In fact, they liked Frank much the better of the two.
"That isn't quite fair, John," said Frank, in a low voice.
"I am always glad to pay my homage to distinguished talent," John proceeded, in the same tone.

"I feel how presumptuous I was in venturing to compete with a gentleman of such genius!" "Do you mean to insult me ?" asked Frank, growing angry.
"Oh, dear, no! I am only expressing my high opinion of your talents!" "Let him alone, John!" said Dick Jones, "It isn't his fault that the teacher awarded the prize to him instead of you." "I hope you don't think I care for that!" said John, snapping his fingers.

"He's welcome to his rubbishing books; they don't amount to much, anyway.

I don't believe they cost more than two dollars at the most.

If you'd like to see what I got for my essay, I'll show you." John pulled out his portemonnaie, and unrolled three new and crisp bank-notes of ten dollars each.
"I think that's pretty good pay," he said, looking about him triumphantly.