Part 4 (2/2)

”But I'm coming right back.”

”I don't care if you return as soon as you strike the last plank. You have got to pay, or you can't cross,” returned Ralph, firmly.

”I won't pay a cent!” bl.u.s.tered Percy, angrily.

”Then you can't cross.”

”And who will stop me, I'd like to know?”

”I will.”

”You can't do it.”

”Perhaps I can. Anyway, if you don't pay I'll try. You know the rules just as well as I do.”

”There ain't any fellow in Westville can stop me from going where I please!” howled the squire's son, and once more he started to walk on.

With a quick movement, Ralph stepped in front of the aristocratic bully.

”Not another step, until you pay the toll!” he exclaimed, his eyes flas.h.i.+ng their determination.

”Out of my way, you upstart!” roared Percy.

And, raising his fist, he aimed a heavy blow at Ralph's face.

The young bridge tender caught the blow on the arm, and the next moment had Percy jammed up against the iron railing to one side.

”Now, you either pay your way or go back just as quick as you can!” he said, firmly. ”I want no more trouble with you.”

”Let go of me!”

”Not until you promise to do one thing or the other.”

”I'm not going to pay!” fumed Percy.

”Then you can't cross; that's settled.”

”We'll see! Take that! and that!”

Percy began to strike out wildly. Ralph warded off most of the blows, and then upset the aristocratic bully on his back and came down on top of him.

They rolled over together, and at length Percy set up a howl of pain.

”Oh, my shoulder! You have twisted it out of place!”

”Have you had enough?” demanded Ralph.

”Yes! yes!”

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