"No, you won't! You don't dare!" replied the woman, her voice sounding as though she had summoned all her courage by an effort.
Dexter suddenly sprang closer to the woman. The next instant both were struggling for possession of the little black bag that she carried.
"Stop!" cried Mrs. Dexter desperately. "Help! He-lp!"
"Fellows, I don't know that we're bound to stand for that," muttered Dick Prescott quickly. "She's calling for help. Come along."
Dick was off down the street like a streak, the others following, though Dave was closest to his chum.
"Here, what are you doing, mister?" demanded Dick, as he darted up to where the pair were struggling.
Dexter would have had the bag in his own possession by this time, had he not turned to see what the onrush of boys meant.
"None of your business what I'm doing," he replied savagely. "You schoolboys run along out of this."
"Don't go! Help me," pleaded the woman. "He's trying to rob me!"
"You boys clear out, or it will be worse for you!" growled Dexter.