"Will you!" came in a gasp, and now Tom turned over and threw the bully to one side. "I guess two can play at this game. Take that!" and he struck Baxter a heavy blow on the side of the face. In a moment they had clinched and were trying their best to throw each other.
Suddenly came a rattle of the door knob. "Boys! Boys! What does this mean?" It was George Strong's voice. "Open the door instantly."
"Keep your mouth shut!" whispered Baxter, as he again shook his fist in Tom's face. "Not one word—on your life!"
Then he disengaged himself, adjusted his collar and tie, which had become rumpled, and unlocked the door. At once the head assistant strode into the dormitory.
"Have you two been fighting?" he demanded.
"We were only boxing a bit, sir," answered Baxter, before Tom could speak. "No harm intended, sir."
"You were making a good deal of noise," answered George Strong dryly. "What have you to say, Rover?"
"I have this to say, Mr. Strong," answered Tom boldly. "I would like to interview Captain Putnam without delay."
"Don't you dare—" began Baxter, when a wave of the teacher's hand cut him, short.
"About what, Rover?"