It was the safe place for the battle that revived itself under Martin's eyelids.

He saw the two gangs, aggressive and sullen, rigidly keeping apart from each other and backing their respective champions; and he saw himself and Cheese-Face stripping.

A short distance away lookouts were set, their task being to watch the lighted ends of the bridge.

A member of the Boo Gang held Martin's coat, and shirt, and cap, ready to race with them into safety in case the police interfered.

Martin watched himself go into the centre, facing Cheese-Face, and he heard himself say, as he held up his hand warningly:- "They ain't no hand-shakin' in this.