Whack!
The blow might have been heard anywhere on the campus. It fell just where the furious Virginian had intended it should—across the side of Mason's head and behind his ear!
The fellow who had stood on his feet before the blows of the policemen's clubs now fell as if he had been shot, pitching headlong over Frank Merriwell.
Frank sat up, still grasping the cane he had captured from the bully. Jack caught his hand and pulled him to his feet.
Hock Mason lay at full length on the ground, gasping for breath.
"He's dying!" cried somebody, horrified.
The rush was over, freshmen and juniors stopped struggling in a moment, and all gathered around the spot where the giant lay. His heavy rasping breathing was terrifying.
"He is dying, Diamond!" whispered Browning, in Jack's ear.
"I don't care!" returned the Virginian, passionately.
"But think—think what that means!"