If he was to come to my house, that
aint the way I'd treat him."
"Come, Fitz," said Tom, "you are not behaving right. I would not
treat my cousin that way."
"He isn't my cousin, and you know it," said Fitz, stamping with rage.
"I wish I wasn't," said Abner. "If I could have my pick, I'd rather
have him," indicating Tom. "But blood can't be wiped out. We're
cousins, even if we don't like it."
"Are you quite sure you are right about this relationship?" asked
Henry Fairbanks, gravely. "Fitz, here, says he belongs to one of the
first families of Boston."
"Well, I belong to one of the first families of Hampton," said Abner,
with a grin. "Nobody don't look down on me, I guess."
"You hear that, Fitz," said Oscar. "Be sensible, and shake hands
with your cousin."
"Yes, shake hands with your cousin!" echoed the boys.
"You all seem to want to insult me," said Fitz, sullenly.
"Not I," said Oscar, "and I'll prove it--will you shake hands with
me, sir?"
"That I will," said Abner, heartily. "I can see that you're a young
gentleman, and I wish I could say as much for my cousin, Fitz."
Oscar's example was followed by the rest of the boys, who advanced in
turn, and shook hands with the tin-pedler.
"Now Fitz, it's your turn," said Tom.
"I decline," said Fitz, holding his hands behind his back.
"How much he looks like his marm did when she was young," said Abner.
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