We're awfully particular about talking at -- --'s, and I don't want Cholmondley to hear you." Jem was wonderfully polished-up himself, and as pugnacious on behalf of all the institutions of his school as he had once been about our pond.

I got my hair as near right as one cutting and the town hair-cutter could bring it, and mended my manners and held my own with good temper.

When it came to feats of skill or endurance, I more than held my own.

Indeed, I so amazed one very "swell" little friend of Jem's whose mother (a titled lady) had allowed him to spend part of the summer holidays with Jem for change of air, that he vowed I must go and stay with him in the winter, and do juggler and acrobat at their Christmas theatricals.

But he may have reported me as being rough as well as ready, for her ladyship never ratified the invitation.