CHAPTER IX
DAVE TALKS TO THE POINT
It was not long before Blodgett and Volney put in an appearance. They had had several glasses of liquor at the tavern, and walked along as if very well satisfied with themselves.
"So you are here," said Blodgett, striding up to Gus Plum and holding out his hand. "Shake, my boy!"
"I don't care to shake hands with you," replied the former bully of Oak Hall.
"Oh, so that's your lay, is it?" sneered the man. "Very well—but I thought you were a better loser."
"Let us have this meeting over as soon as possible," put in Volney. "Have you got the money?"
Instead of replying. Plum looked at Dave, and then for the first time the two sharpers noticed that the lad they had come to meet was not alone.
"Who's your friend? Thought you'd come alone," said Blodgett, somewhat roughly.
"I believe your name is Blodgett," remarked Dave, drawing himself up and looking as business-like as possible.
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