Billy Mac leaped forward and caught his shoulder, twirling him around. “Look out!” roared Bully furiously. “I’ll mash that smart-alec mouth o’ yours, you fool! Go home an’ dress yourself!” “I’d make a better job of it than you’ve done,” retorted Billy, with contempt. Among the gathering array a quick smile passed, with significant looks at the loud attire of the big fellow. This only served to infuriate him the more. It was clear to Chip that Bully was by no means a favorite, though for some reason no voice was lifted against him, save that of Chub Newton. “Go for him, ol-l-ld scout!” Chub shrieked. “You can l-l-lick him easy! He’s got a yel-l-ler streak!” “And you’ve got a yelling streak,” observed Merry, with a laugh. Glaring from his deep-set eyes, Bully stepped toward McQuade. “I guess you need a lesson,” he growled. “You’re gettin’ too all-fired smart around this town, for a pauper.” Billy went white. “I’d sooner be a pauper than the son of a crook,” he snapped. “And I’d sooner be the son of a crook, than a crook myself, Bully!” A murmur of applause went up from the crowd. It was cut short by a roar from the big fellow. “Call me a crook, will you!” With a quick lunge forward, he aimed a vicious blow at Billy Mac. The backstop did not appreciate the compliment, however. Catching the blow on his arm, he took a quick step in, and there was a dull smack. Bully went staggering back. “Yah!” chirruped Chub, in great glee. “I tol-l-ld you! L-l-lam him again!” The big fellow hesitated, with a surprised expression on his face. Evidently concluding that an accident had happened, he rushed at Billy with a shout. “Here’s where you get yours, smart alec!” Billy Mac did not seem at all disturbed over the prospect. He waited the rush quietly, and, as the big fellow drove in another blow, Billy caught the arm. He turned, jerked the other’s wrist over his shoulder, and Bully flew over him into the dust. This brought a shout of applause from the spectators. It was a simple jujutsu trick. Billy Mac had not learned it very adroitly, but he had learned it well enough to spill his adversary head over heels. Bully was unhurt, and was up instantly, brushing at his gay attire. “Got some luck, ain’t you!” he sneered furiously. “Better not try my luck again,” said Billy Mac, with a laugh. Chub Newton let out a shrill yell. “L-l-look at the l-l-loud guy now! Yah! Why don’t you cl-l-laim you stubbed your toe, Bul-l-ly Carson?” Merriwell started. Could it be possible that this fellow was the son of Colonel Carson, of whom Billy Mac had spoken--the baseball player? Yes, he placed the chap now. The features and voice were not unlike those of Colonel Carson. However, he had no time to conjecture further. Bully went at Billy Mac with a second rush, this time exercising more caution. McQuade had to depend entirely on his quickness, and proved that it was quite dependable.