Part 13 (1/2)
”Hullo, there!” said the tall boy.
”How are you?” returned Hal coldly.
”I hear you've got my place,” went on Ferris.
”What if I have?” asked Hal, abruptly.
”I thought you were hanging around trying to do me out of it.”
”I didn't try to do you out of it. Mr. Sumner asked me to call at his office and I went. Then he offered me the place and I took it.”
”Did he know you?”
”May I ask what business that is of yours?”
”Shut up, you little street tramp, you!” retorted Ferris. ”Do you know what I've a good mind to do?”
”I must admit I do not.”
”Give you a mighty good thras.h.i.+ng.”
”Two can play at that game,” replied Hal, with a nervous little laugh.
”What, do you mean to say you can stand up against me?” demanded Ferris.
”Maybe you don't know I am an athlete.”
”And perhaps you are not aware that I am perfectly able to take care of myself,” returned Hal.
”Take that!” cried Ferris.
He hauled off and aimed a wicked blow at the youth's nose. Had it struck Hal it would have injured him considerably.
But the youth dodged; and the next instant d.i.c.k Ferris received a crack fairly between the eyes that made him see stars, and caused him to stagger up against the side of a building.
”What--what----” he gasped.
”That for attacking me,” replied Hal. ”Don't you try any such game again.”
”I'll fix you!” roared Ferris. He was boiling with rage. ”You miserable street cur!”
He sprang at Hal and caught him by both arms, intending to trip the youth up.
But Hal stood his ground, and by a sudden twist freed himself.
”Let me alone, Ferris,” he commanded.
”Oh, of course I will!” replied the tall boy, sarcastically.
”If you don't, you'll regret it.”