two girls.

"What's the matter?" returned Slugger Brown, and then turned around to
follow his crony's gaze. "What do you know about that? I didn't know
they were in such a hurry to get to the diner, did you?"

"I knew they would most likely want to eat," answered Nappy.

The newcomers winked at each other, and then, while they were waiting
to be served, Nappy began to stare boldly at Martha. But she refused
to look at him, confining her attention to her plate and to Mary and
the twins.

Fred could no longer see the unworthy pair, as they were behind him.
But Jack, looking over his cousin's shoulder, got a good view of how
Martell was staring at his sister, and he also saw how uncomfortable
this was making Martha. He waited a minute or two longer, hoping that
Nappy would desist. But then, as the dudish young man continued to
gaze at the girl, trying his best to catch her eye, he whispered
something to Fred, and then rose to his feet.

"All right, Jack, I'm with you if you want any help," returned Fred
promptly.

Without hesitation, Jack approached the table at which Brown and
Martell sat eating their soup, and placed himself close to the
latter's side.

"Now listen to me, Nappy Martell," he said in a low but distinct
voice, meant only for the dudish youth. "You keep your eyes to
yourself and leave my sister and my cousin alone. If you don't, I'll
smash you one in the face that will put you in the hospital. Now
remember--I won't give you another warning!" And having thus spoken,
Jack turned on his heel and went back to his own table.

Nappy Martell flushed up and an angry retort arose to his lips. Then,
however, he became pale and not a word escaped him.

"What was that he said, Nappy?" demanded Slugger in a whisper.

"I--I'll tell you afterwards," stammered Martell. "He's mighty
fresh--that fellow!"

"Did he threaten you?"

"I guess he wants to start a row," grumbled Nappy. "But I don't want
any fight in front of those girls."

"Those Rovers are getting too fresh to live," was Slugger's comment.
"Some day we'll have to get after 'em and polish 'em off."

"We can't get after 'em any too quick to suit me," answered his crony.

After that Nappy confined his gaze to his chum and to the lunch set
before him. Never once did he allow his eyes to rove over to the table
opposite. Jack had spoken with an intensity that showed his
earnestness, and for once Nappy Martell was completely subdued.

"Those Rovers ar