MARTIN RATTLER. 21

strike Martin on the face; but a general rush of the
boys prevented this.

“Shame, shame! fair play!” cried several; “don’t
hit him when he’s down !”

“Then let him rise up and come on!” cried Bob
fiercely, as he sprang up and released Martin.

“Ay, that’s fair. Now then, Martin, remember
the kitten.”

“Strike men of your own size!” cried several of
the bigger boys, as they interposed to prevent Martin
from rushing into the unequal contest.

“So I will,” cried Bob Croaker, glaring round with
passion. “Come on, any of you that likes. I don’t
care a button for the biggest of you.”

No one accepted this challenge, for Bob was the
oldest and the strongest boy in the school, although,
as is usually the case with bullies, by no means the
bravest.

Seeing that no one intended to fight with him, and
that a crowd of boys strove to hold Martin Rattler
back, while they assured him that he had not the
smallest chance in the world, Bob turned towards the
kitten, which was quietly and busily employed in
licking itself dry, and said, “Now, Martin, you
coward, I'll give it another swim for your impu-
dence.” ,