lf! He won't do it," said Jennings, calmly.

CHAPTER XIV.

CARL ARRIVES IN MILFORD.

The tramp stopped short, and eyed Carl's small defender, first with
curious surprise, and then with derision.

"Out of my way, you midget!" he cried, "or 'll hurt you."

"Try it!" said the little man, showing no sign of fear.

"Why, you're no bigger than a kid. I can upset you with one finger."

He advanced contemptuously, and laid his hand on the shoulder of the
dwarf. In an instant Jennings had swung his flail-like arms, and before
the tramp understood what was happening he was lying flat on his back,
as much to Carl's amazement as his own.

He leaped to his feet with an execration, and advanced again to the
attack. To be upset by such a pigmy was the height of mortification.

"I'm going to crush you, you mannikin!" he threatened.

Jennings put himself on guard. Like many small men, he was very
powerful, as his broad shoulders and sinewy arms would have made evident
to a teacher of gymnastics. He clearly understood that this opponent was
in deadly earnest, and he put out all the strength which he possessed.
The result was that his large-framed antagonist went down once more,
striking his head with a force that nearly stunned him.

It so happened that at this juncture reinforcements arrived. A sheriff
and his deputy drove up in an open buggy, and, on witnessing the
encounter, halted their carriage and sprang to the ground.

"What is the matter, Mr. Jennings?" asked the sheriff, respectfully, for
the little man was a person of importance in that vicinity.

"That gentleman is trying to extort a forced loan, Mr. Cunningham."

"Ha! a footpad?"

"Yes."

The sheriff sprang to the side of the tramp, who was trying to rise, and
in a trice his wrists were confined by handcuffs.

"I think I know you, Mike Frost," he said. "You are up to your old
tricks. When did you come out of Sing Sing?"

"Three weeks since," answered the tramp, sullenly.

"They want you back there. Come along with me!"

He was assisted into the buggy, and spent that night in the lockup.

"Did he take anything from you, Carl?" asked Mr. Jennings.

"No, sir; but I was in considerable danger. How strong you are!" he
added, admiringly.

"Strength isn't always according to size!" said the little man, quietly.
"Nature gave me a powerful, though small, frame, and I have increased my
strength by gymnastic exercise."

Mr. Jennings did not show the le