“Sail right in!” he cried, as he got on his feet. “I’m all reddy. Whar be yeou frum, anyhaow?”
“I am from Virginia, one of the finest States in the Union,” answered Diamond.
“An’ I’m from Vermont, ther finest State in ther Union,” flung back Gallup, “Vermont kin lick Virginny four times aout of four, an’ don’t yer fergit it!”
This was too much for Jack to stand. He got up quickly, his dark face having grown pale with anger.
“We’ll see about that, you Yankee clown!” he hissed. “We’ll settle it right here!”
The affair had suddenly assumed a very serious aspect, and Frank sprang to his feet, quickly stepping between them, saying as he did so:
“Here, you fellows! I am ashamed of you both! Stop it!”
“Git out of the way, Frank!” cried the Yankee boy. “If he wants ter fight, I’m all reddy, b’gosh!”
“Don’t interfere, Merriwell!” exclaimed the Southern lad. “I must teach this insolent chap a lesson.”
“There will be no fighting here,” said Frank, his face stern and his air commanding. “I forbid it!”