The fellow gave an exclamation of fury and sprang toward Frank. Merriwell dodged the fierce blow delivered at his face, and his fist struck the man fairly on the chin, hurling him backward to the pavement. The assailant fell heavily to the hard stones and lay there, stunned for the time. “That was a clever blow, Merriwell,” observed Diamond, his eyes flashing and his cheeks glowing. “Very much like the one that did McGilvay.” Frank stepped forward and stood looking down at the man, who had the appearance of a countryman. “I hope he is not severely injured,” said Merry. “He met my blow, which made it all the heavier.” “Don’t worry about the dog,” advised Diamond, with a glance of contempt toward the fallen man. “He must know the lady,” said Frank, turning about to speak to her. She was gone. Both Frank and Jack stared in surprise. She had taken advantage of the first opportunity to get away. The Virginian whistled a little. “Slipped away,” he said. “Which way did she go, I wonder?” Frank could not tell, but several pedestrians had paused, and a crowd was gathering, one of whom declared the girl had entered a cab which carried her up Broadway. Merriwell looked disappointed. “She knew my name, and I did not find out who she is,” he muttered. “I’m sorry about that.” The fallen man was recovering. He opened his eyes and looked around, seeming greatly bewildered. Then he saw Frank and struggled to one elbow, glaring at the calm youth, who quietly waited for him to rise. “You’re one of them!” muttered the fellow, his eyes full of hatred for Merry. “I’ll never forget you!” “I am sorry I had to strike you that blow,” Merry confessed; “but you came at me like a mad bull, and I was forced to defend myself.” “It ain’t the blow,” said the man. “I don’t care anything about that; but you shall pay for the wrong you have done her.” “I think you must be a trifle daffy, my man. What are you talking about?” “You know well enough, blame yer! I don’t want to talk about it—here; but I swear you shall pay dearly for it.” He rose to his feet, and, for a moment, it seemed that he contemplated renewing his attack on Merry, at whom he stared in anger and bewilderment. “I don’t see how you ever struck such a blow,” he finally confessed. “But next time it will be my turn to strike—for her sake!” Then he walked away, turning into Twenty-fifth Street and going toward Sixth Avenue. “What do you make of it, anyhow?” asked Diamond. “I don’t know just what to make of it,” acknowledged Frank, with a frown on his handsome face. “It’s very unpleasant, and I am completely puzzled.” The men who had gathered about were staring at them, and they moved away after the man with whom Merry had had the encounter.