Harry looked at Andy and scowled. The scowl was wasted in the gloom, for Emery did not see it.
“What’s the matter with you?” asked Emery, coming closer. “You should be happy to know Merriwell is captain, even if Yale does not stand a show of winning.”
“Now, you want to be careful!” growled Harry, fiercely. “I’m in no mood for your jokes! I’ll bet you something Yale does win! They can’t beat Frank Merriwell!”
“Come off!” laughed Emery. “He’s made a chump of himself this time, and everybody knows it.”
“That’s a lie!” snarled Rattleton. “And I won’t stand to have anybody call Frank Merriwell a chump before me!”
Then he let fly his right hand, struck Emery on the chin with his fist, and knocked the fellow down.
The moment Rattleton did this he was sorry. It seemed he did it without thinking.
Emery was dazed and astounded. He had always regarded Rattleton as a peaceable sort of fellow, but now——
“What in blazes do you mean?” he gasped, lifting himself upon his elbow.
In a moment Harry was kneeling beside the fellow he had struck.