I dussn't go near 'im; no, not wuz it ever so."
"I'm going to larrup the young limb!" cried Alloway obstinately.
"You'll 'ave to wait, then, till Blaazer gits quiet. I dussn't meddle
with 'im; an' I'm shoeing Mr. 'Utton's graay maare." And with a
natural, untrained diplomacy the blacksmith retired quickly into the
smithy.
For a minute or two Alloway cursed and Blazer barked. Then Tinker sat
quietly down on the threshold of the kennel, and fanned himself with
his hat. The empurpled Alloway grew purpler at the sight of a coolness
he did not share.
"You young rip!" he roared, dancing lightly in his exasperation, "I'll
larrup you if I stay here till to-morrow morning!"
"If you're speaking to me, Mr. Alloway, you needn't speak so loud. I'm
not deaf," said Tinker with gentle severity.
Mr. Alloway in his violent, rustic way, uttered a good many remarks
quite unfit for boyish ears.
Tinker paid no heed to him, but chirrupped to Blazer, who came to him
in a wondering sulkiness, and with many protesting growls suffered
himself to be patted. Alloway put his hands in his pockets, and stood
stolidly with his legs wide apart, a picture of florid manliness and
grim, but whiskered determination.
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