Frank's plain words had drawn a crowd about them, and Drayben saw it would not do not to interfere, as the talk could be heard in the parlors.
"This will have to stop," he said, firmly. "I can't have any more of it in my hotel."
"He is to blame for it all," whined Snell.
The landlord gave him a look of contempt.
"I do not blame him for anything," he declared. "I know you have told the stories he claims. My only wonder is that he did not knock you down on sight."
"I might have done so," said Frank, "but was ashamed to soil my hands on the fellow."
At this, thinking he was not in danger of immediate personal violence, Snell became suddenly bold.
"That is well enough to tell," he said; "but no one will believe it. You will find that you can't crowd me, Mr. Merriwell."
"I don't want to crowd you, but I want you to keep your mouth closed as far as I am concerned. If you try to circulate any more lies about me, I shall forget that you are a whining cur, without a spark of courage in your whole body, and I shall give you the drubbing you deserve."
"Bah!" cried Snell.