“I haven’t said a word to Miss Stevenson about you.”
“I know better, Jack Rover. You went to her and some of the other girls and told them that my chums and I were no good, and that the sleighride party we and some other fellows were getting up was going to be the wildest thing that ever took place at Haven Point.”
“You’re entirely mistaken, Bangs. And the sooner you get out of here the better it will please me.”
“Do you dare deny that you hauled us over the coals with those girls at Clearwater Hall?”
“I decline to discuss the matter any further with you,” answered the young captain.
“See here, Rover! you can’t ride any high horse like that with me,” blustered Brassy. “You and your cousins and some of the other fellows did your best to queer our whole sleighing party, and you’ve got to take the consequences!” And now Brassy Bangs doubled up his fists and tried to look more dangerous than ever.
“See here, Bangs! if you don’t stop your noise and get out of here I’ll put you out,” returned Jack, in a low but firm voice. “I don’t want any fight with you, but I want you to understand that I can hold up my end every time.”
“Like pie you can! You put on a big front as a captain, but I know your sort well enough! You can’t pull the wool over my eyes! You went to the girls’ school and shot off your mouth, and you are going to take the consequences!” and without further ado Brassy Bangs stepped forward and aimed a heavy blow at Jack’s face.
Had the fist landed as intended, Jack might have been knocked flat. But the young captain had not been in athletic training for several years for nothing, and he dodged quickly. Brassy was carried forward, so that his arm shot over Jack’s shoulder and his body came in contact with the young captain’s arm. The next instant Jack had him by the back of the collar and was holding him at arm’s length.
“Now you get out of here!” he cried, and tried to drag Brassy toward the door.