tood irresolute; while his opponent fixed his eye boldly on him. He
feared some trick. He thought that some big fellow must be behind,
ready to back up Bracebridge; or that he knew the Doctor was coming. He
judged of other people by what he knew himself to be. He had no
conception of the existence of the spirit which animated Ernest.

"Well, what are you going to do?" said Ernest, as he stood with clenched
fist before him. "If you are going to strike me, do it at once, and get
it over. I have no wish to stay here all night, waiting to be attacked
by you."

While Ernest was speaking, Blackall was considering what he would do.
At last, seeing no one coming, he plucked up courage, and made a dash at
Ernest, who, springing aside, adroitly, warded off the blow.

Poor Ellis, meantime, stood by, trembling with agitation. He knew from
sad experience that the bully hit very hard; and every blow he saw aimed
at his friend he felt as if it had hurt him ten times as much as if it
had been struck at himself.

They were in one of the many passages leading to the bedrooms, through
which neither the masters nor servants often passed, so that Blackall
knew that he was pretty secure from interruption. Ernest was aware of
the same fact. He cared nothing at all about the thrashing he should
get, and was only anxious to save Ellis. Ellis, however, would not
move, and Blackall looked as if he would thrash both of them.

Still more angry at being baulked of his revenge, Blackall again struck
at Ernest, and tried to catch him, but in the latter object he did not
succeed, though he hurt Ernest's arm, so that he could with difficulty
defend himself; and now blow succeeded blow with considerable rapidity.

Bracebridge disdained to fly, and as he could not hope to return the
blows with much effect, he contented himself at first with standing on
the defensive, waiting his opportunity to hit his powerful opponent in
the eye or face, where he might leave a mark not easily effaced. He
knew that if he succeeded, he should still further enrage the bully; but
he also knew that it was very likely to prevent him from ever attacking
him again. As Blackall hit out, he sprang back along the passage, then
suddenly stopping, he leaped forward again, and put in the blow he
desired.

Blackall's eyes struck fire, but he was too well accustomed to the use,
or rather the misuse, of his fists to allow his opponent to escape him.
Ernest was again re