"I'm not in anybody's way," replied the indignant Fred, "and I'll stand here as long as I want to."
"You will, eh? I'll show you!"
This time the bully drew back his whip with the intention of striking, but before he could do so Archie Jackson, standing near, called out:
"You touch him if you dare!"
Bud turned toward the constable, who stood at his elbow, with flashing eyes, and demanded:
"What's the matter with you?"
"That boy isn't doing any harm, and if you touch him I'll take you by the collar and lock you up where you'll stay a while after this miserable show has gone."
Bud knew the officer and held him in more fear than any one else in the community, but he growled:
"This boy crawled under the tent, and he's no business in here."