Was it better for boys to abuse one another or to settle things by a fight?
The rector had urged that his argument for the ordeal of battle would apply with equal force to the duel of men.

He had said, "No, boys do not kill; and after all even the duel has its values." Then the rector said he was past praying for and had better read the Decalogue.
When next day Mark Rivers was being shaved by the skilled hand of Josiah, he heard the voice of his friend and fishing-companion, the Rev.Isaac Grace, "What about the trout-brook this afternoon ?" "Of course," said Mark, moveless under the razor.

"Call for me at five." "Seen yesterday's _Press_ ?" "No.

I can't talk, Grace." "This town's all for Buchanan and Breckenridge.

How will the Squire vote ?" "Ask him.