Then there was a grapple.
“Ah!” cried the spectators.
Hashi sought to get one of Frank’s hands in a certain manner. Being baffled, he changed instantly and tried to bring himself into a position of advantage by twisting Merriwell’s arm behind his back. Again he was defeated.
In the meantime Merry had continued to seek to secure a hold on the little man, finally obtaining it. They went to their knees together.
Hashi broke Frank’s hold. As they came up, the Jap again sought to twist Frank’s arm behind his back. He was prevented in this, and he clasped Merry’s body behind, getting him round the waist. Frank slipped down, reached up and closed his fingers in a lock about the back of Hashi’s neck. Hashi’s waist lock held, but Merry went over, sending the heels of the Jap in a half circle through the air. Hashi landed flat on his back, with the American full upon him.
It was a clean case of a wrestler’s trick being baffled by another trick, and the Jap was down.
A shout went up from the spectators.
Fillmore looked astounded and dismayed.
But the Jap did not let Frank rise. Instead of that, as Merry was getting up, Hashi caught one of his legs.
Fillmore caught his breath. He knew what that meant, and he was satisfied now that Hashi had permitted Frank to bring about the fall in order to obtain this opportunity.