isted
band, with a black stone set in it."

"And you want me to obtain that ring and give it to you?"

"Yes."

"For which I am to receive twenty-five dollars?"

"Yes. What is your answer?"

"This is my answer!"

Like a flash, Hodge struck out straight from the shoulder, and his fist
caught Snell between the eyes.

CHAPTER XXXII.

SNELL'S HATRED.

Smack!

The blow sounded sharp and clear, and Snell quickly found himself
stretched on the gravel walk. He looked up in a dazed way, to see
Hodge standing near at hand, regarding him with withering scorn.

"You'll pay dearly for this!" gasped Snell, lifting himself to his
elbow and glaring at Bart.

"All right," was the hot retort. "I am willing to pay for it. You may
have taken me for a thief, but I rather think you have discovered your
mistake."

"You weren't so honest once on a time, not so very long----"

"What's that?" cried Bart, taking a threatening step toward the fellow.
"I was never a thief, no matter what my other failings may have been;
and if you dare insinuate such a thing, I will ram the words down your
throat!"

"That's all right--that's all right!" muttered Wat, scrambling up and
getting out of reach. "I will report this assault."

"Report it, and be hanged! The fellows in this academy admire a
tattler! You will have a very pleasant time if you report it!"

"It was seen. Somebody will tell Professor Gunn."

"Perhaps so; but it isn't best that you are the one."

"I'll--I'll get even!"

"Go ahead. I'd like the satisfaction of fighting you to a finish."

"I will not fight with my fists," blustered Wat, trying to appear very
fierce. "There are more deadly weapons."

"Name any weapon you choose. I will be only too glad to meet you. I
am a good pistol shot, and Professor Rhynas says I handle the foils
fairly well."

"Oh, you're a regular ruffian!" cried Snell, his chin beginning to
quiver and his voice choking with anger that brought tears to his eyes.
"I will not fight you in any way! I do not pretend to be a match for a
ruffian of your sort. But I will get square just the same."

"I presume you will try to square the account in some sneaking manner.
Well, I warn you now and here that it will not be healthy if you try
any dirty tricks on me. If anything underhand happens to me, I'll know
who was the originator of it, and I'll settle with you. That is
business!"

With this, Bart turned to walk away, noting that