It strikes me, although I am but a boy of twelve, and know little of the world, that the only real chance you have with such men is, to show them that you are not afraid of them.

They are all cowards, aunt; they will yield to courage which they feel to be superior to their own.

So much I have learnt from the experience of the last four years." Aunt made no reply; she smiled sadly and kindly upon me, and her tacit approval sent me directly to my uncle.

He was in his private office.

I knocked gently at the door.
"Come in." I did so; and there I stood, not a little confused and perplexed before him, with flushed cheeks and a fast-throbbing heart.