a sudden start of alarm! Eight or ten ruffians were congregated on the corner which he was now approaching. Across the street, in the shadows of the alley leading alongside Barnett's meat shop, he caught a glimpse of as many more.
That was it then! The next corner had been selected as the spot where the Battle of De Lacey Street would be waged! Carter had evidently despatched Puggy and his two lieutenants to attempt the intimidating and ousting of Speedy without a fight. That failing, his strategy called for the entire strength of the Callahan clan to fall upon the obstinate youth at the next corner.
The three Callahan stalwarts now stepped toward Speedy in unison.
"Come on, kid—git off or we throw you off, Fight us and we'll bust you wide open! Last chance. Whaddeya say!"
Speedy's lightning-like reply was to yell "Whoa!" to Nellie, lean far over the dashboard of the car and raise his right hand high over his head and shout, "Looks like rain! Looks like rain!"
The three Callahanites started toward him.
"Come on, Walters, Schultz, Barnett and the rest of you! Come on!" shrieked Speedy. Humanity started to pour from the sidewalks—opposing armies. The battle was on!
Speedy ducked agilely as a fist swung through the air, missing his head by inches. He ducked again as Puggy Callahan flung himself at his waist like a football player attempting a desperate flying tackle. Puggy's closely shaven head hit the hard
