
"I have a strong right arm," I declared, "and I have been taught to look after myself."
I went down to the boat with her, and as she was stepping in she caught me by the shirt sleeve.
"You and Joe aren't goin' to fight, George? Promise me you won't fight."
"I could not promise that, little girl, for I cannot control the future. But I promise you that I shall not seek any quarrel with Joe. But, if he insulted you, for instance, or tried to commit a bodily violence on me, I would fight him without any hesitation. Wouldn't that be the right thing to do, Rita?"