Gabe Werner turned, and as he straightened up he found himself face to face with Jack. The young captain had been on an errand to the next tent, and had seen the rascally ex-lieutenant in the darkness more by chance than by anything else.
“What’s the matter out there?” called Fred from the interior of the tent.
“Here is Gabe Werner! He’s cutting the ropes!” And now Jack caught the big youth by the arm.
“Let go of me, Rover!” demanded the ex-lieutenant, and then he raised the hand that held the pocketknife.
It is not likely that he would have used the weapon. But Jack did not care to take any chances. As quick as a flash he hauled back, and then his fist crashed into Gabe Werner’s chin, sending him sprawling on his back.
For a second or two the big ex-lieutenant was dazed, but then, with a muttered imprecation, he leaped up, dropping his pocketknife as he did so, and rushed at Jack, hitting him in the shoulder.
By this time the blood of the young captain was up. He dodged a second blow delivered by Werner, and then his fist shot out quickly, landing on the ex-lieutenant’s nose, drawing blood.
“Ouch!” spluttered Werner, and then he made a leap and grappled with Jack. There followed a lively mix-up in which blows were given and taken freely.
In the meantime Fred set up a cry of alarm, not knowing who was attacking his cousin. In a few seconds a number of cadets and Professor Brice came hurrying in that direction.
“I’ve got to clear out, but I’ll fix you another time, Rover,” hissed Gabe Werner, and attempted to retreat.