Frank did not order him to keep off, for he knew it would be a waste of breath. Instead of that, to the astonishment of Hooker and his gang, he went straight at the fellow like a flash.
This was a movement entirely unexpected. The cowboy attempted to catch hold of Merry, but Frank dodged aside, still advancing, struck the fellow a blow on the elbow that whirled him sideways, and then gave him one under the ear that made him stagger.
“Paste him, Sam!” howled Joe, beginning to dance.
The ruffian whirled back, but Merriwell had followed him closely, and the blow Hooker struck was readily parried. Then Merry began to hammer the fellow scientifically, following every advantage closely, and keeping him going. Only once was Frank hit, and that was a weak blow, for he jumped back in time to avoid the full force of the swinging drive, which must have knocked him down had he not made the movement.
As Frank leaped back, the ruffian fancied things had turned his way, and, uttering unprintable language, he tried to close in.
“Don’t let him get hold of you, Merriwell!” again panted Dunton, who was shaking in every limb.
To the astonishment of everybody, Frank paid no heed to this, but suddenly darted inside his assailant’s guard and grappled with him.
“Now I’ve got ye!” shouted the cowboy.
“Now Sam’ll break him!” yelled Joe Hooker, with satisfaction.
Then something happened that caused everybody to open his eyes.