With a snarl very much like that made by a fretful tiger, the man leaped toward the boy as if to grab him by the throat.
“You fool! I’ll make you come to terms!”
His hand touched Jerry’s collar, but the young oarsman evaded him and placed the flat-top desk between them. When the man ran around the desk, Jerry picked up a heavy brass-bound ruler.
“Stop, or I’ll crack you with this!” cried our hero, and, seeing the weapon, Slocum halted.
“Don’t be a fool, boy!”
“I don’t intend to be.”
“You can do nothing against me.”
“That remains to be seen.”
“Who will take your word against mine? Nobody. You are a mere country lad, while I am a well-known New York citizen.”
“Mr. Ardell was also well known in his day.”