Do you
realize where you are?"
"I hardly think you can teach me geography, or anything else, Mr.
Perkins."
"Well, good God," said the other sharply, "somebody's got to teach
you! What do you suppose would be the result of your slapping Von
Plaanden's face?"
"Whatever it may be, I am ready. I will fight him with any
weapons, and gladly."
"Oh, yes; gladly! Fun for you, all right. But suppose you think of
others a little."
"Afraid of being involved yourself?" smiled Carroll. "I'm sure you
could run away successfully from any kind of trouble."
"Others might not be so able to escape."
"Of course I'm wholly wrong, and my training and traditions are
absurdly old-fashioned, but I've been brought up to believe that
the American who will run from a fight, or who will not stand up
at home or abroad for American rights, American womanhood, and the
American flag, isn't a man."
"Oh, keep it for the Fourth of July," returned Perkins wearily.
"You can't get me into a fight."
"Fight?" Carroll laughed shortly. "If you had the traditions of a
gentleman, you would not require any more provocation.
Pages:
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72