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Edgar Foster looked up at the big fellow standing before him, but he did not flinch, nor did he drop the bat.

The boys crowded round, anticipating a row, and anxious to see how the new-comer would shape with Rakes.

‘If it is your turn,’ said Edgar quietly, ‘I will give you the bat. If it is not your turn, under no circumstances will I drop the bat.’

The tones were firm, there was no flinching, and the lad looked determined.

Bully Rakes was not accustomed to be addressed in this manner. He eyed Edgar scornfully, and said:

‘I shall have to teach you manners. I am the best judge of whose turn it is. Will you drop that bat?’

Edgar turned to the lad who had handed him the bat, and said:

‘Do you bat in turns? Has Rakes any right to bat before me?’

Courage is infectious. Will Brown had never defied Rakes before, but he felt he must back up his plucky schoolmate.

‘Rakes has no right to bat here at all,’ he replied. ‘He’s been batting at the other net, and has just finished his turn.’

Edgar Foster made no further remark, but walked coolly to the wicket.