And disputes between countries are even now, almost without exception, settled by an appeal to arms.

Perhaps the thought is that "he is thrice armed that hath his quarrel just." Sometimes when one of the boys is too small to fight for his rights, another boy will take his part and fight in his stead.

Similarly, in the Trial by Battle, the parties could fight personally or by "champion." Interesting accounts of this mode of trial are given by Green and Blackstone, and in Scott's "Talisman." Arbitration .-- Two boys who have a difference may "leave it to" some other boy in whom they both have confidence.

And men did and do settle disputes in a similar way.

They call it settlement by Arbitration.
A boy would hardly refer a matter for decision to his little brother.