The spot was a sheltered one, and on the edge of the woods two
spies were posted, to warn the contestants should Josiah Crabtree
or any of the other teachers appear, for fighting was against the
rules of Putnam Hall, and neither Dick nor Baxter wanted to be
caught.
Both came to the spot promptly, and, without preliminary talking,
took off their coats, collars, ties, and caps. A ring was formed,
and Dick stepped forward and faced Baxter.
The bully was several inches taller than his opponent and at least
fifteen pounds heavier. His nose was a bit swollen, and there was
a sneer upon his coarse face.
"Rover, if you wish to apologize to me you can do so, and save
yourself a thrashing," he remarked.
"I can take care of myself, Baxter. Perhaps you would like me to
make a similar proposition to you. If so, let me say it is too
late; I came here to give you a well-deserved thrashing, and I
mean to stick to my determination."
"Phew, but we talk big!" muttered Mumps. "You keep your oar out,
Mumps," put in Tom. "If you don't I'll give you a hiding, just as
soon as Dick is done with Dan."
"Will you? Maybe you'll be the one to catch it," muttered Mumps.
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