"He seems to me a bully," said Hector.

"So he is."

"I can't understand why the boys should give in to him as they do."

"He is taller and stronger than the other boys. Besides, he is
backed up by the principal. I hope you won't get into difficulty
with him."

"Thank you, Mr. Crabb. Your caution is kindly meant, but I am not
afraid of this Jim--Smith. I am quite able to defend myself if
attacked."

"I hope so," said the usher; but he scanned Hector's physical
proportions doubtfully, and it was very clear that he did not think
him a match for the young tyrant of the school.

Meanwhile, Jim Smith and his schoolfellows were amusing themselves
in the playground.

"Where's that new fellow?" asked Jim, looking back to see whether he
had come out.

"He didn't come out," said Bates.

Jim nodded his head vigorously:

"Just as I expected," he said. "He knows where he is well off."