Smack! His fist landed on one side of Fred's face. The latter
staggered, then slipped to the ground.

"There's the car, Dick," uttered Dave, in a low tone. "Put the
girls aboard."

Half a dozen passers-by had already turned and were coming back
to learn the meaning of this encounter. Dick understood how awkward
the situation would be for the girls, so he glided forward, hailed
the car, and led Laura and Belle out to it.

"But I'd rather stay," whispered Belle, in protest. "I want to
make sure that Dave doesn't get into any trouble."

"He won't," Dick promised. "It'll save him annoyance if he knows
you girls are not being stared at by curious rowdies."

Dick quickly helped the girls aboard the car, then nodded to the
conductor to ring the bell. A second later Dick was bounding
back to his chum's side.

Fred Ripley was on his feet, scowling at Dave Darrin. The latter,
though his fists were not up, was plainly in an attitude where
he could quickly defend himself.

"That was an unprovoked assault, you rowdy!" Fred exclaimed wrathfully.

"I'd trust to any committee of _gentlemen_ to exonerate me," Dave
answered coolly. "You acted the rowdy, Ripley, and you'd show