"I never heard of such a silly idea in my life," sneered Fred. "Pins!—H'm!"
"Why, can't you tell when a fellow's in fun, Fred Chase? Thought I meant real pins—did you? The stars are worlds, and I guess I know it as well as you do."
"Worlds? A likely story, Bill Parlin! Mother has said so lots of times, but you don't stuff such a story down my throat."
"Don't believe your mother!" exclaimed Willy, astonished. "Why, I always believe my mother. She never made a mistake in her life."
"She don't know any more'n anybody else, you ninny! only you think so because she makes such a baby of you."
Willy reddened with sudden shame, but retorted sharply,—
"Stop that! You shan't say a word against my mother."
"But you let me talk about your father, though. What's the difference?"
"Lots. You may talk about father as much as you've a mind to," said Willy, scowling; "for he no business to whip me so. He thinks boys are pretty near fools."