Frank knew the wretch had struck at him with an open knife, and again he snatched for that handkerchief. This time he caught it and tore it from the fellow’s face.
But the leader of the ruffians turned and ran like a deer. Merry would have followed, but, in trying to do so, he stumbled over one of the gang who had been knocked down.
This fellow grappled with Frank, and then Mulloy, Diamond, Rattleton, Gallup, Browning and Dunnerwust came running up.
“Pwhat’s this?” cried Barney, excitedly. “Is it a schrap, an’ Oi not in it? Did yez ivver see th’ loikes av this!”
“Wal, gol darn it all!” puffed Ephraim. “If this don’t beat all natur! Where’s the rest of um?”
“They ran when they heard you coming,” said Frank; “but I have this chap all right.”
“Shimminy Ghristmas!” gurgled Hans. “Uf I hadn’t peen here before, dem vellers vould peen licked britty queek, ain’d id! Ven I heard dem comin’ they all rund avay off. I pet your life dey known vot vas coot vor mineseluf. Yaw!”
“Blame the luck!” grunted Browning. “Think of running like that and then arriving too late to get into the fight! It’s disgusting!”
“Who were they, Frank?” asked Diamond.
“I think I know the leader, and I have the handkerchief he had tied over his face. As for this fellow—— No, you don’t!”