Dan, who was cool, stepped nimbly to one side to avoid the blow and Gus lurched heavily forward. Before he could recover himself, little Carlton Hall suddenly flung himself forward and grasped the knees of the infuriated young giant. Gus staggered as he strove to free himself and as he released one foot he kicked viciously at the prostrate boy. Carlton’s grasp relaxed and, with a groan, he fell upon the floor.
The sight of the white upturned face was more than Dan could endure. Without a word he flung himself upon Gus, exerting himself to the utmost to thrust him out of the open door. Instantly Walter joined in the fray but, even with his aid, Dan was scarcely able to move the struggling giant.
How the contest would have ended he did not know, but at that moment Hodge and Ned entered the hall. For an instant they gazed in astonishment at the sight of the combatants and then the meaning of it all became clear. Without a word they seized Gus, and while one held his right arm and the other his left, the furious boy was speedily helpless, if not subdued, in their hands.
“Now then, Gus Kiggins, what have you got to say for yourself?” demanded Ned, as he looked into the face before him.
“You’re all down on me. Nobody in the school gives me a fair show,” whimpered Gus. Then, crazed by his rage, he suddenly exerted himself with all his strength and breaking away with an unexpected action ran swiftly to the door and fled from the building.
“He’s gone,” said Ned breathlessly.
Dan did not speak, but turning hastily to Carlton, who was still lying where he had fallen, he lifted the little fellow and said, “Are you hurt?”
“My side. He kicked me,” whispered the boy.
Briefly Dan related to his friends what had occurred and with many exclamations of anger Ned assisted Dan to carry Carlton up to his room, where an examination was made after Carlton had been placed on a bed.
“I don’t believe he is badly hurt,” said Hodge. “He had his wind knocked out of him by that hard kick; that seems to be about all.”