He
was not a "fighting character;" and being a sensible boy, he had
a hearty contempt for Johnny Grippen. He was not afraid of him,
and though he never went an inch out of his way to avoid a fight
with him, it so happened they had never fought. He was entirely
indifferent to his threats, and had no great opinion of his
courage. Johnny had "stumped" him to fight, and even taken off
his coat and dared him to come; but Tommy would laugh at him,
tell him to put on his coat or he would catch cold; and, contrary
to the general opinion among boys, no one ever thought the less
of him for the true courage he exhibited on these occasions.
Johnny did not like to be told that Tommy was coming, for it
reminded him that, as the king bully of the neighborhood, one of
his subjects was unconquered and rebellious. But Johnny had
discretion--and bullies generally have it. He did not like that
cool, independent way of the refractory vassal; it warned him to
be cautious.
"What's the matter, Katy?" asked Tommy, as he came with quick
pace up the court, without deigning to cast even a glance at the
ruffian who menaced her.
"Stand by, fellers, and see fair play, and I'll lick him now,"
said Johnny, in a low tone, to his companions.
"He won't let me go," replied Katy, pointing to her assailant.
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