"I've a great mind to tell Luke and the teacher of the arrangement
between us."
"There wasn't any arrangement," said Randolph, sharply.
"However, as I'm really sorry for you, I am willing to give you
a quarter. There, now, don't let me hear any more about the matter."
He drew a silver quarter from his vest pocket and tendered
it to Tom.
Tom Harper was not a sensitive boy, but his face flushed with
indignation and shame, and he made no offer to take the money.
"Keep your quarter, Randolph Duncan," he said scornfully. "I think
you're the meanest specimen of a boy that I ever came across.
Any boy is a fool to be your friend. I don't care to keep
company with you any longer."
"This to me!" exclaimed Randolph, angrily. "This is the
pay I get for condescending to let you go with me."
"You needn't condescend any longer," said Tom, curtly, and
he crossed to the other side of the street.
Randolph looked after him rather uneasily. After all, he was
sorry to lose his humble follower.
"He'll be coming round in a day or two to ask me to take
him back," he reflected. "I would be willing to give him ten
cents more, but as for giving him the watch, he must think me
a fool to part with that.
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