"I hope she'll buy a lot of books of us at as good prices." He came now to the corner of the Wells estate, the grounds of which were some eighty acres in extent.

He passed the corner and ran along toward two great elms that grew just inside the trim wall.
Just as he reached these elms two figures started up from behind the wall beyond.

The same two figures leaped over the wall, confronting the Grammar School boy.
"Howdy, Prescott," called Bert Dodge, with a mocking grin.
"We were just saying that we'd rather see you than any one else on earth," leered Fred Ripley, as he stepped in the Grammar School boy's path.
"I haven't any time to waste on you two just now," Prescott answered coldly, trying to step around the pair.
"Then you'll take the time," scoffed Bert, reaching out to seize Dick by the shoulder.
Fred Ripley aimed an unexpected blow that sent the lad to earth and the book flying several feet beyond..