Once more Dick dodged a straight left hander, and, in return, sent in a terrific right, that caught Dutton on the point of the jaw. The cadet went down like a log, and lay still.
"You've knocked him out, Hamilton," remarked one of the older cadets, who acted as referee. "I congratulate you."
"Yes, he fought well," added another, but there was no heartiness in his tones, and, to Dick, it seemed almost as if they were sorry he had won.
For won he had, as Dutton did not arise. He had been fairly, but harmlessly, knocked out.
"Do you throw up the sponge?" asked Paul, of Stiver.
"I guess so," was the rather surly response. "Your man wins."
"I hope I didn't hurt him," said Dick. "I didn't mean to hit so hard, but he rushed right into it."
"You didn't hurt me!" suddenly exclaimed Dutton, as he struggled to his feet. "I'm game yet."
"You've had enough," said his second. "You can have another try later."
"I can do him," mumbled Dutton, but even his friends were forced to admit that he had been well beaten.