" 'Tell a lee and stick to it,'is my rule, and. a good one, too, in
honest England. I for one 'II no think ony the worse o' ye if yer
memory plays yer false."

"D'yo' think I care a kick what yo' think o' me?" the boy asked
brutally. "Nay; there's 'nough liars in this fam'ly wi'oot me."

The candle trembled and was still again.

"A lickin' or a lie--tak' yer choice!"

The boy looked scornfully down on his father. Standing on his
naked feet, he already towered half a head above the other and was
twice the man.

"D'yo' think I'm fear'd o' a thrashin' fra yo'? Goo' gracious me!" he
sneered. "Why, I'd as lief let owd Grammer Maddox lick me, for
all I care."

A reference to his physical insufficiencies fired the little man as
surely as a lighted match powder.

"Ye maun be cauld, standin' there so. Rin ye doon and fetch oor
little frien' "--a reference to a certain strap hanging in the kitchen.
"I'll see if I can warm ye."

David turned and stumbled down the unlit, narrow stairs. The
hard, cold boards struck like death against his naked feet. At his
heels followed Red Wull, his hot breath fanning the boy's bare
legs.