"I know that," answered James, in a mild voice, not the least disconcerted by the other's furious manner; "but wouldn't it be better to—"
"Shut up!" shouted Charles. "I'll do just as I please. Besides, I never allow any one to dictate to me."
"I didn't intend to dictate at all, Charley. I was going to say—"
"Are you going to keep still," roared the bully, "or shall I make you?"
And he began to advance toward James.
"See here, old fellow," said Ben. Lake, suddenly striding up, and placing himself directly in front of Charles, "don't begin another fight, now."
"I'll show you whether I will or not!" exclaimed Charles; and, turning to the Rangers, he continued, "Come on, boys! We can have things all our own way now. We'll see if—"
"Hold on!" shouted William Johnson. "Here comes Frank. Now you had better take yourself off in a hurry."
Charles's hostile demonstrations ceased in an instant; and, hastily whispering a few words to the Rangers, they disappeared.
In a few moments, Frank, accompanied by George and Harry, arrived, and the boys, in a few words, explained to them what had just happened.