"This man will take my money
and beat me, too."
As if in reply to his fervent prayer the small
figure of Mr. Jennings appeared suddenly,
rounding a curve in the road.
"Save me, save me, Mr. Jennings!" cried Carl,
running up to the little man for protection.
"What is the matter? Who is this fellow?"
asked Mr. Jennings, in a deep voice for so
small a man.
"That tramp wants to rob me."
"Don't trouble yourself! He won't do it,"
said Jennings, calmly.
CHAPTER XIV.
CARL ARRIVES IN MILFORD.
The tramp stopped short, and eyed Carl's small defender,
first with curious surprise, and then with derision.
"Out of my way, you midget!" he cried, "or 'll hurt you."
"Try it!" said the little man, showing no sign of fear.
"Why, you're no bigger than a kid. I can upset you
with one finger."
He advanced contemptuously, and laid his
hand on the shoulder of the dwarf. In an
instant Jennings had swung his flail-like arms,
and before the tramp understood what was
happening he was lying flat on his back, as
much to Carl's amazement as his own.
He leaped to his feet with an execration,
and advanced again to the attack. To be upset
by such a pigmy was the height of mortification.
"I'm going to crush you, you mannikin!"
he threatened.
Jennings put himself on guard. Like many
small men, he was very powerful, as his broad
shoulders and sinewy arms would have made
evident to a teacher of gymnastics. He clearly
understood that this opponent was in deadly
earnest, and he put out all the strength which
he possessed.
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