Page:Fairview Boys and their Rivals.djvu/20

16 place to place on the playground. This was Jed Burr. He was known as the bully of the school, and, except by a few chums of his own kind, was not very well liked.

As a new arrival came upon the playground, he would go up to him and put out his hand as if to welcome him. Just now an innocent-faced little fellow put out his hand in response. Jed seized it, gave the boy a quick jerk, and sent him flat on his face with a great laugh.

Jed spied the three friends as they came up, and hurried towards them.

"Look out, fellows," warned Sammy.

"Oh, we know his tricks," replied Bob.

"You know, when he can't catch a fellow with the handshake," said Sammy, "he runs up to him when he isn't looking and gives him a slap on the back that nearly knocks the breath out of him."

"Yes, and he calls that fun," said Frank.

"I hope he tries it on me," said Sammy, with a chuckle.

"Hello!" said Bob, with a sharp look at Sammy, "what are you up to?"

"Never mind. You just watch me if Jed Burr tries it," said Sammy.

"Why, hello, Frank!" spoke Jed, reaching out his hand.

"Fine, thank you," smiled Frank, and he shook his own hand.

"Yes, Jed, never better," laughed Bob, putting his hand behind him.

Sammy had turned clear around, facing the schoolhouse. Jed saw this, and his eye brightened. He even drew up his coat-sleeve, winked at Frank and Bob, stole up behind Sammy, and, bringing his hand across Sammy's back, gloated out:

"Hello, Sammy Brown—wow! ouch!"