The general indignation was extreme.
"'I'd like to see him dare to do such a thing,' said one.
"'I'd risk it, Berkeley, if I were you,' said another.

'Anything rather than give in to such a cowardly sneak.' "In the midst of the discussion up came Jack, to whom, with plenty of forcible language, his brother's woes were related.

Jack's first impulse was to discredit the sincerity of Mr.Sawyer's intention.
"He'd never _dare_ do such a thing as report you for nothing worse than bar-jumping,' he exclaimed.
"But Carlo shook his head.
"'He's mean enough for anything,' he replied.

'I believe he'll do it fast enough if ever he catches me bar-jumping again.' "'Well, you'll have to give it up then,' said Jack.

'It's no use hurting yourself to spite him,' and as Carlo made no reply, the elder brother went away, satisfied that his, it must be confessed, not very exalted line of argument, had had the desired effect.
"But Carlo's silence did _not_ mean either consent or assent.