It was pitiful, paltry jesting, but it was more than I could stand.
“Will you stop?” I shouted.
“Nobody was speaking to you,” said Wallop.
“You were speaking of my friend!” I exclaimed.
“More shame to you for chumming up with such disreputable lot,” said Crow.
“Do you hear? stop it!” I shouted.
“We’ll stop it,” said Wallop, “when—”
I did not wait to hear more, but rushed upon the speaker.
The upshot might have been serious for me in my present weak condition, and being one against two. But before my blow could be returned Hawkesbury, who had so far been a silent witness to the scene, sprang from his place and pulled me away. I struggled to get free, but he held me firm, as he said, “Batchelor, don’t be foolish. You two, be quiet, will you, or I must report you to my uncle. Fighting is not allowed in here.”
“I didn’t want to fight,” said Wallop, putting up his hand to his smarting cheek, “but I’ll have it out with him.”