"Boy Slodgers, approach." My whilom opponent of the playground thereupon came up to where I was in front of the Doctor; when on closer inspection, I could see that he was in a fair way of having a splendid pair of black eyes from the blow I had given him.

This was some satisfaction, and put a little more pluck into me as I faced my judge.

I trembled no longer.
"Boy Slodgers, what's the matter with your eyes ?" asked Dr Hellyer of the fresh culprit, in the same searching way in which he had interrogated me.
"Please, sir, Leigh hit me, sir," said the sneak, glibly, in a whining voice that was very different to the bullying tone he had adopted when catechising me before our "little unpleasantness" occurred.
"Ah--Leigh--ah--you see _my_ boys tell the truth," observed the Doctor parenthetically to me; and then, turning again to Slodgers, he said, inquiringly, "And, I suppose, you then--ah--returned his blow ?" "Oh no, please, sir," replied he, confirming what Tom had told me of his inveracity; "I happened to have my hand up, sir; and, rushing at me in his fury, he ran against it, sir, that's all.

I wouldn't have hurt him, sir, for the world, as I know your orders, sir, about fighting." "Good boy! I'm glad you pay attention to my wishes, Slodgers, and as the fight wasn't of your seeking, I'll let you off without an imposition, as I had at first intended.

You can go back to your place, Slodgers.