With a visible effort he cleared his throat.
"I know--what he said," he stammered, his eyes averted.
"What was it ?" There was no answer.
"Look here, Pete, you'll have to tell us, you know," cut in Bertram, decisively, "so you might as well do it now as ever." Once more Pete cleared his throat.

This time the words came in a burst of desperation.
"Yes, sir.

I understand, sir.

It was only that he said--he said as how young folks didn't _need_ any one else around.

So he was goin'." "Didn't _need_ any one else!" exclaimed Bertram, plainly not comprehending.
"Yes, sir.