That was enough for Archie. And the next moment the lads were at it.
But Archie had met his match; he went down a dozen times. He remained down the last time.
"It is wonderful," he said. "I quite admire you. But I've had enough; I'm beaten."
"Spoken like a plucked 'un. Haven't swallowed yer teeth, hey?"
"No; but I'll have a horrid black-eye."
"Raw beef, my boy; raw beef."
"Well; I confess I've caught a tartar."
"An' I caught a crab yesterday. Wot about your eider duck? My heye! Johnnie, I ain't been able to sit down conweniently since. I say, Johnnie?"
"Well."
"Friends, hey?"