But as he was on the point of pulling the big fellow from the stool, Browning gave him a look that made him stagger. His face worked convulsively, and he looked around for assistance.
“Pull him in, Paddy!” cried one of several town boys, who had gathered to see the fun, and who felt delighted to see a student placed under arrest.
“Thot Oi will!” cried the little cop, as he advanced on Bruce.
He caught the big fellow by the collar and yanked him off the stool in a moment.
“If it’s a bit aff trouble ye’re afther givin’ me, Oi’ll crack yer shkull wid me shillayly,” he declared. “Come on, now.”
Browning did not wish to be arrested, so he tried to argue with the officer, but it was useless to talk.
“It’s a lunathick Oi know ye are,” said the policeman; “an’ it’s not safe to let yez run at large.”
“Take your hand off my collar!” said Bruce, sternly. “I have done nothing to cause you to arrest me.”
“Now none av yer thrits to me, ye spalpane!” shouted the policeman. “Coom along!”
He gave Bruce a yank.