So now I told and I have to be to blame." "I'll be to blame," Bert said.
"But anyway, it's on account of Skinny," I said, "and a fellow doesn't know what to do all alone and I like you--gee, I like you a lot," I said it right out to him, just like that.

He looked at me steady, but didn't say a word.

And then I could feel my eyes all glistening and everything looked funny and all of a sudden I didn't know what I was saying at all.

"You have to help me," I said, "because you're a regular scout, I can see that, and you bet I'd like to be just like you if I only could--I would--you can bet--that fellow had lots of adventures and he called me 'Skeezeks' and kind of laughed at me and kidded me along--but, anyway, maybe he's all right, hey?
I guess it's his money, but anyway, you've got to help me--you have.
"That's one sure thing, because Skinny's more important.

Maybe he'll think that a little fellow like Skinny isn't important, and that's the trouble, hey?
Because he kind of punched me in the chest and laughed and said I was a good little sport.