tark fine, Massa Easy; dat Mr Vigor--nebber care
for him, wouldn't you lik him--and sure you would," continued the black,
feeling the muscle of Jack's arm. "By the soul of my fader, I'd bet my
week's allowance on you anyhow. Nebber be 'fraid, Massa Easy."

"I am not afraid," replied Jack; "I've thrashed bigger fellows than he;"
and Jack's assertion was true. Mr Bonnycastle never interfered in a
fair fight, and took no notice of black eyes, provided the lessons were
well said. Jack had fought and fought again, until he was a very good
bruiser, and although not so tall as Vigors, he was much better built
for fighting. A knowing Westminster boy would have bet his half-crown
upon Jack, had he seen him and his anticipated adversary.

The constant battles which Jack was obliged to fight at school had been
brought forward by Jack against his father's arguments in favour of
equality, but they had been overruled by Mr Easy's pointing out that
the combats of _boys_ had nothing to do with the rights of man.

As soon as the watch was called, Vigors, O'Connor, Gossett, and
Gascoigne, came down from the berth. Vigors, who was strongest in the
berth, except Jolliffe, had successively had his superiority
acknowledged, and, when on deck, he had talked of Easy's impertinence,
and his intention of bringing him to his senses. The others, therefore,
came down to see the fun.

"Well, Mr Easy," observed Vigors, as he came into the berth, "you take
after your name, at all events; I suppose you intend to eat the king's
provision, and do nothing."

Jack's mettle was already up.

"You will oblige me, sir, by minding your own business," replied Jack.

"You impudent blackguard, if you say another word I'll give you a good
thrashing, and knock some of your equality out of you."

"Indeed," replied Jack, who almost fancied himself back at Mr
Bonnycastle's; "we'll try that."

Whereupon Jack very coolly divested himself of his upper garments,
neckerchief, and shirt, much to the surprise of Mr Vigors, who little
contemplated such a proof of decision and confidence, and still more to
the delight of the other midshipmen, who would have forfeited a week's
allowance to see Vigors well thrashed. Vigors, however, knew that he
had gone too far to retreat; he therefore prepared for action; and, when
ready, the whole party went out into the steerage to settle the
business.

Vigors had gained his assumed authority more by bullying than fighting;