“I was forced into it;” said Merry, honestly. “I did not want trouble with him, but there was no way out of it.”
“Thir,” cried Archie, grasping Frank’s hand, “you did me a gweat favor by hitting him. I feel that I have been pwoperly avenged faw the inthult he gave me. If you will permit me, thir, I will make you a pwesant of this wifle.”
Frank was surprised by this sudden generosity of the dude, but he immediately declined to accept the weapon.
“I could not think of it,” he said. “But I’ll tell you what I will do. That man offered fifty dollars for the rifle. I will give you fifty dollars and this rifle of mine in exchange for yours. At the same time, I feel it my duty to tell you that, without doubt, I am getting the best of the trade.”
“It’s done, thir!” exclaimed Archie, in great satisfaction.
They exchanged at once, and Frank paid Elmer the money. He had obtained the weapon he coveted.
CHAPTER X.
THE STOLEN RIFLE.
“Now, by gwacious!” cried Archie; “I’m going to twy this wifle. Let me have a cawd out of that pack.”