to others, especially the little girls, whom he teased unmercifully.

Rod watched this performance with interest, mingled with indignation.
Twice he was tempted to interfere, but each time he hesitated and went
on with his play. But when at length one little girl began to scream
with pain, he could control himself no longer. With flashing eyes he
sprang toward the tormentor, and demanded that he should leave Nancy
alone.

For an instant only Sammie stared, amazed to think that any one would
dare to be so bold with him. He then gave a laugh of contempt, and hit
Rod full in the face.

"That's what ye git fer meddlin'," he cried. "Want some more, eh?"

Rod staggered back at the blow, but immediately regaining himself, he
sprang swiftly upon his antagonist. So unexpected was the attack, that
Sammie was caught off guard, and ere he could raise a hand he received
two black eyes, while his nose began to bleed profusely. With a howl
of pain and rage, he tried to defend himself, but he could do nothing
against that whirlwind of fists which was swirling against him. He
endeavoured to dodge and run away, but, catching his foot in the leg of
a desk, he fell sprawling to the floor.

By this time some of the older boys had arrived, who cheered lustily as
they saw Sammie go down before his young opponent. They looked upon
Rod with much interest, and worthy of their attention. In fact, he
became quite a hero for the remainder of the day, while the defeated
bully, with black eyes, and swollen nose, sat sullenly in his seat,
keeping his head bent over his desk, and not daring to look any one in