We can afford to be decent and let up on him now.

Hi, there, Ted!" Teall looked as though uncertain whether to run or to stand.
"Don't be afraid, Ted," Dick called pleasantly.

"A joke is all right, and we admit that it was on us." So Ted, after a first start of suspicion, decided to remain where he was.
"Hi Martin sent you after his duds, I reckon ?" inquired Ted as the other two boys ran up to him.

All of Hi's apparel lay on the ground near Teall's feet.
"He certainly wanted some one to come," laughed Dick.

"But, say, Teall, the thing has been rubbed in too hard.