"Yes, he is the leader, and Tom Thornton is his first officer. If you give your attention to Flemming, I will look after Mr. Thornton. Is that settled?"
"It is settled."
"Good! Now we'll see if Jackson has fixed matters."
One of the policemen was having a talk with Plug Kirby. Kirby seemed rather sullen and obstinate.
"I weren't doin' notting to git me head t'umped like dis," he muttered, sulkily. "Me frien' Merriwell was
bein' jumped by a gang, an' I went in fer ter back him up. You cops lets der gang git off, an' den yer pinches us. I don't care wot yer do wid me, an' I don't make no promises. Go on wid yer deal."
Here Frank Merriwell stepped in.
"You profess to be a friend of mine, Kirby," he said.
"Dat's wot I am, pal," nodded the tough.
"Then show it. If I am pulled up before a magistrate, it is pretty sure that I'll be expelled from college, which will be rough on me. If you are my friend, you will agree to keep your mouth shut about this affair. If you are my enemy, you will refuse."