"Did you get lost?" asked Nat.
"No, only sort of delayed," answered Jack.
"What makes you talk so funny?" inquired John.
"I expect it's because my lips are swollen," was the reply.
"Did some one hold you up and try to rob you?" cried Nat, in alarm.
"Well, it was a hold-up, but no robbery," said Jack, and then he related what had happened.
"Why didn't you yell for help?" asked John. "We'd have come back."
"I didn't need any," replied Jack. "It was a fair fight enough. I guess he'll not forget that one on the chin in a hurry," and he laughed in spite of his swollen lips and blackened eye.
"Much damaged?" asked Nat.
"I'm afraid I've got a shiner," Jack replied. "They're sure to notice it at the Hall, and what will I say?"