ger than we are," Tompkins said doubtfully.

"Well, there are two of us," Ned said, "and two to one is fair enough
when he is as big as the two of us together."

"We are going on," he said to the boy, "and if you interfere with us it
will be the worse for you."

The boy descended leisurely from his position on the rocks.

"Oi don't want to hurt ee, but oi've got to do as oi were bid, and if ee
doan't go back oi've got to make ee. There be summat a-going on thar,"
and he jerked his head behind him, "as it wouldn't be good vor ee to
see, and ye bain't a-going vor to see it."

But Ned and Tompkins were desperate now, and dropping their rods made a
rush together against him.

CHAPTER II: THE FIGHT ON THE MOOR

The lad threw himself into a position of defense as the two boys rushed
at him.

"Oi doan't want vor to hurt ee," he said again, "but if ee will have it,
why, it won't be moi vault;" and swinging his arm round, he brought
it down with such force upon the nose of Tompkins that the latter was
knocked down like a ninepin, and, once down, evinced no intention of
continuing the conflict.

In Ned, however, the lad found an opponent of a different stamp. The
latter saw at once that his opponent's far greater weight and strength
rendered it hopeless for him to trust to close fighting, and he worked
round and round him, every now and then rushing at him and delivering a
telling blow, and getting off again before his heavy and comparatively
unwieldy companion could reply.

Once or twice, indeed, the lad managed to strike him as he came in, each
time knocking him fairly off his feet; but in the fair spirit which at
that time animated English men and boys of all classes he allowed Ned
each time to regain his feet without interference.

"Thou bee'st a plucky one," he said, as Ned after his third fall again
faced him, "but thou bain't strong enough for oi."

Ned made no reply, but nerved himself for a fresh effort. The blows he
had received had been heavy, and the blood was streaming from his face;
but he had no idea of giving in, although Tompkins, in spite of
his calls and reproaches, refused to raise himself beyond a sitting
position.

"It's no good, Ned," he replied, "the brute is too big for us, and I'd
rather try to walk home all the way round than get another like the
last. My nose feels as big as my head."

Ned hardly heard what his companion said. He would have been killed
rather than yield now, a