Part 13 (2/2)

”Don't touch that boy, you contemptible bully!” he exclaimed, indignantly, hurrying to the scene of conflict.

”Oh, Harry, make him stop,” exclaimed Tommy, in joyful tones.

”I will,” said Harry, resolutely.

Philip Ross was very much annoyed by the unexpected arrival of Harry, whom he had never been able to intimidate, and would gladly have slunk away if pride had not hindered.

”You'd better take care what you say,” he rejoined, in a surly tone.

”And you had better take care what you do,” returned Harry, manfully.

”Why have you been interfering with these poor children?”

”I am not responsible to you for what I do,” said Philip, angrily. ”They are trespa.s.sing on this field, and I ordered them off.”

”By what right? You don't own it.”

”My friend, Mr. Hammond, does.”

Here Tommy explained that Mr. Hammond had given them permission to pick berries.

”I don't believe it,” said Philip, ”and I've no doubt you are trespa.s.sing, too.”

”Perhaps you'd like to serve me the same way,” suggested Harry.

”I'll leave Mr. Hammond to kick you out himself.”

”That is more prudent. Stop! where are you going?” for Philip was starting to leave them.

”I don't like the company I'm in. I'm going to leave you to enjoy each other's society.”

”Not yet,” said Harry.

”Can't you spare me?” sneered Philip.

”Not till you have picked up the berries you have upset.”

”Do you mean to insult me?” demanded Philip, angrily.

”No; I am only demanding what is reasonable and right. You upset the berries, and it is only fair you should pick them up.”

”Pick them up yourself!” said Philip.

Again he started away, but Harry planted himself resolutely in his path.

”You must pick up those berries or fight me,” he said.

”Keep away from me, you beggar!” screamed Philip.

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