Come , please tell me , Stenie , there 's a dear . '' `` Botheration ! you do n't want me to turn telltale , do you ? '' growled Steve , pulling his top-knot , as he always did when perplexed . `` Yes , I do , '' was Rose 's decided answer for she saw from his manner that she was right , and determined to have the secret out of him if coaxing would do it . `` I do n't wish you to tell things to everyone , of course , but to me you may , and you must , because I have a right to know . You boys need somebody to look after you , and I 'm going to do it , for girls are nice peacemakers , and know how to manage people . Uncle said so , and he is never wrong . '' Steve was about to indulge in a derisive hoot at the idea of her looking after them , but a sudden thought restrained him , and suggested a way in which he could satisfy Rose , and better himself at the same time . `` What will you give me if I 'll tell you every bit about it ? '' he asked , with a sudden red in his cheeks and an uneasy look in his eyes , for he was half ashamed of the proposition . `` What do you want ? '' and Rose looked up rather surprised at his question . `` I 'd like to borrow some money . 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 XXXXX 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 . ''
Archie Botheration Charlie Prince Rose Stenie Steve day peacemakers top-knot