On this third night they were kept waiting still longer. Aaron Cohen did not make his appearance so quickly, and several minutes elapsed before the pennies were thrown to them. On the first night he had disbursed seven, on the second night six, on this third only four. There was the usual fighting for them, and the usual scampering away; but when the sum-total was placed in the hands of Ted Kite a great deal of dissatisfaction was expressed. Only fourpence! They doubted the correctness of the sum; they were sure that more had been thrown; one girl said she counted eight, and others supported her statement. Who had stolen the missing pennies? They quarrelled and fought again; they regarded each other with suspicion; doubts were thrown upon the honesty of the captain. Off went his coat instantly; off went the coats of other boys; the girls, having no coats to throw off, tucked up their sleeves; and presently six or seven couples were hitting, scratching, and kicking each other. Much personal damage was done, and more bad blood engendered. The warfare was not by any means of a heroic nature. Nevertheless they assembled on the fourth night, and were kept waiting still longer before they were paid. Aaron did not show his liberality, however, until he had had a conference with the captain. His keen eyes had singled out Ted Kite, and he beckoned to him. Ted hesitated; he was only a small boy; Aaron Cohen was a big man, and in a personal contest could have disposed of him comfortably. "Yah, yer coward!" cried the rank and file to their captain. "What are yer frightened at? What did we make yer captain for?" Thus taunted, Ted Kite ventured to approach the smiling foe. "Come a little nearer," said Aaron; "I am not going to hurt you. I wish you to do me a favour." Ted, with a sidelong look over his shoulders at his army, as if appealing to it to rush to his rescue in case he was seized, shuffled forward. Aaron Cohen held out his hand; Ted Kite timidly responded, and was surprised at the friendly grip he received. "You are the leader," said Aaron, in his most genial voice. "Yes, Mr. Cohen," replied Ted, growing bold, "I'm the captain." "Clever lad, clever captain! Here's a penny for you. Don't let them see you take it. It is for you alone. They will do as you tell them, of course." "I'll let 'em know it if they don't." "It's right you should. I think it is very kind of you to come here as you do, but I want you to oblige me and not come to-morrow night It is Friday, and the shop will be closed; so you would be wasting your time. That would be foolish, would it not?" "Yes, it would," said Ted, somewhat bewildered. "Shall we come on Saturday night?" "Certainly, if you think proper. Then you will not be here to-morrow?" "We won't, as you'd rather not, Mr. Cohen." "Thank you, I am really obliged to you. Now go and join your army." Ted Kite turned away, walked a step or two, and returned. "But I say, Mr. Cohen----" "Well, my lad?"