Archie's a good boy; mamma and papa says so; and I like him for a playfellow." "You do?
ah, that's because you're a scalawag." "What's that ?" "What your father is and your grandfather too." "Then I don't care; I want to be just like my papa." "But it isn't nice," put in Walter, laughing, "a scalawag's the meanest thing alive." "Then you shall not call papa that, nor grandpa!" and the child's great dark eyes flashed with anger.
"Whew! I'd like to see you hinder me.

Look here, Ed," and Dick pulled out a pistol, "what d'ye think o' that?
don't you wish you had one?
don't you wish you could shoot ?" "I can," returned Eddie, proudly, "papa's been teaching me, and he's given me a better pistol than that." "Hey! a likely story!" cried the two tormentors, with an incredulous laugh.

"Let's see it now ?" "It's in the house, but papa said I should never touch it 'cept when he gives it to me; not till I grow a big boy." "Nonsense!" cried Dick, "if 'twas there, you'd bring it out fast enough.

I sha'n't believe a word of the story until I see the pistol." "I'll show you if I'm not telling the truth;" exclaimed Eddie, flushing hotly, and turning about as if to go into the house.
But Archie laid a hand on his arm, and speaking for the first time since the others had joined them, "Don't, Eddie," he said persuasively, "don't disobey your father; I know you'll be sorry for it afterwards." "Hold your tongue, you young carpet-bagger," said Dick.

"Run and get it, Ed." "No, never mind about his pistol, he can't shoot," said Walter, mockingly.