“Easy!” exclaimed Moran. “Why, you t’umped me up in fine style. Where did you learn to handle your dukes that way? I am the champion of Fardale, but you’re too much for me.” “Dern your picter!” said Tubbs. “What you need is a coat of tar and feathers.” “No,” said Jolliby. “That’s wh-wh-wh-what Arlington needs.” Moran slowly rose to his feet. “Anyhow, I have got a good suit of clothes out of him,” he said. “That will help pay the extra for the slugging I went against. But that don’t settle it; he will hear from me again. He lied to me; you bet I will soak him for it, too!” “Now, that’s where you’re talking, stranger,” nodded Brad. “If you agree to soak him good and plenty we will let you off; otherwise, it’s up to us to finish this job.” “Let me alone and see if I don’t put it all over him the first chance I get. I swear I will, or my name is not Tom Moran!” “Please don’t hit him,” entreated Smart. “That would be too bad.” “Oh, I won’t hit him,” growled the fellow. “I will just knock the stuffing out of him!” “All right,” said Dick. “We’ll let you go with that understanding.” CHAPTER XIV. A RECKLESS YOUTH. Chester did not return to the academy that night. This was nothing remarkable, for his mother had made arrangements which enabled him to frequently stop with her without obtaining permission. A written excuse from Mrs. Arlington was all that Chester needed to present in case of such infringements on the rules of the school. Nevertheless, when he failed to appear the following day, Fraser worried, and knew that more than the ordinary excuse would be required from him. Dick watched in vain for Arlington. Obtaining leave the following evening, he went into town. He contemplated calling at Mrs. Arlington’s before returning to the academy, with the intention of asking June about her brother. The necessity of doing this was avoided, for, as he was leaving the post office, he saw June pass on the opposite side of the street. She was alone, and immediately Dick hastened after her. To his surprise, she turned into the street that led toward the harbor. Wondering where she could be going, he followed, until the crest of the small hill was reached, and the harbor lights lay twinkling beyond. By this time she had discovered that some one was behind her, and Merriwell noticed that she quickened her steps. Immediately he made haste to overtake her, at the same time calling her name. In surprise she stopped. “Is it you, Dick?” she exclaimed. “Why, I saw some one coming, and I was afraid.” “Afraid, June? Then why did you choose this street? Why did you come this way alone? I was surprised when I saw you take such a course.” She seemed at a loss for a reply. “Surely you know this part of the town is not safe for you to be in after dark without an escort?” he said. “My mother’s yacht is down there,” she murmured. “I didn’t know but what I might find Chester on——”