"I never saw anything like it in my life!"
So the cries ran on, while Nick Jasniff lay where he had fallen. For the moment nobody approached the prostrate youth, then Plum stepped to his side, shaking, he knew not why.
"Nick! Nick!" he called, softly, as he raised the fallen one's head. "I say, Nick!"
"Sh—shall I get some water?" faltered Nat Poole. He too was shaking.
"Yes."
While the water was being brought, Jasniff was helped to a sitting position. He was still all but overcome. His cronies bathed his face and did what they could to bring him around. In the meantime Dave and his friends withdrew to another corner of the gymnasium.
"So he knocked me out, eh?" snarled Jasniff, when he was able to speak. "Just wait, I'll fix him yet!"
"What, you're not going to fight again?" asked Plum, in astonishment.
"Ain't I?" snarled Nick Jasniff. "I'll either lick him, or he'll kill me!"