"We were just saying that we'd rather see you than any one else on earth," leered Fred Ripley, as he stepped in the Grammar School boy's path.
"I haven't any time to waste on you two just now," Prescott answered coldly, trying to step around the pair.
"Then you'll take the time," scoffed Bert, reaching out to seize
Dick by the shoulder.
Fred Ripley aimed an unexpected blow that sent the lad to earth and the book flying several feet beyond.
Chapter XIX
DAVE DARRIN FLASHES FIRE
"That was just like you—-it was so cowardly and low down!" cried
Dick hotly, as he leaped to his feet.
He was now near the package containing the book. Doubtless he could have snatched up the book and sprinted to safety. But that was not his way of meeting so great an affront.
"Don't you get saucy!" warned Fred, edging in closer. Bert Dodge veered around so that be could attack Dick from one side.
"It would be honoring you too much to talk to you in any vein," Dick retorted sarcastically. "You're a pair of the most worthless rowdies in Gridley."