be
subjected to punishment for the faults of others, and I stood king of
the class.

Matters, were at last made up between M'Gill's parents and the
schoolmaster, but by that time I had got the start of him, and never in
my life did I exert myself so much as to keep the mastery. It was in
vain; the powers of enchantment prevailed, and I was again turned down
with the tear in my eye. I could think of no amends but one, and, being
driven to desperation, I put it in practice. I told a lie of him. I
came boldly up to the master, and told him that M'Gill had in my
hearing cursed him in a most shocking manner, and called him vile
names. He called M'Gill, and charged him with the crime, and the proud
young coxcomb was so stunned at the atrocity of the charge that his
face grew as red as crimson, and the words stuck in his throat as he
feebly denied it. His guilt was manifest, and he was again flogged most
nobly and dismissed the school for ever in disgrace, as a most
incorrigible vagabond.

This was a great victory gained, and I rejoiced and exulted exceedingly
in it. It had, however, very nigh cost me my life; for I not long
thereafter I encountered M'Gill in the fields, on which he came up and
challenged me for a liar, daring me to fight him. I refused, and said
that I looked on him as quite below my notice; but he would not quit
me, and finally told me that he should either lick me, or I should lick
him, as he had no other means of being revenged on such a scoundrel. I
tried to intimidate him, but it would not do; and I believe I would
have given all that I had in the world to be quit of him. He at length
went so far as first to kick me, and then strike me on the face; and,
being both older and stronger than he, I thought it scarcely became me
to take such insults patiently. I was, nevertheless, well aware that
the devilish powers of his mother would finally prevail; and either the
dread of this, or the inward consciousness of having wronged him,
certainly unnerved my arm, for I fought wretchedly, and was soon wholly
overcome. I was so sore defeated that I kneeled and was going to beg
his pardon; but another thought struck me momentarily, and I threw
myself on my face, and inwardly begged aid from heaven; at the same
time I felt as if assured that my prayer was heard, and would be
answered. While I was in this humble attitude, the villain kicked me
with his foot and cursed me; and I, being newly encouraged, arose and
enc