"But you're all right?"
"Never was better."
"Mason didn't get revenge on you?"
"Not this evening."
"Tell us about it!" cried Browning and Halliday, together.
"Yes, tell us," urged Parker. "You've been in some kind of a scrimmage.
That's evident by the appearance of the clothes you have taken off. Tell us what happened."
"I suppose Rattles has told you how they jumped us?"
"Yes."
"Well, they had me before I could do a thing. I rather think Mason got his hands on me. Anyhow, it was some big fellow with the strength of Samson. Before I could strike for myself I was bundled into a cab, and two or three of them were in there with me. They told me to keep still.
My hands were twisted behind my back and tied. Then they carried me off."
"Didn't I give it to you straight?" cried Harry.
"Where did they carry you?" asked Halliday, eagerly.
"Somewhere out of town. They didn't talk much--didn't want me to recognize their voices, I suppose. I kept still, as they told me, but I was trying to work my hands free all the time. I found I could do it, but I waited till they stopped and bundled me out of the cab. Then----"
"Then?" cried the listening boys, eagerly.
"Then I slipped my hands out of the ropes and sailed into them."
"Wish I'd been there," grunted Browning, with unusual animation.
"Go on, Frank--go on!" cried the others.
"It was a right tight little scrap," laughed Merriwell; "but they were taken by surprise, and that gave me a show. One or two of them got hold of me. They tore my clothes. Once they got me down, but I managed to get away and got onto my feet. I told them I was going to mark the whole crowd so I would know them in the morning, and I think I did it for the most of them. It was dark, or I should have known them, for I ripped the masks off nearly all of the gang. Every time I could, I slugged a fellow in the eye, and some of them will have their peepers decorated to-morrow."
Rattleton fell to laughing.
"Oh, gee!" he cried. "They were monkeying with a cyclone! They'll remember you, Merry!"
"I intended that they should. At last, seeing I could not lick the gang, and they were bound to get the best of me in the end, if I persisted in trying to do so, I took to my heels and ran for it. One fellow gave me a red-hot chase. He was a sprinter, fellows. I found I had drawn him on ahead of the others, and I slacked till he was close at my heels. He thought he was overtaking me. All at once I stopped short and turned on him. He couldn't stop or dodge, and he ran against my fist. Well, I am dead sure he'll bear my mark to-morrow."
Merriwell was congratulated. Alone and single-handed he had bested his enemies, a feat that was sure to add to his record.
THE END.
THE FAMOUS Frank Merriwell Stories
By BURT L. STANDISH
"_BEST OF ALL BOYS' BOOKS_"
No modern series of tales for boys and youths has met with anything like the cordial reception and popularity accorded to the Frank Merriwell Stories.
There must be a reason for this and there is. Frank Merriwell, as portrayed by the author, is a jolly, whole-souled, honest, courageous American lad, who appeals to the hearts of the boys. He has no bad habits, and his manliness inculcates the idea that it is not necessary for a boy to indulge in petty vices to be a hero. Frank Merriwell's example is a shining light for every ambitious lad to follow.
_Twenty-four volumes ready_
Frank Merriwell's School Days Frank Merriwell's Skill Frank Merriwell's Chums Frank Merriwell's Champions Frank Merriwell's Foes Frank Merriwell's Return to Yale Frank Merriwell's Trip West Frank Merriwell's Secret Frank Merriwell Down South Frank Merriwell's Loyalty Frank Merriwell's Bravery Frank Merriwell's Reward Frank Merriwell's Races Frank Merriwell's Faith Frank Merriwell's Hunting Tour Frank Merriwell's Victories Frank Merriwell's Sports Afield Frank Merriwell's Power Frank Merriwell at Yale Frank Merriwell's Set-Back Frank Merriwell's Courage Frank Merriwell's False Friend Frank Merriwell's Daring Frank Merriwell's Brother
_THE MOTOR POWER SERIES_
Donald Grayson's Famous Motor Stories for Boys
Mr. Grayson is an accomplished writer of up-to-the-minute juvenile stories which are eagerly read by modern American lads.
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BOB STEELE'S MOTOR CYCLE BOB STEELE ON HIGH GEAR BOB STEELE FROM AUTO TO AIRSHIP BOB STEELE AFLOAT IN THE CLOUDS BOB STEELE'S SUBMARINE CRUISE BOB STEELE IN STRANGE WATERS BOB STEELE'S MOTOR BOAT BOB STEELE'S WINNING RACE BOB STEELE'S NEW AeROPLANE BOB STEELE'S LAST FLIGHT