you some now? But what else could you expect from that snake in
the grass? He never fought fair in all his life. I hope you got
one or two in back on him, Ralph."

"Didn't you hear him howl for help?" replied the other, quickly.
"That was when I nailed him. I guess his head rings about as much
as mine does. But, boys, you came just in time. I was in a tight
box. And I'm ever so much obliged for the help."

"Don't mention it, old chap. We really needed the exercise, and
the only thing I complain of is that it all happened too fast.
Why, I don't believe I really got my windmill working freely when
I was threshing the air. Zip! and they were gone," and Paul Bird
laughed heartily at the hasty way in which the enemy had vanished.

"You're sure they didn't get you?" persisted Frank.

"I guess I'm all right," laughed the other, as he swung both arms
back and forth, and bent his body to test his muscles; "you see,
there wasn't time enough for them to do much damage. And they were
all so mighty anxious to reach me they really interfered with each
other."

"As we came up on the run, I thought I heard one fellow give a
whoop of pain, as if he had run up against something. Was that
your fault, Ralph?" demanded Lanky.

"Sure. And what's more, I expect it was Tony. If he shows a black
eye to-morrow, give me credit for one goal kicked, boys," replied the
party addressed.