formed a half-circle in front, Ralph threw himself around to one
side of the tree, eager to come in contact with the object of his
especial contempt.

So speedy were his movements that the treacherous one could not
get out of the way, nor was he, anticipating such a bold act on
the part of the boy who had been held up on the road.

Just as Ralph pounced vigorously upon him, he caught sight of a
number of dark figures jumping into the fray. At the same instant
new shouts arose, a volume of sound that made the welkin ring, and
brought satisfaction to the heart of the one in peril.

He knew then that his call for assistance had been heard--that
Frank and his football comrades had reached the spot, and were in
the act of practicing their gridiron tactics upon the unfortunates
who had fallen into the very trap they had themselves set.

"Help! help! fellows, take him off!" shrieked the one against whom
the angry Ralph had collided; for both of them had gone down in a
scrambling, kicking heap.

Fear caused the under dog to make frantic efforts to escape; and
while Ralph was able to get a little satisfaction out of his
attack, he found it utterly impossible to hang on to the squirming
figure, which, eluding his grasp, presently rolled over and over,
bounded to his feet, and fled like the wind.

Meanwhile there was taking place a furious fight. The disguised
crowd found itself outnumbered two to one, and while they struck