He had a nasty cut on the temple and his eyes were closed.
"He is dead!" murmured Pepper, hoarsely.
"Oh, don't say that!" said Andy, in sudden terror.

He had just dropped to the ground.
"If he ain't dead he's putty badly hurted," said the farmer who owned the orchard.
Pepper caught his chum in his arms and brought him out and laid him on the grass.
"He is still breathing!" he cried.

"Get some water and we'll bathe his face.

Maybe that will bring him around." "I'll get the water!" exclaimed Dale, and ran towards a well located at the side of the orchard.
To those who have read the other volumes in this "Putnam Hall Series," the lads already mentioned will need no special introduction.

For the benefit of others, let me state that Jack Ruddy and Pepper Ditmore were close chums, living, when at home, in the western part of New York State.