whipped his antagonist, for it had been almost too easy; but he knew Jim
Dilks had long lorded it over the boys of Ashley, and perhaps after this
he might hesitate to act the part of bully again.

At any rate he was not intending to leave the place just because one
fellow had given him orders; perhaps before they left him alone he might
have to repeat this dose; but the reputation of the one who had downed
Jim Dilks would travel fast, and the balance of the village herd would
think twice before trying conclusions with the new boy at Peake's.

CHAPTER VI

WINNING HIS WAY

When Darry entered the store the proprietor looked at him with interest.

Mr. Keeler was a very strait-laced individual, and wont to raise his
hands in horror at the mention of fighting, or anything, in fact, that
partook of violence. He always gave it as his opinion that football was
a brutal game, equal to the bull rights of the Spaniards, and could
hardly be induced to even watch a baseball match, for fear one of the
players be injured.

Nevertheless, Mr. Keeler was human, and from the door of his shop he had
seen the little affair on the road, and recognized the combatants as
Peake's new boy and the village bully.

He could hardly believe his eyes when he saw that Darry had come off
victor, and that the idle men who gaped at the encounter were giving Jim
the laugh as he crossly slouched away.

Perhaps after all there might be something in such a fight as this,
where a much-needed lesson was taught a young scoundrel.

Mr. Keeler had his eyes opened for once; but at the same time he thought
it his duty as a man of peace to speak to the new boy.

"What was the trouble about, my lad?" he asked, as Darry handed him a
list of the articles Mrs. Peake wished him to bring back.

"There was no trouble on my side. I only wanted to be left alone, sir,"
replied our hero, smiling.

"Oh! I see, and Jim wouldn't have it? Like as not he told you to get off
the earth--it would be just like his impudence."

"Not quite so bad as that, sir, but he did say I couldn't stay with Mrs.
Peake, and must move on. I'm quite satisfied where I am, and I mean to
stay--that is as long as she wants me to."

"Quite right. I suppose there may be times when a boy is compelled to
stand up for his rights, although I've generally preached the other way.
But if you had to fight I'm glad you succeeded in convincing Jim that
you could hold your own."

"That was easy