You see, he took me unawares.

I guess I could whip him if we were to meet on equal terms," added Ritter.
"You may retire to the next room, Ritter, while I question Major Ruddy." "Don't you believe me ?" cried the bully, in alarm.
"One side of a story is only one side," answered Captain Putnam, non-committally.
"I believe Ritter tells the truth," put in Josiah Crabtree.

"When I appeared Ruddy was very insolent and so was Ditmore.

I sent Ditmore to his room as a punishment." "You may call Ruddy in," answered the head of the school, briefly.

He understood Josiah Crabtree's dictatorial manner perfectly, and he only retained the man because of his unusual ability as a teacher.
Jack came in and was told to sit down in the chair Ritter had just vacated.