The colonel hesitated, and Scotch lifted his fists menacingly.
"I do, sah—I do!" Vallier hastened to say.
"Then that's right," said Professor Scotch, airily. "You have escaped the worst thumping you ever received in all your life, and you should congratulate yourself."
Frank felt like cheering with delight. Surely Professor Scotch had done himself proud, and the termination of the affair had been quite unexpected by the boys.
CHAPTER XX.
THE PROFESSOR'S COURAGE.
Colonel Vallier seemed utterly crestfallen and subdued, but Rolf Raymond's face was dark with anger, as he harshly said:
"Now that this foolishness is over, we will proceed to business."
"That's right," bowed Frank. "The quicker you proceed the better satisfied we will be. Go ahead."