“Now I have a good tub of ice-cold water waiting for you,” said Frank.
“Great Scott!” gasped the Southerner, in horror. “I can take a cold bath when I am feeling all right, but I don’t believe I have the nerve for it this morning, old man. You’ll have to let me off.”
“It can’t be done. You must take your medicine, my boy. It’s just what you need.”
“Have you no mercy, Merriwell?”
“Not in a case like this. You do not deserve mercy.”
With many protests, Jack was dragged out of bed and compelled to take a plunge in the icy water of the bath. After the rub-down he felt a little better, but he was ready to gulp down another pitcher of ice-water, which he easily accomplished before getting dressed.
“You’re a hard doctor, Merry,” he said, with a rueful grin; “but hanged if I don’t believe you will effect a cure.”
He did not want any breakfast, but Frank would not let him off till he had taken a glass of milk in which an egg had been beaten.
“Now,” said Merriwell, “for a good brisk walk in the open air.”
“Wait till I get a cigar,” said Diamond.