The former bully of Oak Hall looked haggard, as if his dissipation in Chicago and elsewhere had done him much harm. His eyes were heavy as he stood and stared about him. Hank Snogger had gone forward, to care for the mail from the Merwell ranch. "Hello, you here!" cried Link, stepping forward and confronting Dave. "I am," was the cool answer. "Got here ahead of me, eh?" "So it would seem." "Going to make a spread out here, I suppose," went on Link, with a sneer. "Paint the plains red, and all that." "I came for a good time, but I don't intend to paint anything red." "Bah, I know you, Dave Porter! You want to crow over everybody, no matter where you go. But you'll find things are different out here from what they were at Oak Hall," added the bully, significantly. "You can't pull the wool over people's eyes here like you did there." "I have no more intention of pulling wool than I have of painting anything red," answered Dave, as calmly as before. He could see that Link was in a bad humor and spoiling for a fight. "I said I was going to get square with you, and I am," continued the bully, loudly. "You keep your distance, Link Merwell," answered Dave, and now his tone was sharper. "Don't forget what I did at Oak Hall. If you want another thrashing like that I can give it to you." "Get out! Don't you talk to me!" howled Link. "You attacked me when I was sick!" He spoke in a loud voice, for the benefit of the cowboys and others who were gathering around. The train had started away and was soon out of sight among the hills. "You were as well as you ever were," answered Dave. "What's the row, Link?" asked Hank Snogger, as he pushed his way to the front. "Here's a fellow used to go to school with me. I've got it in for him, and I've a good mind to give him a thrashing." "You put your hand on me, and you'll take the consequences," said Dave. "I didn't come here to fight, but I can defend myself." "You don't want to fight, do you, Dave?" asked Sid Todd, in a low voice. To him it looked as if the Crumville lad might be no match for Merwell, who was larger and heavier. "I am not afraid, Todd. I thrashed him once and I can do it again--if I have to." "You licked him?" "Yes." "With your fists?" "Yes." "Where?" "At school. He played a dirty trick on me and some others, and I wouldn't stand for it." "You shut your mouth!" roared Link Merwell, and without warning he rushed forward and struck Dave a blow in the chest that sent the Crumville youth staggering against Mr. Hooper. "Wait! wait! This won't do!" said the ranchman. "If you are going to fight, fight fair," put in Sid Todd. "Now don't you butt in here, Sid!" growled Hank Snogger, with an ugly look at the other cowboy. "I'll see fair play," answered Todd, sharply, and he elbowed his way between Snogger and Dave.