“We’re very sorry,” began Jerry, “we didn’t intend to cause any trouble.”
“That’s always the way with peesky boys,” went on the countryman. “I’ll have the law on ye for this! You wait until I get out.”
The horse, having done what damage he could, seemed to be satisfied, and quieted down. The driver dismounted and tied the animal to a fence, and then proceeded to examine the broken shaft.
“Busted clean off,” he announced in an ugly tone. “It’ll cost five dollars to get it fixed. You’ll have to settle.”
“That’s right, make ’em pay!” exclaimed a voice from the bushes that lined the road side, and, to the surprise of the three boys, Noddy Nixon stepped out into view.
“I intend to,” said the countryman.
“They’ve no business on the road in their machines, frightening horses,” went on Noddy with a grin. “The roads are for carriages.”
“Well, I like your nerve, Noddy Nixon!” exclaimed Jerry hotly. “We have just as much right on the road as this driver has. And you’ve got a motor-cycle yourself.”
“That’s none of your business,” remarked Noddy in a surly tone. “You cubs frightened this man’s horse, and he has a right to demand payment. Don’t let ’em get away until they pay,” Noddy added to the driver.
“I don’t intend they shall,” was the answer.