CHAPTER XXVII.
A LOSS AND A GAIN.
Dr.Small, silent, attentive, assiduous Dr.Small, set himself to work to bind up the wounded heart of Bud Means, even as he had bound up his broken arm.

The flattery of his fine eyes, which looked at Bud's muscles so admiringly, which gave attention to his lightest remark, was not lost on the young Flat Creek Hercules.

Outwardly at least Pete Jones showed no inclination to revenge himself on Bud.

Was it respect for muscle, or was it the influence of Small?
At any rate, the concentrated extract of the resentment of Pete Jones and his clique was now ready to empty itself upon the head of Hartsook.

And Ralph found himself in his dire extremity without even the support of Bud, whose good resolutions seemed to give way all at once.