“A cut, sir.”

“What! Did you tumble down?”

“No, sir. It was done the day you—you beat Mr Blakeford.”

“How?”

I was silent.

“He—he didn’t dare to do it, did he?”

I was still silent.

“Look here, youngster, tell me the truth and I’ll give you a shilling.”

“I never told a lie yet, sir,” I said stoutly, “and I don’t want your shilling.”

He looked at me intently for a few moments, and then held out his hand. “Shake hands,” he said.