A yell of great joy went up from some of the boys, who are always
delighted at seeing the larger fellow thrashed, especially when he is
the one who has started the trouble.

"Don't you think you'd better wait and cool down?" inquired Jack, dryly.
"You're only making a show of yourself."

That taunt stung Don into rising and squaring off, while his father
looked unutterably disgusted and angry over the ridiculous turn affairs
had taken.

"Benson's advice is good--sound," approved Lawyer Demarest, stepping
in. "Don, you're no match for your opponent, at least not in your
present temper. Don't try to carry this any further."

"Do you think I'm going to let this young mucker make a fool of me?"
demanded the Melville youth, huskily. "I've just got to settle with
him."

"Yes, yes, Don; stop this. It's unseemly," insisted his father,
red-faced through his humiliation. "Come on!"

Mr. Melville's other friends also interposed. Don, surrounded, yet not
very anxious to carry the fight on any further, chafed hopelessly. Jack
Benson, seeing the new turn of affairs, and realizing how ridiculous
his foe must feel, turned to Hal to say:

"I guess we're not needed here any longer. Come on."