Instantly Dave swung around on his heel.
"This is certainly none of your business, Jasniff," he said, coldly.
"Ain't it? Well, Gus is my particular friend, and what concerns him concerns me," blustered Jasniff.
"Oh, Dave, let us go away," whispered Frank, growing more frightened than ever.
"You can go away if you wish, Frank. I am not afraid of these two bullies; Plum knows that, even if Jasniff does not."
At this home thrust Gus Plum winced, for he had not forgotten the drubbing received from Dave in times gone by. Jasniff, however, was undismayed, and striding closer, he pushed in between Plum and Dave.
"I've heard of the unfair advantage you once took of Gus, but you can't take such an advantage of me," he said, loudly. "I am not afraid of anybody in this school, and I want you to know it."
His manner was so offensive that it caused the quick blood to rush to Dave's face. Plum fell back and so did Frank Bond. There was a moment of suggestive silence.
"Jasniff, I never took any unfair advantage of Plum, and everybody in this school knows it," said Dave, steadily. "Plum is a bully,—and you appear to be built the same way."
"So I'm a bully, eh?" stormed Nick Jasniff, putting up his fists.