They thought he would kill Dan . Now that all was over they sobbed hysterically -- except Faith , who still stood tense and crimson cheeked . Walter did not stay for any conqueror 's meed . He sprang over the fence and rushed down the spruce hill to Rainbow Valley . He felt none of the victor 's joy , but he felt a certain calm satisfaction in duty done and honour avenged -- mingled with a sickish qualm when he thought of Dan 's gory nose . It had been so ugly , and Walter hated ugliness . Also , he began to realize that he himself was somewhat sore and battered up . His lip was cut and swollen and one eye felt very strange . In Rainbow Valley he encountered Mr. Meredith , who was coming home from an afternoon call on the Miss Wests . That reverend gentleman looked gravely at him . `` It seems to me that you have been fighting , Walter ? '' `` Yes , sir , '' said Walter , expecting a scolding . `` What was it about ? '' `` Dan Reese said my mother wrote lies and that that Faith was a pig-girl , '' answered Walter bluntly . `` Oh -- h ! Then you were certainly justified , Walter . '' `` Do you think it 's right to fight , sir ? '' asked Walter curiously . `` Not always -- and not often -- but sometimes -- yes , sometimes , '' said John Meredith . `` When womenkind are insulted for instance -- as in your case .
My motto , Walter , is , do n't fight till you 're sure you ought XXXXX , and THEN put every ounce of you into it .
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