“He said I was a fool,” explained Dick. “Ned’s quite a match, but Jack can’t keep out of a row.”
“And so it was two to one, was it? I can’t stand that: no more fishing to-day or to-morrow, Master Jack.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And now, what was this war about?”
“Well, Ned he said Claverhouse was a bloody villain, and I said he was a gallant gentleman, and Ned said I was a fool.”
“That was a difference of sentiment which has cost blood before,” laughed Anne, from the bluff. Ned grinned as he wiped a bloody nose.
“Oh, do keep quiet, Anne,” said her brother; “this is my affair. How is it, Ned, and you, Dick? Is it settled? If not, there is room back of the house. This fighting before women is not to my taste. But is all this just as Dick says, Ned?”
“Why, father, I—I said it.” And Dick’s face flushed.
“You are right, sir; I beg pardon. As you seem indisposed to have it out, shake hands; but an honest shake. It must be peace or war; no sullenness.”
“All right, sir. I’m sorry, Dick.”