“Keep on, boys!” he cried. “It’s none of Roscoe’s business. He’d better clear out, or we’ll toss him.”
As he spoke he gave another toss.
“Save me, Hector!” cried Tommy, espying his friend’s arrival with joy.
Hector was not the boy to let such an appeal go unheeded. He sprang forward, dealt Jim Smith a powerful blow, that made him stagger, and let go the blanket, and then helped Tommy to his feet.
“Run into the house. Tommy!” he said. “There may be some rough work here.”
He faced round just in time to fend off partially a blow from the angry bully.
“Take that for your impudence!” shouted Jim Smith. “I’ll teach you to meddle with, me.”
But Jim reckoned without his host. The blow was returned with interest, and, in the heat of his indignation, Hector followed it up with such a volley that the bully retreated in discomfiture, and was glad to withdraw from the contest.
“I’ll pay you for this, you scoundrel!” he said, venomously.
“Whenever you please, you big brute!” returned Hector, contemptuously. “It is just like you to tease small boys. If you annoy Tommy Cooper again, you’ll hear from me.”