BESSIE’S ISLAND. 93

ing a boy who talks after that fashion. Let us
go home.”

Zom.—He shall first take back what he has
said.

Howard.—So he shall; it is no more than
fair; he has no right to call a boy hard names
without he can prove that he deserves them.

George.—It is no business of yours, Howard
Farmingham; I wish you would let me settle
this affair.

Howard.—Certainly I will. I only want
to see fair play. You are about equally
matched. Suppose you fight it out.

-George.—I don’t care to fight, for I should
beat the poor fellow all to jelly.

Bessie-—You had better not try, for Tom
is as strong as a lion, and as fierce, too. It is
all I can do now to keep his hands off from
you. |

As Bessie said this, one hand was laid
gently upon Tom’s arm. He shook it off im-
patiently, saying :. |

“T must give him such a drubbing as he
deserves.”

Bessie whispered in his ear—