“Who’ll give it to me?” asked Harry, composedly.
He had merely retained his position, pinning Tom to the ground, but not striking him; for he was too honorable to strike a prostrate foe.
“I will,” said James, with a boldness of manner which did not by any means correspond to his inward feelings.
So saying, he made a step or two in advance, in a threatening manner.
Harry sprang up suddenly, and advanced upon his new foe.
“I’m ready for you, James Turner,” he said, “now or at any other time. Come on, if you dare.”
James paused in his advance. He did not like the position of affairs at all. He had never bargained to meet Harry in single combat, and now it appeared likely that he would have to do so.
“Get up, Tom,” he called out. “The two of us can whip him soundly.”
“I can’t do anything,” whined Tom. “My back’s most broke.”