"But it came in mighty handy.

I shouldn't have tried it only he didn't fight fair--hitting me before I was ready, and kicking me when I was down." "You watch out that he doesn't play you foul," said Dale, who was present.
"I'll keep my eyes open." It was soon whispered around the school how Andy had met and vanquished the bully, and as a consequence many of the fellows who had toadied to Ritter deserted him.

Even Paxton gave him the cold shoulder openly, and Baxter simply sneered at him.

Only Gus Coulter clung to Ritter, and the pair seemed to become greater cronies than ever.
After the election of officers, and the fight, matters ran along swiftly until the midwinter holidays.

During those days many of the boys visited their homes.