Hardwick's eyes flashed fire. A dark look of hatred came into his face, and he made a spring forward.
"I'll teach you a lesson," he hissed.
"Stand back!" cried Hal. "Stand back, or take the consequence!"
Hardly had Hal spoken the words when a sudden shadow caused him to glance upward.
It was well that he did so.
On a large pile of lumber stood Dick Ferris, and in his hands he held a heavy beam, which he was just on the point of letting fall upon Hal's head.
The boy had barely time enough to spring to one side when with a boom the beam came down and buried itself in the snow.
"You mean coward!" cried the youth. "Wait till I catch you!"
He made a dash to the side of the pile, which was arranged like steps, intending to mount to where Ferris stood.
As he did so, Hardwick shouted something to the tall boy, and then leaped the fence of the lumber-yard, and ran out on the side street.