latter attempted to dodge the blows, but did not return them, for this
he knew would only increase the anger of Oscar, who was so much his
superior in size and strength, as well as in the art of fisticuffs,
that he could do just about as he pleased with him. The affray,
however, was soon brought to an unexpected end, by a gentleman who
happened to witness it. Seizing Oscar by the collar of his jacket, he
exclaimed:

"Here, here, sir! what are you doing to that little fellow? Don't you
know enough, you great lubber, to take a boy of your own size, if you
want to fight? Now run, my little man, and get out of his way,"
continued the stranger, turning to Whistler, and still holding Oscar by
the collar.

[Illustration: The Assault.]

Whistler hesitated for a moment between the contending impulses of
obedience and manliness; and then, drawing himself up to his full
stature, he said, with a respectful but decided air:

"No, sir, I have n't injured him, and I won't run away from him."

"Well said, well said--you are a brave little fellow," continued the
gentleman, somewhat surprised at the turn the affair was taking. "What
is your name, sir?"

"William Davenport."

"And what is this boy's name?"

"Oscar," replied Willie, and there he stopped, as if unwilling to
expose further the name of his abuser.

"Well you may go now, Oscar," said the gentleman, relinquishing his
hold; "but if you lay your hands on William again, I shall complain of
you."

The two boys walked off in opposite directions, the gentleman keeping
an eye upon Oscar until Whistler was out of his reach.

A little knot of boys was drawn together by the circumstance just
related, among whom was George, Oscar's youngest brother. He witnessed
the attack, but knew nothing of its cause. As he went directly home,
while Oscar did not, he had an opportunity to report to his mother and
Ralph the scene he had just beheld. Ralph now related to his mother
the incident of the preceding day, which led to the assault; for,
seeing Oscar's unwillingness to have anything said about it, he had not
mentioned the matter to any one at home. Ralph was a generous-hearted
boy, and in this case was actuated by a regard for Oscar's feelings,
rather than by fear.

Oscar did not come home that night until after dark. As he entered the
sitting-room, Alice, who was seated at the piano-forte, broke short off
the piece she was playing, and said, looking at him as sternly