equally resolved that he should do nothing of the sort. In
spite of Don's superior weight, the two boys were fairly equally
matched, and for a minute or two they strained and tussled without
advantage to either. Then Tim, his arms wrapped around Don's body like
iron bands, forced the latter back a step and against a chair which went
crashing to the floor. Don tore at the encircling arms, panting.

"I don't--want to--hurt you," he muttered, "but--I will--if you
don't--let go!"

There was no answer from Tim, but the grip didn't relax. Don worked a
hand under the other's chin and tried to force his head back. Tim gave a
little and they collided with the window-seat, stumbled and slid
together to the floor, Don on top. For a moment they writhed and
thrashed and then Don worked his right arm loose, slowly tore Tim's
left hand away and held it down to the floor.

"Let go or I'll punch you, Tim," he panted.

"Punch--ahead!"

Don strained until he felt Tim's other hand giving, and then, with a
sudden fling of his body, rolled clear and jumped to his feet. But Tim
was only an instant behind him and, panting and dishevelled, the two
boys confronted each other, silent.

"I'm going out there," said Don after a moment.

Tim only shook his head and smiled crookedly.

"I am, Tim, and--and you mustn't try to stop me this time!"

"I've--got to, Don!"

"I'm giving you fair warning!"

"I know."

Don took a deeper breath and stepped forward. "Don't touch me!" he
warned. But Tim was once more in his path, hands stretched to clutch and
hold. "Out of my way, Tim! Fair warning!" Don's face was white and his
eyes blazing.

"No!" whispered Tim, and crouched.

Then Don went on again. Tim threw himself in the way, a fist shot out
and Tim, with a grunt, went back against the pillows and slipped
heavily to the floor.

Don's hands fell to his sides and he stared bewilderedly. Then, with a
groan, he dropped to his knees and raised Tim's head from the floor.
"Gee, but I'm sorry, Timmy!" he stammered. "I didn't mean to do it,
honest! I was crazy, I guess! Timmy, are you all right!"

Tim's eyes, half-closed, fluttered, he drew a deep breath and his head
rolled over against Don's arm.

"Timmy!" cried Don anxiously. "_Timmy!_ Don't you hear me! I didn't hit
you awfully hard, Timmy!"

Tim sighed. "What--time is it?" he murmured.

"Time? Never mind the time. Are you all right, Tim?"

Tim opened his eyes and grinned weakly. "Hear th