He got hold of the broom at her end and pulled along with her.

But the boys proceeded to rougher measures, and one of them hit Diamond on the nose, and made it bleed; and as he could not let go the broom to mind his nose, he was soon a dreadful figure.

But presently his father came back, and missing Diamond, looked about.

He had to look twice, however, before he could be sure that that was his boy in the middle of the tumult.

He rushed in, and sent the assailants flying in all directions.