A man who came at this moment round the bend of the creek was grinning unpleasantly. His eyes focused on Dillon.
“So I don’t look good to you. Tha’s too bad. If you’ll tell me what you don’t like about me I’ll make myself over,” jeered Houck.
Bob was struck dumb. The crooked smile and the stab of the eyes that went with it were menacing. He felt goose quills running up and down his spine. This man was one out of a thousand for physical prowess.
“I didn’t know you was near,” the boy murmured.
“I’ll bet you didn’t, but you’ll know it now.” Houck moved toward Dillon slowly.
“Don’t you, Jake Houck! Don’t you touch him!” June shrilled.
“I got to beat him up, June. It’s comin’ to him. D’you reckon I’ll let the flunkey of a telephone camp interfere in my business? Why, he ain’t half man-size.”
Bob backed away warily. This Colossus straddling toward him would thrash him within an inch of his life. The boy was white to the lips.
“Stop! Right now!” June faced Houck resolutely, standing between him and his victim.
The big fellow looked at the girl, a slim, fearless little figure with undaunted eyes flinging out a challenge. He laughed, delightedly, then brushed her aside with a sweep of his arm.