"What made you let me out an' keep the secret from the boys?"

"Because I thought it would be mean, unmanly and wrong in me to take
such a revenge."

"Is that the only reason?"

"Yes, that is the only reason."

"You didn't do it 'cause you was afraid?" he asked, incredulously.

"No, of course not. I'm not in the least afraid of you, Jake."

"Why not? I'm bigger'n you."

"Yes, but you're an awful coward, Jake, and nobody knows it better
than I do, except you. You wouldn't dare to lay a finger on me. I
could make you lie down before me and--Pshaw! you know you're a coward
and that's enough about it."

"Why didn't you leave me for the boys to find, then, and tell the
whole story?"

"Because I'm not a coward or a sneak. I've told you once, but of
course you can't understand it; come along. I'm hungry."




CHAPTER IV.