s.

There was a strong contrast between Diamond and Merriwell.

Jack was literally quivering with passion, while Frank actually smiled
serenely into Flemming's face, as if he thoroughly enjoyed the
situation.

But those who knew Merriwell best said that in times of trouble he was
the most dangerous when he smiled.

"So you are around!" Flemming finally growled. "How did you happen in
here? Were you playing the eavesdropper also?"

"I happened to be passing the saloon, and I thought I saw my friend
Diamond come in here," explained Frank, calmly. "I wondered what could
bring him into such a place, and so I entered likewise. They said he had
come back here. I came also. That is how I happened to arrive at
precisely the right moment."

"You'll find it was precisely the wrong moment!" cried Flemming. "Close
and fasten the door, boys! We'll jump on these two cads, and do them up
now and at once! Come on!"

"I don't know but it will be a good time to settle a few old scores with
them," said Emery, becoming aroused. "It will do them good to show them
they can be licked!"

"That goes!" shouted Puss Parker.

"Six to two--three to one!" laughed Frank. "Oh, well, that's not so bad.
Come on, my brave fellows! We'll do our best to make it interesting, eh,
Jack?"

"Oh, all I want is a chance at Thornton!" panted the Virginian.

Willis Paulding was quivering with excitement. He thought he saw his
opportunity, and he lost no time in improving it. He had hated Merriwell
from the first, but never had he dared do anything to injure Frank. Now,
grasping his heavy cane, he slipped forward and came up behind
Merriwell.

Swish--crack!

The cane cut through the air and fell on Merriwell's head, dropping the
lad in a senseless heap to the floor.

It was a cowardly blow, but it put Merriwell out of the fight in a
twinkling, for he was stunned.

"So this is the way you fight!" cried Diamond, wheeling about and
leaping at Willis, who gave a scream and vainly tried to escape.

Jack caught the fellow, grasped him by the ears, and flung him back
against the wall. Thump! thump! thump!--Jack banged the head of the
helpless wretch against the wall till it seemed that Paulding's skull
would crack.

Willis tried to scream for help, but with the very first thump his
tongue was caught between his teeth, and he nearly bit it in two. Blood
gushed from his mouth, and he sunk in a limp heap to the floor as Jack
released him.

Diamond tu