Evening star., 1932-01-31
81 &{K{S 81 H9Y$ PXGz 13T [R

Of Barries attendance. The words quoted and
others like them were heard on all sides.
Every one was watching the new boy, half curi-
ously, half hoStilely
Barrie started his first day by having a talk
with Prof. Baker, the principal He told him
Just what work he had taken at Bellaire, and
discovered he would have to enter the junior
class, although he really further advanced
than most of its members.
What an ordeal that first day was! Barrie
was unfamiliar with the work, and with the
routine of high school. He sat silent through
all his classes, missing the easy comradeship Of
the academy, looking everywhere for one IA
miliar friendly face. He saw several boys
and girls that he knew by sight, but they made
not attempt to be cordial to him.
IA /HEN classes were over Barrie had to stop
W in the office to arrange about getting .
his books, and SO he was late in leaving the .
building AS he approached the front door,
he had to pass a group of fellows lettering
there. AS he reached them, big boy with q
heavy shock of brown hair accosted him.
Hello, Moreland,' he said How does it
feel to be just one of the common people?"
Barrie paused "Why-it feels all right" he
replied trying to smile. The other boys laughed. |
yeah, I'll bet" he taunted. We'll, it's too
bad your old didn't get away with it."
The color slowly drained from Barrie's face
He took a step forward and faced the other boy,
who lowered half a head above him.
"Just what do you mean by that?" he del
manded his voice as cold ice, but trembling
slightly in spite of his effort to control it.
The other boy, who had been leaning against
the wall Strengthened up, while his companions
seemed to grow tense and eXpectant.
you know what mean, well enough" said
the big boy, his voice ugly. Your father
thought he was smart enough fool this
whole town. but he couldn't get away with it."
you're liar!" Barries voice was like q
knife. With one motion he dropped the books
he was carrying, and swung. His fist, with
all the force of his cold fury behind it, crashed
fun into the big boys chin. He staggered back
against the wall and then, with cry of rage
sprang forward.
DUT he didn't have chance. The boxing
- instructor at Bellaire had been competent,
and Barrie had been an apt pupil for three
years That first blow followed at once
BY two more, well placed and launched with
Barries full power. The big boy took them
both before he could swing his own fists,
and gently crumpled to the floor.
Barrie turned and picked up his books. Then
he faced the group of fellows.
"Get this" he said sharply. II don't care
what you birds think of me- but leave my IA
ther out of it,
The big boy slowly struggled to his feet. As
Barrie opened the door he lunged toward him,
but the other boys held him back
'Iu get you, Moreland!" shouted the big
boy. -"Ill get you for this!"
Barrie closed the door behind him and
slowly walked down the steps. Now that the
crisis was past, he was weak from the force
Of his emotion.
THE hound" he said to himself, through
lips that trembIed. Then he smiled wryly Il
do fla h1a Cta NOV
but I couldn't take that crack about Dad.
Rather a dirty trick for me to hit him before
he had chance to defend himself but he had
it coming. And he's a big brute. I suppose
IN have to fight him again some time, and it
won't be pleasant.
QARRIE had just turned the corner when he
- heard a shout behind him.
'rMoreand! Oh, Moreland!"
Barrie turned. A rather short, slim boy
whose cap failed to hide the color of his red
hair, was running after him. holding something
In his hand. AS Barrie waited, he caught up
SIS this your fountain pen?" asked the red
haired boy. Il think you dropped it back
there"
why, yes, it is" said Barrie gratefully TAX
ing the pen. Thanks lot. IL don't believe
I know you"
"Carmody is the name-Red Carmody, for
reasons that aren't any secret" said the other
boy with a grin. Say, you certainly handed
Goliath a mean pair of haymakerS."
Barries face darkened. "Goliath?" he re-
peated. "Who is he?'
"Who is he?" This red-headed boy chuckled
gleefulIy. why, don't you know you have
just laid low Goliath Thompson, boss of Larks-
burg High School, captain of the basket BAH
team and general hero of the institution?'
(To Be Continued Next Sunday)