The big fellow landed in the dust, came to his feet, flung off the robe, and emerged, spluttering with rage.
“What’s this mean!” he exclaimed hotly. “I’ll have you dubs pinched fer this!”
“No, you won’t, Bully. You’re liable to get pinched yourself for what took place last night. Where’s Chip Merriwell?”
“How do I know?” demanded Carson, working himself up into a rage. “You’d better clear out, and do it quick, or I’ll smash your carrot head in about----”
“No more of that talk,” said Clancy. “You’re a coward, my friend. If you try fighting, you’ll get the worst of it by a good deal. Where’s Chip Merriwell?”
Clancy gave no sign of his inward perturbation. He had conducted this assault absolutely without evidence, and on a momentary impulse. If he failed to extract any information, he was apt to find himself up against the law.
“I don’t know anythin’ about him,” said Carson sullenly.
“Don’t lie,” said Clancy angrily. “You sent him a fake telegram that got him over to Orton this morning. Where is he?”
“How’d you know that----” he began, then checked himself and tried to bluster it off. “You’re crazy, you boobs! I ain’t seen the feller----”
“You make me sick,” said Clancy, with renewed self-confidence. “You gave yourself away right there, Bully. Now come across, or take the consequences.”
Carson glared at him out of his one good optic.
“I’ll show you!” he bellowed. “You ain’t a-goin’ to get clear with this kind o’ doin’s around here----”
And turning swiftly, he shoved Billy Mac aside and made a break down the road. Clancy grinned inwardly. Carson was not only scared, but he was extremely anxious to get away.
Clancy caught the big fellow within fifty feet. Carson showed fight, but the red-haired chap decided to waste no further time. Catching the arm of Carson, he twisted it behind the other’s back, and had him at his mercy.
“Take his arm, Billy,” he commanded. “Put him into the machine and keep him quiet. If he yells for help, twist his arm and it’ll break just below the elbow.”
“Hey, what you fellers tryin’ to do?” he whimpered. “Ouch! I’ll go along--don’t twist that arm, Billy! We allus been friends, ain’t we?”
“Not much,” retorted Billy Mac, with unconcealed contempt. “I always knew you were a coward, Bully, but I thought you’d show a little fight! Get along with you.”