Fred came of fighting stock. One of his ancestors had fought in the battle of Kings Mountain, and another had scoured the seas under Decatur in the War of 1812.
He had been taught to keep his temper under restraint and never to provoke a quarrel. But he had been trained also never to dodge trouble if it came his way in any case where his rights or his self-respect were involved.
Like a flash, he grasped the heavy suit case and put it on the floor, its owner giving a howl as it came down on his toes. At the same instant, Teddy swung the back of the seat so that it faced the other way, and the boys dropped into it.
The rage of the flabby-faced youth was fearful. He started to his feet, his eyes popping from his head in his excitement.
“You–you—” he spluttered. “I’ll—”
“Well,” replied Fred, turning and looking him straight in the face, “what’ll you do?”
Before the resolute glow in Fred’s eyes, the bully weakened.
“You’ll find out what I’ll do,” he mumbled. “I’ll–I’ll get you yet.”
“All right,” remarked Fred calmly. “You can start something whenever you like. I’ll be ready for you. No car seat hog can try any such game with me and get away with it.”
The fellow slumped back in his seat, mouthing and muttering. Nor was his defeat made less bitter by noting the smiles of approval with which the other passengers greeted the incident.