you over to the authorities and see that you go to jail."

"If you think you can do that, Porter, you've got another guess
coming. You clear out and let me alone or I'll make it hot for you;"
and Ward Porton shook his fist in Dave's face.

The manner of the young man who had been obtaining goods in Dave's
name was so aggressive that many a youth would have been intimidated
and inclined to withdraw. But that was not our hero's way. He was
righteously indignant, not only because of what the rascal before him
had done, but also because of his present threat. Without more ado he
seized hold of Porton's upraised arm and backed the fellow against a
tree.

[Illustration: HE SEIZED PORTON'S UPRAISED ARM AND BACKED THE FELLOW
AGAINST A TREE.--_Page 70._]

"Now, you just listen to me," he said sternly. "Your bluff and bluster
won't do you any good. I am going to hand you over to the authorities,
and that is all there is to it. You've got to behave yourself and
stop threatening me, or I'll give you something that you won't want."

"You imp, you! Let go of me!" roared Porton, and, bringing around his
disengaged hand, he struck Dave a glancing blow on the chin.

If anything more was needed to arouse our hero's just ire, this blow
proved more than sufficient. As much anger as he had ever felt in his
life surged up in Dave's heart. He drew back, letting go his hold--and
the next instant his fist shot out and landed straight on Ward
Porton's nose.

"Ouch!" spluttered the former moving-picture actor, and not without
reason, for the stinging blow our hero had delivered not only hurt
exceedingly, but also caused the blood to flow.

"Now will you behave yourself and come with me, or do you want some
more?" demanded Dave.

"I'll fix you for that! Just wait!" bellowed Porton; and then he made
a savage rush at our hero.

The next instant they were locked in each other's arms and swaying
from side to side, each doing his utmost to gain the mastery.

CHAPTER VIII

THE BASSWOOD FORTUNE

Over and over in the snow of the woods rolled Dave and Porton, first
one being on top and then the other. Each was encumbered by his heavy
overcoat and his gloves, so that to send in a decisive blow was
practically impossible.

The former moving-picture actor fought desperately, for he had no
desire to go to jail, and he realized that Dave meant to send him to
such a place if he could possibly accomplish it.

Dave, on his part, was ang