It is possible that never before in all his life had Hock Mason been handled in such a summary manner. He struck the ground with a thump, bewildered beyond measure by what had happened, for he had not dreamed any man at Yale could handle him that way, even if he were taken by surprise.
But Mason was not hurt in the least, and he was furious.
Laughing triumphantly, Frank Merriwell spun the cane into the air and caught it with the skill of a baton-thrower when it came down.
Roaring like an enraged lion, Hock Mason scrambled to his feet. Somebody gave Merriwell a push from behind, nearly throwing him down, and Mason struck him behind the ear.
It was one of the giant freshman's sledge-hammer blows, and Frank dropped like a log.
"Cuss ye!" snarled the bully. "I'll fix ye!"
The brute in his nature was aroused, and he kicked the fallen lad in the ribs with his toe.
"Shame! shame!" cried a score of voices.
Bruce Browning, with a roar of rage, tried to reach the brutal fellow, but Jack Diamond was quicker.
Jack had torn a heavy cane from a freshman, and now he wielded it, butt foremost, with all the strength he could command.