“Ephraim told us about your encounter with this ruffian,” said Havener. “You should have broken his head with a club.”
They continued the work of arranging the scenery and getting it ready for quick handling at night. The first scene was set.
Frank told Sawyer that he wanted five men for supers, and they must be on hand at three o’clock for instructions. Sawyer promised to provide them.
“Now,” said Ephraim, who was somewhat agitated, despite his efforts to keep cool, “there’s goin’ ter be a dinged hot old time. Come erlong, Mr. Sawyer, if yeou want to see ther jamboree.”
“I’ll follow,” said Sawyer, and it was plain that he did not wish to be seen with the actors.
As they approached the saloon on the corner a number of men were seen loitering in front of it. One of them darted into the saloon.
“Gone ter tell Hooker!” gurgled Ephraim. “Jeewhillikins! I’m beginnin’ ter feel that I kainder wisht I was to hum on the farm!”
Next to the saloon a man was washing windows with a hose.
As the little party reached the corner, Joe Hooker came running out, quickly followed by his brother and several of the toughs of the town.
“There he is!” cried Joe, pointing to Frank. “Now smash him, Sam! Yeou said you would.”
The cowboy grinned viciously as his eyes rested on Frank. He placed himself squarely in the middle of the sidewalk.
“Don’t let him get hold of you, Merriwell!” panted Dunton, who was pale and unsteady. “He looks like a perfect devil!”
“Hold on, hyar!” roared Sam Hooker, glaring at Merry. “You’re ther galoot I’ve bin waitin’ fer!”
“Go for him, Sam!” cried the toughs. “Give it to the dude show chap!”
“Oh, I’ll make mincemeat of him,” promised the ruffian, advancing on Merry. “I’ll pulverize him!”
Frank did not order him to keep off, for he knew it would be a waste of breath. Instead of that, to the astonishment of Hooker and his gang, he went straight at the fellow like a flash.
This was a movement entirely unexpected. The cowboy attempted to catch hold of Merry, but Frank dodged aside, still advancing, struck the fellow a blow on the elbow that whirled him sideways, and then gave him one under the ear that made him stagger.
“Paste him, Sam!” howled Joe, beginning to dance.
The ruffian whirled back, but Merriwell had followed him closely, and the blow Hooker struck was readily parried. Then Merry began to hammer the fellow scientifically, following every advantage closely, and keeping him going. Only once was Frank hit, and that was a weak blow, for he jumped back in time to avoid the full force of the swinging drive, which must have knocked him down had he not made the movement.