“But don’t you think I can lick him?”
“Of course you can.”
“I am heavier than he.”
“How much do you weigh?”
“A hundred and thirty pounds.”
“That’s good weight. I only weigh a hundred and twelve.”
“How much do you think he weighs?”
“About a hundred and twenty.”
This was a good guess, Walter weighing really but four pounds more. He was not quite so “chunky” as Peter, but he was quicker and more agile. Besides, as we know, he knew something of boxing; but of this Peter was absolutely ignorant. Peter’s plan in fighting was to pitch in heavily, and as he generally tackled those who knew no more than himself of the “noble art of self-defence,” and was careful to fight only with those whom he knew to be smaller and weaker than himself, he had achieved a long list of victories. The natural result was to make him confident in his prowess, and a bully. He had convinced himself that Walter was his inferior in physical strength, and was sure he could master him in a conflict.
“I’d just as lief get into a fight with the master to-day,” said Peter; “but there’s one thing I’m afraid of.”