"Yes, sir. That is what made me so mad. But I didn't hit him until he attacked me," added Ritter, hastily.
"Who was present at the time?"
"Pepper Ditmore and Fred Century were with Ruddy, and Gus Coulter and Nick Paxton were With me."
"Anybody else?"
"I didn't see anybody."
"You got the worst of the fight."
"Yes, sir. You see, he took me unawares. I guess I could whip him if we were to meet on equal terms," added Ritter.
"You may retire to the next room, Ritter, while I question Major Ruddy."
"Don't you believe me?" cried the bully, in alarm.
"One side of a story is only one side," answered Captain Putnam, non-committally.