"Well, I can testify that Ritter hit you first, and Pepper and Brown can do so, too," answered Fred.
"Reff will get Coulter and Paxton to back him up."
"But they weren't on hand when the quarrel started."
"That is true—but they'll stick up for Reff, see if they don't."
"I sincerely trust that Captain Putnam doesn't take away your majorship, Jack."
"If he does that, I'll—well, never mind what I'll do."
"If he did it to me, I'd feel like leaving."
"I was going to say that. But I'll not do anything hastily," answered the young major, and heaved a deep sigh.
"Want me to go along?"
"No, since Crabtree didn't ask any one. But I wish you'd hang around, so I can call on you."