"If I whip him," said Gordon.
"Come along with me. I will let you two boys try each other's mettle for two rounds, but, remember, you have got to stop when I call time."
So they came to a secluded spot, where the two boys took off their coats.
"Come, you fellows had better make up now," said Mr. Rhodes, standing above them good-humored and kindly.
"I don't see what we are fighting about," said Ferdy.
"Take back what you said about Norman," demanded Gordon.
"There is nothing to take back," declared Ferdy.
"Then take that!" said Gordon, stepping forward and tapping him in the mouth with the back of his hand.
He had not expected the other boy to be so quick. Before he could put himself on guard, Ferdy had fired away, and catching him right in the eye, he sent him staggering back. He was up again in a second, however, and the next moment was at his opponent like a tiger. The rush was as unlooked for on Wickersham's part as Wickersham's blow had been by Gordon, and after a moment the lessons of Mike Doherty began to tell, and Gordon was ducking his head and dodging Wickersham's blows; and he began to drive him backward.
"By Jove! he knows his business," said Rhodes to himself.