“Permit me to assist you, sir,” said Frank, stooping to aid the actor to rise.
The leader of the gang had recovered. He uttered a mad howl.
“At ’em fellers! Knock the stuffin’s outer them!” he screamed, rushing on Frank.
Merry straightened up instantly. He whirled about and saw the biggest tough coming at him, with the rest of the gang at his back. Then Frank laughed.
“Walk right up, you young terriers!” he cried, in a clear, ringing voice. “We’ll make it rather interesting for you! Give it to them, Hodge!”
Hodge did so. Together the two friends met the onslaught of the gang. Their hard fists cracked on the heads of the young ruffians, and it was astonishing how these fellows were bowled over. Bart was aroused. His intense anger was betrayed by his knotted forehead, his flashing eyes, and his gleaming teeth. He did not speak a word, but he struck swift, strong and sure.
If those chaps had expected an easy thing with the two well-dressed youths who had interfered with their sport, they met the disappointment of their lives.
It actually seemed that, at one time, every one of the gang had been knocked sprawling, and not one was on his feet to face the fighting champions of the old actor.
It was a terrible surprise for the toughs. One after another, they sprang up and took to their heels.
“What have we struck?” gasped the leader, looking up at Frank.