“I can fight if it is necessary, and I believe every fellow should learn to do that, for there will come times when he’ll find the knowledge valuable. As long as the world stands there will be ruffians and bruisers who will attempt to impose on peaceful people, and there have been scores of times in my life when I have not found it possible to avoid a fight. When I have to fight, I sail in for all I am worth, and do the other fellow up as quick as I can; but I do not like it, and the chap who does has too much of the brute in him to suit me.” “You have very decided ideas on almost everything, Merry.” “What is a fellow worth if he does not have a few convictions he is willing to stand by?” “Not much.” “That’s right. I respect a fellow who will fight for what he thinks is right, even though it may be wrong; but I do not respect a prize fighter who will fight like a beast for a purse of money.” “Well, there is to be no purse in this affair. I think you will like Burk better when you know him better. He is going to fight Jackson for the honor of the club.” “And Jackson—what about him?” “I don’t know. Those fellows can make such arrangements with him as they like; it’s nothing to us.” “You do not expect to stop betting?” “No betting will be allowed in the clubroom. Of course there may be betting on the outside. We can’t expect to stop that.” “Well,” said Frank, “it has a slight flavor of a prize fight, and still it is not one. What sort of gloves will they use?” “Six ounce.” “Eight ounce gloves are allowable.” “I know it, but six have been decided on. This is for points.” “And will it be carried out under the rules of the Amateur Athletic Union?” “Sure.” “How do those fellows class?” “Light. Burk’s weight is one hundred and forty-six usually, but Hegner has him down to one hundred and thirty-two now, and says he does not care to get him lighter.” “I presume two judges and a referee will be chosen?” “Yes. If the judges disagree, the referee will decide.” “Well, I hope you win the trick, Creighton.” “Oh, we’ll do that if it’s possible. Hegner knows his business, and he says Burk can do Jackson.” “I wouldn’t trust Hegner as far as I could throw a Texas steer by the tail.” “That’s because you have taken a dislike to him. I will confess that he is not agreeable sometimes, but it is his way.” “It’s a very poor way.” “Yes, I’ll admit that; but he was on his guard against you, for he has heard so much about you. He expected to find that you thought you knew it all.” “That does not excuse his boorishness.” “Admitted; but still I say he knows his business, and we depend on him when he says Burk will win. Hegner is the cleverest boxer of his age in Philadelphia.” “That is saying considerable.” “I mean it, and he’d prove it to you if you were to put on the gloves with him. I know you are pretty good, but Heg would give you a surprise.”