“Don’t you speak to me!” snarled the bully.
“All right,” said Jack. “I’ll not.”
“I’ll get square with you for this,” went on Snaith as he arose and began to retreat, followed by Pud. “You wait!”
“That’s what Pud said,” interjected Nat. “It’s getting tiresome.”
The two bullies hurried off in the direction taken by Glen, leaving Jack, Nat and Will masters of the field.
“I—I’m ever so much obliged to you,” said Will to Jack after a pause.
“That’s all right. Glad I happened along.”
“I—I don’t mind being hazed,” went on the timid lad. “I expected it, but I have a weak heart, and the doctor said a sudden shock would be bad for me. I’m very much afraid of water, and I can’t swim, or I wouldn’t have minded being thrown into the lake. I—I hope you don’t think I’m a coward.”
“Not a bit of it.”
“And I—I hope the fellows won’t make fun of me.”