An instant later James Leech found himself lying on his back on the sidewalk with Herbert bending over him.
He kept upon his feet, pale with rage and mortification.
“I'll be revenged upon you yet, you brute!” he shrieked, in his rage leaving our hero victor of the field.
“I wouldn't have touched him if he hadn't spoken against my mother,” said Herbert.
CHAPTER XXIX
A BITTER PILL
James Leech was furious at the humiliation. What he, a gentleman's son, to be knocked down and triumphed over by a boy who was compelled to work! Why, it was almost a sacrilege and no punishment could be too severe for such, flagrant outrage. How should he be revenged? First of all, he would get Herbert discharged from his present employment. Surely Mr. Cameron would not continue to avail himself of the services of a common bully. To attain this, he decided to reveal the matter to his father.
“That boy actually knocked you down!” exclaimed the squire. “But why did you permit him?”
“He took me by surprise,” said James.