Mark Manning's Mission

draw from his savings in the bank. He thought it was very hard, as the shooting was merely an accident. He was fond of

ut of it," he complained to Tom

ay for a trifling carel

t to pay but for John Downie. W

was

me up with the fellow. I mean to giv

rate did not express any disapproval, but left it to

were crossing the pasture, which had been the scene

mphantly. "There's the sneak that t

roaching, nodded his head, sayin

said James, in a hostil

you think it was?" re

ing to meet you

ld not help seeing now that th

you are a sneak

t?" demanded John, begin

king. Wasn't it you that told

id shoot her

You needn't have

ith it. I wasn't going to see him

Mark Manning, it seems,"

I would have told. His mother is poor,

I'm thinking," said James. "Do yo

ell me," said Joh

to give you

ll let

so far as appearances went was not as strong. In a contest between

the matter," said James. "Just move out of

ys were soon grappling, trying to trip each other up. Neither knew much of the science of fighting, and victory naturally

a licking," said James, c

es," said Tom. "This

g to give him a lesson he

n so preoccupied that he did not notice a boy running towards

aid nothing, but fairly flew across the pasture till he reached the battle-field. The first intimation James had of his presence was

said, sternly. "You're a contemptible co

eked James, furiously. "I'l

e it," said Mark, with hi

led James, strug

Mark by the shoulders, and tried to drag him away from his prostrate friend, but by this time John Downi

low ruffian!"

ise to behave

promise

a little longer. What

siness. I'll lick him

und. Johnny, what m

tale, because I told o

e! Let me up,

you pr

I w

hnny. "He won't dare to att

re how you pitch into Johnny again. Just as sure

nd humiliated. He would sooner have been worsted by any one than M

" he said, sullenly, "or y

ark, quietly. "Now we stand face to fa

self by fighting with such

k, undisturbed by this taunt. "As for bein

ly a commo

ope to rise hig

er in my father's shop. I

n some other way. Come, Johnny, if James has no fu

wish to resume hostilities,

of this very soon," said

his father to discharge

k very

u have got into tro

ght, and am ready to take the