Page:Edward Ellis--Alden the Pony Express Rider.djvu/43

 got at you, dere wouldn’t anyting been left ’cept a couple of grease spots.”

This boast caused uproarious laughter. Jethro looked around in the faces of the crowd and asked reprovingly:

“What you all laughing at? What’s de matter wid you, Tony Burke? If yo’ doan’ shet up straight off. I’ll frow you down so hard you’ll make a bulge on toder side de yarth.”

This warning was addressed to a lad about the size of Alden. He was a clerk in a St. Joe grocery store, and known to everybody. His merriment was more boisterous than anybody else’s. The instant the threat was uttered, however, his face became sober. He took a step forward.

“Are you talking to me?” he demanded, and an instant hush fell on the bystanders.

“Yas, I is; doan’ you hyar me? Is you deef? You’s getting too sassy. Tone Burke; you need taking down a peg or two, and I'm de gemman dat am gwine to doot.”

“I’m your apple tart; put up your fists.”

“Who said any ting ’bout fists? I was talking ’bout wrastlin’; if your head warn’t so thick you’d understood me.”