"
Hector rose calmly, and faced the principal, by no means
awe-stricken at the grave arraignment to which he had listened.
"I say this, Mr. Smith," he answered, "that I did not attack your
nephew till he had first attacked me. This he did without the
slightest provocation, and I defended myself, as I had a right to
do."
"It's a lie!" muttered Jim, in a tone audible to his uncle.
"My nephew's report is of a different character. I am disposed to
believe him."
"I regret to say, sir, that he has made a false statement. I will
give you an account of what actually occurred. On my return from a
walk he sent a boy summoning me to his presence. As he was not a
teacher, and had no more authority over me than I over him, I
declined to obey, but sent word that if he wished to see me he could
come where I was. I then walked down to the brook in Carver's field.
He followed me, as soon as he had received my message, and, charging
me with impertinence, challenged me to a fight.
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