"We'll see about that," grumbled Slugger.
"What I want to talk to you about is another matter," went on Jack, without raising his voice because he did not wish to have any outsider hear. "You took the trouble a while ago to stop at Clearwater Hall and speak to some of the young ladies attending that school."
"Well, what of it? Haven't we got a right to do that if we want to?"
"I guess we can speak to our lady friends any time we feel like it," added Nappy.
"Both of you know very well that none of those young ladies want anything to do with you," continued Jack. "You've had your warning before. Now I want you to leave them alone."
"Huh! you talk as if you were our master," growled Slugger, an ugly look coming into his eyes.
"Never mind how I talk, Brown. You just listen to what I'm saying, and you mind me. If you don't, you'll get into a whole lot of trouble, just as sure as you are born."
By this time Fred had also left the forward car and was standing beside Jack.
"You fellows asked about my sister and about Jack's sister," said Fred. "Why did you do that?"
"I know why you did it," went on Fred quickly. "You did it because you thought you might make some sort of trouble for the girls. I know you! Jack," he continued, turning to his cousin, "I think the best thing we can do is to have them both arrested for that affair on Snowshoe Island."
"You can't bring up those old things--they are past and gone!" cried Nappy Martell, his face showing sudden uneasiness. "Old Barney Stevenson agreed to let the whole matter drop provided he was allowed to remain on the island."
"Oh, he's only bluffing, Nappy," broke in Slugger. "They can't do a thing, and they know it!"
"We can and we will unless you leave all the girls at Clearwater Hall alone," declared Jack stoutly. "Not a one of them wants anything to do with you."
"You can suit yourself about that, Brown. But just you remember this: If you or Martell attempt to do anything in the future to annoy my relatives or any of our girl friends at that school, I'll see to it that you are punished, and punished heavily."
"Say, do you know what I think?" cried Andy, who had come to the rear of the front car. "I think we ought to give them both a good licking."