“I shan’t, unless they pester me,” replied Hiram.
With Jerry was the young rough, Brooks, the boy Dave and Hiram had detected behind the pile of benches. Three others Dave recognized as young loafers who followed the meets, working only occasionally.
They did not break ranks as they came up abreast of Dave and Hiram, halting them, which movement seemed preconcerted on their part.
“Say, think you’ve done it, don’t you?” sneered Jerry, looking straight at Dave. “Well, make the most of it. You’ll never take another fly.”
“Why won’t he?” challenged Hiram, making an aggressive forward movement. But Dave held him back.
“Because I’ve got you—got you right, this time, Dave Dashaway. Back to nature, back to the farm for you—ha! ha! ha!”
And Jerry’s companion joined him in his mocking jeer as they passed on their way.
CHAPTER XXII
A NIGHT ADVENTURE