“Let it come!” said Hector, rather contemptuously.
“You don’t seem afraid!” said Wilkins, regarding him curiously.
“Because I am not afraid. Isn’t that a good reason?”
“You don’t think you can stand up against Jim, do you?”
“I will see when the time comes.”
“I shouldn’t be a bit surprised if he were looking out for you at this very moment, and wondering where you are.”
It seemed that Wilkins was right. As they approached the school grounds, John Bates came running to meet them.
“Where have you been, you two?” he said.
“To the village,” answered Wilkins.
“What for?”