I----" "You better look out!" Rupe moved closer, and unexpectedly grasped the back of Penrod's neck again.

"Say, 'I WOULD run home yellin' "MOM-muh!"'" "Ow! I WOULD run home yellin' 'Mom-muh.'" "There!" said Rupe, giving the helpless nape a final squeeze.

"That's the way we do up at the Third." Penrod rubbed his neck and asked meekly: "Can you do that to any boy up at the Third ?" "See here now," said Rupe, in the tone of one goaded beyond all endurance, "YOU say if I can! You better say it quick, or----" "I knew you could," Penrod interposed hastily, with the pathetic semblance of a laugh.

"I only said that in fun." "In 'fun'!" repeated Rupe stormily.

"You better look out how you----" "Well, I SAID I wasn't in earnest!" Penrod retreated a few steps.