A group of lads, Reg amongst the number, gathered round the angry lads. Hugh in another part of the playground was doing his utmost to comfort Ronnie, whose distress at his brother's disgrace was unbounded.
A sudden thought flashed into Frank's mind, and without pausing to reflect, and scarcely crediting his own words, he said, "Hugh never put the book in his desk, I know. It's far more likely that Reg out of jealous spite hid it there himself."
Monty was beside himself with rage at these words, but they had struck home to Reg, for he turned visibly paler.
"If Reg did such a mean thing as that, I'd break every bone in his body," said the young pugilist; "but as he didn't, I'll make you suffer for your words."
And with his clenched fist Monty struck Frank a blow in his face. With interest Frank returned it, but his adversary being considerably stronger, the lad soon had the worst of it, and before Hugh could interpose, Frank was the possessor of a black eye, a bleeding face, and torn garments.
Monty Rose, after the first flush of victory was over, was considerably disturbed by his opponent's wretched appearance. For this breach of discipline, both lads were severely reprimanded. Frank was placed in the care of the housekeeper, who dressed his wounds and soothed him to such an extent that in the course of an hour or two, he did not feel so very much the worse for his conflict.
But the three Lancastrians felt heavy-hearted at the idea of facing the loving, tender mother who always awaited their home-coming with smiles of welcome. Alas! They had suffered a great reverse that day, and the "Yorkists" ignobly triumphed over their discomfiture.
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[CHAPTER VII]
A LITTLE SOLDIER