"He promised to tell the story as Ritter wanted it, and said he would tell Paxton also to say that Ruddy struck the first blow."
"Then he virtually admitted that he struck the first blow himself."
"I should judge so, from his talk."
"Major Ruddy said he did."
"But Ruddy insulted him by talking of Mr. Ritter's losses——" began Josiah Crabtree.
"We'll look into that, Mr. Crabtree. Is that all, Mr. Strong?"
"No, I waited until Coulter joined Paxton. The two walked out on the campus, so I didn't catch what they said. I told them to follow me, and they are now out in the hall."
"I will listen to what each of them has to say—and then I will examine Century and Ditmore again."
Coulter was called into the main office and asked a great number of questions. Captain Putnam was very stern, and soon had the cadet badly twisted in his statements. Then Paxton was told to come in, and on being questioned he became more confused even than Coulter. Then both were confronted by George Strong, and at last they virtually admitted that Ritter had struck the first blow, and that they knew nothing of the quarrel previous to that time.
"You may go," said Captain Putnam, at length. "Your efforts to shield Ritter do you no credit." And Coulter and Paxton slunk out of the office silently and much worried over the thought of what punishment they might receive for trying to deceive the master of the Hall.