This was what Perry had been waiting for. Susie McReady had jarred his vanity and his temper several times during their brief interview, and it was his nature to try to "play even." His idea of squaring accounts with the girl was directly in line with his low ideals and his insolent nature.
Leaning forward quickly Perry flung one arm about the girl's neck.
"I reckon you'll know me after this," cried Perry, and attempted to give the struggling girl a kiss.
Unseen by either of the two at the gate, a boy had glided noiselessly toward them on a wheel. He came from the direction of town and, as he crossed the bridge and saw Susie and Dace Perry, an inkling of the situation at the gate darted through his mind, and caused him to put more power into the pedals.
Suddenly the captain of the cross-country team was caught from behind and hurled backward with such force that he measured his length on the ground.
"Oh, Matt, Matt!" exclaimed Susie.
"What's the matter with you?" snarled Perry, quickly regaining his feet. His face was black with rage and he stepped toward Matt with doubled fists.
"I guess there's nothing much the matter with me," answered Matt coolly, "but you're a good deal of a cur, Dace Perry."
"What do you mean by butting in here like that?" fumed Perry, anything but logical now that anger had got the whip-hand of him.
"That's the way I was raised," answered Matt.