They rose as he came over, and both leaped at him.
He saw them before his feet again touched the ground. With his upflung arms he sought to protect his head. The moment his feet touched the earth he ducked.
They were on him. One struck him a blow that staggered him, although it did not land full and fair.
The other missed him entirely.
But Frank went down to one knee, and they followed him up.
“Lay him stiff, pal!” snarled one.
“Stiff an’ cold!” panted the other.
Instead of seeking to rise, as they expected him to do, Frank shot out a foot and caught one of the men fairly in the pit of the stomach, doubling him up and hurling him backward.
Then he turned instantly on his back, with his feet toward the other, who sought to fling himself on Frank as he lay thus.
Both of Merry’s legs shot up from the ground as the man came down upon him. They caught the legs of the ruffian across the shins. A surprising result followed. The man’s feet went upward and he turned over in the air, falling on his back beyond Merry, with his head toward Frank’s head.