cutting a gash in his forehead.

In an instant the boy was up and wheeled about, blood dripping
from the cut, but something worse flashing in his eyes.

The principal was at once terrified. He was not naturally courageous,
but he had a dangerous temper, and he now realized to what it
had brought him. Mr. Cantwell was trying to frame a lame apology
when an indignant voice cried out:

"_Coward_!"

His face livid, the principal turned.

"Who said that?" he demanded, at white heat.

"_I_ did!" admitted Purcell, promptly. Abner Cantwell sprang at
this second "offender." But Purcell threw himself quickly into
an attitude of defence.

"Keep your hands off of me, Mr. Cantwell, or I'll knock you down!"

"Good!"

"That's the talk!"

The excited High School boys came crowding about the principal
and Purcell. Bristow was swept back by the surging throng.
He had his handkerchief out, now, at his forehead.