Page:Nid and Nod (IA nidnod00barb).pdf/29

 "Must have," said Laurie cheerfully. "Did you want it?"

"Did I—did I want—Say, for two pins I'd—"

"But, my dear old chap, how was I to know that you'd be wanting to ride it?" asked Laurie earnestly. "There it was, leaning against the steps, not earning its keep, and you hadn't said a thing to me about wanting it, and so I just simply borrowed it. Honest, Elk, if you'd so much as hinted to me, never so delicately, that—"

There were titters from the younger members of the much interested audience and even unconcealed laughter from the older boys, and Elk's dark countenance took on a deeper and more angry red as he thrust it close to Laurie's.

"That'll be about all for you," he growled. "You're one of these funny guys, aren't you? Must have your little joke, eh? Well, see how you like this one!"

Elk raised his right hand, unclenched but formidable. An expectant hush filled the little store. Polly, with troubled eyes fixed on the drama, deluged a pineapple ice-cream with soda until it dripped on the counter below. Laurie continued to smile.