"Here, let that man alone!" he cried, as he picked up a fence
picket which happened to lie handy. "Leave him alone, I say!"

"The Old Nick take the luck!" muttered one of the other men.
"Who's this?"

"Help! Help!" cried Castor.

"Let him alone, I say!" repeated Dick, and then struck at one of
the men and hit him on the arm.

Seeing himself thus re-enforced, Castor also struck out, and
continued to call for help.

"We might as well give it up, Fusty!" cried one of the rascals,
and took to his heels, and then there was nothing to do for the
other man but to follow him.

"Are you hurt?" asked Dick as he helped the man who had been
assaulted to his feet.

"Not much," was the slow reply. "Young man, you came in time and
no more."

"Do you know those fellows who just ran away?"

"I met them at the circus this afternoon. We had several drinks
and they became very friendly. I believe they were after my
money."