Dave's look was so truly awful that the bully of Oak Hall actually shivered. He wanted to say something biting and sarcastic, but the words died on his lips.
"You—you—let go of me!" he faltered. "Let go!"
"I'm half of a mind to—to—strangle you!" returned Dave, and his grip did not lessen in the least. "You're a—a—I don't know what to call you."
"Let go!" and now Gus Plum began to struggle.
"Don't fight here," cried Phil, touching Dave on the shoulder. "If you do, you'll get yourself into trouble."
"But, Phil——" The words came almost pleadingly. Dave looked at his chum keenly, as if to read his innermost thoughts.
"I know—and I agree with you—Gus Plum is a brute, and Macklin is a snipe not worth considering. But don't have it out here."
"All right, I'll take your advice," said Dave, and he gave the bully of Oak Hall a shove that landed him flat on his back. It took Plum but a moment to scramble to his feet.
"I'll show you!" he roared, squaring off. "I'll show you!"
"A fight! A fight!" was the shout.
"Now you'll see Gus polish off the poorhouse
