hire somewhere, and he knows a deal more Greek
than I do, and quite as much Latin."

"Indeed!"

"Yes, that he does. It made Arthur stare, for he was coming the great
man over Will Marion, and being very condescending."

"Yes, it is a way Master Arthur has," muttered Mr Temple frowning.

"I said to Taff that he ought not to, but he would. I like Will Marion.
Josh says he'll be owner of a lot of fishing-boats and nets some day
when his uncle dies; but he says Will thinks he would like to make his
own way in the world, and that it is very foolish of him."

"Oh, that's what Josh thinks, is it?"

"Yes, father."

"And what do you think?"

"That a lad ought to be independent and try and fight his own way in the
world. I mean to."

"That's right, my boy. Keep to that text and you will succeed. You may
have a good many downfalls first, but sooner or later you will get on.
There, go away now. I'm busy testing ere."

"Can I help you, father?"

"No, my lad, no. Not now. There, be off, and don't get into any
mischief."

"No, father. And about the conger-fishing?"

"If you will take great care you may go."

"Hooray!"

"But stop. Tell that man Josh that I hold him responsible for taking
care of you."

"Yes, father," cried Dick. "Hooray!" he whispered as he darted out of
the room, and came so suddenly upon Arthur that he sent him backwards
into a sitting position.

Arthur sat looking petrified with pain and astonishment, cane in one
hand, a book in the other. Then starting up as Dick offered him his
hand laughingly, saying, "I'm very sorry, Taff!" Arthur raised his cane
and struck his brother viciously across the shoulder a regular stinging
cut, while, smarting with the pain, Dick struck back at him, and gave
him so severe a blow in the cheek that Arthur this time measured his
length on the floor.

"Quiet, you boys, quiet!" said Mr Temple angrily, as he opened his
door. "Go and play down on the shore."

Dick's anger evaporated on the instant, and was succeeded by a feeling
of mingled shame and sorrow.

"Oh, I am sorry, Taff!" he said, helping his brother to rise. "You
shouldn't have hit me, though. If anybody hurts me like that I'm sure
to hit out again."

Arthur did not answer till they were outside, and then he turned
viciously upon his brother.

"You're a regular coward," he cried, "to strike a blow like that."

"I didn't say you were a coward for beginning it," said Dick sharply.
"Yo