“Well, you know I have not had sufficient time to form a settled opinion,” answered Merry, evasively. “Come off!” exclaimed Creighton, quickly. “I know you, and I know you have sized him up. What do you think of him?” “To be honest, Charlie, I am astonished to find him a member of this club.” “Eh? Oh, I know what you mean; but Hank is all right, and his dad cuts a figure in this town.” “I presume he got in on his dad’s reputation?” “Well, that had something to do with it.” “He looks as if he might make a good professional bruiser in time.” “Well, you know there is to be nothing professional about this affair, old man. That’s on the level.” “How do you manage it?” “Why, there is a fierce rivalry between the Olympics and Fairmounts. This club started first, and it rejected a number of fellows who applied for membership. Those fellows usually were sons of rich parents, but they had a bad record, and we didn’t want them. They got mad and formed an organization of their own. Their fathers were angry to think their sons should be shut out of here, and they swore the Olympic should knock the spots off this club. They have a building of their own, and it is furnished magnificently. The dues are high, and no one but the son of a rich man can afford to belong there. It has cost their fathers a royal round sum to establish the club, and it is costing them big money to keep it going. At first, they attempted to be exclusive and look down on the Fairmount with disdain, but that did not seem to bother us, and when they found it appeared to be just what we wanted, they adopted another policy. They set out to lead us in athletics, and their men have been against our men in every event possible since then, while they have poured out money like water in order to down us. They have not always been inclined to be thoroughly fair and square about it, either. If they can get the best of us at anything by foul means, there is no doubt but they will do it.” “I understand. But you said this match is not to be like a professional contest. In what way do you mean?” “Why, it is like this: There is no purse offered, no admission will be charged, and the victor will win nothing but glory.” Frank looked doubtful. “I fail to understand how you can carry the thing on in that way. Did Burk agree to it readily?” “At first he wanted to fight for a purse, and tried to have it a hard glove affair; but that would have made it a regular prize fight, and Fairmount could not stand that.” “I should say not! I believe in boxing, but if there is anything I heartily detest it is prize fighting and prize fighters.” “I believe I have heard you express your opinion in that direction before.” “I have expressed it often enough.” “And still you can fight yourself, Merriwell.”