In the twinkling of an eye Flemming's wind was shut off, and his neck seemed to crack beneath the strain. He made a mad effort to hurl Merriwell to the ground, but he had delayed the attempt a moment too long.
Frank Merriwell well knew how dangerous was the trick he had played upon his enemy. He knew that he could break Flemming's neck in that manner if he desired to do so, and he was careful not to make the sudden pressure too intense.
Flemming could not breathe, and his eyes started from his head. His strength seemed to leave his body, and his struggles to throw the lad he hated were weak and ineffectual. He was like a child in the hands of Frank Merriwell.
The spectators stared in astonishment, and Diamond gasped:
"Great Cæsar! Merry purposely let Flemming get that hold!"
"Break away, Flem—break away!" cried Tom Thornton, quivering with excitement.
But Flemming could not break away, for he had not sufficient strength to do so.
"Foul!" shouted Emery, starting forward, as if he would part the combatants.
In a moment Jack Diamond's arm was extended and pressed across Emery's breast, holding him back like a bar of iron.