26 MARTIN RATTLER.

forward like an arrow from a bow. Uttering a loud
ery, he sprang completely in the air and plunged—
head and fists together, as if he were taking a dive—
into Bob Croaker’s bosom! The effect was tremen-
dous. Bob went down like a shock of grain before
the sickle ; and having, in their prolonged movements,
approached close to the brink of the stream, both he
and Martin went with a sounding splash into the
deep pool and disappeared. It was but for a moment,
however. Martin’s head emerged first, with eyes and
mouth distended to the utmost. Instantly, on finding
bottom, he turned to deal his opponent another blow ;
but it was not needed. When Bob Croaker’s head
rose to the surface there was no motion in the features,
and the eyes were. closed. The intended blow was
changed into a friendly grasp, and exerting himself
to the utmost, Martin dragged his insensible school-
fellow to the bank, where, in a few minutes, he
recovered sufficiently to declare in a sulky tone that
he would fight no more.

“Bob Croaker,” said Martin, holding out his hand,
“T’m sorry we've had to fight. JI wouldn’t have done
it but to save my kitten. You compelled me to do
it, you know that. Come, let’s be friends again.”

Bob made no reply, but slowly and with some

difficulty put on his vest and jacket.