other. "Look
a-here, ole man, we-uns don't want sich chaps as you be in the kentry."

"I can easily believe that, but I don't see what you are going to do
about it," answered the storekeeper, still holding the revolver so that
he could cover Bud or any of his friends in a second of time. "I paid
for this property with my own money, and I intend to stay here and enjoy
it; and if any of you dispute my right to do so, I'll make it warm for
you. Now clear out, the whole of you, and don't ever darken my doors
again. I'll not sell you any goods if you come with your pockets full of
cash."

"We-uns will go this time, kase we aint ready to begin business jest
yet," said Bud, reaching out his hand for his rifle, but taking good
care not to point it in Mr. Bailey's direction. "But we'll come agin
when you aint lookin' for us, an' then you will want to watch out. We're
goin' to drive all you babolitionists outen the kentry, as well as them
fellers up to the 'cademy; an' as for that Gray an' Graham boy, who aint
no kin if their names is alike, we're goin'--"

Here Bud was interrupted by a poke in the ribs given by one of his
companions, who did not think it prudent for him to say anything about
his plans, if he had any in mind. But he had already revealed enough to
interest Mr. Bailey, who was a firm friend to both the boys whose names
had been mentioned.

"Those fellows never did you any harm," said he.

"Didn't, hey?" vociferated Bud.

"No, they didn't. They bought quinine right here in this store to cure
your wife and children of the ague when you did not have a cent or
credit, either; and they paid the doctor to go and see them when you
were loafing around, too lazy to do anything but eat. If you fool with
those students you'll get something you won't like. You'll have them all
on you."

"I aint speakin' about them things," shouted Bud, as soon as he could
frame a suitable reply. "They're for the Union, dog-gone 'em. An' didn't
they go an' offer me money to look for that there underground--"

"Haw, haw!" roared the storekeeper, at the same time raising the muzzle
of his revolver to a level with Bud's head, when the latter, almost
overcome with rage, made a motion as if he were about to draw his rifle
to his shoulder. "That underground railroad business was a joke on you,
wasn't it? But you don't want to fool with Rodney and Dick, for if you
do you will get the worst of it. The students will all help them.
Besides, Rod