ed before the entire school.

But the encounter had taken place far beyond the jurisdiction of the
school rules; and Dr. Carmack was usually satisfied to let his boys
settle these things among themselves. Besides, doubtless, he grimly
concluded that Nick, whose reputation as a universal bully of course he
knew full well, had been pretty well punished already, since his
bruised face and dark-rimmed eye spoke eloquently.

Later on that morning, when Hugh had occasion to go to the office of
the Head on some errand, he met with an unusually warm reception.

"Pardon me for speaking about what I know must be a sore subject with
you, Hugh," remarked the principal, as the boy was about to depart
after concluding his errand. "But I have had a graphic account of that
miserable affair Friday night. Permit me to say that you acted quite
right, and I commend you for it. The boys of Scranton are deeply
indebted to you for punishing a brutal bully. I understand that it has
always been much against your principles to engage in a fight; which
makes your championing the cause of a weaker boy all the more
justifiable."

"Oh! you are giving me far too much credit, Doctor Carmack," said Hugh,
reddening with confusion. "I could hardly claim I had any great
scruples about not engaging in such things that are almost universal
among boys. But years ago I promised my mother never to let my temper
get the better of me; and under no conditions to strike a companion in
anger, unless it was to save myself from a beating, or to whip a bully
who was abusing some one weaker than himself."

"Then you have a very wise mother, Hugh, let me tell you!" declared the
gentleman, who knew boys "like a book," from long association with
thousands of them. "She doubtless had her reasons for asking you to
take that pledge."

"I have never told even my chum, Thad Stevens, what it meant, sir,"
said the boy, eagerly, "but I do not mind speaking of it to you."

"Please don't do it, Hugh, if it brings up any memories that you would
rather forget," exclaimed the principal, "though I feel honored by what
you say."

"But I do not mind telling you, sir; indeed, I would rather do so, for
it must seem strange to you that when I can use my fists so well,
apparently, I should all this while have avoided every chance for
trouble with others. The fact of the matter is, Doctor Carmack, that I
am constituted very like my father was; and once upon a time his temper