When the officers came up it was seen that Wallace Grafter and Melvin McGann were with them.
The ruffian Frank had held was promptly seized and subdued.
“I know him,” said one of the policemen. “It’s Hug Murphy, and he’s wanted for some flat work. He’ll get a vacation.”
“We saw those chaps as we were leaving the lot,” explained Grafter. “They were holding a consultation behind the board fence over yonder. I recognized Manton and knew there was mischief brewing. Then we hustled to find some officers; but we arrived just a moment too late.”
“Or a trifle too soon,” said Frank. “If they had tackled us in a bunch it’s likely your approach might not have been noticed. In that case you might have nabbed more than one. I am very grateful to you, Grafter. It’s certain enough that the thugs, armed as they were, would have hammered us up only for you.”
“Don’t mention it, Merriwell, old boy!” cried Grafter.
“Did you recognize any one in the gang besides Manton?” asked Frank.
“No.”
“Two other chaps who are well known to you were there.”
“Who?”