Then there were many exclamations of astonishment, for it was seen that the fellow was not Arlington at all, although he wore Arlington’s clothes and was built very much the same as Chester. “Dern my picter!” piped Obediah Tubbs, in astonishment. “What kind of a gol-dinged game is this?” “Cuc-cuc-cuc-crooked work!” burst from Jolliby. “Where is Mel Fraser?” But Fraser had backed away, and now he suddenly took to his heels and fled. “Here, you!” growled one of the fallen chap’s companions. “Let him alone! We will take care of him!” “Whoop!” roared Buckhart. “You will take care of him, will you? Well, I opine we will take care of you. Get into them, fellows!” Instantly he went at them, and he was followed by Jolliby and Tubbs, who were fierce with rage and indignation at the trick. The young toughs could not stand before such an assault, and they, like Fraser, turned and fled. Tubbs would have pursued, but he tripped and fell heavily, upon which all stopped, permitting the fleeing boys to escape. “Well, of all the low-down tricks I ever heard of this takes the prize!” declared the Texan. “What do you think of it, pard? It’s mighty queer you didn’t tumble.” “I did,” said Dick. “When?” “Some time before the finish. I saw his style of fighting was not like Arlington’s.” “Why didn’t you say something? Why didn’t you let us know?” “It was too late then. There was but one thing to do, and I did it. Arlington’s proxy got what was coming to Chester.” “Hang a sus-sus-sus-sneak!” cried Chip. “Confound a cuc-cuc-cuc-coward! That’s what Arlington is! He didn’t dare fuf-fuf-fuf-fight you!” “Oh, don’t say such hard things about him!” half sobbed Smart. “See how kind and self-sacrificing he was. He permitted another fellow to take his place and enjoy the pleasure of this little scrap. Wasn’t that splendid of him? Wasn’t it perfectly fine?” “I hope this chap isn’t hurt much,” said Dick; and as he uttered the words the fellow stirred and attempted to sit up. “By Jim! I guess he is all right,” said Tubbs. “Dud-dud-dud-do you know him, Dick?” asked Chip. “I have seen him. He is well known in town. His name is Moran.” “Yes, that’s my name,” acknowledged the fellow. “Where are the others? Where’s my gang?” “The whole bunch stampeded,” answered Brad. Moran was surprised and disgusted. “They’re a fine lot,” he muttered. “Look here! what sort of a slugger did I go against? Arlington told me the fellow would be easy.” “Well, you’re a fine specimen,” growled the Texan. “Whatever were you trying to celebrate?” “I got the coin, and I reckon I earned it, too,” was the retort. “So Arlington paid you for this job, did he?” questioned Dick. “Sure thing! But I made a mistake. I put the price too low.” Merriwell’s indignation was unbounded. “You’re lucky to get off so easy,” he declared.