n't believe that he would plot against me that far," declared
Ralph.

"A malicious enemy will do anything to reach his ends," said Clark.
"Doesn't he want you knocked out? Doesn't he want your place? What
would suit his plans better than to have you so mauled and battered,
that you couldn't show up for the return trip to Stanley Junction this
afternoon? Are you going past that crowd?"

"I certainly shall not show the white feather by going out of my way,"
replied Ralph.

"Well, if that's your disposition, I'm at your call if they tackle
us," announced Clark.

They proceeded down the street, and Ralph as they advanced had a good
view of the crowd, which, according to the views of his companion,
was laying in wait for him. There were about fifteen of them, ranging
from selfish-faced lads of ten or so up to big, hulking fellows of
twenty. They represented the average city gang of idlers and hoodlums.
They were hanging around the entrance to the alley as if waiting for
some mischief to turn up. Ralph noticed a rustling among them as he
was observed. They grouped together. He fancied one or two of them
pointed at him, but there was no further indication of belligerent
attention as he and Clark approached nearer to the crowd.

"I fancy Billy Bouncer, whoever he is, hasn't arrived yet," observed
Clark.

Just then one of the mob set up a shout.

"Hi there, Wheels!" he hailed, and some additional jeers went up from
his fellows. Their attention seemed directed across the street, and
Ralph and Clark glanced thither.

CHAPTER V

AT BAY

A queer-looking boy about eighteen years of age was proceeding slowly
down the pavement. He was stockily built, and had an unusually massive
head and great broad shoulders. He was a boy who would be remarked
about almost anywhere. His hair was long, and this gave him a somewhat
leonine aspect.

The hat of this boy was pushed far back on his head, and his eyes were
fixed and his attention apparently deeply absorbed upon an object he
held in his hand. This was a thin wooden rod with two cardboard wheels
attached to it. These he would blow, causing them to revolve rapidly.
Then he would study their gyrations critically, wait till they had run
down, and then repeat the maneuver.

His side coat pockets were bulging, one with a lot of papers. From the
other protruded what seemed to be a part of a toy, or some real
mechanical device having also wheels in its construction.

"Well,