"And tat—tell about last night?" Billiard remembered all at once the reason they were so far from the Eagles' Nest, and was alarmed lest Toady's threatened confession should involve him also.
"Y-e-s."
"I think you're downright mean, Toady McKittrick!"
"I shan't tell on you."
"Might as well! They will know I was in it."
"And you know you ought to own up, too."
"Cut it out, good—Toady. If you won't tell, I'll not plague them—nor you—any more."
Toady silently plodded on, and in exasperation Billiard caught him by the shoulder and shook him roughly.
"Le' go!" muttered the boy. "I'm going home, I tell you! Ge' out my way!"
The white misery of that round, freckled face as it turned toward him struck terror to the older brother's heart, and he excitedly demanded, "What's the matter, kid? Are you sick?"