A SKIRMISH Andy Burke was not the boy to run away from an opponent of his own size and age.

Neither did he propose to submit quietly to the thrashing which Godfrey designed to give him.

He dropped his stick and bundle, and squared off scientifically at his aristocratic foe.
Godfrey paused an instant before him.
"I'm going to give you a thrashing," he said; "the worst thrashing you ever had." "Are you, now ?" asked Andy, undismayed.

"Come on, thin; I'm ready for you." "You're an impudent young ruffian." "So are you." Godfrey's aristocratic blood boiled at this retort, and he struck out at Andy, but the latter knew what was coming, and, swift as a flash, warded it off, and fetched Godfrey a blow full upon his nose, which started the blood.

Now, the pain and the sight of the blood combined filled him with added fury, and he attempted to seize Andy around the waist and throw him.