He was trying to get out a revolver when Merry gave it to him again, and over on his back he was knocked once more. The spectators had been filled with wonder, but now they saw the ludicrous side of the encounter, and they began to pound each other on the back and shout with laughter. “I sw’ar, it’s ther funniest thing I ever saw!” roared one. “Think of Sam takin’ water like that!” shouted another. “He’s swallered enough ter p’izen him a’reddy!” declared another. “Bet he ain’t hed a bath afore in a year!” exclaimed a fourth. And then, in chorus, they roared: “A-haw! a-haw! a-haw!” Ephraim Gallup executed a grotesque dance on the sidewalk. “By gum! this is a reg’lar jamboree!” he giggled. “It oughter be an advertisement fer ther show if Frank does ther bully of ther taown up good.” “It will be the wonder of the place,” declared Sawyer, the local stage manager. “I don’t understand it now.” Douglas Dunton showed his relief. Although he had agreed to stand by Frank, Dunton had been decidedly frightened. Now he was beginning to laugh. Havener had not said much, but he was looking on in great satisfaction, nodding his approval over what was happening. Joe Hooker sat up, but Merry was giving Sam all he wanted just then, and he paid very little attention to Joe. The younger brother got onto his hands and knees, and then sprang to his feet. He did not make more than two steps toward Merry, however, before the stream of water struck him in the eyes once more. This time it came unexpectedly, but Joe was not knocked down. He reeled back, putting up his arm to protect his face. Frank continued to pour the water upon him. Joe whirled back toward Merry, but the water struck him in the back of the neck. He bent over, and the stream beat under his coat, turning it up over his head. Then, with his coat in that manner, Joe gave up and took to his heels, dusting round the corner. “Go it!” shouted the crowd, in merriment. No one had offered to help the brothers. At first no one had imagined Sam Hooker could need help in disposing of the boyish actor. When they began to understand that the bully had met his match, they were so dazed that no one made a move to help him. When the stream of water was turned on him, the risibilities of the rough fellows were aroused, and they shouted with laughter over the plight of the fellow upon whom they had gazed in fear and awe a short time before. As soon as a bully ceases to command respect, as soon as he is made ridiculous, his prestige is gone. No one had dared laugh at Sam Hooker before that. He had done the most grotesque things without causing anybody to crack a smile. Now, however, they literally roared with amusement.