The slur was so evidently directed at Frank Sherwood and was so wanton and deliberate that Garry's blood boiled. Bill turned around like a flash and approached the group, his eyes blazing. "You're a bunch of curs," he said hotly. "And that goes double," chimed in Garry, at a white heat. An ugly look came into the faces of the young rascals. They were not only three to two, but, with the exception of Chat, were older and heavier than either Bill or Garry. "I'll make you eat those words, Garry Grayson," threatened Sandy Podder. For answer Garry's fist shot out and caught Sandy full in the jaw. CHAPTER XXIII JERRY INTERVENES At the same moment that Garry struck Sandy Podder, Bill tackled Lent Stewart and gave him a blow that sent him staggering. The bullies recovered themselves in a moment, and, with Chat, were about to rush on their opponents when a voice close at hand startled them. "Three to two," said the voice of Jerry Cox, who had come around a corner. "That doesn't seem exactly square. Count me in on this." "You keep out of this, Jerry Cox," snarled Sandy. "It's none of your funeral," growled Lent, sourly. "Seems to me that there'd have been flowers at your funeral, Lent Stewart, if Garry Grayson hadn't saved your life," returned Jerry coolly. "And now here you are trying to beat him up. Nothing doing, Lent. You know I can lick you and perhaps help a bit in licking your pals. So come along if you're ready." But the bullies were not at all ready. What had seemed easy had suddenly become hard. They stood growling and disconcerted for a moment, and then decided to move on. "I'll get square with you yet, Garry Grayson," called back Sandy. "Any time you like," replied Garry quickly. "Put a bit of arnica on that jaw of yours. It sometimes helps." Jerry looked at Garry and Bill with a broad grin. "They're yellow clear through," he remarked. "Didn't like the game at all when the chances were even. What was the trouble, anyway!" "Oh, they made a dirty crack and we came back at them," replied Garry evasively. "It was mighty good of you to pitch in on our side." "I thought they were friends of yours," said Bill, though with less of coldness in his tone than he had previously used in speaking to Jerry. "I've cut 'em out," replied Jerry soberly. "No more of that poolroom gang for me. I was a fool for playing around with them as long as I did. But I've got the right slant on things now and I'm hunting for a real job, and when I get it, you bet I'm going to stick to it." "Anything special in view?" asked Garry cordially. "Not yet," answered Jerry. "But I'm looking for it with both eyes. I need it badly, too, because there's been sickness at home and my father's out of work. Well, so long, fellows, and good luck." He went away with a friendly wave of the hand. Garry and Bill looked at each other. "Seems to have the right stuff in him, after all," admitted Bill.