PLOTTING FUN.

Like a panther Merriwell sprang forward, but he halted quite as suddenly
and stood erect, careless and disdainful.

Flemming came forward in a crouching posture. He believed he saw his
opportunity, and, with a gasp of satisfaction, he darted in and caught
the lad he hated about the body.

This time it was not Flemming's intention to throw Merriwell too
suddenly. He wanted a little time to wrench Frank's back, and then he
would cast his foe writhing and helpless at his feet.

Tom Thornton saw that Fred had obtained the hold he sought, and he
mentally exclaimed:

"This time there will be no blunder!"

Jack Diamond no longer smiled. He saw that Flemming had obtained what
seemed to be a great advantage, and his face was filled with concern.

"It was careless of Merriwell to give the fellow such a hold!" thought
Jack. "Flemming is sure to be the victor this time!"

There was a look of intense satisfaction on Fred Flemming's face as he
made firm his clasp about Merriwell's back.

And then, just as Flemming was ready to give a bear-like hug, something
happened.

Frank's right arm was bent so that his forearm came directly under
Fred's chin, while his left arm was clasped across Fred's shoulders
behind his back.

Merriwell gave a sudden surge, drawing Flemming close with his left arm,
and thrusting back the fellow's head by pressing his right arm under his
enemy's chin.

In the twinkling of an eye Flemming's wind was shut off, and his neck
seemed to crack beneath the strain. He made a mad effort to hurl
Merriwell to the ground, but he had delayed the attempt a moment too
long.

Frank Merriwell well knew how dangerous was the trick he had played upon
his enemy. He knew that he could break Flemming's neck in that manner if
he desired to do so, and he was careful not to make the sudden pressure
too intense.

Flemming could not breathe, and his eyes started from his head. His
strength seemed to leave his body, and his struggles to throw the lad he
hated were weak and ineffectual. He was like a child in the hands of
Frank Merriwell.

The spectators stared in astonishment, and Diamond gasped:

"Great Caesar! Merry purposely let Flemming get that hold!"

"Break away, Flem--break away!" cried Tom Thornton, quivering with
excitement.

But Flemming could not break away, for he had not sufficient strength to
do so.

"Foul!" shouted Emery, starting forward, as if he would part the
combatants.