"No; I'm a match for a half-grown boy like him," returned Fogson, ashamed to ask for help in so unequal a contest.
He sprang forward and grabbed Jed, who accepted the gage of battle and clinched with his adversary. A moment afterward they were rolling on the floor, first one being uppermost, then the other.
CHAPTER V. JED SECURES AN ALLY.
It was trying to Mrs. Fogson to see her husband apparently getting the worst of it from "that young viper," as she mentally apostrophized Jed, and she longed to take a part, notwithstanding her husband's refusal to accept her assistance.
A bright but malicious idea struck her. She seized a tin dipper and filled it half full from the tea-kettle, the water in which was almost scalding. Then she seized an opportunity to empty it over Jed. But unfortunately for the success of her amiable plan, by the time she was ready to pour it out it was Mr. Fogson who was exposed, and he received the whole of the water on his neck and shoulder.
"Help! Help! Murder!" he shrieked in anguish. "You have scalded me, you—you she cat!"
As he spoke he released his hold on Jed, who sprang to his feet and stood watching for the next movement of the enemy.