"Take care of these tools, sir," he said, "until I leave town. It will save this fellow's life—perhaps."
"Und dot vill peen a pity!" muttered the saloon-keeper, who had no love for the ruffian, but held him in great awe.
Having disarmed Bob, Merry rose and commanded him to get up. The fellow rose immediately and sprang at Frank, trying to strike him.
Boxer would have mingled in, but Bart held him in check, saying:
"Keep out of it. Frank can attend to that case now without any of your aid."
Hodge was not mistaken, as Merriwell quickly demonstrated. He avoided the blows of the ruffian and quickly knocked him down. Bob rose, only to be struck in the eye and sent to the floor again. Four times this happened, and then Merry picked the wretch up, carried him bodily to the door, and kicked him into the street, observing:
"If you come back here or bother me again, I'll send you to the hospital for a month!"
And the dog barked with great satisfaction.