“Yes,” I answered, joyfully, and feeling half the battle over.
“Come in,” said he, moving to make room for me.
“Oh no!” I said, in terror at the very idea. “Suppose I fell asleep. I’ll kneel here, and then if any one comes I can crawl back.”
“What is it?” Smith said, presently, after a long and awkward pause.
I was thankful that he broke the ice.
“Oh,” I whispered, “aren’t you jolly miserable here, I say?”
“Pretty!” said he. “Aren’t you?”
“Oh, yes! But the fellows are all so unkind to you.”
Smith gave a little bitter laugh. “That doesn’t matter,” he said.
“Doesn’t it? I wish I was bigger, I’d back you up—and so will Flanagan, if you let him.”