Mr. Purnip's foot-work was excellent, and the way he timed his blows made
Mr. Billing's eyes moist with admiration.
It was over at last. The aggressor went limping off, and Mr. Purnip,
wiping his bald head, picked up his battered and dusty hat from the
roadway and brushed it on his sleeve. He turned with a start and a blush
to meet the delighted gaze of Mr. Billing.
"I'm ashamed of myself," he murmured, brokenly--"ashamed."
"Ashamed!" exclaimed the amazed Mr. Billing. "Why, a pro couldn't ha'
done better."
"Such an awful example," moaned the other. "All my good work here thrown
away."
"Don't you believe it, sir," said Mr. Billing, earnestly. "As soon as
this gets about you'll get more members than you want a'most. I'm coming
back, for one."
Mr. Purnip turned and grasped his hand.
"I understand things now," said Mr. Billing, nodding sagely. "Turning
the other cheek's all right so long as you don't do it always. If you
don't let 'em know whether you are going to turn the other cheek or knock
their blessed heads off, it's all right.
Pages:
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117