Part 21 (2/2)

I'll give him a lesson.”

So saying the two boys walked up to our hero, who had not observed them, his back being turned, and Micky Maguire gave him a smart slap on the shoulder.

d.i.c.k turned round quickly.

CHAPTER XIV

A BATTLE AND A VICTORY

”What's that for?” demanded d.i.c.k, turning round to see who had struck him.

”You're gettin' mighty fine!” said Micky Maguire, surveying d.i.c.k's new clothes with a scornful air.

There was something in his words and tone, which d.i.c.k, who was disposed to stand up for his dignity, did not at all relish.

”Well, what's the odds if I am?” he retorted. ”Does it hurt you any?”

”See him put on airs, Jim,” said Micky, turning to his companion.

”Where'd you get them clo'es?”

”Never mind where I got 'em. Maybe the Prince of Wales gave 'em to me.”

”Hear him, now, Jim,” said Micky. ”Most likely he stole 'em.”

”Stealin' aint in _my_ line.”

It might have been unconscious the emphasis which d.i.c.k placed on the word ”my.” At any rate Micky chose to take offence.

”Do you mean to say _I_ steal?” he demanded, doubling up his fist, and advancing towards d.i.c.k in a threatening manner.

”I don't say anything about it,” answered d.i.c.k, by no means alarmed at this hostile demonstration. ”I know you've been to the Island twice. P'r'aps 'twas to make a visit along of the Mayor and Aldermen. Maybe you was a innocent victim of oppression. I aint a goin' to say.”

Micky's freckled face grew red with wrath, for d.i.c.k had only stated the truth.

”Do you mean to insult me?” he demanded shaking the fist already doubled up in d.i.c.k's face. ”Maybe you want a lickin'?”

”I aint partic'larly anxious to get one,” said d.i.c.k, coolly. ”They don't agree with my const.i.tution which is nat'rally delicate. I'd rather have a good dinner than a lickin' any time.”

”You're afraid,” sneered Micky. ”Isn't he, Jim?”

”In course he is.”

”P'r'aps I am,” said d.i.c.k, composedly, ”but it don't trouble me much.”

”Do you want to fight?” demanded Micky, encouraged by d.i.c.k's quietness, fancying he was afraid to encounter him.

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