Paxton leaped in, basket in hand. But Mumps, becoming frightened, let his load remain where it had fallen and scrambled in headlong. Then the oars were taken up and the craft shoved out into the stream.
“Stop them! Stop them!” came from Jack. “Don’t let them get away, boys!”
“STOP THEM! DON’T LET THEM GET AWAY, BOYS!”
“Swim for the boat,” said another cadet. “Come on!”
“Baxter, stop your rowing!” called a cadet on shore. “Stop, or I’ll throw this!” And he held up a large and sharp stone.
“Ain’t going to stop!” muttered the bully. “Clear the track, you fellows!” And he shook his head at those in the water. “If you don’t get out of the way, I’ll run over you!” And then he began to pull with might and main, while Paxton did the same.
CHAPTER VI
AN ODD BIT OF PUNISHMENT
For the moment the declaration by the bully that he would run the boat into those in the water kept the swimmers back.
“Look out, fellows!” cried Stuffer, in alarm. “That boat has got a pretty sharp bow. If it hits you it will cut you deep!”