The next instant Josiah Crabtree, the head teacher, strode in.
"Skip, Jack, here is old Crabtree!" "Run for it, Reff!" "I demand to know what is going on here ?" went on Josiah Crabtree, in his high-pitched voice.

"Who is fighting ?" There was no reply.

The assembled cadets looked at each other.

No one felt like saying a word.
"Ritter, have you been fighting ?" went on the head teacher, noticing the bully's condition.
"I was--er--that is, Ruddy attacked me, and I--er--I defended myself," stammered the defeated one.
"Ruddy?
Do you mean Major Ruddy ?" questioned Josiah Crabtree, in astonishment.
"Yes, sir." "Mr.Crabtree, what Ritter says is untrue!" burst out Jack.

"He hit me first." "But you have been fighting?
You, the major of the school battalion! Disgraceful!" "Wouldn't you fight if somebody slapped you in the face ?" demanded Jack, hotly.
"You know the rules, Ruddy--and as major you ought to be the first to obey them." "I am willing to do that, sir.