CHAPTER XII
FRED TELLS HIS STORY
The others gazed in the direction Spouter pointed out and saw, about a hundred feet away, Andy lying on his face in the rough roadway. As they gazed at him they saw the youth try to rise and then fall over on his back.
“He’s hurt!” gasped Fred.
“Yes, and I’m afraid he’s hurt pretty badly,” returned Jack.
“The skunks who did this ought to be arrested!” cried Gif.
All hurried to where Andy lay. They found him with his eyes closed and breathing heavily. The cadets of the Colby Hall had been well drilled in first-aid to the injured, and while Gif, Jack and Fred carried Andy to a grassy bank by the roadside and looked him over, Spouter sped off in the direction of the lake and presently returned with his cap and a long thermos bottle full of water.
But even though they used the water and chafed Andy’s hands, it was a full five minutes before he regained his senses and opened his eyes. Even then he could not collect his thoughts and stared wildly around him.
“It’s all right, Andy,” said Jack soothingly, as he placed his cousin’s head and shoulders against his knees. “The auto knocked you down, but we’ll take care of you.”
“Did—did—you—you stop the rascals?” mumbled Andy. “They ought to be hung!”