"I didn't have time to get out of your way."
"Well, what's all this about anyway?" demanded Frank. "Are you fellows trying to settle some sort of a score?"
"It looks to me," said Flemming, stiffly, "as if Mr.
Rattleton took advantage of our presence in this room to strike Thornton."
"Well, what are you chaps here for, anyway?" demanded Harry. "That is what I would like to know. We don't run in your class, and so——"
"Hold up, old man," interrupted Merriwell, promptly. "Mr. Flemming and Mr. Thornton called to see me about a personal matter."
"I thought so," declared Rattleton, "and I decided you would get the worst end of it, as they were two to your one—and the door was locked. If they are here to do you, count me into it. I'll take care of this fellow Thornton while you polish off Flemming."
"We did not come here to fight," said Fred, haughtily.
"Didn't?" exclaimed Harry, in surprise. "Then what sort of a game are you up to, for I know it is something crooked?"
Flemming tossed his head.