people, paid the greatest attention to what was said to him, and made
the most judicious observations upon subjects he understood. For this
reason, Miss Simmons, although much older and better informed, received
great satisfaction from conversing with him, and thought him infinitely
more agreeable and sensible than any of the smart young gentlemen she
had hitherto seen.

One morning the young gentlemen agreed to take a walk in the country.
Harry went with them. As they walked across a common they saw a great
number of people moving forward towards a bull-baiting. Instantly they
were seized with a desire to see the diversion. One obstacle alone
presented itself. Their parents, particularly Mrs. Merton, had made them
promise to avoid every kind of danger. However, all except Harry, agreed
to go, insisting among themselves that there was no danger.

"Master Harry," said one, "has not said a word. Surely he will not tell
of us."

Harry said he did not wish to tell; but if, he added, he were asked, he
would have to tell the truth.

A quarrel followed, in which Tommy struck his friend in the face with
his fist. This, added to Tommy's recent conduct towards him, caused the
tears to start to Harry's eyes, whereupon the others assailed him with
cries of "Coward!" "Blackguard!" and so on. Master Mash went further and
slapped him in the face. Harry, though Master Mash's inferior in size
and strength, returned this by a punch, and a fight ensued, from which,
though severely punished himself, Harry emerged the victor, to be
assailed with a chorus of congratulation from those who before were
loading him with taunts and outrages.