Then the boy went into the little room which his father called his study, where he used to read the papers, to follow the doings of the British armies in the field, and above all to smoke his pipe in quiet.

He laughed as Ned entered.
"You look like a wounded hero, indeed, Ned.

Now sit down, my boy, and tell me about this business; not, you know, that I have any objection to your fighting when it's necessary.

My experience is that it is the nature of boys to fight, and it is no use trying to alter boys' nature.
As I have always told you, don't get into a fight if you can help it; but, if you once begin, fight it out like a man." "Well, I couldn't help it this time, father, and I will tell you all about it.

I promised not to tell; but what was meant by that was that I should not tell any one who would do anything about it; and as I know you won't, why, of course I can tell you." "I don't know what you mean in the least, Ned; a promise, whatever it is about, is a promise." "I know, father, but all that was meant in my case was that I would say nothing which would cause injury to those to whom I promised; and it will do them no injury whatever by telling you in confidence.