"I think we'll give you a thumping before we let you go, Diamond, just to teach you a lesson," he said, in a most insolent manner. "I've wanted to get at you or your friend Merriwell for some time."
"You—you get at Merriwell!" flung back Jack. "Why, he'd do you up with his right hand tied behind him!"
"You think so because he did you. Well, I am going to break your face, and then Merriwell may pick it up, if he dares."
He threw off his coat in a moment, and then came at Jack, crying to the others:
"Close the door! Don't let anybody in here till I have fixed this sneak as I will fix Merriwell when I get at him! Close the door!"
Willis Paulding started to obey, but before he could swing the door shut it was flung open with such violence that Willis was sent tumbling to the floor.
Into the room leaped Frank Merriwell, and he placed himself between Diamond and his would-be assailant.
"Wait a moment, Flemming," he said, with the utmost self-possession. "It is not necessary for you to waste your energies on Mr. Diamond."
It was a most dramatic tableau, as every lad stood motionless and staring for some seconds.