Frank Merriwell's Pursuit, page 79 by Burt L. Standish
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me boy!" he cried. "But you're due to find out that you don't know near as much as you think you do. This poor boy has a claim to property you are holding and working, and as true as me name is Bantry Hagan, I'll see that he gets his rights!"
"Go ahead," said Frank quietly. "It's not the boy you are looking after; it's Hagan, and I can give you my opinion of Hagan in a very few words. From his toes to the hair on his head he is a thoroughbred rascal."
"Your talk is very bold, but you'll come down before we are done with you," snarled the Irishman, in exasperation. "I'll bring you to your knees and have you begging."
"I have no fear of that. You have taken up altogether too much of our time. Will you have the decency to retire and let us go on with our business!"
It was not a request; it was a command.
Hagan's belligerent nature was aroused, and it seemed that he was inclined to remain and create further annoyance. From Frank he turned to the others.
"Gentlemen," he cried, "you have heard our claim and you have seen the document by which we propose to back it up. If you know anything of Bantry Hagan, you know he enjoys a good fight and he sticks to a thing to the bitter end. I propose to stick to this thing. In the end this boy will secure his rights, and Merriwell will not hold one inch of property in Mexico. But let me give you warning that if you attempt to build that railroad you will find yourselves involved in a matter that will cost you more money than you can count in a week. In the end you will meet disaster. Before you go any further, either you or Merriwell must settle with Felipe Jalisco."
Then he stepped toward the Mexican lad, on whose shoulder he placed a hand, observing:
"You have heard, Felipe; the man who is usurping your rights refuses to do you justice, and proposes to continue robbing you."
The black eyes of the boy flashed.
"I will have my rights!" he exclaimed, in good English. "Either he shall pay me or he shal