Loman opened his eyes in amazement, and stared at this bold young hero as if he had dropped from the clouds. "What!" he cried; "what do you say?" "It's not my work," repeated Stephen, blushing, but very determined. "Look here, young fellow," said Loman, when he was sure that he had really heard correctly, "don't you play any of your little games with me, or you'll be sorry for it." Stephen said nothing, and waited with a tremor for what was to follow. Loman was hardly a bully naturally. It was always easier for him to be civil than to be angry, especially with small boys, but this cool defiance on the part of his fag was too much for any one's civility, and Loman began to be angry. "What do you mean by it?" he said, catching the boy by the arm. Stephen wrenched away his arm and stood dogged and silent. Nothing could have irritated Loman more. To be defied and resisted by a youngster like this was an experience quite new to him. "Just come to my room," said he, gripping his fag angrily by the shoulder. "We'll see who's master of us two!" Stephen was forced to submit, and allowed himself to be dragged to the study. "Now!" said Loman shutting the door. "Now!" said Stephen, as boldly as he could, and wondering what on earth was to become of him. "Are you going to do what you're told, or not?" demanded Loman. "Not what _you_ tell me," replied Stephen, promptly, but not exactly cheerfully. "Oh!" said Loman, his face becoming crimson, "you're quite sure?" "Yes," said Stephen. "Then take that!" said Loman. It was a sharp box on the ears, suddenly administered. Stephen recoiled a moment, but only a moment. He had expected something a good deal worse. If that was all, he would brave it out yet. "Don't you hit me!" he said, defiantly. Loman could not stand to be defied. His vanity was his weak point, and nothing offended his vanity so much as to find any one as determined as himself. He took up a ruler, and in his passion flung it at the luckless Stephen's head. It struck him hard on the cheek. The blood flushed to the boy's face as he stood a moment half-stunned and smarting with the pain, confronting his adversary. Then he rushed blindly in and flung himself upon the bully.