On Guard

"[...] The three were staring at Mark in unutterable amazement. "Yes," said Mark. "They told me I'd either have to promise to be a milk-and-water plebe after this or else be licked until I would. And Bull Harris took a big rope and--" "Did he hit ye?" cried Texas, springing to his feet excitedly. "Wow! I'll go out an' I'll--" "Sit down!" said Mark. "He didn't hit me, for the Parson yelled just then and scared 'em all back to camp. And you needn't tackle Bull anyhow, for I'm going to do that myself pretty soon. The point just now is that the yearlings haven't given up. They're still fighting." "I didn't know there were so many cowards in the place!" muttered Texas.[...]".