I shall take the
liberty of interfering."
Peter Cook laughed heartily at his successful aim.
"I hit her, Simon," he said. "Doesn't she
look seared?"
"You must have hurt her."
"I expect I did. I'll take a bigger stone next time."
He suited the action to the word, and picked
up a rock which, should it hit the poor cat,
would in all probability kill her, and prepared
to fire.
"Put down that rock!" said Gilbert, indignantly.
Peter turned quickly, and eyed Gilbert insolently.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
"No matter who I am. Put down that rock!"
"What business is it of yours?"
"I shall make it my business to protect that
cat from your cruelty."
Peter, who was a natural coward, took courage
from having a companion to back him up,
and retorted: "You'd better clear out of here,
or I may fire at you."
"Do it if you dare!" said Gilbert, quietly.
Peter concluded that it would be wiser not
to carry out his threat, but was resolved to
keep to his original purpose. He raised his
arm again, and took aim; but Gilbert rushed
in, and striking his arm forcibly, compelled
him to drop it.
"What do you mean by that, you loafer?"
demanded Peter, his eyes blazing with anger.
"To stop your fun, if that's what you call it."
"I've a good mind to give you a thrashing."
Gilbert put himself in a position of defense.
"Sail in, if you want to!" he responded.
"Help me, Simon!" said Peter. "You grab
his legs, and I'll upset him."
Simon, who, though younger, was braver
than Peter, without hesitation followed directions.
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