The novice hesitated. “ Do you think I ought to, Ned? ” he said.
“ That ain ’ t for me to say, ” said Skene, doggedly. “ I know what I would ha ’ said at your age. But perhaps you ’ re right to be cautious. I tell you the truth, I wouldn ’ t care to see you whipped by the like of Sam Ducket. ”
“ Will you train me if I challenge him? ”
“ Will I train you! ” echoed Skene, rising with enthusiasm. “ Ay will I train you, and put my money on you, too; and you shall knock fireworks out of him, my boy, as sure as my name ’ s Ned Skene. ”
“ Then, ” cried the novice, reddening with excitement, “ I ’ ll fight him. And if I lick him you will have to hand over your belt as champion of the colonies to me. ”
“ So I will, ” said Skene, affectionately. “ Don ’ t out late; and don ’ t for your life tou
