"It is this, then," replied Ralph quietly. "You mean that we have got to fight?"
Elgert looked round and laughed. A whole lot of the boys had come up, seeing them standing there, and knowing what they would be talking about.
"Hear him!" he said. "How innocent! He cheeks me last night, and then asks if I mean we have got to fight! Yes, I do mean it! After afternoon school, the other side of the playing-field; and make up your mind for a thrashing!"
"I have not the slightest wish to fight you. I was going to say that I had not any intention of fighting you," said Ralph.
And some of the boys groaned, and muttered "Coward!"
"I don't care whether you have wish or intention," replied Elgert, in truculent tones. "I have both wish and intention of thrashing you, and so you have got to put up with it, and afterwards beg my pardon. Do you hear that?"
"I hear," was the quiet reply.
And Ralph's eyes sparkled slightly.
"Very well. This afternoon, the other side of the playing-field; and you mind that you are there, for it will be worse for you if I have to come and find you! That is all."
And round swung Elgert on his heel and walked off, leaving Ralph standing unmoved by his angry, insulting tones.