“You're a liar!” yells Freckles. And this time he was so mad he hit Squint without further words. They had a beauty of a fight, but finally Freckles got Squint down on the gravel path, and bumped his head up and down in the gravel. “Now,” says he, “did you see any apple?” “No,” says Squint, “I didn't see any apple.” “If you had seen one, would there have been pepper in it?” “There would have been--le'me up, Freckles.” “Am I stuck on teacher?” “You ain't stuck on anybody--ouch, Freckles, le'me up!” Freckles let him up, and then started back toward home, walking on different sides of the street. About half-way home Freckles crossed the street, and said: “Squint, if I tell you something, you won't tell?” “1 ain't any snitch, Freckles, and you know it.” “You won't even tell the rest of the Dalton Gang?” “Nope.” “Cross your heart and hope to die?” “Sure.” “Well, set down on the grass here, and I'll tell you.” They set down, and Freckles says: “Honest, Squint, it's true--I did take her that apple this morning, and I'm stuck on her, and there wasn't any pepper in it.” “Gee, Freckles!” says Squint. Freckles only drew in a deep breath. “I'm awful sorry for you, Freckles,” says Squint, “honest, I am.” “You always been a good pal, Squint,” says Freckles. “Ain't there anything can be done about it?” “Nope,” says Freckles. “The Dalton Gang could make things so hot for her she'd have to give up school,” says Squint, very hopeful. “If you didn't see her any more, you'd maybe get over it, Freckles.” “No, Squint, I don't want her run out.” “Don't _want_ her run out! Say, Freckles, you don't mean to say you _like_ being in love with her?” “Well,” says Freckles, “if I did like it, that would be a good deal of disgrace, wouldn't it?” “Gosh darn her!” says Squint.