“I said I didn’t play.”
“Why hang my buttons! You got to play when I tell you to,” cried the miner. “Pete Simmons ain’t used to bein’ told no. Here, sit down to this table an’ deal the cards,” and he grabbed Jerry by the arm, and attempted to force him into a chair.
“Let go my arm!” exclaimed Jerry.
“You do as I tell you or I’ll make you!” exclaimed the brute. “I’m used to havin’ my way!”
“Take your hand off!” commanded Jerry, drawing back his fist, for he was strong and hot tempered.
“Now be nice, be nice!” sneered the man.
“Let go of him!” exclaimed Ned coming forward and standing beside his chum, while Bob also ranged up alongside. “We’ll all take a hand in this if you force us to.”
“I can tackle the three of you with both hands tied behind my back,” cried the miner, flushing with anger at being defied by the boys.
“Count me in too,” spoke Professor Snodgrass, joining the lads. “I don’t want to fight, but I will if I have to.”
Now the professor, though a mild man, was, by reason of his out-of-door life, in fine physical condition, and no mean antagonist, which fact the miner saw.