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164 to recover what he had lost than by some feat of strength or skill. Since he had been beaten in swimming (for the new-comer had easily outdone Ralph's best efforts in the water), he thought that perhaps his strength might stand him in good stead where his skill had failed. So, when the others were dressed, Ralph proposed that they should stay a while by the lake and "have some fun." The other boys well knew what this meant, and little Plunkett, who had hitherto kept strangely in the background, said: "What 'll we do, Ralph?"

"Let's pull on a stick."

This was Ralph's favorite amusement; he even preferred it to "snap-the-whip," though that, too, was a favorite.

So they found a stout stick, and two of the boys sat on the ground, put the soles of their feet together, and, holding the stick near the middle, pulled until one or the other was drawn to his feet or pulled over. Several of the boys declined the game—among them Alberto. But after Cromwell had with much difficulty conquered all but Ralph, the latter sat down with a confident smile, and after a short struggle pulled Cromwell over. Indeed, it seemed to him he had never conquered Tom so easily.

As he sat upon the ground, beaming with pride, and with his good humor entirely restored, little Plunkett stepped up and said modestly: "My friend Alberto thinks he would like that game—and he's willing to try with you, if you 'll show him how."

"All right," replied Ralph, very graciously.

So Alberto sat down, and after a little teaching said he thought he understood it.

"Oh, it takes some practice," said Ralph, in a patronizing tone; "I 'll pull against you with one hand, at first." So he did; but, strange to say, Alberto pulled hard enough to make Ralph lose his hold upon the stick, and it slipped from his hand.