“I thought I saw you talking to Davidson just now.”
“Yes, sir, but it was not about the sums.”
“Oh, indeed!” replied the master, as if he did not altogether believe what Cox said. “You can go back to your seat.”
When the boys met again, before afternoon school, Cox came up to Alfred.
“Look here, Davidson,” he said, “if Mr. Harmer asks you about my sums at any time, mind you just keep your mouth shut.”
“And supposing I shouldn’t?” inquired Alfred.
“Then I shall punch your head after school,” replied Cox.
“Then punch away!” exclaimed Alfred, darting round a lamp-post.
Cox ran after him to carry out Alfred’s suggestion, when the latter dodged round a man walking along the street, and Cox, not being quite quick enough, charged the stranger before he could stop himself.
“Take that!” exclaimed the irritated man, giving Cox a hearty box on the ears, which made them sing for some minutes.