adly skinned, will you; and I fancy I've something of a
scratch on my right cheek, where he got to me. We'll wash up back of
the farmhouse, you and I, Owen. Of course all the folks will have to
know what's happened; but then we needn't be ashamed of the part we
took in the little circus."

"Yes, be a sport, Owen," said Thad, encouragingly. "There isn't a
single girl at the hop but who will sing out 'good!' when they hear
that Nick Lang met his match tonight. And say, Owen, Peggy Noland will
likely clap her hands with joy when she learns of what's happened, and
then be extra nice when she sees how that brute marked you. Sympathy
is akin to love you know, they say, Owen."

Owen had to laugh at this good-natured "joshing," but he allowed
himself to be persuaded to accompany Hugh to the rear of the farmhouse.
Here Thad soon secured a basin, and some warm water, as well as soap
and a towel. The boys performed their ablusions, and in the end made
quite a respectable appearance.

"Why, both of you are all right," said Thad, gaily, after the job had
been completed. "Just think how Nick will look when he shows his face
again. Chances are he'll stick to his house all day Saturday and
Sunday; and when school opens on Monday prepare to listen to a tough
story of how he got up in the night and in the dark ran plumb up
against a half-open door, which would account for his black eye and
swollen face. Oh! I know, because I've spun that yarn myself once."

Supper was announced just then, and the boys trooped in to enjoy the
bountiful spread that had been provided for them. A buzz ran around
the room, and all eyes were fastened on Hugh and Owen in eager
curiosity. Thad thought it up to him to explain what had happened, so
that no one might rest under a misapprehension. And when he briefly
described how Hugh had so thoroughly whipped the hitherto invincible
town bully, every one applauded. It might be noticed also that pretty
Peggy Noland looked at her company with unshed tears in her eyes; and
she was unusually good to Owen the balance of the evening, so that he
had a jolly time of it, taken in all.

CHAPTER VII

CALLED OUT FOR PRACTICE

When Monday saw the gathering of boys and girls at school, there were
two subjects that seemed to engross their conversation. One of these
concerned the royally good time enjoyed by those who had been at the
barn hop on Friday evening; and of course the other was connected wi