Rodney Royal, accordingly, was a new and choice victim.  Sammie knew all about him, as he had been freely and severely discussed at his home almost every day as far back as he could remember.  Here, then, was a lawful prey, and he gloated over the stories he would have to tell to his father of what he had done to the waif.

At noon-hour, the first day, Sammie made himself very objectionable.  He centred his attention upon Rod, for thus his name had now become shortened by every one except the Royals.  Rod bore these attacks and insulting remarks as well as he could, and refrained from open hostility.  But what Sammie had done and said rankled in his heart and mind for the rest of the day, causing him to lie awake for some time that night thinking it all over.

He confided his thoughts to no one, however, but the next morning as he left for school, there was a new look of determination in his eyes, and he trudged along the road with head held high, and his shoulders thrown back, while occasionally his hands clenched hard together.

For the first half of the noon-hour nothing happened.  Whether Sammie divined Rod’s purpose is hard to say.  Anyway, he devoted his attention to others, especially the little girls, whom he teased unmercifully.

Rod watched this performance with interest, mingled with indignation.  Twice he was tempted to interfere, but each time he hesitated and went on with his play.  But when at length one little girl began to scream with pain, he could control himself no longer.  With flashing eyes he sprang toward the tormentor, and demanded that he should leave Nancy alone.

For an instant only Sammie stared, amazed to think that any one would dare to be so bold with him.  He then gave a laugh of contempt, and hit Rod full in the face.

“That’s what ye git fer meddlin’,” he cried.  “Want some more, eh?”

Rod staggered back at the blow, but immediately regaining himself, he sprang swiftly upon his antagonist.  So unexpected was the attack, that Sammie was caught off guard, and ere he could raise a hand he received two black eyes, while his nose began to bleed profusely.  With a howl of pain and rage, he tried to defend himself, but he could do nothing against that whirlwind of fists which was swirling against him.  He endeavoured to dodge and run away, but, catching his foot in the leg of a desk, he fell sprawling to the floor.

By this time some of the older boys had arrived, who cheered lustily as they saw Sammie go down before his young opponent.  They looked upon Rod with much interest, and worthy of their attention.  In fact, he became quite a hero for the remainder of the day, while the defeated bully, with black eyes, and swollen nose, sat sullenly in his seat, keeping his head bent over his desk, and not daring to look any one in the face.  When school was out he did not wait for his usual pranks, but hurried away home as speedily as possible.