soul here for you to beat, because he didn't know just how to handle
things! Of course, he'll make mistakes. He must have a lot of teaching,
but not the kind he'll get from you! Clear out of my way!"

"You let go of our boy," ordered Margaret.

"Why? Do you want to whip him, before he can go to sleep?" jeered Mrs.
Comstock.

"No, I don't!" said Margaret. "He's Wesley's, and nobody shall touch
him. Wesley!"

Wesley Sinton appeared behind Margaret in the doorway, and she turned to
him. "Make Kate Comstock let go of our boy!" she demanded.

"Billy, she wants you now," said Wesley Sinton. "She won't whip you, and
she won't let any one else. You can have stacks of good things to eat,
ride in the carriage, and have a great time. Won't you stay with us?"

Billy drew away from Mrs. Comstock and Elnora.

He faced Margaret, his eyes shrewd with unchildish wisdom. Necessity had
taught him to strike the hot iron, to drive the hard bargain.

"Can I have Snap to live here always?" he demanded.

"Yes, you can have all the dogs you want," said Margaret Sinton.

"Can I sleep close enough so's I can touch you?"