d the boys clinched. They were pretty evenly
matched. Grant outweighed Sherm, but the latter was quicker and had had
some training in wrestling. This was the popular method of settling
quarrels, boxing not having come into vogue. Inside of three minutes
both were down, rolling over the ground an indiscriminate, writhing heap
of arms and legs.

Chicken Little was utterly dismayed. She didn't want either of the boys
hurt, but they heeded her remonstrances no more than if she had been a
mosquito. She even tried pulling at the one who came uppermost, but they
both pantingly warned her off. Chicken Little set her jaw firmly. She
flew into the schoolhouse to the water bench, and seizing the water
bucket, flew out. Pausing long enough to take good aim, she dashed its
contents over the boys' heads with all her might.

Grant being underneath at the moment, with lips parted from his
exertions, received the full force of the water in his mouth and nose,
and nearly strangled from the dose. Sherm had to let him up and apply
first aid to help him recover his breath--the lad was purple. When he
began to breathe readily once more, both boys got to their feet, glaring
reproachfully at Chicken Little. Each was restrained by the presence of
the other from expressing forcibly his opinion of the young lady. The
heroine was in wrong with both the villain and the hero. However, the
heroine did not care.

"You boys ought to be ashamed of yourselves, both of you--fighting like
a pair of kids. I wish you could see yourselves! You look exactly like
drowned rats!"

The lads could not not see themselves, but they could see each other,
and the exhibit was convincing. Sherm's mouth puckered into its crooked
smile.

"Well, if that's the way you feel about it, Chicken Little, it's all
right with me. So long, Grant."

Sherm picked up his coat and cap and set off, leaving Jane to follow or
linger as she saw fit. She turned to Grant.

"I didn't mean to get you into trouble, Grant."

"Don't mention it, and, truly--I didn't intend to frighten you, Chicken
Little. I guess you aren't like most of the girls on the Creek--I didn't
suppose you'd take it that way. Good-bye, Sherm," he called. Grant also
picked up his belongings and departed.

Chicken Little rescued the water pail and carried it into the
schoolhouse. She secured her hat and lunch basket, and was starting for
the door when a wonderful idea buzzed in her brain. Slipping to the
window she