Anyway, I
know what it is, and I don't----"
"Come on, Rupe," said Penrod. "Make the baby lick dirt."
At this bidding, Rupe approached, while Sam, still protesting, moved to
the threshold of the outer door; but Penrod seized him by the shoulders
and swung him indoors with a shout.
"Little baby wants to run home to its Mom-muh! Here he is, Rupie."
Thereupon was Penrod's treachery to an old comrade properly rewarded,
for as the two struggled, Rupe caught each by the back of the neck,
simultaneously, and, with creditable impartiality, forced both boys to
their knees.
"Lick dirt!" he commanded, forcing them still forward, until their faces
were close to the stable floor.
At this moment he received a real surprise. With a loud whack something
struck the back of his head, and, turning, he beheld Verman in the act
of lifting a piece of lath to strike again.
"Em moys ome!" said Verman, the Giant Killer.
"He tongue-tie'," Herman explained. "He say, let 'em boys alone."
Rupe addressed his host briefly:
"Chase them nigs out o' here!"
"Don' call me nig," said Herman. "I mine my own biznuss. You let 'em
boys alone."
Rupe strode across the still prostrate Sam, stepped upon Penrod, and,
equipping his countenance with the terrifying scowl and protruded jaw,
lowered his head to the level of Herman's.
"Nig, you'll be lucky if you leave here alive!" And he leaned forward
till his nose was within less than an inch of Herman's nose.
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