CHAPTER XVII

DRUMMOND'S LITTLE SURPRISE--FOR HIMSELF


It didn't happen just that way.

As Drummond swung his cane and brought it down with crushing force, aimed
at the submarine boy's head, Jack wasn't there.

Instead, Benson sprang about two feet to one, side. It would have been
a fearful blow had Jack's head been in the way. As it was, the cane
hit the ground with such force as to be thrown from the Englishman's
hand.

With a growl, the fellow leaped forward and snatched up his stick. Jack
Benson stood leaning carelessly against a tree, in a way that enraged
Drummond all the more.

"I'll show you!" snarled the Englishman. With that he aimed a blow,
sideways, at Benson's head Jack ducked, then dodged out. The cane hit
the tree with a force that jarred the assailant and all but dislocated
his wrist. Again he dropped the stick.

Benson gave a hearty ringing laugh and this enraged the Englishman past
endurance. Then Jack added, "Is that the best you can do?"

"I'll show you!" roared the other, making a leap forward. He charged