CHAPTER VI
THE BATTLE
The two tramps who were coming down the track halted on reaching the one who had attacked Jet, and all had a brief conversation, which evidently concerned the occupant of the shanty.
Jet watched every movement, but while they were talking he had an opportunity to gaze around the hut in the hope of seeing other means of defense.
It was empty, with the exception of a pile of straw in one corner, which most likely had served as a bed for these or other tramps.
"There's nothing for it but to stand up here as long as possible, and perhaps somebody will come along before they can get the best of me," he said grimly. "If things are going on at this rate, it would have been better for me if I'd stayed with the show, for this isn't doin' very much toward findin' the murderers."
The men had finished their conversation, and were now approaching the shanty.
Jet raised the heavy cane, and stood ready for the battle.
It was not to begin as quickly as he thought, for the three men halted a few yards away, and one of them said, in a wheedling tone, as he stepped several paces nearer: