Little Hickory bit his lip, and slowly approaching Larry said, in a low, firm tone:
“I shall be sorry to have any trouble with you, Larry, and I’ve no wish to boss you, but I say ag’in it is no use to dig in that sand.”
“I dig here or nowhere,” gritted Larry, glowering upon his companion fiercely. “I s’pose ye think ye are guv-ner here, and not one o’ us dare to yip. But I want ye to onderstand that I’m older and bigger’n ye, and that I hev got more backers ’n ye hev. Come, Tom, Jerry, Chick, Ruddy and Tony, and help me show Rob Bayne he ain’t guv’ner here, if he does feel so big. We’ll lick him or bu’st the guv’ment!”
Larry threw aside his shovel, and as the other boys stepped quickly forward, he advanced swiftly toward Little Hickory with both fists doubled up and a dark, malignant scowl on his features.
He showed in every look and action that he meant a bitter fight, which Ragged Rob had neither the inclination nor the opportunity to escape, however hazardous it might prove to him.
CHAPTER XIX.
A FIGHT TO THE FINISH.
Chick, Ruddy and Tony, the three smaller boys, who had hastened to the side of Larry at his call, now that they really understood the situation, quickly stepped away as Larry advanced toward Rob.
“Golly!” said the irrepressible Chick, “there’s going to be some fun. I’ll put my money on Little Hickory.”
“He ain’t so big as Larry,” replied Ruddy, doubtfully.
“This ain’t no quarrel of mine, Larry,” said Rob, “and if you get the worst of it you mustn’t blame me.”