"You cur!" snarled Fred. Then, summoning all his remaining strength,
Ripley hauled off and struck astounded Dick on the face, sending
the captain of the hounds to the ground.

"Take that, mucker!" shouted the assailant.

Those of the hounds who had not shot by, halted in sheer amazement.

Like a flash Dick was on his feet, his eyes flashing, cheeks flushing
crimson.

"Go on, hounds, go on!" he shouted. "I can take care of this
one disgrace to Gridley H.S.!"




CHAPTER V

THE "MUCKER" AND THE "GENTLEMAN"


Ben Badger gave Captain Dick a shove. "Go on, Prescott! Go on,
hounds!" roared Badger. "You've only one more capture to make.
Run along, Dick! I'll take care of Ripley. He'll stay right
here until you come back, or else he'll never have the nerve to
show his face at Gridley H.S. again! Run, you hounds!"

Dick needed no farther urging.