Rod of the Lone Patrol

of the little lad walking the whole of that distance when he was but six. He had lost nothing, however, by not attending before. In fact he had gained

ere around, Sammie was very quiet. But when they were not present he tyrannised over the little ones to such an extent that existence, especially during the dinn

d severely discussed at his home almost every day as far back as he could remember. Here, then, was a lawfu

by every one except the Royals. Rod bore these attacks and insulting remarks as well as he could, and refrained from open hostility. But what Sam

ere was a new look of determination in his eyes, and he trudged along the road with head he

divined Rod's purpose is hard to say. Anyway, he devoted his attentio

he hesitated and went on with his play. But when at length one little girl began to scream with pain, he could contro

t any one would dare to be so bold with him. He then g

r meddlin'," he cried.

e he could raise a hand he received two black eyes, while his nose began to bleed profusely. With a howl of pain and rage, he tried to defend himself, but he could do nothing a

f their attention. In fact, he became quite a hero for the remainder of the day, while the defeated bully, with black eyes, and swollen nose, sat sullenly in his seat, keeping

hting, especially with Sammie Dunker. And, besides, if he told he would have to explain what had led him into the affray, and he did not wish to tell that

he had the feeling of a soldier, with nerves high strung going into battle; now he was the victor, with the danger past and trouble

and as he caught sight of the little boy ahead, a scowl overspread his heavy face. Sammie had given his version of the fight in which Rod was entirely in the

es' heads were abreast of him, Tom drew them sharply to the l

nervous animals that they leaped quickly forward, and swerved to the right, thus bringing the hind wheel of the wagon against the sharp ends of a pile o

then wild with rage, he turned upon the innocent

o the wagon, his eyes flaming with indignation.

r, an' should be in the Poor House, instead of livin' with decent people. Ye don't know who yer fa

his cheeks, and his face grew very white. Then his small brow

houted. "How da

nly cut the air with a swish. It circled Rod's shoulders, sharply f

was Captain Josh who had been an interested spectator of all that had taken place. His eyes gleamed with a dange

, coming between Rod a

trike a little

urpose, an' then sassed m

hand upon the top of the side-board, and shook it vehemently.

osh Britt? It ain't your funeral, is it?

d yer way. I saw ye pull yer horses over to scare him, and when he spoke up to

en, ye old fool," and once mor

Josh reached up, caught Tom by the arm, and in a twinkling brought him sprawling upon the side of the road. With an ugly oath, the teamster tried to regain his feet, but he was helpl

st the subjection of Tom Dunker. To them Captain Josh paid no heed, but stood glowering over his

up!" he

leaned forward, caught him once more in h

e wobbly-kneed

m wailed. "If there's B-b-bri

rip upon ye fer tryin' to kill a harmless boy. But I'll do it instead. I'll be the British justice, judge, lawyers, jury, and th

d Captain Josh. Such a thing didn't happen every day, and they could well afford to lose any amount of time to see the fun. But it was far from fun for the victim of their sport. He made one more effort to assert hi

ke of you till ye do what I say. Yer son got settled yesterday fer actin' the

nt me to say?

apology. Tell the boy that ye're sorry, and th

ace. At first he could not understand the meaning of the captain's word

t him to do

o what?" exclaimed t

n't want him to

not,

e he i

ye know

rry for anything, you wouldn't have to make

sly waiting to see what would follow. Even Captain Josh, always so ready wit

"What d'ye want me to do with him, then?"

ly replied, "He doesn't

him to do i

nd git out of this. When ye say yer prayers to-night-that is, if ye say them, whic

d started for home, while the on-lookers went b