in it than a much louder tone in others. Watts had learned to recognize
it, and from past experience knew that Peter was not to be moved when he
used it. But here the case was different. Hitherto he had been trying to
make Peter do something. Now the boot was on the other leg, and Watts
saw therein a chance for some fun. He therefore continued to stand
still, as they had all done since Peter had exploded his first speech,
and began to whistle. Both men, with that selfishness common to the sex,
failed entirely to consider whether Miss Pierce was enjoying the
incident.

"I think," remarked Miss Pierce, "that I will leave you two to settle
it, and run on with the rest."

"Don't," spoke Peter quickly. "I have something to say to you."

Watts stopped his whistling. "What the deuce is the old boy up to?" he
thought to himself. Miss Pierce hesitated. She wanted to go, but
something in Peter's voice made it very difficult. "I had no idea he
could speak so decidedly. He's not so tractable as I thought. I think
Watts ought to do what he asks. Though I don't see why Mr. Stirling
wants to send him away," she said to herself.

"Watts," said Peter, "this is the last chance I shall really have to
thank Miss Pierce, for I leave before breakfast to-morrow."

There was nothing appealing in the way it was said. It seemed a mere
statement of a fact. Yet something in the voice gave it the character of
a command.

"'Nough said, chum," said Watts, feeling a little cheap at his smallness