knockout punch.
To all inquiries Judd turned a deaf ear and his simple modesty was much
in evidence.
Judd, of course, told Cateye everything and Cateye was quick to resent
Benz's attempts at practical jokes.
"I wish I had gone along, now," said Cateye. "All this trouble might
have been averted. Judd, until Benz makes up with you you'd better
stick pretty close to me for there's no telling what he may do to get
even. He's a mighty good fellow to his friends but when he doesn't
take a liking to anyone that person had better watch out."
"I reckon I can take care of myself," Judd replied, firmly.
"I know you can!" assured Cateye, "You don't need any body guard, but
my motto is, 'Keep out of trouble,' and that's why I want you to stick
by me close. Savvy? Come on, let's go down to dinner."
As the two boys entered the dining room everyone at the tables arose as
if by pre-arrangement, while Curns yelled: "Now fellows, let her go!
Rah, rah, rah! Rah, rah, rah! Rube, Rube, Rube!"
Much good natured laughter followed and Judd took his seat awkwardly,
face flushed with embarrassment.
"Do you know my sister Norah?" some student shouted.
"No, I don't, but Dyna-mite!" another replied.
More laughter followed.
Suddenly there was a second commotion. Every head turned toward the
door. Benz was entering.
"Behold, the conquered hero comes!" noised Curns.
All eating stopped. Benz hesitated at the threshold, glowering
defiantly up and down the tables. One eye was still badly swollen and
colored a glossy black. His nose looked sadly mis-shapen. In all he
presented a glorious spectacle.
"Oh you shiner!" cried some student from a far corner of the room.
This exclamation was too much. A roar of laughter went up as Benz
stood hands twitching in anger and humiliation.
"Laugh, you guys, laugh!" he cried hoarsely.
"Don't worry, we will!" somebody assured him.
Benz stood the gaff a moment longer, then turned about, and leaving the
fellows in an uproar, strode off to his room where he remained the rest
of the day.
Two weeks more slipped quickly by, during which time the Bartlett
eleven captured two more victories, one over Everett and the other over
Lawton Academy, by top heavy scores. Both of these schools were
supposed to have fairly strong teams and the results of their games
with Bartlett came as quite a surprise in football circles. Students
began to herald the present team as the greatest
|