John was not sorry for the interruption.

He was well aware that in the rough and tumble of a close he had not weight enough to encounter what would have lost him the fight he had so far won.

He stood still panting, smiling, and happy.
"Hadn't you boys better shake hands ?" said the rector.

Tom, furious, was collecting blood from his nose on his handkerchief.

Neither boy spoke.
"Well, John," said Rivers waiting.
"I'll shake hands, sir, when Tom apologizes." The rector smiled.