“Come on, Buckhart!” impatiently cried Dick.
Still the other did not move.
Merriwell turned back and stepped quickly to his friend’s side, seizing him by the shoulder and giving him a shake.
“Come out of that trance! What’s the matter with you?”
Apparently with an effort, the Texan pulled himself together.
“What is it?” he inquired. “Was I asleep? Great horn spoon, I feel queer! Kind of numb all over!”
“Are you numb?” said Dick. “I should hate to see you go into a game in this condition. Brace up!”
Thus adjured, Buckhart rose with a great effort to his feet. He brushed a hand across his eyes, as if trying to wipe away a blurring mist.
“All right,” he said grimly. “Go ahead, partner. I’m with you.”
Although Dick flung the door open and stepped outside for his friend to follow, Buckhart made a strange miscalculation and ran full against the edge of the door, which caused him to recoil and very nearly upset him.