Bobby Blake on the School Nine; Or, The Champions of the Monatook Lake League

Betty, "it'

d, "and he's as

n. He was older and larger than the rest of the boys gathered on the station platf

ly them, but their quarrels had never yet got to the point of an actual fight.

me necessary. But Ap was a great deal bigger and heavier than he, and just now had the advantage of the whip. So that Bobby's breath came a l

my horse?" demanded Ap, in a

stepping forward a littl

?" cried Ap, at the sam

ed Bobby. "I was trying to hit a r

eve it," snar

believe it or not," answer

f it that way," Ap snapped back. "You hit my h

ke good his threat. Bobby's fis

hip, Ap Plunkit," he warned, "o

rushing forward. "You touch Bob

t!" ejacula

, though lazy and hard to rouse,

al scrimmage could not be avoided, and t

esit

tered sarcastically. "You'

will tackle you," cried Fred hotly, hi

diversion came f

f freckles, a snub nose, a jolly Irish face and a crop of red hair that

arty," cried B

called out the newcomer cheer

ined Bobby. "I hit his horse

ught his whip over to get

fell on the bully, who was beginning to mov

ver rapid

of your size?" he asked scorn

f this," mutter

A Moriarty never keeps out of a scrap when h

e snatched Ap's whip and

flared up i

nefit of those who have not followed the fortunes and adventures of Bobby Blake f

eir hearts were bound up in their son, they had been sensible enough not to spoil him, and he had grow

s very unlikeness, perhaps, which had made them chums. Fred had a hot temper which was constantly getting him into scrapes, and Bobby, who was much cooler and more self-con

to do with Bobby during their absence gave them a good many anxious moments. They finally decided to send him to Rockledge S

hey formed warm friendships, but there were two or three bullies in the school who tried to make their lives burdensome. How they finally defeated these

e imagined. The end of the spring term was near, and Bobby and Fred accepted the invitation of one of their schoolmates, Perry (nicknamed "Pee Wee") Wise, to spend part of the summer vacation on the coast, where Perry's father had a summe

rto Rico, where they wanted Bobby to join them. Bobby was wild to see his parents again, and his joy was increased when Mr. Martin said that he would go too and take Fred along. They expected adventure, but got more than they bargained for, a

nge series of happenings led them at last to the owner. In the meantime, their school life was full of action, culminating in a lively football game where Bobby and Fred helped to defea

, and they had a glorious time, skating, snowshoeing, fishing through the ice and hunting. In turn, they were themselves hunted by a big bear and had a narrow escape. Incidentally they were fortunate enough to rescue and bring back to his right mind a demen

each other, and the rest waited in breathle

e first to fall befor

by Blake yet," he mumbled, s

bring along your whip to he

" added Pat. "You'll be rememberin', Ap Plunkit, that I licked you

sh lad's vicinity. He picked up his whip, went over to the wagon and climbed in. Then he took out his spite by giving his nag a vicious slas

st horrid," declared Betty, wi

obby, "especially before he knew I didn't do it on pu

e," put in Fred, "and it was just like him to bri

Pat, a broad smile covering his jolly face. "I just couldn

our friends, don't you, Pa

the best friends a feller ever had. I'll never forge

othing," put in

rything, an' there isn't a day goes by in

the-spot this morning?" asked Bobby,

n' I dropped everything an' came down here on a dead run to say good-bye and wish you slathers of luck. I guess me mother will be after wonderin'

, Pat," said Bobby, who was genuinel

fellows up at Rockledge that I'd like to see yo

in the thick of it," laughed Pat. "But I'll trust you

n't any of 'em that can make Bobby and Fre

's whistle was heard up the track. "Here it comes.

very long and you'll hear from us every once in a while. An

ed the snow from their clothes. The train had now come in sight, and a minute lat

e four boys scrambled up the steps,

ack of one of them, so that two of them could sit facing the others, and tucked away their belongings in the racks

ady to wave a good-bye, and Betty was ap

Fred," she questioned, the mischief

Fred hastily, as though the

e you don't nee

magnificent gesture of one to whom money

Pat came along and grasped the four han

'll get on the baseball nine this spring and

o do our best,

sorry to have you goin'. It won't seem like t

!" the four sh

Ap while we're gone, be sure

" put in Fred. "Not if Ap s

sh all right,"

at backing out,

ly out of the station. The little party left behind ran alongsid

f the windows, waved and called in return

Bobby, as they settled back in their seats. "You'r

dded hastily, "as far as any girl can be. But don't be wishing too hard for si

w to throw," put in Bobby, wi

mark unworthy of an answer, but