other encounter, and I were to be beaten, they would all
turn from me as quickly as they came over to my side.

I was soon tired of hearing the same praise over and over again, and
being asked to show this one and that one how I managed to hit out so
well. But Mercer and I had a quiet understanding that we would keep our
own counsel about the matter, and let any one who wanted to learn how to
box think it out for himself.

I was not kept waiting long to muse over my position, and be stared at
by all the boys, who took the greatest interest in my swellings, cuts,
and marks, for Mr Rebble came to the door, and shouted,--

"Now, young gentlemen, the Doctor is waiting." I felt a curious shiver
run through me, as I glanced round for Tom Mercer.

He was close at hand, ready to whisper,--

"It don't matter what he says, Frank; he can't undo what we have done,
and old Eely will never dare to tackle you again."

"Or you."

"Oh, I didn't say that. Come on."

We went up to where Mr Rebble was standing, and found that Mr Hasnip
was there too.

As we went in, Mr Hasnip came close to my side. "Nice object you look
for a gentleman's son, sir! Going to be a soldier, eh?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Then keep your fighting for the enemy, not for your schoolfellows."
Then in a lower voice--"Gave him a thorough good thrashing, didn't you?"
he said.

"Yes, sir: I suppose so."

"Humph! serve him right. He wanted his comb cut. Getting insufferable
with his conceit!--By the way, you needn't tell any of your
schoolfellows I said that, for, of course, you had no business to
fight."

"I didn't want to, sir, but Burr major made us fight. He sent a lot of
the boys to bring us into the loft, `to take the conceit out of us,' he
said."

"And you took the conceit out of him instead, eh? Well, I daresay he
wishes he had not sent for you now."

"I'm afraid he does."

"Yes. Well, here we are. I'm a terrible tartar to you over your
lessons, but I'm not angry with you. Had some fights too, when I was
your age. Now then, speak up like a man."

The door was thrown open, and we had to walk in, the two ushers standing
on either side of the door, like policemen dealing with culprits, and
then ranging us before the Doctor's table, behind which he sat, leaning
back in his great leather-covered chair.

"Er--rum!" he coughed. "Sit down, Mr Rebble--take a chair, Mr Hasnip.
Let me see," he continued, adjusting his gold-rimmed eyeglasses. "