Mr. Rhodes considered.  “If I go out there with you and let you have two rounds, will you make up and agree never to refer to the subject again?”

“Yes,” said Wickersham.

“If I whip him,” said Gordon.

“Come along with me.  I will let you two boys try each other’s mettle for two rounds, but, remember, you have got to stop when I call time.”

So they came to a secluded spot, where the two boys took off their coats.

“Come, you fellows had better make up now,” said Mr. Rhodes, standing above them good-humored and kindly.

“I don’t see what we are fighting about,” said Ferdy.

“Take back what you said about Norman,” demanded Gordon.

“There is nothing to take back,” declared Ferdy.

“Then take that!” said Gordon, stepping forward and tapping him in the mouth with the back of his hand.

He had not expected the other boy to be so quick.  Before he could put himself on guard, Ferdy had fired away, and catching him right in the eye, he sent him staggering back.  He was up again in a second, however, and the next moment was at his opponent like a tiger.  The rush was as unlooked for on Wickersham’s part as Wickersham’s blow had been by Gordon, and after a moment the lessons of Mike Doherty began to tell, and Gordon was ducking his head and dodging Wickersham’s blows; and he began to drive him backward.

“By Jove! he knows his business,” said Rhodes to himself.

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.

As Wickersham continued to shirk the work of rodman, Rhodes took Gordon in his party, instructed him in the use of the instruments, and inspired him with enthusiasm for the work, none the less eager because he contrasted him with Ferdy.  Rhodes knew what General Keith’s name was worth, and he thought his son being of his party would be no hindrance to him.