CHAPTER VI.
A FRESH COUNCIL.
Diamond was in a wretched condition.

Hunk Collins, his roommate, procured two slices of fresh beefsteak, and the Virginian had them bound over his eyes, while his face was bathed with soothing and healing lotions; but nothing could soothe his bruised and battered spirit, and Collins said he was kept awake all night by hearing Diamond grind his teeth at irregular intervals.
Even when he slept near morning the Southerner continued to grind his strong white teeth.
Collins was dropping off to sleep from sheer weariness when he awoke to find his roommate astride him and clutching him by the throat.
"This time I'll fix you!" mumbled Diamond, thickly.

"I'll kill you, Merriwell--I'll kill you!" Then he struck feeby at Collins, who rolled over and flung him off.

They grappled, and it was a severe struggle before Diamond was flung down on the bed and held.
"What in thunder is the matter with you ?" gasped Collins, whose hair was standing.

"I'm not Merriwell! Have you gone daft ?" "Where are we ?" "Why, in our room, of course.