Reff, truly I haven't.
I heard that you had lost some of your money, and I said I was sorry to
hear it--and I am sorry. I know how I'd feel if my father lost money.
You----"
"Don't smooth it over, I tell you!" roared the bully. "I know you! You
and your cronies have been down on me ever since I came to this school,
and now you think you can crow over me, and maybe get me to leave Putnam
Hall. But I am not going to leave, and if you dare to open your mouth
against me I'll punch your head."
"You'll not punch my head, Reff!" answered Jack, and now his tones grew
stern. "If you don't want to believe me, you needn't. But I'll not let
you threaten me."
"Humph! You can't boss me, even if you are major of the battalion."
"I don't want to 'boss' anybody. You behave yourself and leave me alone,
and I'll leave you alone."
The loud talking had attracted the attention of a number of cadets, and
they commenced to crowd around Jack and Ritter. Among the number were
Gus Coulter and Nick Paxton.
"Why don't you fight him, Reff?" suggested Coulter.
"That's the talk," added Paxton. "Show him that he can't talk about you
and your father as he pleases."
"He won't fight; he is afraid," answered Reff Ritter, with a sneer in
his tones.
"I am not afraid, Ritter, and you know it," answered Jack, trying to
keep his temper. "But you know the rules, and I, as major of the cadets,
am bound to uphold them."
"Hit him one!" whispered Coulter, in his crony's ear. "I'll stand by
you."
"So will I," added Paxton.
"Well, if you won't fight, take that for your impudence!" cried Reff
Ritter, and with a quick step forward, he slapped Jack on the cheek.
The blow was but a light one, yet it seemed to sink deep into Jack's
very heart, and on the instant all thoughts of prudence and rules were
cast aside. His face went white and his eyes flashed fire. Reff Ritter
stepped back to guard himself, but before he could do so, Jack's arm
shot out and a heavy blow landed on the bully's chin, sending him
staggering into Coulter's arms.
"That's the way to do it, Jack!" came from Pepper.
"He started it, now give him what he deserves!" added Fred.
"That's for the slap in the face, Reff Ritter!" said Jack, in cold
tones. "Now mind and keep your distance."
"Wait--I'm not done yet!" yelled the bully, and doubling up his fists he
hurled himself on the young major.
Several body blows were struck and then the two clinched. As Ritter was
par
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