"Poor fellow!" muttered Dick.

"Yes, with all my heart," agreed Dave. "But the fellow doesn't
want to get any notion that he can go about terrorizing folks
in Gridley!"




CHAPTER V

RIPLEY LEARNS THAT THE PIPER MUST BE PAID


Scammon, however, knew one person in Gridley whom he thought he
could terrorize. He started in promptly to do it.

At three the next afternoon young Scammon loitered under a big,
bare oak on one of the winding, little-traveled streets that led
from Gridley out into the open country beyond.

In summer it was a favorite thoroughfare, especially for young
engaged couples who wanted to loiter along the road, chatting
and picking wild flowers.

In winter, however, the place was usually deserted, being more
than a mile out of the city.

As Tip lingered he caught sight of haughty Fred Ripley coming
down the road at a fast walk. Fred looked both angry and worried.