Page 106 - In A New World

CHAPTER XIX.

A RUFFIAN FOILED.

Harry and Jack were brave boys, and not easily daunted, but the attitude of
the stranger was so menacing, and his frame so indicative of strength, that

they were both alarmed. Had their need of the provisions been less urgent
they would have surrendered them without a struggle, but they felt that it

was a question possibly of continued life or starvation, and this inspired
them to resistance.

Holding the basket in his hand, Harry retreated behind a tree, and began to
parley.

"You are asking too much," he said. "We have given you a meal. We need
the rest for ourselves."

"No palavering, boy!" said the tramp roughly. "I need it more than you do.

Give it to me, or I will kill you."

"If I only had some weapon," thought Harry.

While he was hesitating, the tramp with a quick movement sprang to where

he stood, clutched him by the collar, and flinging him on his back put his
knee on his breast, saying between his closed teeth, "Now I will kill you,
young jackanapes! I'll teach you to interfere with me."

Poor Harry thought his last moment had come. He was powerless against

his enemy, whose wild rage, shown in his distorted features, seemed
capable of anything. His sole helper was Jack, who flung himself on the
giant, and sought with his boyish strength to pull him away, but in vain.

"I'll choke the life out of you, you young beast!" exclaimed the tramp,

preparing to clutch Harry by the throat. The moment was a critical one for
the poor boy, whose career came near ending then and there.