"I propose," said Phil, still preserving an even tone, "to do my duty and at the same time keep my self-respect. I propose, if you persist in directing insulting language at me, to give you a thrashing that will last you all the rest of the season."
Teddy, who had sat down on a pile of railroad ties beside the tracks, could see and hear all that was going on in the stateroom.
"Soak him, Phil!" howled the boy on the tie pile.
Snowden's eyes blazed and his fingers opened and closed convulsively.
With an angry growl he hurled himself straight at Phil Forrest.
CHAPTER III
COMING TO AN UNDERSTANDING
"Be careful, Mr. Snowden!" warned the Circus Boy, stepping out of harm's way. "I am not looking for trouble, but I shall defend myself."
"I'll teach you to talk back to me. I'll—"
Just then the car manager stumbled over a chair and went down with a crash, smashing the chair to splinters.