t was difficult for
Dick to breathe.

"Dey didn't have no prize-fight, an' dat robbery picture was rotten,"
declared Jimmy when the performance was over, and the two boys made
their way out. "I ain't comin' here no more."

"I don't believe I will either," declared Dick with a cough.

"Don't youse like it?"

"Oh, yes, some of the pictures were very interesting, but I could
hardly breathe on account of the smoke."

"Oh, youse'll git used t' dat," declared Jimmy. "If youse took a
cigarette yerself youse wouldn't mind it."

"I'm afraid that wouldn't make much difference. But it's nice out
here."

"Wait till I see if I kin spot Mike," proposed Jimmy, and they took
their position near the doorway. Soon Bulldog and his crony came out.

"Hey, Conroy," began Jimmy, stepping up to the larger youth. "What'd
youse do wid me money?"

"Your money? What's de kid talkin' about?" and Mike turned to Bulldog.

"Search me," was the answer. "Hit him a poke an' come on."

"You hit me an' I'll tell dat cop over dere," threatened Jimmy,
motioning toward a bluecoat. "Youse swiped some chink offen me, Mike,
an' I want it."

"Aw, fergit it," advised the other. "Who says I took any of your
money? You never had any."

"I had more'n a dollar an' a half when I was here t' de show last time,
an' youse an' Bulldog sat behind me. When I come out I didn't have a
red cent left."

"An' youse t'ink I took it!" exclaimed Mike. "Say, youse has nerve,
youse has."

"Gimme de money," demanded Jimmy.

"I'll give ye a poke in de ribs if ye bodders me any more!" cried
Conroy, making a dart toward Jimmy as he saw that the policeman was
moving away.

"Aw, who's afraid of youse?" asked Jimmy boldly, but he looked to see
if a way of retreat was clear. The instant his head was turned Mike
made a rush for him and hit Jimmy in the face. Then before the boy
could strike back at him Conroy had dodged away and was off down the
street, running, while Bulldog Smouder followed. Mike was not going to
risk remaining after hitting Jimmy when there was a policeman within
call.

"Did he hurt you much?" asked Dick sympathetically.

"Naw," bravely replied Jimmy. "Wait till I git him off alone somewhere
an' I'll have a try at lickin' him. I'll practice up an' see if I
can't do him."

Then to console his wounded spirit, as well as to forget the pain of
the blow, for it had been a hard one, Jimmy lighted another cigarette.

CHAPTER XI