Just then he showed that he knew his business, for, swinging out first with his right, he brought in the cut which was Mr. Doherty's chef d'oeuvre, and catching Wickersham under the chin, he sent him flat on his back on the ground.
Mr. Rhodes called time and picked him up.
"Come, now, that's enough," he said.
Gordon wiped the blood from his face.
"He has got to take back what he said about Norman, or I have another round."
"You had better take it back, Ferdy. You began it," said the umpire.
"I didn't begin it. It's a lie!"
"You did," said Mr. Rhodes, coldly. He turned to Gordon. "You have one more round."
"I take it back," growled Ferdy.
Just then there was a step on the grass, and General Keith stood beside them. His face was very grave as he chided the boys for fighting; but there was a gleam in his eyes that showed Mr. Rhodes and possibly the two combatants that he was not wholly displeased. At his instance and Mr. Rhodes's, the two boys shook hands and promised not to open the matter again.