in Blackall's
society. He therefore, like a true-hearted, conscientious person,
resolved by all means to save him. He did not say, like some people,
after a few slight efforts, "I have done my duty. I warned him of the
consequences, and I am not called on to do any more." When he wanted to
draw a boy out of danger, he made him his friend; he worked and worked
away; he talked to him; he showed him the inevitable result of his
folly; he used arguments of all sorts; he worked on all the better
feelings the boy might possess; and what was of still more avail, he did
not trust to his own strength for success--he prayed earnestly at the
Throne of Grace--at that Throne where such prayers are always gladly
heard--that his efforts might avail: and others wondered, more than
Lemon himself, how it was when Lemon took a fellow in hand that he
always turned out so well. For this important object he struggled hard
to obtain popularity in the school, and succeeded; for no boy of his age
and size was so popular among all the right-thinking and well-disposed
boys as he was. On this occasion he resolved not to leave Eden in
Blackall's power.

"If he wishes to come, I shall certainly allow him," said Lemon.

"He was committed to my charge by Mr Ogilby, and you have no business
to take him away," cried Blackall, still leaning lazily on his arm, and
continuing to smoke.

"To make him sick and wretched; to teach him to smoke and to drink beer
and spirits, and to listen to your foul conversation--you reprobate!"
answered Lemon calmly, as he stopped and faced Blackall.

"By God! I'll thrash you for that as soundly as you ever were in your
life," exclaimed Blackall, taking his cigar out of his mouth, and rising
to his feet.

Earnest's heart rose to his mouth; Buttar clenched his fists tightly.
Putting Eden behind them, they sprang to Lemon's side, and looked
defiantly at the approaching bully. None of the other boys of either
party stirred. Blackall did not like the aspect of affairs. He knew
that though, from his greater strength and weight, he could thrash
Lemon, he could not hope at any time to gain an easy victory; and from
what he had observed of Ernest, he suspected that if he did strike, he
would strike very hard and sharp. Buttar also, when once he was
attempting to thrash him, had given him such a hit in the eye that the
mark had remained for a fortnight at least, to the no small satisfaction
of those whom he had been