It's quite right and justifiable , if done from a simple aversion to physical pain and danger . But don't say 'No ' because you fear a licking and say or think it's because you fear God , for that's neither Christian nor honest . And if you do fight , fight it out ; and don't give in while you can stand and see ." And don't give in when you can't ! see ! For I could stand very little , and see not at all (having pommelled the school pump for the last twenty seconds ), when Conway retired from the field . Convinced of my error , I accepted his congratulations , with those of the other boys , blandly and blindly . I remember that Binny Wallace wanted to give me his silver pencil-case . The gentle soul had stood throughout the contest with his face turned to the fence , suffering untold agony . A good wash at the pump , and a cold key applied to my eye , refreshed me amazingly . Escorted by two or three of the schoolfellows , I walked home through the pleasant autumn twilight , battered but triumphant .