"Say, do you know what I'll do to you?" demanded young Dutcher, clenching his fists and advancing upon Reade.
"Nothing," asserted Tom calmly. "That's all you ever do, except make a noise with your mouth. I never hear your mouth making any noise, though, when recitation in arithmetic is going on."
"You think you're smart, don't you?" glowered Hen Dutcher.
"I don't think you are, anyway," retorted Tom, turning on his heel.
Dan Dalzell and Harry Hazelton were at hand, and now the whole of Dick & Co. presented a rather solid front. Some of the other boys wanted to do some "guying," but Tom's prompt and vigorous rebuke to Dutcher had cooled the ardor of a lot of would-be teasers.
The bell rang soon, calling all inside. School opened as usual, but after a little Old Dut glanced up, looking keenly at Dick and two of the latter's friends.
"I am glad to be able to tell you all," began the principal, "that three of my boys, last night——"
As he paused all eyes were turned toward three boys who were turning different shades of red.
"Three of my boys," continued Old Dut, "did their school credit by displaying the qualities of good citizenship. You all know whom I mean. Master Prescott, do you care to rise and tell us something of the events of last night?"
"I'd rather not, sir," pleaded Prescott.