“That’s my bat, and I’m going to have it!” exclaimed Tommy, sharply. “You can’t play that kind of a trick on me, if I have just moved to town! If you don’t give me that bat right away, I’ll find out where you live, and my father will come and see your father about it.”
“Don’t worry me!” sneered the bully. “I’m going to keep the bat. Run along now!”
“I will not!” cried Tommy, and then, with such a quick motion that there was no chance to stop him, he snatched the bat from under the bully’s arm. Then, instead of running away, as many boys would have done under the circumstances, Tommy stood facing the other lad.
“Well, you have got nerve!” exclaimed Jakie. “I’ve a good notion to punch your head!”
“Don’t you dare touch me!” said Tommy, quietly, and there was something in his voice that made the other hesitate. “You had no right to take my bat. I said I’d get it back, and I did, and I want you to let me alone. I’m not a bit afraid of you!”
Tommy had a firm grip on his bat, and, though his heart was beating rather fast, he made up his mind that he would fight with all his strength to retain his property.
“Say, he’s all right!” exclaimed Teddy, admiringly. “Let’s go help him. I like a fellow that does things!”
“So do I!” agreed Billie. “The three of us ought to be able to stand up to that mean Jakie.”
“Of course we can! Come on,” and the two started on the run toward Tommy and his enemy. Tommy heard them coming, but did not turn his head to look at them. He was eyeing the bully, ready for anything that might happen. Jakie saw Teddy and Billie approaching, and he also saw that they meant to do something. He realized that he would be no match for three determined boys, even if he was taller and stronger than any one of them.
Besides, Tommy looked as if he could give a pretty good account of himself alone, and he had a stout ash bat in his hands that would be an effective weapon in an encounter.