his memory."

"He won't like that much, oh, my!" chuckled Bates.

"When you see them coming, Bates, go and tell Roscoe I want to see
him," said Jim, with the air of an autocrat.

"All right, Jim," said Bates, obediently.

So he went on his errand, and we know what success he met with.






CHAPTER XII.

THE IMPENDING CONFLICT.





Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his
emissary, Bates, returned from his errand. He was experiencing "that
stern joy" which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman
inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master. Several of
the boys were near by--sycophantic followers of Jim, who were
enjoying in advance the rumpus they expected. I am afraid schoolboys