[Illustration: "DOBSON, WITH MANY QUEER GRIMACES, HAD TO COMPLY." p. 49]
"Now! Ah, I see that you have straightened things!" Ralph went on. "Now you chaps can go, and the next time you want to come into our study take my advice and ask leave, or there will be more trouble. Clear out!"
And he unlocked the door and flung it open.
And out those half dozen boys went, looking considerably crestfallen and stupid, and knowing also that they were cowards--they were all frightened by Ralph, so greatly does one of dauntless bearing affect a number.
But one boy turned, and that one was Horace Elgert, and he came back and gave Ralph look for look.
"Look here, you new fellow!" he said, "you have been very clever, but you have done a bad day's work for yourself. You have made one enemy at least. As for that insult which you offered me, you will have to fight me for it; and as for you, you miserable cub"--and he turned towards Charlton, who cowered back before his raised fist--"as for you, I will----"
"Hold hard--you will do nothing!" answered Ralph, with the utmost good humour. "You are talking tall, that is all about it. Now, take my advice, and go; and when you are calmer, you will see things differently. And then, as to fighting--well, I shall not run away in the meantime. Clear!"
And with that he shut the door and locked it behind his discomfited foes. Then, seating himself, he looked at the bewildered Charlton, and laughed again as he saw the look of admiration in his face.
"There, I think that has taught them a lesson! We shall not have them upset our study again," he said. "One must maintain one's rights, and we may as well begin as we mean to go on. So this is our study, is it?"
"Yes, if you will share it with me," the other boy said. And Ralph answered--
"Share it? Of course I shall share it with you! Did not you hear Mr. Delermain say that we were to share it?"
"But most fellows don't like me, because--because----"
"Never mind why," interrupted Ralph, anxious to spare the boy's feelings. "I heard something about your father being gone; well, my father is gone, you know"--and Ralph's voice shook a little--"and so we two ought to be chums, and help each other. Then, I suppose that you know more than I do; for, except at roping a steer or rounding up a herd of cattle, I am afraid that I am not of much use. You will be able to help me on no end."