"I cannot do otherwise than have him arrested. But I hate to have such a scandal attached to the school," and Captain Putnam heaved a sigh that came from the bottom of his heart.
In the meantime, Reff Ritter had come back to Putnam Hall in another sleigh, and had gone to his dormitory to change his clothes. Here he was confronted by Coulter and, a little later, by Nick Paxton, and a hot discussion arose, which ended in blows. Both Coulter and Paxton fell upon the bully together and punished him severely. The pair told Ritter what they thought of him, and each declared that he was going to expose the bully to Captain Putnam.
"I'll tell all I know about Ruddy's watch and chain, and about you and that Cameron Smith, too!" declared Coulter.
"Don't you do it!" shouted Ritter.
"And I'll tell what I know about your sneaking in and out of the dormitories at night," added Paxton. And then he and Coulter went off together.
They reached the office just as Jack, Andy and Pepper were about to leave. Each told his story, and both were closely questioned by the master of the school.
"How long ago did you find this out about the watch and chain, Coulter?" demanded Captain Putnam.
"Only a few days ago, sir."
"You should have told me before. And you, Paxton, should have told me about Ritter's sneaking around."
"Oh, I thought it was only fun at first," pleaded Paxton.