As he got clear, and began slowly to retreat to his own house, the boys raised a loud defiant cheer.

But whether this was to hail his departure or to greet the appearance of Barnworth and Wake, ready stripped for the fray, it would be difficult to say.

But whichever it was, Mr Bickers seemed by no means discomfited.

He turned and caught sight of the head and shoulders of his rival towering among his boys, and he smiled to himself and tapped the letter in his hand.
"Not a moment to spare!" said he to himself.

"Good.