“And Necker, also,” said Merry, nodding toward a third chap.
“Yes, we’re right here!” grated Manton, who was plainly the leader. “We’ve caught you just where I’ve been wanting to get you, too!”
Merry surveyed the remaining six members of the gang, and he decided that they were genuine young loafers and desperadoes.
Manton saw Frank surveying the gang, and he laughed harshly.
“Oh, they’re scrappers, every one of them!” he cried. “They know you can fight, and they’re here to beat you up. You’ll get all that’s coming this day!”
“What a fine, brave fellow Manton is!” grated Hodge.
“You’ll get yours, too!” declared the leader of the thugs. “Next to Merriwell, it will give me pleasure to knock the wind out of you!”
“So this is really the sort of ruffian you are!” spoke Merry cuttingly. “You were called the ‘gentleman pugilist.’ Gentleman, indeed! Why, you’re just a common ruffian!”
“Go ahead!” cried Manton. “The more you talk like that the more delight I shall take in beating you up.”
“You proved yourself a sneak at Eagle Heights. You brought disgrace on your own head.”