Mercer & Topping; but he can always get an afternoon off to knock the stuffing out of any one, because he boxes at the Chiswick Polytechnic.

And he's going to get his afternoon off to-day to knock the stuffing out of Mr.Vance." "The deuce he is!" cried Mr.James.

"Well, a good hiding would do Hilary a world of good," he added in a vengeful tone.

"Teach him not to go spooning florists' assistants." "Oh, no.

He might get hurt ever so badly," said Pollyooly firmly.
Mr.James' face grew stubborn; then it softened, and he said: "Well, there's always the danger of his getting a finger broken; and that wouldn't do.