CHAPTER VI.
CAPTAIN PUTNAM INVESTIGATES "Reff Ritter has been knocked out!" "My, what blows they were!" "Well, he brought it on himself," said Pepper.
"That's what," added Fred.

"He struck Jack after Jack told him he didn't believe in fighting." "He couldn't save himself because he was too close to the wooden horse," came from Coulter, who felt bound to stick up for his crony.

"It wasn't fair to run him up against the horse." "Coulter, a poor excuse is worse than none," answered Dale.
"Ritter was knocked out fair and square," came from Bart Connors.
While the talking was going on, Paxton had rushed off for water.

Now he returned with a pailful and a sponge, and commenced to bathe the fallen one's face.

Ritter soon opened his eyes and gave a groan.
"Le--let me al--alone," he muttered.
"Get up, Reff," said Paxton.