"It's better to have one regular battle than to get such a drubbing as this every night. If they make any more fuss I shall take care of myself."
Now that the first sense of injury had passed away, Fred felt as if he had been at fault to allow himself to be so easily overcome, and, distasteful as was the work in the breaker, he had fully resolved to remain and assert his rights in a manly way.
CHAPTER II
THE WARNING
On the second morning Fred did not present himself at the dingy old building until nearly time for the whistle to sound, and those whom he had good cause to look upon as enemies were already at their places by the chute.
"I heard some of the fellers served you out last night," Chunky said, much as if such proceedings were a matter of course.
"They'd better not try it on again," Fred replied, in a tone of determination.
"Are you goin' to fight?"
"I'll protect myself, if nothing more."