“Gone ter tell Hooker!” gurgled Ephraim. “Jeewhillikins! I’m beginnin’ ter feel that I kainder wisht I was to hum on the farm!”
Next to the saloon a man was washing windows with a hose.
As the little party reached the corner, Joe Hooker came running out, quickly followed by his brother and several of the toughs of the town.
“There he is!” cried Joe, pointing to Frank. “Now smash him, Sam! Yeou said you would.”
The cowboy grinned viciously as his eyes rested on Frank. He placed himself squarely in the middle of the sidewalk.
“Don’t let him get hold of you, Merriwell!” panted Dunton, who was pale and unsteady. “He looks like a perfect devil!”
Frank said nothing.
“Hold on, hyar!” roared Sam Hooker, glaring at Merry. “You’re ther galoot I’ve bin waitin’ fer!”
“Go for him, Sam!” cried the toughs. “Give it to the dude show chap!”
“Oh, I’ll make mincemeat of him,” promised the ruffian, advancing on Merry. “I’ll pulverize him!”