"You entice my brother to London, which means expulsion for him if it is found out by Dr. Moore." "I believe that's the rule." "The expulsion of Jack would bring disgrace on an honest name in the school and give pain to an honest gentleman----" "The pity o' 't," said Acton, with a sneer. "And so, since you, by a kind of malicious fate, seem to escape all proper punishment----" "You should be a parson, Bourne." "I'm going to try to give you your deserts myself." "An avenging angel. Oh, ye gods!" "Do you mind turning out at the old milling ground at seven sharp to-morrow morning?" "The mornings are chilly," said Acton, with a snigger. "Besides, I don't really see what pressing obligation I'm under to turn out at that time for the poor pleasure of knocking you down." "I never thought you were a coward." "How charitable!" "But we must bring you to book somehow. Will you fight--now?" Before he had time to avoid the blow Phil had struck him lightly on the face. For one half second a veritable devil peeped out of Acton's eyes as he sprung at Phil. But Phil quickly backed, and said coolly, "No--no, sir! Let us do the thing decently and in order. You can try to do all you wish to-morrow morning very much at your ease. I apologize for striking you in your own room, but necessity, you know----" "Bourne, you'll regret that blow!" "Never," said Phil, emphatically, and with cutting contempt. "I have asked Carr to second me. I dare say Vercoe would do the same for you. He has the merit of being a perfectly straightforward fellow, and since he does not go home like the rest to-morrow----" "Thanks. Vercoe will do excellently. He is a friend of yours, too!" "I'm glad to say he is." "Well, you may now be pretty certain there will be no foul play, whatever else may follow. I'll teach you wisdom on your front teeth." "I dare say," said Phil, as he coolly stalked out, and left Acton curled up on his chair, like a cobra balancing for its stroke. CHAPTER XXIV A RENEWED FRIENDSHIP