ght from Jake Newby. Ever since
the little altercation over the removal of the chicken-house,
Robert had not seen much of Jake. As for Jake, he continued sour
and implacable. It was very hard for any Newby to take anything from
anyone, and yet, when they were on the right side of anything they
were bold champions for it. Some of the best improvements fostered
by the community had been initiated by them. Nevertheless, Robert
considered it best to avoid any further rupture of their relations.

Jake Newby felt keenly the outcome of the debates in the Fairmount
School. He did not like to see his father suffer a loss of his
prestige in the community. He nursed a secret grudge against Robert,
and determined that if ever an opportunity presented itself to his
liking, he would do something to humble him. He chafed especially
under the implication that his father was not a Christian, and if only
he could cause a downfall to Robert he would get sweet revenge.

Robert Davis was unaware of what was going on in Jake Newby's mind. He
had not counted on any bitterness over their little dispute.

A few days before Robert and Mary planned to move, Robert went over to
their new home to mow the yard and clean up a little. Jake Newby saw
him coming, and noticed that he was alone.

"Now is my time," muttered Jake to himself. So he strode over to where
Robert was.

"Do you mean that I cannot have my chickenhouse, Robert Davis?" asked
Jake threateningly.

"Jake, you know that the chickenhouse was not reserved in our
contract," said Robert.

"You are a liar," shouted Jake.

"You are mistaken, Jake," said Robert calmly, but feeling a strong
impulse to strike his opponent.

"You are a liar, Davis, and you have insulted my father," said Jake,
at the same time shaking his finger dose to Robert's face.

Instantly, Robert's powerful right arm shot a blow directly at Jake's
jaw. It caught him square on the chin, and Jake went sprawling over
the lawn. Jake arose, thoroughly angry. He rushed at Robert like a
demon, but Robert quickly stepped to one side and caught Jake with
another blow. Jake then closed in on Robert and attempted to throw him
down.

Over and across the lawn they surged, trampling under foot the
shrubbery which Jake had planted to beautify the homestead. The men
were about equally matched in size and strength, but Robert's clearer
brain and strategy were too much for his opponent.

At last they fell in a heap, with Jake