A Lad of Mettle

by Nat Gould

‘You’ll get into a row,’ said Will Brown to Edgar. ‘The chief can’t bear fighting, but when he hears the truth, I fancy he’ll side with you.’

‘He’ll hear the truth then,’ said Edgar. ‘I shall ask to see him when we reach school.’

‘I shouldn’t,’ said Will Brown. ‘None of the masters may have noticed it.’

‘It makes no difference to me whether they have noticed it or otherwise,’ said Edgar; ‘I shall tell the doctor all about it, if he will see me. It is the most straightforward way, as I have only been about a week in the school.’

‘Perhaps you’re right,’ said Will Brown.

‘Sure of it,’ said Edgar.

That evening Dr. Hook received a polite note from Edgar Foster, in which he asked for an interview. Dr. Hook knew Edgar’s father, and admired him for his many manly qualities.

‘You wanted to see me, Foster,’ said Dr. Hook, when the lad came into his study.

Then, catching sight of Edgar’s discoloured eye, he frowned.

Edgar explained what had occurred in the cricket-field. Dr. Hook listened attentively, noting the boy’s face all the time. His scrutiny was evidently favourable.