He was on the verge of collapsing.
"I'll try to get you out," said Merry. "But you must swear to cut your bad companions and to forever quit drinking and smoking."
"I swear it!" panted the boy. "Anything to get out of here. I'll keep the oath, too!"
In the meantime, the gamblers had rushed, and shouted, and struggled, and fought to escape; but all their efforts were useless. They were captured to the last man of them.
Spice Worden was arrested in his own gambling den. In the grasp of an officer he came face to face with Bronson, who had Jalisco.
"I didn't think it of you, Bronson!" he said, his face pale. "I thought you a square man."
"I swear I knew nothing of this raid," said Bronson. "I have my game here. I never lied to any man yet."
Frank and Arthur were close at hand, and Merry appealed to Bronson.
"How are we going to get clear of this trap?" he asked. "I don't fancy going to jail with a lot of gamblers."
"I'll take care of you," promised Bronson.