“See here, Dan Baxter, this is none of your quarrel,” retorted Jack.
“Let him alone.”
“I’ll let him alone when I feel like it.”
“You’ll let him alone now.”
“Will I?” Jack caught Mumps by the collar and shook him thoroughly. “Now, after this, you behave yourself, or I’ll thrash you good,” he went on.
“Oh! oh!” screamed the boy. “Le—let up! Don’t—don’t shake my head off!”
“Stop it!” roared Dan Baxter. “Stop it!” And rushing in he took hold of Jack and tried to draw him back.
“Baxter, let go of me,” said Jack, quietly, but with determination. “If you don’t——”
“What?” came from the big youth with a sneer.
“That!” retorted Jack, and turning from Mumps, he gave a quick push that sent Dan Baxter flat on the turf.