CHAPTER XIX
THE RESULT
Just who would have won in that battle between Fred Martin and Sparrow Bangs remains one of the unsolved mysteries of Rockledge School.
It was never finished. The quartette of boys had made one mistake. They should have taken a fifth youngster into their confidence and set him on watch.
Mr. Leith, the head master under Dr. Raymond, always took a constitutional around the grounds after the midday meal. Not often did he cross the campus, for he was not a man given to spying upon his young charges.
But this day the campus seemed to be deserted. It was a cold day, and most of the boys had remained indoors to take advantage of the hour of study before afternoon lessons.
He came down the railing that defended the cliff's edge, and he heard, as he approached the notorious "bloody corner," boyish voices.
"That's it, Sparrow! Hit him again!" shrieked one voice.
"Let him hit me—I'll give him as good as he sends!" spoke up another voice.
There was the instant sound of blows interchanged. The teacher could not doubt what was going on.