"I know I don't mean to funk it, whatever they do to me." "I'll back you up, old man, all I can," said Heathcote.
"I expect it's far the best way not to kick out, but just go through with it," said Dick.

"That's what my father says, and he had a pretty rough time of it, he said, at first." "Oh, _yes_; I'm sure it's all the worse for a fellow if he funks or gets out of temper." All this was very alarming talk for the timorous small boy to overhear, and he longed, a hundred times, to be safe back in Devonshire.
"I'm afraid," he faltered.

"I know--I shall be a coward." "Don't be a young ass," said Dick.

"Heathcote and I will back you up all we can, won't we, Georgie ?" "Rather," said Heathcote.
"If you do, it won't be half so bad," said the boy, brightening up a bit; "it's dreadful to be a coward." "Well, why are you one ?" said Dick.

"No one's obliged to be one." "I suppose I can't help it.