his face; but he had no idea of giving in, although Tompkins, in
spite of his calls and reproaches, refused to raise himself beyond
a sitting position.

"It's no good, Ned," he replied, "the brute is too big for us, and
I'd rather try to walk home all the way round than get another like
the last. My nose feels as big as my head."

Ned hardly heard what his companion said. He would have been killed
rather than yield now, and gathering all his strength he sprang at
his opponent like a tiger. Avoiding the blow which the boy aimed
at him, he leaped upon him, and flung his arms round his neck. The
sudden shock overthrew him, and with a crash both boys came to the
ground together.

Ned at once loosened his hold, and springing to his feet again,
awaited the rising of his opponent. The latter made a movement to
get up, and then fell back with a cry.

"Thou hast beaten me," he said. "Oi think moi leg be broke."

Ned saw now that as the lad had fallen his leg had been twisted
under him, and that he was unable to extricate it. In a moment he
was kneeling before the prostrate lad.

"Oh! I am sorry," he exclaimed; "but you know I didn't mean to do
it. Here, Tompkins, don't sit there like a fool, but come and help
me move him and get his leg straight."

Although the boys did this as gently as they could, a groan showed