"That is my business, Baxter, So Josiah Crabtree sent you to
annoy Miss Stanhope."

"It's none of your affair if he did."

"I say it is my affair."

"Do you want to get into another row with me, Dick Rover?" And
Dan Baxter clenched his fists.

"If we fought, the battle would end as it did before -- you would
be knocked out," answered Dick. "You have no right to come here
if these people want you to stay away, and you had better take
yourself off."

"I'll go when I please. You can't make me go -- nor the
Stanhopes neither," growled Dan Baxter.

At these words Dick grew white. Dora, as old readers know, was
his dearest friend, and he could not stand having her spoken of
so rudely. For a moment the two boys glared at each, other; then
Baxter aimed a blow at Dick's face.

The elder Rover ducked and hit out in return, landing upon
Baxter's neck. Dora gave a scream.

"Oh, Dick! Don't fight with him!"

"I won't -- I'll run him out!" panted Dick, and leaping behind
the bully, he caught him by the collar and the back. "Out you