"Don't!" he groaned. "Don't hit me again!"
"Won't I, though!" cried Nick Jasniff, in a passion. "I'd like to know what's to hinder me?" And he raised the stick again.
"Stop, Jasniff!" came from Dave, and leaping through the bushes he came up behind the student and caught the stick in his hand. "What do you mean by attacking Sam in this fashion?"
"Let go of that stick!" ejaculated Jasniff, and tried to pull it away. Then a tussle ensued which came to an end as Dave twisted the stick from the other youth's grasp and flung it into the river.
"What do you mean by throwing my cane away?" cried Jasniff.
"I want you to leave Sam alone."
"I've a good mind to give you a drubbing."
"Better not try it, Jasniff," answered Dave, as calmly as he could. He stood on guard against any treachery.
"Think you're the king of the school, don't you?"
"No, but I am always ready to stand up for a friend."