Meanwhile, Sam had made known the duel which was about to take place. He confidently anticipated victory, and wanted the village boys to be witnesses of the manner in which he was going to polish off that interloper.
"I'll learn him to cut me out of my place," he said, boastfully; "I'll learn him to mind his own business."
"Will you get your place again if you lick him?" asked one of his companions.
"Then I'll lick him every day till he's glad to clear out. All you boys know I don't stand no nonsense."
The result of Sam's boastful talk was that about a hundred boys collected about the school house to witness the boys' duel.
Many of them who had suffered from Sam's bullying disposition would have been glad to see him worsted, but none anticipated it.
Nothing was known of Tony except that he was considerably smaller and lighter, and probably weaker. It was generally thought that he would not be able to hold out long, and that Sam would achieve an easy victory.
Tony tried to be on hand at the time appointed, but he had more than usual to do, and it was five minutes past seven when he entered the field, accompanied by James.
There had been various speculations as to the cause of his delay.
"He won't come," said Sam, with a sneer; "he's afraid."
"What'll you do if he don't come?" asked John Nolan.
"What will I do? I'll pitch into him wherever I see him."
"Yes, he accepted, but he's thought better of it, likely."
All eyes were turned upon Tony, as he entered the field, with James at his side.
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, boys," said our hero, politely.
"We concluded you'd backed out," said Sam, with a sneer.
"That isn't my style," returned Tony, with a quiet smile. "I had more to do than usual to-night."
"You've still more to do," said Sam, jeeringly. "I pity you."
"Do you? You're very kind," said Tony, unmoved.
"Then I won't. When are the exercises to commence?"
"Oh, it's only show off," said Sam. "You'll see how he'll wilt down when I get hold of him."
The two boys stripped off coat and vest, and faced each other. Tony was wary and watchful, and quietly looked into the eyes of his adversary, showing no disposition to begin.
Sam began business by thrusting his right fist violently in his face, or rather trying to do so. With scarcely an effort Tony parried the blow, and returned it quick as lightning, striking Sam full in the nose.