e."

"And you have more friends. Any man who is as popular as you is certain
to have enemies. You arouse the envy of the weak and shallow, and the
jealousy of those who would become your rivals, but are incompetent to
become your equals. At the same time, you are able to command a larger
following than any fellow at Yale. You are a leader in everything, and
it is certain that you will be able to make your choice of the junior
societies next year. It is no more than natural that you should have
bitter foes who desire your downfall."

"Well, my enemies have not succeeded very well with their plots thus
far. If we get out of this scrape all right, I'll give my attention to
this new gang who have rallied around Fred Flemming, for he is evidently
the leader."

"Yes, he is the leader, and Tom Thornton is his first officer. If you
give your attention to Flemming, I will look after Mr. Thornton. Is that
settled?"

"It is settled."

"Good! Now we'll see if Jackson has fixed matters."

One of the policemen was having a talk with Plug Kirby. Kirby seemed
rather sullen and obstinate.

"I weren't doin' notting to git me head t'umped like dis," he muttered,
sulkily. "Me frien' Merriwell was bein' jumped by a gang, an' I went in
fer ter back him up. You cops lets der gang git off, an' den yer pinches
us. I don't care wot yer do wid me, an' I don't make no promises. Go on
wid yer deal."

Here Frank Merriwell stepped in.

"You profess to be a friend of mine, Kirby," he said.

"Dat's wot I am, pal," nodded the tough.

"Then show it. If I am pulled up before a magistrate, it is pretty sure
that I'll be expelled from college, which will be rough on me. If you
are my friend, you will agree to keep your mouth shut about this affair.
If you are my enemy, you will refuse."

"Well, pal, if yer puts it dat way, I can't refuse yer. I did kinder
reckon you'd stan' by me when I was hauled up, an' I t'ought your
influence might fix t'ings; but, if it's der way you say, I'll take me
medicine, an' never open me trap. Is dat satisfactory?"

"You have not been placed under arrest at all--understand that?"
demanded Officer Murphy.

"Sure."

"And you know nothing about a row in this place. Catch on?"

"Sure."

"You're doing this for your friend Merriwell. See?"

"Sure."

"That's all. We'll have a drink all around on Jackson, and I'll club the
head off you, Kirby, if you blow anything."

Frank took seltzer, while the others dran