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.