He rushed into the back room, where the game was taking place.
The gamblers were hastily rising to their feet and gathering up their money, thinking they were raided by officers. They were filled with consternation.
Into the room came Merriwell, Browning and Hodge. Frank was at Jack Diamond’s side in a moment. He spoke swiftly:
“You’re in a skin game, old man! There’s a job to rob you here! I’ve seen proof of it.”
The Virginian was somewhat bewildered by the sudden and unexpected appearance of his friends. He did not move, but Frank gathered up the money before him, scooping it off the board in a twinkling.
The card players were amazed when they saw a lot of beardless young fellows come in upon them. At first they did not understand what it meant, but Welch quickly took in the situation. He saw that Diamond’s friends had followed him there to save him from the trap.
“These are not officers!” he shouted. “They have no right in here!”
“No!” cried Bunker, furiously. “They broke in without right! Give them blazes! Punch them!”
“Try it!” growled the big Yale man, squaring his shoulders and lifting his “dukes.” “It will be sport!”
“At them!” howled Welch.