The two yells came almost together.
There was a deep silence.

All eyes were turned upon the master.
"I think Hughie was first," he said, slowly.

A great sigh swept over the school, and then a wave of applause.
The master held up his hand.
"But it was so very nearly a tie, that if Hughie is willing--" "All right, sir," cried Hughie, eager for more fight.
But Thomas, in sullen rage, strode to his seat muttering, "I was just as soon anyway." Every one heard and waited, looking at the master.
"The match is over," said the master, quietly.

Great disappointment showed in every face.
"There is just one thing better than winning, and that is, taking defeat like a man." His voice was grave, and with just a touch of sadness.

The children, sensitive to moods, as is the characteristic of children, felt the touch and sat subdued and silent.
There was no improving of the occasion, but with the same sad gravity the school was dismissed; and the children learned that day one of life's golden lessons--that the man who remains master of himself never knows defeat.
The master stood at the door watching the children go down the slope to the road, and then take their ways north and south, till the forest hid them from his sight.
"Well," he muttered, stretching up his arms and drawing a great breath, "it's over for another week.