Sam Payson felt perfectly safe in challenging Tony to single combat. He had seen that he was two inches shorter and probably twenty pounds lighter. But appearances were deceitful, and he had no idea that Tony had received special training which he lacked.

In the course of his wanderings Tony had attracted the attention of a pugilist.

I’ll tell you what, Rudolph,” said the pugilist, “you can make something of that boy?”

“How?” asked the tramp.

I’ll teach him to box, and you can get an engagement for him in a circus.”

“Do it if you like,” said the tramp.

So Tony received a gratuitous course of lessons in boxing, which were at last interrupted by a little difficulty between his teacher and the officers of the law, resulting in the temporary confinement of the former. The lessons were never resumed, but they had gone so far that Tony was a skillful boxer for a boy.

He, too, had measured Sam and felt quite sure of being able to conquer him, and that with ease. He did not, however, mention the grounds of his confidence to James, when the latter expressed some apprehension that he would find Sam too much for him.

“Don’t be alarmed, James,” said Tony quietly.

He’s bigger than you,” said James doubtfully.

I know that, but he’s clumsy.”

“He’s slow, but he’s pretty strong.”

“So am I.”

“You’ve got pluck, and you deserve to win, Tony.”

“I mean to,” answered Tony. “Come along and see that it’s all fair.”

“I will if I can get away. Will you give up your place if you are licked?”

“Yes,” replied Tony. “I’ll give up my place and leave the village.”

“I don’t believe Mr. Porter will take Sam back.”

“I see you are expecting I will be whipped,” said Tony, laughing; “but you’re mistaken. Sam isn’t able to do it.”

Meanwhile Sam had made known the duel which was about to take place. He confidently anticipated victory, and wanted the village boys to be witnesses of the manner in which he was going to polish off the interloper.

I’ll learn him to cut me out of my place,” he said boastfully: “I’ll learn him to mind his own business.”

“Will you get your place again if you lick him?” asked one of his companions.

Of course, I will.”

“Suppose he won’t give it up?”

“Then I’ll lick him every day till he’s glad to clear out. All you boys know I don’t stand no nonsense.”

The result of Sam’s boastful talk was that about a hundred boys collected behind the schoolhouse.

Many of them who had suffered from Sam’s bullying disposition would have been glad to see him worsted, but none anticipated it.

Nothing was known of Tony except that he was considerably smaller and lighter, and probably weaker.

Tony tried to be on hand at the time appointed, but he had more than usual to do, and it was five minutes past seven before he entered the field.

There had been various speculations as to the cause of his delay.

He won’t come,” said Sam, with a sneer.

What’ll you do if he don’t come?” asked John Nolan.

What will I do? I’ll pitch into him wherever I see him.”

“There he comes!” shouted a small boy.

All eyes were turned upon Tony, as he entered the field, with James at his side.

I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, boys,” said our hero politely.
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