“It means disgrace, expulsion, shame if we are caught!” fluttered Diamond.
“It means murder if we do not save the proctor!” came back from Frank, as he tore off his coat.
“What are you going to do?” hoarsely demanded Browning.
“Pull Rudge out or go to the bottom with him!” was the retort.
“Stop!” Bruce caught Frank by the shoulder. “You are mad!”
“Let go, Bruce Browning!” said Frank, swiftly. “You are my friend, and you will have no one but yourself to blame for what follows if you do not let go!”
“I’m not going to see you drown yourself, Merriwell! Go slow!”
“This is no time to go slow. Last warning, Browning! Let go!”
Bruce did not obey.
Smack! Frank Merriwell’s fist struck Browning fairly between the eyes. The big fellow was not prepared for the blow, and it dropped him instantly.