He sprang to the flying-rings and began to swing strongly. Then he made a turn and tried to make another. All at once everything seemed to dance before his eyes. He felt his grip relaxing. Then all became dark, and he felt himself falling—falling—falling—and he knew no more.
“What’s the matter with Jack?”
“He is falling!”
“Catch him!”
Such were some of the cries which rang through the gymnasium as the young major was seen to let go with one hand, swing limply for a few seconds, and then let go with the other. Pepper, Andy, and Dale rushed forward, and between them they broke the fall that otherwise might have proved serious.
“He has fainted!” said Pepper. “Let us carry him into the open air,” and this was done.
“I guess he is only shamming,” grunted Gus Coulter.
“That’s it,” added Paxton. “He was afraid of losing.”
“Major Ruddy isn’t that kind of a boy, and if you say he is I’ll punch your head!” exclaimed Dale, indignantly.
“Sure, an’ something is wrong wid him,” was Hogan’s comment. “He’s as pale as a ghost, so he is!”