“There!” grunted the big fellow; “now we will proceed with the festivities. Let the band play on!” The gamblers were astounded, for they were beginning to believe that the intruders all enjoyed fighting. Many of the rascals were bruised and bleeding, and they were beginning to weaken. Welch urged them on. Bunker waded into it again, and, aided by Welch, he led the gang to another assault. Frank singled out the man who had tried to stamp upon him. He forced his way toward Bunker, reached him, went at him again. “You are the one I am looking after?” he cried. “I have a score to settle with you, and I am going to settle it!” Then they went at it again, but now Merriwell showed himself the man’s superior. He hit Bunker repeatedly. One of his blows brought about a remarkable result. The beard on Bunker’s face was knocked away and nearly came off. “It’s false!” thought Frank. At that moment the hanging lamp came down with a crash and went out, leaving the room in absolute darkness. Browning caught hold of Merriwell and Diamond and forced them out through the door, Hodge following instantly. All four rushed out to the open air, where Hans Dunnerwust joined them. “It’s all over,” said Frank. “Let’s get away quickly. This row will bring a crowd to this spot, for it must have been heard.” Now it was quite dark in the woods, and they hastened away into the thick shadows. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XXVII FRANK’S CAPTURE. The following morning the campers on Sandy Point were astir at an early hour. Browning did not carry a mark of the conflict, but Merriwell and Hodge showed slight bruises. Diamond was thoroughly ashamed of having been found in such a gang. Naturally distant toward strangers, it was difficult for him to explain how he had been led into the trap. Seeing this, Frank did not press him for an explanation. The real truth was, however, that, overcome by mortification because of the poor showing he had made in the canoe race, the Virginian had decided to take a drink. Being in a prohibition State, he had found it difficult to obtain anything. However, he had found an individual who claimed to know where there was something, and Jack had been led to the cottage up the shore. After taking two or three drinks, the Virginian did not notice that the party that gathered was composed of persons who seemed to have a secret understanding, one with another. Jack was looking for excitement, and a game of poker promised to provide what he sought. Thus he was drawn into the game. After it began Welch appeared and was taken in. Then came Bunker. The reader knows what followed. Dunnerwust turned out early and built a fire. Then he wandered away from the cottage, going out to the shore. Twenty minutes later, he came panting and stumbling into the cottage, showing symptoms of great excitement.