`` Have n't Arch and Charlie quarrelled ? '' `` Dare say ; we fellows are always having little rows , you know . I do believe a sty is coming on my star-board eye , '' and Steve affected to be absorbed in a survey of his yellow lashes . `` No , that wo n't do ; I want to know all about it ; for I 'm sure something more serious than a ` little row ' is the matter . 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 XXXXX , bound to get at the secret .
Botheration Charlie Rose Stenie Steve day peacemakers right sty top-knot