“I’d rather quit than go to the jug, and Merriwell can send the whole bunch up if he tries.” Frost seemed to hesitate. Plainly he was inclined to follow the example of the jumper. “Don’t you quit, Dent!” rasped Manton. “You’ve been telling what you wanted to do to Merriwell. Don’t be a coward!” Thus urged, Frost reluctantly joined the others, and Manton gave the word for them all to prepare for a grand rush. “Make ready!” he cried. “We’ll jump on ’em all together when I give the word. Now! One, two, three—go!” A shout of warning came from Necker. “Skip,” he yelled. “Here comes a bunch of cops! You’ll all be pinched!” Then he took to his heels, running as if his very life depended on it. Some of the ruffians had leaped in to get at Merry and Bart. Others, including Manton and Frost, heard the warning words of Necker and did not charge. They cast frightened glances around, saw three policemen, with drawn clubs, followed by two other men, coming at a run, then promptly took flight after the manner of Necker. Manton was one of the very first to run, and he ran as if his life depended on it, while Frost followed him closely. Merry managed to leap on one of the ruffians, tripping him and flinging him to the ground. Hodge seized another and had a sharp fight with him; but the fellow staggered Bart with a blow of his club and broke away. When the officers came up it was seen that Wallace Grafter and Melvin McGann were with them. The ruffian Frank had held was promptly seized and subdued. “I know him,” said one of the policemen. “It’s Hug Murphy, and he’s wanted for some flat work. He’ll get a vacation.” “We saw those chaps as we were leaving the lot,” explained Grafter. “They were holding a consultation behind the board fence over yonder. I recognized Manton and knew there was mischief brewing. Then we hustled to find some officers; but we arrived just a moment too late.” “Or a trifle too soon,” said Frank. “If they had tackled us in a bunch it’s likely your approach might not have been noticed. In that case you might have nabbed more than one. I am very grateful to you, Grafter. It’s certain enough that the thugs, armed as they were, would have hammered us up only for you.” “Don’t mention it, Merriwell, old boy!” cried Grafter. “Did you recognize any one in the gang besides Manton?” asked Frank. “No.” “Two other chaps who are well known to you were there.” “Who?” “Dent Frost for one.” “Impossible!” “It’s true.” “Why, Denton Frost is a gentleman!” “How about Jack Necker?” “He’s regarded as one. You don’t mean to say——” “He was the other one.” “Well, this affair shall be reported at Eagle Heights!” exclaimed Grafter warmly. “I don’t care to associate with ruffians of that cast. If they are not asked to resign from the club, I shall hand in my resignation.” He was in earnest and highly indignant.