Beside this, it angered them to think that Jake had done so mean a thing.
Billy Bowlegs, the smallest boy in the party, was especially furious.
Walking up to Jake with his fists clenched, he said: "Jake Elliott, you're a sneak and a coward, and you daren't answer for yourself.

Just deny it please, do deny it, so's I can bat you in the mouth.

I'm hungry to wallop you.

Do say I lie, or say anything, open your head, or lift your hand, or wink your eye, or look at me, or do something.

Just give me any sort of excuse and I'll give you what you deserve, now and here." Billy screamed this out at the top of his voice, advancing on Jake every moment, as the latter drew back.
"What can I say to make you fight ?" he continued.