recollection of many injuries culminating in Bob's cowardly lies, came
close up and gave a formal announcement of his presence by administering
a sounding crack on the ear.

Bob dropped his rod into the river, and nearly jumped after it as he
uttered a howl.

"Look at that!" cried Peter, giving one of his legs a slap. "Oh, I wish
I was there!"

Bob was as big a coward as ever stepped. So is a rat; but when driven
to bay a rat will fight.

Bob was at bay, and he, being in pain, began to fight by lowering his
head and rushing at his adversary.

Dexter avoided the onslaught, and gave Bob another crack on the ear.

Then, trusting in his superior size and strength, Bob dashed at Dexter
again, and for a full quarter of an hour there was a fierce up and down
fight, which was exceedingly blackguardly and reprehensible no doubt,
but under the circumstances perfectly natural.

Dexter got a good deal knocked about, especially whenever Bob closed
with him; but he did not get knocked about for nothing. Very soon there
were a number of unpleasant ruddy stains upon his clean white shirt, but
the blood was Bob's, and consequent upon a sensation of his nose being
knocked all on one side.

There was a tooth out--a very white one on the grass, but that tooth was
Bob's, and, in addition, that young gentleman's eyes wore the aspect of
his having been interviewing a wasps' nest, for they were rapidly
closing up, and his whole face assuming the appearance of a very large
and puffy unbaked bun.

Then there was a cessation of the up and down fighting; Bob was lying on
his back howling after his customary canine fashion, and Dexter was
standing over him with his doubled fists, his face flushed, his eyes
flashing, teeth set, and his curly hair shining in the sun.

"It's splendid, Dan'l, old man," cried Peter, slapping his
fellow-servant on the back. "I wouldn't ha' missed it for half a
crown."

"No," said Dan'l. "Hang him! he's got some pluck in him if he ain't got
no breed. Brayvo, young un! I never liked yer half--"

Dan'l stopped short, and Peter stepped back against the dividing fence.

"Beg pardon, sir?"

"I said how did that boy get across the river!" said the doctor sternly.

There was no reply.

"Now no subterfuges," said the doctor sharply.

Peter looked at Dan'l in dismay, but Dan'l spoke out--

"Well, sir, beg pardon, sir, that young cub come up to the side abusing
Master Dexter, and calling him names, an