“We could cook Merriwell if we came out and told all we know,” said the freshman. “That is just the evidence Rudge wants to prove that Merriwell was the leader of the attack on him. It would ruin the fellow’s college career.” “But we can’t peach,” declared Gooch. “It would be the end of our college careers, too, for we’d be run out of Yale by the fellows who think Merriwell the only pebble on the beach. We’ve got to keep still and find some other way of getting at the chap we hate.” “It’s too bad to lose such an opportunity!” exclaimed Billings. “I have it straight that Rudge was nearly drowned. The rope broke when they tried to pull him out. He had twisted his hands free, and that was all that saved him. He tore the blanket from his head, swam under the bridge, and clung to a pier till he was strong enough so he could get out.” “Jingoes!” exclaimed Gooch. “The case could be made to look like an attempt to murder Rudge.” “Sure.” “Well, we will think this matter over some. If we know of an absolute attempt at murder, it may be our duty to tell the truth about it.” “That’s the talk!” cried Billings, gleefully. CHAPTER XXXV. FRANK’S ENEMIES. Rattleton’s blood was boiling. “I am not much of a fighter,” he muttered; “but I am going down there and punch the faces off those dirty dogs!” As he started to resume the descent of the stairs, Gooch and Billings left the building. Harry went down on the leap. When he reached the door the two rascals were walking away. Rattleton saw Browning passing at a little distance. Immediately he made a rush for Bruce, and told him all he had heard. Then the big fellow was aroused. “Let’s have a little talk with Mr. Gooch and Mr. Billings,” said Bruce, grimly. “It is possible we may be able to persuade them to keep their mouths shut.” They hastened after Gooch and the freshman, Browning actually hurrying for once in his life. “Hold on, you chaps!” called Bruce. The cry was heard. Gooch and Billings turned and looked about. Then they seemed on the point of taking to their heels, but did not do so. Browning and Rattleton came up. “We want to talk to you,” said Bruce, surlily. For some reason neither of the fellows seemed to care about talking, but they could not get away, and in a very few minutes they heard some straight talk from Bruce. “If either of you blow on Merriwell,” said the big fellow, with such fierceness that both were astounded and appalled, “I’ll take particular pains to see that you are tarred and feathered and ridden on a rail. You will not be tolerated in Yale. I swear to hound you out of college in less than two weeks, and I’ll be aided by a hundred others. That is business, and it is straight from the shoulder.” Both Gooch and Billings protested that they had not the least idea of exposing Merriwell.