Chapter 23 Attacked by a Gang of Brothers

One afternoon as Fabian and Francis was going to the coffee stall at the Clock Tower a gang of Indian boys surrounded him intending to beat him up.Those Indians were brothers ,all sons of the school gardener of Anglo Chinese School (Primary).

One of them had a grudge against Fabian,so he rounded up all his brothers to attack Fabian.Fabian as he ever was not afraid did not run away but made his stand to fight them.Francis seeing his dear brother in trouble shouted in top of his voice calling out to Bruce whose house was about a hundred meters away.

"Bruce,help,the Indian gang are attacking my brother"."Help Bruce my brother is in trouble".

The magical name of Bruce attracted some of his friends residing nearby to charge out wanting to help.Those were the Chinese friends.A few Malays friends also heard that the one being attacked was Bruce's friend was leaped out into join in.

Seeing this the Indian gang were terrified and took flight.They ran way from that spot perceiving that they greatly out numbered.By then Bruce had heard Francis's cry and have rushed to that spot.

"Aiya! I if I know so many friends were joining in I should have walked here instead of running".All the friends laughed telling Fabian,"Next time they trouble you again just shout out for us"

Later part of the day the gardener eldest son came and apologized to Bruce for the incidence.He further stressed that his brothers would not bother Fabian again.Of course that elder brother was Bruce's friend also.

For Fabian it was a lucky escape for those brothers were all body builders and huge in size,but they were scared of their elder brother and father.It was a small misunderstanding that brought about this.Later they became great friends.

Bruce was full of praise for Francis saying,"Wah,you can really shout huh?.
So loud and clear,from so far I can hear you.My parents and sisters also heard you,and they rushed me to run faster here".
"Yeah,I can shout very loud and if I do not shout so loud those Indian boys would have beaten up my brother",replied Francis.
"That what brothers are for?Is it not so?".said Fabian.
"Very clever without me you surely die",insisted Francis.
"Yah,lah,you very clever,after I spent you Ice cream,alright?"
"Not alright I want two ice creams"replied Francis.
"Wah,you so greedy,huh?"
"No.no,one for me and one for Bruce"