The present visit and sneering words of Gus were somewhat unexpected and Dan suspected that there was more behind them than he was able to see at the present time. His voice did not betray his anger at the contemptuous question of his visitor and without further conversation he quietly prepared to leave the room. “Where you going, Dan?” said Walter. “Don’t hinder little Carlton’s nurse,” laughed Gus. “The poor child may need his bottle. He wants somebody to play with him. Don’t you know that good little boys die young?” “What’s the matter with you, Gus?” demanded Walter, nevertheless laughing at the taunting words of his classmate. “Nothing the matter with me!” declared Gus. “I’m fit. I was never in better form in my life. I wish the game with the Military Academy was to-morrow instead of a week from Saturday. I want a chance to line up against Hackett. Last year he served me a trick that I haven’t forgotten. No one ever does that to me and lives to tell the tale.” As he spoke, the bully looked brutally at Dan, as if there was some vague and implied threat in his words. “You’re enough for any fellow in the school,” laughed Walter. “Am I? Well, you tell your rube roommate that if he can keep his little friend’s mouth shut he’ll be doing him a mighty friendly turn. It will be better for everybody concerned.” “What has he been doing now?” “Setting Mr. Hale after me,” said Gus angrily. “What do you think is the latest?” “I haven’t any idea,” replied Walter. “What is it?” “Hale told me that if any more trouble was made in pretty little Carlton’s room one or two members of the team would be shut out from the games.” “Did he mean you?” “I guess so. If he didn’t, why did he speak to me in that way?” “You know better than I do,” laughed Walter, as Dan looked steadily at their visitor, though he did not speak. “Don’t let me keep you,” continued Gus, looking again at Dan. “Why do you linger so long? If you want to go and play horse or Injun with your little pal, don’t let me prevent you. My only suggestion is that you tell the nice little boy that if he ‘blabs’ on me again he will want to arrange for the coroner. And so will anyone who tries to set him up to such tricks.” Gus’s face flushed an angry red as he spoke directly to Dan, while Walter was looking in wonder first at one boy and then at the other. “The little fellow has a right to protect himself,” said Dan quietly. “‘Protect himself’!” said Gus scornfully. “There isn’t any place in the Tait School for a telltale.” “How much of a place is there for a coward who picks out some little chap who can’t defend himself and spends his time picking on him?” “Do you say I am a coward?” shouted Gus, drawing back his fist threateningly.