while "funky"--the queer creature).

Those who had been loudest in dubbing him Funky Warrenne were quickest
in finding explanations of his curious conduct and explained it well
away.

It was at this time that Dam's heart went wholly and finally out to
Ormonde Delorme who roundly stated that his father, a bemedalled
heroic Colonel of Gurkhas, was "in a blind perishing funk" during a
thunderstorm and always sought shelter in the wine cellar when one was
in progress in his vicinity.

Darn presented Delorme with his knife and a tiger's tooth forthwith.
Saturday came and Dam almost regretted its advent, for, though a child
in years, he was sufficiently old, weary, and cynical in spirit to
know that all life's fruit contains dust and ashes, that the joys of
anticipation exceed those of realization, and that with possession
dies desire.

With the fight would end the glorious feeling of successful revolt,
and if he overcame one emissary of the Snake there would be a million
more to take his place.

And if Providence should be, as usual, on the side of the "big
battalions," and the older, taller, stronger, heavier boy should win?
Why--then he would bully the loser to his heart's content and the
limit of his ingenuity.

Good! Let him! He would fight him every day with the greatest
pleasure. A chance to fight the Snake on fair terms was all he
asked....

Time and place had been well chosen and there was little likelihood of
interference.

Some experienced youth, probably Cokeson himself, had made
arrangements as to seconds, time-keeper, judges, and referee; and,
though there was no ring of ropes and stakes, a twenty-four-foot
square had been marked out and inclosed by forms and benches. Seating
was provided for the "officials" and seniors, and two stools for the
principals. A couple of bowls of water, sponges, and towels lent a
business-like air to the scene.

To his delight, Dam discovered that Delorme was to be his second--a
person of sound advice, useful ministrations, and very present help in
time of trouble....

Delorme led him to his stool in an angle of the square of benches,
bade him spread wide his arms and legs and breathe deeply "for all he
was worth, with his eyes closed and his thoughts fixed on jolly
things".

Feeling himself the cynosure of neighbouring eyes and able to hear
the comments of the crowd, the last part of his second's instructions
was a little difficult of strict observation. However, h