“All right, Jack, I’m with you if you want any help,” returned Fred promptly.
Without hesitation, Jack approached the table at which Brown and Martell sat eating their soup, and placed himself close to the latter’s side.
“Now listen to me, Nappy Martell,” he said in a low but distinct voice, meant only for the dudish youth. “You keep your eyes to yourself and leave my sister and my cousin alone. If you don’t, I’ll smash you one in the face that will put you in the hospital. Now remember—I won’t give you another warning!” And having thus spoken, Jack turned on his heel and went back to his own table.
Nappy Martell flushed up and an angry retort arose to his lips. Then, however, he became pale and not a word escaped him.
“What was that he said, Nappy?” demanded Slugger in a whisper.
“I—I’ll tell you afterwards,” stammered Martell. “He’s mighty fresh—that fellow!”
“Did he threaten you?”
“I guess he wants to start a row,” grumbled Nappy. “But I don’t want any fight in front of those girls.”
“Those Rovers are getting too fresh to live,” was Slugger’s comment. “Some day we’ll have to get after ’em and polish ’em off.”
“We can’t get after ’em any too quick to suit me,” answered his crony.