"You made a big mistake in coming into this kind of a joint," declared the officer, severely. "And you were arrested at the same time with Plug Kirby, a tough of the lowest order. That's what gits you in a hole. If we lets you go, we've got to let him go." Then Diamond explained how Kirby happened to be in the room, and Frank added light to the matter by telling how he came to know the thug, who had been hired to whip him once on a time, but who had received a severe thumping instead. "And that is how it happens that he claims you for his friend?" asked Magoon, grinning. "You hammered friendship into him?" "That's right," said Frank. "He has been ready to do anything for me ever since that night." "Well, I must say that's the first thing I ever knowed about Plug Kirby that made me feel like goin' easy with him! And he was fighting for you against the crowd? I'll have a word with Murphy." Two of the officers drew aside, while the third stood guard at the door. After a few moments, Jackson was called up by Magoon, and the trio spoke in low tones. Frank was keeping watch of all that passed, and he saw Jackson take something out of his pocket and slip it into Murphy's hand. "That lets us out, Jack," said Merriwell, guardedly. "Jackson has fixed it with the officers." "If you're right, we are dead lucky," muttered Diamond. "It began to look as if we were booked for our walking-papers." "Which would have pleased certain young gentlemen who do not admire us very much." "They would have held a jubilee over it. With you out of the way, Flemming would have gone on the crew. He has suddenly come to hate you because he thinks you have shut him out from that position." "Scarcely do I settle with one set of enemies before another rises up to make it interesting for me," said Frank. "I believe I have more enemies than any other fellow at Yale." "And you have more friends. Any man who is as popular as you is certain to have enemies. You arouse the envy of the weak and shallow, and the jealousy of those who would become your rivals, but are incompetent to become your equals. At the same time, you are able to command a larger following than any fellow at Yale. You are a leader in everything, and it is certain that you will be able to make your choice of the junior societies next year. It is no more than natural that you should have bitter foes who desire your downfall." "Well, my enemies have not succeeded very well with their plots thus far. If we get out of this scrape all right, I'll give my attention to this new gang who have rallied around Fred Flemming, for he is evidently the leader." "Yes, he is the leader, and Tom Thornton is his first officer. If you give your attention to Flemming, I will look after Mr. Thornton. Is that settled?" "It is settled." "Good! Now we'll see if Jackson has fixed matters." One of the policemen was having a talk with Plug Kirby. Kirby seemed rather sullen and obstinate.