The King of the School, or, Who will Win? — page 85: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE KING OF THE SCHOOL; OR, WHO WILL WIN? —Z, and risk the results.” But, as you must all be aware, when wne boy studiously avoids another it is a difficult matter for either to disa- gree with the other. Baynes saw this difficulty, and well knowing the chivalrous nature of the King of the School, resolved upon a course of action which he well knew would excite Egerton’s anger. For a whole day the smaller fry of the college trembled when Baynes was seen approaching, or his voice was heard. Freddy Webber ventured to remon- strate with the tyrant, but was roughly told to mind his own business. “T am doing so,” was the reply. “Then don’t interfere with me, or I shall be obliged to lick you.” “You are a coward, Baynes. You know you are longer in the arms and stronger than I, therefore you say such rude things. But we both know how to use a stick.” “What say you; shall we have a trial?” “© With all my heart.” “No,” exclaimed Egerton, who had overheard the conversation; “ leave him for me, for I know he is too clever for you, Freddy. Baynes, you are a cowardly bully to threaten and insult those who are so much younger and smaller than yourself. You shall not fight Webber; but if you wish to have a bout with the sticks I will not dis- appoint you.” “Of course, I will. Dv you think I am going to let you bully me always? Under the elm at four o’clock this afternoon, and take care of your sore head, for I hit hard.” “As hard as youlike. I shall not play gently, I assure you.” That day, after school hours, a group of boys might have been seen under the elm trees that formed one of the prin- cipal ornaments of the play-field. In the centre of the group stood Frank Egerton and his second, Charlie Fitzgerald; facing them Baynes and Crawley. amma ame gf he is. Dll pick a quarrel with hin, | (9 Presently the earl of Pembridge made his appearance, attended by Harry, the waif Egerton had picked up. The boy carried half-a-dozen sound ashen sticks with basket hilts, These he threw on the ground, and the seconds immediately began to se- lect weapons for their principals. Crawley made his selection for Baynes first, choosing a rather heavy stick, Fitzgerald, in looking out a weapon for Egerton, selected one possessing more pliability than the others, and handed it to him. The King of the School, after a critical examination, signified his ap- proval of it by a nod. Both combatants then took off their coats, rolled up their shirt-sleeves, and placed themselves opposite each other. ‘¢ Guard!” exclaimed the earl, who acted as referee. The sticks cracked together as the combatants assumed attitudes of de- fence. “Commence,” was the next word and Baynes at once began to shower down his blows as rapidly as possible. He calculated on the reduction of strength Frank had suffered through his illness, and hoped to break through his guard. He had resolved, if possible, to strike on the old wound. The result would, probably, be death—or at least another long and severe illness for Frank; but Baynes had gone on so far in sin that he was not inclined to stop at murder, espe- cially as he knew the law well enough to be aware that, legally, it would only be termed manslaughter. It was not so easily done, though. Frank held up a good guard, and carefully protected his head, without attempting to return the blows. “JT must alter my tactics,” thought Baynes, and immediately he began to direct all his attention to his opponent's body and legs, a mode of attack which he kept up for some time. Suddenly changing, however, he de- EO DOC EO mn