Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates / Серебряные коньки. Книга для чтения на английском языке

The two Van Holps and Carl Schummel were there, testing their fleetness to the utmost[75 - to the utmost – (разг.) изо всех сил]. Out of four trials Peter van Holp had won three times. Consequently Carl, never very amiable, was in anything but a good humor[76 - was in anything but a good humor – (разг.) был в плохом настроении]. He had relieved himself by taunting young Schimmelpenninck, who, being smaller than the others, kept meekly near them without feeling exactly like one of the party, but now a new thought seized Carl, or rather he seized the new thought and made an onset upon his friends.

“I say, boys, let’s put a stop to those young ragpickers from the idiot’s cottage joining the race. Hilda must be crazy to think of it. Katrinka Flack and Rychie Korbes are furious at the very idea of racing with the girl; and for my part, I don’t blame them. As for the boy, if we’ve a spark of manhood in us, we will scorn the very idea of – ”

“Certainly we will!” interposed Peter van Holp, purposely mistaking Carl’s meaning.

“Who doubts it? No fellow with a spark of manhood in him would refuse to let in two good skaters just because they were poor!”

Carl wheeled about savagely. “Not so fast, master! And I’d thank you not to put words in other people’s mouths[77 - not to put words in other people’s mouths – (разг.) не надо говорить за других]. You’d best not try it again.

”

“Ha, ha!” laughed little Voostenwalbert Schimmelpenninck, delighted at the prospect of a fight, and sure that, if it should come to blows[78 - if it should come to blows – (разг.) если дело дойдет до драки], his favorite Peter could beat a dozen excitable fellows like Carl.

Something in Peter’s eye made Carl glad to turn to a weaker offender. He wheeled furiously upon Voost.

“What are you shrieking about, you little weasel? You skinny herring you, you little monkey with a long name for a tail!”

Half a dozen bystanders and byskaters set up an applauding shout at this brave witticism; and Carl, feeling that he had fairly vanquished his foes, was restored to partial good humor.

He, however, prudently resolved to defer plotting against Hans and Gretel until some time when Peter should not be present.

Just then, his friend, Jacob Poot, was seen approaching.