"Why, both of you are all right," said Thad, gaily, after the job had
been completed. "Just think how Nick will look when he shows his face
again. Chances are he'll stick to his house all day Saturday and
Sunday; and when school opens on Monday prepare to listen to a tough
story of how he got up in the night and in the dark ran plumb up
against a half-open door, which would account for his black eye and
swollen face. Oh! I know, because I've spun that yarn myself once."

Supper was announced just then, and the boys trooped in to enjoy the
bountiful spread that had been provided for them. A buzz ran around
the room, and all eyes were fastened on Hugh and Owen in eager
curiosity. Thad thought it up to him to explain what had happened, so
that no one might rest under a misapprehension. And when he briefly
described how Hugh had so thoroughly whipped the hitherto invincible
town bully, every one applauded. It might be noticed also that pretty
Peggy Noland looked at her company with unshed tears in her eyes; and
she was unusually good to Owen the balance of the evening, so that he
had a jolly time of it, taken in all.




CHAPTER VII

CALLED OUT FOR PRACTICE

When Monday saw the gathering of boys and girls at school, there were
two subjects that seemed to engross their conversation. One of these
concerned the royally good time enjoyed by those who had been at the