He knew that one of the things which he had promised his father was that he would have nothing to do with betting or gambling in any form, and how could he obey in this respect if he now lent me for the purpose for which I was required?
And yet he owed Tom Drift no common gratitude for the good service he had done in setting me right yesterday, and surely if any one had a right to borrow me it was he.

The struggle was a sore one, but soon decided.
"I can't lend it you, Tom Drift." "Why ever not ?" asked Tom sharply.
"I'm very sorry; if it had been anything else--but I promised father I would not gamble." "Young ass! who wants you to gamble?
I only want you to lend us your watch." "_You_ are gambling, though," said Charlie timidly.
"And what's that got to do with you, you young idiot," exclaimed Drift, fairly losing his temper, "if I am ?" "I'm very sorry," said Charlie, "especially as you put it all right.

If it was anything else; but I can't for this." "Look here," said Drift in a fury, "we've had fooling enough.

Hand me the watch this moment, or I'll take it and smash it, and you into the bargain!" "Oh, Tom Drift, don't do that.

I would so gladly for anything else, but I promised father--" "Once more, will you, or will you not ?" "I can't." "Then take that!" and next moment Charlie received a blow full on the chest, which sent him staggering back against the wall.
Oh, how he wished that moment he had never owned me! Tom came upon him with an angry oath, and seized him by the throat.
"Will you give it up ?" "No," replied Charlie.
He was fairly roused now; no boy--certainly no boy of his sort--can stand quietly by and receive undeserved blows.