“What? Get out! I know you could!”
Diamond was attracted by what was passing between them, and dipped in.
“Could? Could what?” he asked.
“Could knock the packing out of Mr. Hegner,” declared Bart, incautiously.
“Of course!” nodded Diamond.
Frank was about to caution them to speak lower, but it was too late. Hegner’s keen ears had heard enough, and he whirled on the trio like a tiger.
“Who is it that can knock the packing out of Mr. Hegner?” he harshly demanded. “If it is one of that party, let him step out! I’ll give him a chance.”
This sudden action confused both Hodge and Diamond, and Merriwell was silent. The eyes of all in the room were turned on the little group.
After a moment, Hegner laughed scornfully.
“What’s the matter with you chaps?” he sneeringly demanded. “I heard one of you say that somebody could knock the packing out of me. If you will bring the gentleman forward, I’ll be happy to give him a chance to try.”