CHAPTER II.
CHALLENGED AND HAZED.
The voices were hushed, the feet halted in the hall, and then there was a sharp knock on the door.
Before Harry could reach the door Frank called out: "Come in." Open flew the door, and there stood the tall, straight, dark-eyed Southerner, with half a dozen other fellows behind him.
"Mr.Merriwell," said Diamond, stiffly, "I have called to see you on a very important matter, sir." "Walk right in," invited Frank, rising to receive them.

"Bring your friends in.

State your business, Mr.Diamond." The party came trooping in, and Frank was not a little astonished to observe among them Bruce Browning, a big, strong, lazy sophomore, a fellow who was known to be a great hand to plan deviltry which was usually carried into execution by his friends.

As for Browning, he was not given to exerting himself when he could avoid it.
That a soph should associate with a party of freshmen seemed but a little short of marvelous, and Frank instantly scented "a job." Believing he had been singled out for the party to "jolly," his blood was up in a moment, and he resolved to show them that he was not "easy." Jack Diamond drew himself up, his eyes fastened threateningly on Frank, and said: "Sir, you had the impudence to kick my dog, and when I remonstrated with you, you insulted me.

I demand an apology before these gentlemen." Frank held himself in check; he appeared as cool as an iceberg.
"Sir," he said, "your confounded dog spoiled a pair of ten-dollar trousers for me, and I demand another pair--or satisfaction." Harry Rattleton caught his breath.