"Keep your distance, or I'll smash your head!" I added, making a few vigorous passes with the bat.
He was prudent enough to heed this warning, and left the room, but only to return with the club he had selected before.
CHAPTER IX.
IN WHICH ERNEST, AFTER A SUCCESSFUL RETREAT, FALLS INTO A TRAP.
TOM THORNTON was the maddest man I ever saw when he returned to my chamber armed with the club. His father had followed him down stairs, evidently for the purpose of pacifying him; and when they returned he was still trying to dissuade him from any act of violence.
"Don't be rash, Thomas," pleaded my uncle, as they were coming up the stairs.
"Don't talk to me, governor. I will bring the young cub to his senses!" roared Tom, violently.
"Control your temper, and listen to reason. You will ruin yourself and me by your rashness."