Dunton backed against the partition, and Frank confronted him. The fellow remembered how he had been handled not very long before in Merriwell’s room, and he scarcely wished to fall into Frank’s hands again.
“You can’t have it!” he declared, weakening somewhat.
“Give it up!” repeated Merry, sternly.
Then, like a flash, Dunton lifted the box and hurled it at the head of the youth he hated.
Frank dodged, and the box flew past his head, striking the partition and falling to the floor, where its contents, powder, paint, puffs, and so forth, flew in every direction.
Dan Lee uttered an exclamation of anger.
“Now thump him, Merriwell—thump him hard!” cried the old actor. “He deserves it!”
“No,” said Frank, scornfully. “I should be ashamed to do it. He is too contemptible.”
Then he turned and stooped to gather up whatever he could of the contents of the box.
Dunton fancied he saw his opportunity.