“I was only fooling,” said Jakie finally, laughing a bit, but he did not seem in a very jolly mood. “I’d have given your bat back, after a bit.”
“I’d have got it back, anyhow,” retorted Tommy, “and I’ve got it now. If you bother me again, I’ll tell your father on you.”
“That’s right,” added Teddy, coming up just then. “We are going to stick up for him, too!”
“Say, you think you’re a regular team, don’t you?” sneered Jakie. “Don’t give me any of your back talk! I’ll fix you fellows some day, if you don’t look out.” He spoke the last roughly.
“Huh! You started this!” came from Billie.
“Yes, he acts as though we did something,” added Tommy. And then, having gained all that he needed, our hero turned away, his two chums joining him on either side.
“Say, you’re all right!” exclaimed Billie, clapping Tommy on the back.
“Weren’t you afraid?” asked Teddy, when they were out of Jakie’s hearing.
“Yes, I was,” admitted Tommy, slowly, “but I wasn’t going to let him know it. Does he often do things like that?”
“Lots of times,” declared Teddy. “He’s one of the meanest boys in town.”