Page:The spirit of the leader (IA spiritofleader00heyl).pdf/215

 What he needs is somebody to go over there and tell him that the game is up."

But Merritt's expression showed that the curse of indecision was working its spell upon him. Perry started down the stairs again.

"I'm going after him," he flung back over his shoulder.

Big Jim, leisurely consuming a plate of chocolate ice cream, looked up as Perry pushed open the Candy Kitchen door. He called a startled "Hey, Charlie; get this out of sight."

The soda clerk, busy washing glasses, looked up blankly. "What's that?" he asked.

Then it was too late. Perry was in the store. Big Jim, with an angry shake of his head, helped himself to another spoonful of the chocolate mixture.

"You know the rules," Perry said quietly.

"I know what will happen to you if you try to start anything with me," Big Jim said savagely. The veins were standing out on his neck; but if Perry noticed them he made no sign. Only by the manner in which the nostrils of his thin nose had grown pinched was it evident that he had settled himself to an unswerving purpose.

"You're not worthy of that band on your arm," he said. "I'm going to take it from you."

Nobody heard the door open nor saw Lee