He was right, and the bully did not stop until his horse stood directly
in front of that ridden by Belle. Then he came to a halt, and his
companion halted directly behind him.
"I want to pass," growled Link, without so much as raising his hat or
bidding the time of day.
"All right, pass," answered Phil, stiffly. "We are not keeping you."
"You are blocking the trail."
"Can't you pass around the ladies?" questioned Roger.
"I've got as much right on this trail as you," returned the bully,
shooting a dark look at the others. "You needn't think you own
everything!"
"Oh, let us ride to one side and let him pass!" whispered Jessie. "He
may want to fight if we don't!"
"He won't fight with so many against him," answered Dave.
"You are very considerate of the ladies, I must say," said Roger. "We'll
give you half the trail and no more," and he urged his horse a little to
one side and Dave and Phil did the same. The girls moved still further
over, so that Link Merwell might not touch them as he passed.
"Where are you going?" demanded the bully, as he moved slowly forward.
"That is our affair, not yours," answered Dave, sharply.
"You keep off my father's land!"
"We don't intend to go near your land," said Belle, coldly.
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