“If that is your belief,” Hunt said, with sharpness and a rising color, “I should think you would keep straight for Nell’s sake.”
“Nell Blossom?”
“Yes. You are interested in her, aren’t you?”
“Surest thing you know, Willie.”
“Then, for her sake——”
“Hold on!” ejaculated Hurley, sudden suspicion in his gaze. “Do you think I’m soft on Nell?”
“Well—er—aren’t you?” demanded his friend rather faintly.
“I’m free to confess I was,” said Joe slowly, watching Hunt now with growing understanding in his eyes. “But that little skeesicks showed me where I got off long ago. And I tell you fair, Willie, she is not the girl who is bothering me.”
“Then, there is a girl? Joe! You and Betty——”
Hurley put up his hand, turning his face away. “No use, Willie. Betty’s given me my congé, too. I reckon I am an ‘also-ran’ with the ladies.”