Now, lest my readers obtain a false impression of my views on this subject, let me state plainly that I do not believe in fights, between boys or other-wise.  They are brutal, far from manly, and add nothing to the strength of one’s character.  It is well enough to know how to defend one’s self when occasion requires, but such occasions occur but rarely.

But I have set out to relate the adventures of the Rover boys, in school and out, and on land and sea, and I feel I must be truthful and tell everything just as it happened, not only in this volume, but in a those which are to follow; and, consequently, I shall tell of the fight as the particulars were related to me by Sam Rover, Fred Garrison and others — details which I am certain are correct.

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.  Nevertheless, he said no more.

“Are you ready?” asked the boy who acted as timekeeper.

“I am,” said Dick.

“So am I,” returned Baxter, and hurled himself at his opponent without a second’s delay.

He had expected to catch Dick napping, but he found himself mistaken.  A blow aimed at Dick’s face was well parried, and in return Dick hit Baxter heavily on the shoulder.

“Hurrah!  Score one for Dick!” cried Larry Colby.  “That’s right, old man, keep at him.”

“Keep cool, Dan!” put in Mumps.  “You can polish him off at your leisure.”

The blow on the shoulder staggered Baxter, and he fell back, to become more cautious; and then the two boys began to circle around and around, each looking for a favorable “opening.”  At last Baxter thought he saw what he wanted, and struck out again, and Dick was hit on the cheek.

“That’s the way, Baxter!” came the cry.

“That was a teaser!  Give him another!”