Then the tramps got ready to jump on me and thrash me.

Just as I raised my hands to defend myself this dog came bounding out of the woods and the tramps ran away.

Having no more sense than any other fool dog, the cur pinned me down and held me here." "All day ?" asked his father.
"Yes; I've been a prisoner here for hours," quavered Fred.

"And now these fellows want to make out, before the high school friends of mine," nodding toward the girls, "that I was the thief and destroyer." "That story is straightforward enough," commented the lawyer, turning to the others rather stiffly.

"Do any of you wish to challenge it ?" No one spoke.
"I'll tell you what I wish, father," broke in Fred angrily.