"Help me, Ferris!" howled the tough.
"Don't you dare come near," said Hal.
"Don't mind him—help me," said Macklin again.
Ferris hesitated, but at last approached and caught Hal by the arm.
"Let Macklin up," he said.
Instead of replying Hal sprang to his feet. In one hand he held the key, and with the other he shoved Ferris up against the wall.
"Now let me pass!"
"Don't do it!" howled Macklin.
"I won't," replied Ferris.
He caught Hal by the coat tail. This compelled the youth to turn once more. He aimed a blow at Ferris' head, and the fellow went down over the table.