Why did Blair run ? and who hit the other fellow ? I 'm sure there was a fight somewhere , was n't there ? ' ` Yes ! ' I guess I know what it was about . ' ` The devil , you do ! Let 's hear you guess . Must be amusing , ' said Dan , affecting an ease he did not feel . Charmed to be allowed to free his mind , Ted at once unfolded the boyish solution of the mystery which he had been cherishing , for he felt that there was one somewhere . ` You need n't say yes , if I guess right and you are under oath to keep silent . I shall know by your face , and never tell . Now see if I 'm not right . Out there they have wild doings , and it 's my belief you were in some of 'em . I do n't mean robbing mails , and KluKluxing , and that sort of thing ; but defending the settlers , or hanging some scamp , or even shooting a few , as a fellow must sometimes , in self-defence . Ah , ha ! I 've hit it , I see . Need n't speak ; I know the flash of your old eye , and the clench of your big fist . ' And Ted pranced with satisfaction . ` Drive on , smart boy , and do n't lose the trail , ' said Dan , finding a curious sense of comfort in some of these random words , and longing , but not daring , to confirm the true ones . He might have confessed the crime , but not the punishment that followed , the sense of its disgrace was still so strong upon him . '
I knew I should get it ; ca n't deceive me long , ' began Ted , with such an air of pride XXXXX could not help a short laugh .
Blair Dan KluKluxing Ted doings mind right satisfaction scamp self-defence