But, though Pud got up, he evinced no desire to come to close quarters with Nat. Instead, he sneaked to one side, muttering:
"Well, I'm a pretty good waiter. I used to work in a hash foundry and a beanery," said Nat with a smile.
Snaith, too, seemed to have had enough, for he sat on the ground rubbing a lump on his head, while as for Glen, he was in full retreat.
"I hope I didn't hurt you, Snaith," said Jack politely.
"Don't you speak to me!" snarled the bully.
"I'll get square with you for this," went on Snaith as he arose and began to retreat, followed by Pud. "You wait!"
"That's what Pud said," interjected Nat. "It's getting tiresome."
The two bullies hurried off in the direction taken by Glen, leaving Jack, Nat and Will masters of the field.
"I--I'm ever so much obliged to you," said Will to Jack after a pause.
"That's all right. Glad I happened along."
"I--I don't mind being hazed," went on the timid lad. "I expected it, but I have a weak heart, and the doctor said a sudden shock would be bad for me. I'm very much afraid of water, and I can't swim, or I wouldn't have minded being thrown into the lake. I--I hope you don't think I'm a coward."
"And I--I hope the fellows won't make fun of me."
"They won't," said Jack very positively, for, somehow, his heart went out to the queer lad. "If they do, just send them to me. As for Snaith and his crowd, I guess they won't bother you after this. Say, but you went right up to Glen, all right."
"I took boxing lessons--once," went on Will timidly. "I'm not afraid in a fair fight."
"Glad to hear it, but I fancy they'll not bother you any more. Do you know Nat Anderson?" and Jack nodded at his chum.
"I'm glad to meet you," spoke Will, holding out his hand.
"Same here," responded Nat. "Unified uppercuts! but you went at Glen good and proper!"
"You mustn't mind Nat's queer expressions," said Jack with a smile, as he saw Will looking in rather a puzzled way at Nat. "They were vaccinated in him, and he can't get rid of them."
"Going anywhere in particular?" asked Jack of Will, as he straightened out a cuff that had become disarranged in the scrimmage.
The lad appeared to hesitate. Then he said slowly.
"No--no, thank you. I--I don't believe I will. I think I'll go back to my room."