“I do,” said Walter, significantly. “If there shall be need of it, I mean to let him feel what I know about boxing.”
Phineas smiled. “I am glad to hear that, Mr. Howard,” he said. “Peter will be troublesome till you best him in a fair fight. After that, all will go right.”
Meanwhile Peter and John were standing together at one end of the playground.
“What do you think of the new teacher, Peter?” asked John.
“He’s nothing but a boy,” returned Peter, contemptuously.
“Do you think he’ll stay long?” asked John, insinuatingly.
“Not more’n a week.”
“Perhaps he will,” said John, intent upon drawing Peter on.
“He can’t keep order,” said Peter. “I can lick him myself.”
“Perhaps he is stronger than you think for,” suggested John.