human
I say it was a five-dollar gold piece I gave you yesterday by mistake! the older boy was saying.
gpt
I want it back.
human
No, it wasn't, mister, the boy answered.
gpt
It was a cent, nothing but a cent.
human
I know better, you little thief! Give me that gold piece, or I'll call a policeman.
gpt
Why, it's Link Merwell!
human
Are you going to give me my gold piece or not?
gpt
I don't know anything about your gold piece! cried the boy for at least the tenth time.
human
Let me go, please, mister! I ain't no thief!
gpt
I'll twist your little neck off for you!
human
Don't you know better than to hit a little chap like this, Merwell?
gpt
Porter! muttered the western youth, and his face took on a sour look.
human
Say, this ain't none of your affair! he burst out.
gpt
You keep your hands off.
human
Please don't let him hurt me! pleaded the ragged newsboy.
gpt
I didn't do wrong, mister. I ain't seen no gold piece. He gave me a cent yesterday for a newspaper, that's all.
human
He's got a five-dollar gold piece of mine, cried Link Merwell.
gpt
I want it. And what's more, Dave Porter, I want you to keep your nose out of my business!
human
Merwell, answered Dave, as calmly as he could,
gpt
I have no desire to interfere in your business. But I am not going to stand by and see you abuse this boy, or anybody else. I know just the sort you are--a bully.
human
Bah! Just because you had me expelled from Oak Hall you think you can do anything, don't you? Well, just wait till you get out West, that's all! I'll show you a thing or two you won't forget as long as you live!
gpt
Take care that you don't get the worst of it, Merwell. Now let that boy go.
human
Going to help the rascal steal five dollars from me?
gpt
He says he knows nothing of your gold piece and he looks honest to me. Why aren't you more careful of your money?
human
He's got my gold piece and I know it! declared Link Merwell, loudly.
gpt
If he don't pass it over, I'm going to have him arrested.