CHAPTER XIV.
THE RUSH.
At last the sophomores were thoroughly aroused.

The freshmen had long been carrying things with a high hand, but the rushing of a lot of them who were in dress suits and bound for a swell party was the straw that broke the camel's back.
An indignation meeting was held, and certain freshmen were placed under the ban.
Of these Merriwell was the leader, and it was agreed that every effort must be made to "take the starch" out of him.

That Browning intended to "do" Merriwell was well known, but some of the others proposed to get at him.
"Wait," advised Bruce--"wait till I have had it out with that fellow.
Then you may do whatever you like with him.

But I feel it a solemn duty to settle our little affair before anybody else tackles him." The freshmen were getting their ball team in condition for the coming season, and they were practicing as often as possible.

Frank was interested in the team, and it was said by those who watched him that he seemed to have the making of a pitcher in him.