Three days later a boy entered the stable, and, calling for Tony, presented the following missive:
“If you ain’t a coward, meet me to-morrow night at seven o’clock, back of the schoolhouse, and we’ll settle, by
fighting, which shall have the place, you or I? If you get licked you must clear out and leave it to me.”
“Sam Payson.”
Tony showed the note to the hostler.
Well, Tony, what are you going to do about it?”
“I’ll be on hand,” said Tony, promptly.
CHAPTER XIV
THE BOYS’ DUEL
Sam Payson felt perfectly safe in challenging Tony to single combat. He had seen that he was two inches shorter and probably twenty pounds lighter. But appearances were deceitful, and he had no idea that Tony had received special training which he lacked.