Los Angeles herald., 1907-06-16

his measure" He looked like an inoffen-
sive boy, and doubtless they considered him
Oh no account in the affair before them.
Bryan passed the two young roughs, and
placed himself by the side Of the gentlemanly'
yictim OF the conspiracy. Money looked at
hlm. Bryan was not a very formidable
looking boy, and possibly the lad in peril did
not consider that his side was much strength.
showed what he meant by taking a place at
his side, but he looked as peaceabe as a
lamb, vastly more SO than the Lamb in front
of them.
Come, Money, we will go over to your
house, if you like" said Bryan, taking his
new new companion by, the arm. You offered
iarr terms, and | think your father had bet
ter settle this case for you"
angrily.
And doubtless his anger was real this time,
Tor he was not pleased to see the victim sup
ported by any one, even so insignificant
fellow as Bryan seemed to be to them.
am Bryan Braslock, at your SERVICE"
repned p Bryan, with the utmost good nature.
This amt none of your kettle of fish,
OBren Brasshead," growled Lamb.
II don't intend to meddle with the kettle
OF tish. but 1 should like to see Moneys faith
with him.
...RBpt do object, protested Lamb
Ihen 1 shall walk home with him if you
ued Bryan, as he led his companion toward
Marlborough street
II object, tool interposed Ralph Roman
"AH right! That makes two that object"
laughed Bryan.
At this moment Lamb Stryker threw him.
self upon Money, while Ralph pitched into"
Bryan. Mr.. Roman was not long in finding
that he had made serious mistake, however,
for the next instant he measured his length
upon the frozen ground.
There was sharp struggle between Money
and Lamb. The latter did not use his fists,
but tried to wrench the skates from the
grasp of the boy The rough was on the
point OF succeeding when Bryan took Lamb
by the collar and dragged him away from his
prey. He gave the assailant an artistic whirl
and the rough tumbled over seat near him.
Ii there ever was ruffian who was par
ticularly mad, furious and desperate, that one
was Lamb Stryker. He picked himself up
with the greatest haste; but he was wholly
unwilling to accept the result of the conflict
at this stage of the proceedings.
"If you want to fight, come on!" how1ed
Lamb, boiling over with rage, as he put him
self into the attitude of scientific boxer
fiourshing his fists, and siding up to his in
tended victim.
n II don't want to fight. never do anything
arm of Money again, and walked off with him.
Lamb weakly interpreted this action as an
evidence of cowardice, and followed up his pre-
sumptuous opponent
Bryan qufckened his pace; but he soon
found that Lamb was dead in earnest, and he
was compelled to face about in order to de-
fend himself.
The bully assumed his attitude again as
soon as Bryan showed his front. He rushed
upon the latter, trying to "plant left-hander"
in his face.
For the first time Bryan doubled up his
fists. They SPARED not more than three sec
onds before Bryan struck a blow that "knock-
ed out his antagonist. He went over on his
back as though he had been shot.
About this time Ralph saw the necessity OF
supporting his principal, and he made an
assault on Money.
The boy was not a poltroon, and he stood
his ground. But when Ralph saw his fellow
rough go under, he lost heart, and began his
retreat.
''We need not stop for any more" said
Bryan, taking his companions arm again. II
they do, shall not be far off. =
I want you to see my father, for l am not
50 sure those fellows have seen the end Of
this thing"
81 am going down Marlborough street" re-
piled Bryan, as he walked off with Money.
Come back, and we will finish this busi-
ness"
But Bryan took no notice Of the call.
A few minutes later they reached the house
Of Moneys father. That gentleman was just
coming down. the front steps.
1t was the very person of whom Bryan was
in search.
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