The boy, who was a peaceable and good-natured fellow, was evidently annoyed by his tormentor; but he tried to take his jeers in good part, and joined—not very heartily, it is true—in the laugh that was raised at his expense. Nathan continued to hector him in this way for some minutes, when Whistler, unable longer to repress his indignation, cried out:
“Don’t mind what he says, David; I’ll warrant you will rank ahead of him in less than six months.”
“You say that again, and I’ll rap you over the head!” exclaimed Nathan, drawing himself up in a menacing attitude before Whistler.
“There’s no need of saying it again; but I’ll stick to it,” replied Whistler, with firmness.
“Yes, you’d better back out! I knew you daresn’t say it again!” continued the young bully.
“If you call that a back-out, you’re welcome to all the comfort you can get out of it,” calmly replied Whistler.
“If you want to fight, then, come out here!” said Nathan, doubling up his fists.
“No, I thank you,” replied Whistler; “I don’t believe in fighting.”
A boy here whispered to Nathan that the principal was in the schoolhouse, and might overhear him. His voice, which had been loud and defiant, was suddenly modulated to a very low tone, as he added:
“You’re a mean, sneaking coward! I’ll leave it to all of the boys if you aren’t.”