will tell you."

"Tell ahead."

"Because you're a thief."

"If you say that again, I'll lick you," said Mike, reddening with anger.

"It's true. You stole my basket of candy the other day, and that isn't
the only time you've been caught stealing."

"I'll give you the worst licking you ever had. Do you want to fight?"
said Mike, flourishing his fist.

"No, I don't," said Paul. "Some time when I haven't a bundle, I'll
accommodate you."

"You're a coward!" sneered Mike, gaining courage as he saw Paul was not
disposed for an encounter.

"I don't think I am," said Paul, coolly.

"I'll hold your shirt," said Mike's companion, with a grin, "if you want
to fight."

Paul, however, did not care to intrust the shirt to a stranger of so
unprepossessing an appearance.

He, therefore, attempted to pass on. But Mike, encouraged by his
reluctance, stepped up and shook his fist within an inch of Paul's nose,