But Bart Hodge appeared in the door, saying, grimly:
“Don’t be in a rush, gentlemen. Mr. Merriwell wishes to talk with you a little.”
“Stand aside!” snarled the husband, with a threatening gesture.
“I wish you would try that little trick!” flared Hodge, his face flushing suddenly. “I believe I’d enjoy a good scrap. I haven’t taken a hand in one for so long that it would be a satisfaction.”
“Let us pass!” growled the man with the full beard and the muffled voice.
“That’s what they say in melodrama,” observed Hodge, with grim humor. “‘Unhand me, villain!’ and ‘Let me pass!’ are stock phrases. There is no copyright on them, so you may use them whenever you like.”
Merry was somewhat surprised by Bart’s cool manner, but he knew there was a slumbering volcano beneath all that coolness.
“Rush on him!” came hoarsely from the bearded man.
“Yes, do!” urged Hodge, putting up his hands. “I’ll manage to get a pop at you both, I fancy.”
They hesitated.