The Pony Rider Boys on the Blue Ridge; or, A Lucky Find in the Carolina Mountains

by Frank Gee Patchin

"Kindly hand over that letter," ordered Butler in the quiet tone that to his companions meant trouble.

"Mighty perk today, ain't ye?"

"Hand over that letter!" Tad's tone was pitched a shade higher.

"Hand Over That Letter!"

For an instant Griffin glared into the face of the resolute young fellow who stood confronting him. Then Smoky threw the letter on the ground and trod on it.

"I reckon Dear Maw won't—"

Whack!

Tad had brought the flat of his hand across the fellow's red face in a resounding slap that was heard by every person there. Even Chops, now hiding behind the store, heard it, and his eyes grew large, for he expected to hear the report of a revolver following close upon the slap. In that case it would be high time for Billy Veal to flee.

With a roar of rage the bully reached for his revolver. But his hand did not quite touch the butt of the gun. Ere it had reached the weapon his head was jerked backward in a violent jolt.