"You are trying to poke fun at me."

"I was never more serious in my life."

"You think you are smart," put in Bart.

"What I think is none of your business."

"We'll make it our business," burst out Lemuel Hankers, wrathfully. "Come over here, and come instantly."

CHAPTER XI
FACING A JAGUAR

Dave was surprised. He had not dreamed that Lemuel Hankers would carry his highhandedness so openly.

"I cannot come over," he said.

"And why not?"