"That's another of them. You meant to say eighteen, but you found
I wouldn't swallow it. Now, Master Frank, you want to learn one
thing prompt if you and I are to travel together. I can't stand a
liar. You tell the truth, or I'll give you the best licking you
ever had in your life."
"You're as bad a bully as he is," the boy burst out, flushing
angrily.
"Oh, no, I'm not," came the ranger's prompt unmoved answer. "But
just because you're such a weak little kid that I could break you
in two isn't any reason why I should put up with any foolishness
from you. I mean to see that you act proper, the way an honest
kid ought to do. Savvy?"
"I'd like to know who made you my master?" demanded the boy
hotly.
"You've ce'tainly been good and spoiled, but you needn't ride
your high hawss with me. Here's the long and the short of it. To
tell lies ain't square. If I ask you anything you don't want to
answer tell me to go to hell, but don't lie to me. If you do I'll
punish you the same as if you were my brother, so long as you
trail with me. If you don't like it, cut loose and hit the pike
for yourself."
"I've a good mind to go.
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