he said quietly,
catching the eye of the sturdy player.

"With all my heart," was the answer.

"Thank you. But I must buy a taw and some marbles," said Ernest. "I
did not think of bringing any."

"Oh, I will lend you some," answered the boy. "Here, this taw is a
prime one; it will win you half the marbles in the ring if you play
well."

Ernest thanked his new friend, and took the taw and a dozen marbles with
a smile. He was amused at finding himself about to play marbles with
some boys most of whom were so much younger than himself. His new
friend had cleared the ring, and a fresh game was about to begin. He
put down eight of his marbles, and, as there were several players, a
large number were collected. The first player had shot out four or five
marbles, when his taw remaining in the ring, he had to put them all back
and go out. Ernest was kneeling down to take his turn, when Blackall,
tired of his gymnastic exercises, came sauntering by.

"What are you about there, you fellows? I'll join you," he exclaimed.
"How many down? Eight. Oh, very well."

Without more ado he was stooping down to shooting from the offing, when
Ernest observed that he had taken his turn.

"Who are you, I should like to know, you little upstart?" cried
Blackall, eyeing the new-comer with great disdain. "Get out of my way,
or I will kick you over."

"Indeed I shall not," exclaimed Ernest, who had never been spoken to in
that style before, but whose whole spirit rose instantly in rebellion
against anything like tyranny or injustice. Without speaking further,
he stooped down and shot his taw with considerable effect along the
edges of the ring of marbles. It knocked out several, and stopped a
little way outside.

"Didn't you hear me?" exclaimed Blackall furiously. "Get out of my way,
I say."

Ernest did not move, but took his taw and again fired, with the same
effect as before. Blackall's fury was now at its highest pitch. He
rushed at Ernest, and lifting him with his foot sent him spinning along
the ground. Ernest was not hurt, so he got up and said, "I wonder you
can treat a stranger so. However, the time will come when you will not
dare to do it."

"Shame! shame!" shouted several of the little fellows, snatching up
their marbles and running away, for they were accustomed to be treated
in that way by Blackall.

Ernest was left with his first acquaintance standing by his side, while
the bully walked on, observin