Presently we were cast to right and left by a strong hand, and, looking up,
as I stood fierce and panting, I saw Friend Rupert Forest, and was
overwhelmed with fear; for often on First-day I had heard him preach
solemnly, and always it was as to turning the other cheek, and on the
wickedness of profane language. Just now he seemed pleased rather than
angered, and said, smiling:

"This is a big war, boys. What is it about?"

I said, "I must fight for my standing, and I will not."

"I think thou wert scarcely of that mind just now. There will be bad blood
until it is over."

To this I replied, "It is Alloway I am to fight."

To my surprise, he went on to say, "Then take off thy jacket and stand up,
and no kicking."

I asked nothing better, and began to laugh. At this my foe, who was bigger
and older than I, cried out that I would laugh on the other side of my
mouth--a queer boy phrase of which I could never discover the meaning.

"And now, fair play," said Friend Forest. "Keep cool, Hugh, and watch his
eyes."

I felt glad that he was on my side, and we fell to with no more words. I
was no match for the practised fists of my antagonist; but I was the
stronger, and I kept my wits better than might have been expected. At last