He succeeded at last, and then, grasping his whip, jumped over the side of the sleigh and came running up to the boys, his face convulsed with rage.
CHAPTER II
A FRIEND INTERFERES
“Oh,” gasped Betty, “it’s Ap Plunkit!”
“Yes,” added Fred, “and he’s as mad as a hornet.”
Applethwaite Plunkit was the son of a farmer who lived a short distance out of town. He was older and larger than the rest of the boys gathered on the station platform, and they all disliked him thoroughly because of his mean and ugly disposition.
Bobby and Fred had had several squabbles with him when he had attempted to bully them, but their quarrels had never yet got to the point of an actual fight. But just now, as he strode up to them, it looked as though a fight were coming.
Bobby was a plucky boy, and though he never went around looking for trouble, he was always willing and able to take his own part when it became necessary. But Ap was a great deal bigger and heavier than he, and just now had the advantage of the whip. So that Bobby’s breath came a little faster as Ap came nearer. But he never thought of retreating, and faced the bully with an outward calm that he was very far from feeling.
“Which one of you fellows hit my horse?” demanded Ap, in a voice that trembled with rage.
“I did,” replied Bobby, stepping forward a little in advance of the group.
“What did you do it for?” cried Ap, at the same time raising his whip.