“You’re killing me!” groaned the masher, trying to twist round, but finding himself helpless in the grasp of the Andover giant. “Not at all,” said Dick. “I intend to only about half-kill you. That will be enough to teach you a wholesome lesson.” And then he kicked with both feet in quick succession, and did not cease till the demoralized masher was limp and helpless. Then Dick held him up, steadied him on his feet, and grimly said: “I’ll give you two minutes to get out of sight. Steady! If you don’t hustle away, I may take a notion to overhaul you and kick you some more. I have enjoyed kicking you very much.” The fellow staggered away when Dick released him. Turning, Starbright found that Merriwell had easily handled the other two fellows and put them to flight. “The opportunity was just what I’ve wanted,” muttered Dick. “I’ve been longing to kick somebody for several hours.” Of course, this encounter had attracted attention, but its sudden termination without police interference seemed to disappoint the crowd, which began to melt away in short order. Inza had stood aside while Merriwell and Starbright disposed of the three men, but now she came forward and spoke to them, although seeming not a little astonished and distressed. “I’m so glad you were on hand to help us!” she said. “If I’d been a man, I think I should have enjoyed taking part in that!” “I think I owe the gentlemen thanks,” said the stranger. “They were too many for me, and it’s lucky somebody happened along to help me out. I must say you disposed of them very finely.” Starbright was scowling at the stranger, but Frank laughed quietly. “I assure you,” said Merry, “we enjoyed the pleasure.” “But Frank, Dick,” said Inza, plainly bewildered, “I thought you both in New Haven.” “As you see, we are not.” “But how does it happen?” “I was detained in the city,” Merry explained, “and Dick ran down to—to see me and to take me back.” “Why doesn’t she introduce her bearded friend?” Starbright was asking himself. Frank wondered a little over this, but fancied Inza had forgotten in her excitement caused by the encounter. “Well, it’s a great surprise,” said Inza. “I thought you both many miles away.” “Haven’t a doubt of it,” thought Dick. “We expect to return to New Haven to-morrow,” said Frank. The stranger was silent now, having stepped back a little. He stood looking at Frank in a rather peculiar and penetrating manner. “To-morrow?” repeated Inza, her embarrassment seeming to increase, as she looked from Frank and Dick to the strange man. The latter shook his head slightly. With his eyes wide open for every move, Merry saw this, and knew it was a signal to Inza. “Yes,” nodded Merry. “I called at your hotel in Brooklyn to see you, but found you were gone.” “Yes, we—we left there after we supposed you had returned to New Haven. We’re stopping in New York for a few days.” “Near here?” inquired Merry, with deferential politeness. “Yes—quite near.”