llis's
earnest request, spoke for him also, and said a great deal more in his
favour than he would have done himself.

Monsieur Malin seemed as much pleased at getting a prize as were any of
the boys. A capital fishing-rod was presented to him; and he invited
all who had rods to accompany him some day on a grand fishing
expedition. Altogether, the kite-flying was most successful; and a
stout old gentleman, one of the umpires, expressed a hope that next year
they might all enjoy a similar treat; and that he was not at all certain
that he should not try to get half-a-dozen kites and a carriage, with
which he might join in the race. Several merry voices shouted "We hope
you will, sir,--we hope you will." And that made him so enthusiastic
that he promised, if he possibly could, to do as he had proposed.

They all went back to a capital, grand half-holiday tea, which was very
different to the ordinary meal of bread-and-butter; and consisted of
cakes, and sandwiches, and meat-pies, and sausages, and all sorts of
substantial productions likely to satisfy the appetites of hungry boys.

The only person who did not enjoy the day was Blackall. He came back
expecting every instant to be called up by the Doctor; but bed-time
came, and he was not summoned. As he was on his way to his room he met
Ellis, who was about to pass him without looking at him, or in any way
taking notice of him.

"What do you mean by grinning at me, you young scamp?" exclaimed
Blackall suddenly.

"I did not intentionally alter a muscle of my countenance," answered
Ellis quietly. "Did you, however, address me?"

"If that's intended for impudence, take that," cried Blackall, dealing a
heavy blow with his fist on Ellis's head. "I allow no young jackanapes
like you to treat me with contempt."

"But if we feel contempt, how do you expect to be treated?" exclaimed a
brisk, confident voice close at his elbow.

Blackall turned round to see who had dared thus to beard him. He saw
Bracebridge standing close to him, in an attitude which showed that he
was prepared for an attack.

"You want to get it, do you?" exclaimed Blackall, furiously, at finding
his authority disputed by a boy of Ernest's size. "You shall have more
than you expect."

"Now, run off, Ellis; run off," cried Ernest; "I'll tackle this fellow."

Ellis did not run, though Blackall let him go and advanced towards
Ernest; but Ernest's undaunted bearing completely staggered him. He
s