But when he attempted to free himself and take to his heels, the girl held fast and battled him in spite of all he could do.
“Help!” she cried. “Quick! This way!”
A moment later she felt a pair of strong hands tear her free from the scoundrel, who was instantly flung face downward upon the ground and pinned there with the knee of Dick Merriwell driven between his shoulder blades. Steele, Buckhart, Randall, and several others came hurrying to the spot and surrounded them.
Sparkfair had revived and was sitting up, although bewildered and dazed to such an extent that he could not tell what had happened to him. June could tell, however, and she explained in a very few words.
The rage of those lads was boundless. Only for the coolness of Merriwell, the captive might have been vigorously manhandled.
“Strike a match, somebody,” said Dick. “Let’s get a look at his face.”
A match flared in Buckhart’s hands. Protected by Brad’s curving palms, its light was flung on the face of the captured rascal.
“On my word, it’s Hanksy!” breathed Sparkfair. “Why, Hanksy, you shouldn’t get so careless.”
“Attacked you, did he, Sparkfair?” cried Casper Steele. “Assaulted you and Miss Arlington, eh? Had a handkerchief tied over his face when he did it, did he? A pretty serious piece of business. I think it ought to give Mr. Jim Hanks a nice little vacation behind some good strong iron bars. Tie his hands, fellows.”
“Hold on! hold on!” protested Hanks. “What are you going to do with me? I didn’t mean to hurt anybody but Sparkfair, and I’ve got a grudge against him. Here, Sparkfair, speak up for me. If you don’t, I’ll tell them what I know about you.”