“If that is what you think, Mr. Hegner, it won’t take long to show you that you are mistaken,” said Frank, quietly, as he stepped out. “I am willing to put on the gloves with you for a friendly go.” “You’ll be a snap,” came derisively from Hegner. “Possibly so; but you can tell better about that later on.” Creighton was somewhat disturbed. “Hold on, fellows!” he exclaimed. “If you’re going to box, we do not want any hard feelings about it.” “Don’t let that worry you as far as I am concerned,” said Frank, as placidly as ever. “Can I borrow a suit, Charlie?” “Yes, you may have mine.” Frank followed Creighton to a dressing-room, and Diamond went along. Hodge started to accompany them, and then seemed to change his mind, and remained behind. “It’s too bad!” declared Creighton, as soon as they were in the room. “I’m sorry anything of the kind should happen.” “I’m glad of it!” exclaimed Diamond, whose dark face was flushed and who seemed to be well satisfied. “Oh, it’s all right,” laughed Frank, as he began to strip off. “There’s no damage done, old man.” “But there may be. Hegner has an ugly temper.” “Unless he can control it, it will be all the worse for him.” “I don’t know. You can’t tell what he will do.” “Don’t let it worry you.” “But you do not profess to be away up in fighting and that fellow can fight like a tiger.” “All the same, I shall do my best to give him a lively go.” Creighton was worried, and he did not get over it quickly. In his heart he feared that Frank would get so much the worst of it that he would be regarded with derision, and he had bragged a great deal about Merriwell as an all-around athlete. Diamond was not worried at all. He had the utmost confidence in Frank, and he seemed elated to think Merry was about to get at Hegner. It did not take Frank long to strip and get into Charlie’s suit. Then the three came forth and found Hegner waiting for them. The fellows present had gathered around, and it was the almost universal opinion that Hegner would make short work of the fellow from Yale. Frank looked handsome in the sparring suit. He was neither too stocky nor too thin, but was graceful and supple, with a figure that aroused the envy of many a lad who looked him over then. “This is to be a friendly bout, Mr. Hegner,” he said, as he accepted the gloves which were passed to him. “We are not to attempt to murder each other.” “Oh, not at all!” said the other, with a crafty twinkle in his eye. “There is not much danger of murder with such gloves as these.” When the gloves were carefully put on, they faced each other and shook hands, after which they were at it quickly.