But all realized the officer had rapped for aid, and they knew other policemen were sure to arrive on the spot very soon.
“Got to run for it, fellows!” panted Griswold, as he put in his best licks. “Got to get away, or we’ll all be locked up.”
Hodge plunged in to aid the others. He was a perfect tiger. Not even Frank seemed to fight with such fury and be so effective. Bart bowled the “townies” over as if they were tenpins.
It was not long before the fight was going in favor of the college men. Then another party of students happened along, and, at sight of them, the town lads promptly scattered and ran.
“Now’s the time!” cried Merry. “We want to get out of this in a hurry, fellows.”
Then he saw the officer lying stretched on the ground, and stared at him in surprise.
“What’s the matter with him?” he asked.
“Nothing!” cried Hodge, feverishly. “He got a crack under the ear, and it knocked him out. He’s all right. Come on.”
The college boys lost no further time in getting away. They separated and made their way back to the college grounds with certain haste.
As if by general consent, they proceeded to Merriwell’s room. They found Frank there, making himself comfortable while he studied, as if nothing serious had happened. He welcomed them all as they appeared.