asped Jim, hardly able to
believe his senses, the shock was so great.

"Why, you said I had to. I don't want to fight a bit, but I always obey
orders, you see, and you told me I must or leave Ashley. Now, I don't
mean to go away, so I suppose I must do the other thing. But I hate to
hurt anyone."

"Hey? You hurt me? Don't worry about thet, cub. I reckon I kin wipe up
the ground with a feller o' yer build. So yer won't run, eh? Then all I
kin say is yer got to take yer medicine, see?"

Naturally, Jim knew next to nothing about the science of boxing, for he
had always depended upon his brute strength to pull him through, backed
by his really ferocious appearance, when he assumed his "fighting face,"
as he was proudly wont to term it.

On the other hand Darry had often boxed during the dog watch, with some
of the sailors aboard the old brigantine, and since there were several
among the crew who prided themselves on a knowledge of fisticuffs, he
imbibed more or less of skill in the dexterity shown in both self
defense and aggressive tactics.

At the same time Darry had seldom been called upon to utilize this
knowledge, for he was of a peaceful nature, and would shun a fight if it
could be done in honor.

Now, he knew that Jim Dilks was determined to have it out with him, and
consequently, if he really intended to remain in Ashley, he must show
this bully that he could take care of himself.

Jim was surprised when he received a staggering blow in the first
encounter, and before he had even been able to lay a hand on his
antagonist, who, after striking had nimbly bounded aside, so that the
village boy came near falling down.

Believing that this must have been only an accident, Jim turned with a
roar and once more strove to crush his rival by sheer weight and bulldog
tactics.

There never was a fight yet that did not immediately attract a crowd of
the curious and idle. Boys came running from several quarters, and not a
few men too, the more shame to them, always glad to watch a contest,
whether between a pair of aggressive dogs or roosters, or pugnacious
lads.

Those who came running up could hardly believe their eyes, when they saw
the recognized bully of the village engaged with a strange boy, and
apparently, thus far, getting the worst of the bargain.

Darry felt rather ashamed to be caught in the centre of such a
gathering; but the fight had been forced upon him, and the only thing
left was to wind it up as