Papa Jack's eyes widened also. "Why?"
"Because."
"Because what, Bob?"
"Because mama said not to fight."
"And you promised?"
Bob nodded again.
"I see." Papa Jack's eyes suddenly lighted with something Bob did not understand, and he sat looking down at Bob for a long minute. "I see," he said again, and then he turned and called to mother. "Helen!" And mother came in, with a piece of white sewing in her hands.
"Helen," said Papa Jack, "it's a case of bullying. The boy promised you not to fight, and he didn't. It's a mistake, mother. He's been set upon by some young bully, and couldn't defend himself because of his promise."
Mother looked at Bob; there was distress in her eyes, but something else came into them, too.
"It's only the beginning, dear—the beginning of battles," said Papa Jack, and he put his other hand on mother's.