Lester was sorry now that he had not given David a good thrashing when he met him in the road that morning, and told himself that he would do it the very next time he put eyes on him and risk the consequences.

The thought had scarcely passed through his mind when the opportunity was presented.

He met David coming along the road in company with his brother Dan.

David did not seem to remember that any sharp words had passed between Lester and himself, for he looked as cheerful and smiling as usual, and, following the custom of the country, bowed to the horseman as he rode past.

Lester did not return the bow, and neither did he dismount to give David the promised thrashing.