I should n't think of asking you , only Mac never has a cent . since he 's set up his old chemical shop , where he 'll blow himself to bits some day , and you and uncle will have the fun of putting him together again , '' and Steve tried to look as if the idea amused him . `` I 'll lend it to you with pleasure , so tell away , '' said Rose , bound to get at the secret . Evidently much relieved by the promise , Steve set his top-knot cheerfully erect again , and briefly stated the case . `` As you say , it 's all right to tell you , but do n't let the boys know I blabbed , or Prince will take my head off . You see , Archie do n't like some of the fellows Charlie goes with , and cuts 'em . That makes Prince mad , and he holds on just to plague Arch , so they do n't speak to one another , if they can help it , and that 's the row . '' `` Are those boys bad ? '' asked Rose , anxiously . `` Guess not , only rather wild . They are older than our fellows , but they like Prince , he 's such a jolly boy ; sings so well , dances jigs and breakdowns , you know , and plays any game that 's going . He beat Morse at billiards , and that 's something to brag of , for Morse thinks he knows everything . I saw the match , and it was great fun ! '' Steve got quite excited over the prowess of Charlie , whom he admired immensely , and tried to imitate . Rose did not know half the danger of such gifts and tastes as Charlie 's , but felt instinctively that something must be wrong if Archie disapproved . `` If Prince likes any billiard-playing boy better than Archie , I do n't think much of his sense , '' she said severely . `` Of course he does n't ; but , you see , Charlie and Arch are both as proud as they can be , and wo n't give in . I suppose Arch is right , but I do n't blame Charlie a bit for liking to be with the others sometimes , they are such a jolly set , '' and Steve shook his head morally , even while his eye twinkled over the memory of some of the exploits of the `` jolly set . '' `` Oh , dear me ! '' sighed Rose , `` I do n't see what I can do about it , but I wish the boys would make up , for Prince ca n't come to any harm with Archie , he 's so good and sensible . ''
`` That 's the trouble ; XXXXX preaches , and Prince wo n't stand it .
Arch Archie Charlie Morse Prince Rose Steve billiards jigs right