‘Rakes has no right to bat here at all,’ he replied. ‘He’s been batting at the other net, and has just finished his turn.’
Edgar Foster made no further remark, but walked coolly to the wicket.
This defiance of his demands gave Bully Rakes a shock. He knew if he allowed Foster to bat his hold over the boys would be gone. He strode up to Edgar and said savagely:
‘Give me the bat, or I’ll thrash you!’
‘Had you asked me politely at first, I should probably have handed you the bat,’ said Edgar. ‘I shall not do so now. As for thrashing me—well, that has to be decided.’
‘Bravo, Foster!’ shouted several lads.
‘Punch his head, Rakes,’ said one of the bully’s toadies.
‘Give me that bat, or fight me!’ shouted Rakes in a passion.
‘Shame!’ shouted the lads.
Rakes was much taller and more powerfully built than Edgar.