oom, and the door was pushed open to admit John Smith. Jack and Nat

y exclaime

s, a game,

" Jack said. "Tell

receipt of his u

third member of the party, when you came

me," John said. "I guess I can ar

e, Colorado,"

ed and loo

with that place, i

better," replied John. "That's where

ntly on account o

it," said Jack. "I see

nver, and at the latter place, you remember, we can go t

Jack exclaimed. "Say, Nat, this couldn't have h

here," p

fellows I'd rather have t

is two frie

t went on. "I'll go to town and mail it

rmission. We've not been caught in any scrapes lat

for the three chums to go to the

only you have had very good records of late." On their way to the village the three chums talked of nothing but the proposed trip. To Nat it was enough excitement to think of merely going west. B

ck. "I hope I can. First I'll have to lo

"I've got enough Indian blood in me to feel cooped up in a house.

office about nine o'clock

said Jack. "Isn't there s

show in town," said John.

cenes thrown on the screene, and were particularly

soon see in reali

street that led toward Washington Hall, Jack saw a dark figure sn

e was following us,"

sight of it reminded him that he had promised Professor Hall to mail it that

ack with it," said Jack

for it, and I don't wa

od friend

d it in his hand to insure that

w some distance ahead of him. "I've got to run back

aid John. "We'

ack on the run. He did not see three figures sneaking

him," whispered one of the youths w

three to one, are you?

Jack Ranger any day," was the answer. "Y

n the meantime the three plotters had walked ahead, taking care not to get too near Nat and John. The latte

at stood on the edge of where there were a numbe

here!" som

Then, as three figures emerged from the s

, Jerry Chowden? Wel

ith you," replied the b

ng to help you, I suppose," said Jack,

don't know who you are, except by name, but I'm not g

u," interrupt

" exclaimed the ot

s he was going to have it out with you, and invited us along. We're not going to take any part, you c

afraid?" deman

em to a

, Jerry Chowden," Jack said, more quietly,

o get even," spoke Jer

a

Jack, as the bully alm

u've given me

do you

ell enough

o fight?" aske

e lad in front of him. Jack stepped quickly back, Jerry ne

ard!" cried J

l, if I must fight I'm going

nd himself. Jerry, nothing loath, closed in, and there in t

ntagonist, he more than made up for it in his quickness and his ability to hit hard. Jerry came up with a rush, and aimed a viciou

ou for that

Jack's fists, which, in the darkness, were hard enough to see at best. A seco

Jerry, in spi

mber of good blows, and Jerry tried his best to get away and deliver some in return.

about to see all they could of it, They kept their word not t

e, on his eye, he felt had done considerable damage. But he more than paid Je

ed. "He's not

called to him, somewhat disgusted

n his eagerness he lowered his guard. Our hero shot out a swift left, and it lan

of him. He held his head in his hands for a while, and then fairly ran up the dark street

ith you yet!" Je

of knowing that I trounced you good and proper," J

across the lots

k! Where

was Jack

ard him as he began to pick u