“Yes, far better than I have; but that night, after you had saved me, I heard the doctor say, that if you did not save my life, at least you had prevented my frightful disfigurement. Oh, you will never know the sensation that came over me then! Such a sense of shame, for I thought how I had treated you. But—but I want to tell you something now, Mr. Merriwell. It is awfully hard for me to say, but I must say it. I did not treat you that way because I disliked you. No! no! no! It was for just the other reason. I liked you too well—there! I thought you did not care anything for me and was all taken up with Mabel, so I tried to get a dab at you every time I could. It was mean—I know it! I didn’t expect you to forgive me, for I am sure I did not deserve it. And then, after all the mean things I had done, you passed all those near me when I was in danger and saved me! I could have died from shame!” She was sobbing now, although fighting back the tears. He did his best to soothe her, and succeeded very well. “I think we understand each other very well now,” he said. The closed carriage rolled on. The coachman pulled down the horses to a slower pace, as if he knew there was no need to hurry. The footman sat up very straight, with folded arms and solemn, dignified countenance, as if such a thing as curiosity had never entered his heart, and he had no thought of the young couple within the carriage. Yes, they understood each other very well at last. CHAPTER XXXVII—THE LAST BLOW—CONCLUSION The gymnasium of the Olympic Athletic Club was crowded. There were seats all around the room, and a roped-off ring in the center. A referee and two judges had been chosen. Hank Burk’s second was Wallace Hegner, his trainer. Tom Jackson had a second who seemed to know his business. The excitement was at fever heat, for the great match was about to begin. The principals came out and entered the ring, accompanied by their seconds. They wore bath robes, which were soon flung aside. Then the spectators cheered as they saw the two lads stripped to the waist. On choice by lot the Olympic had secured the bout for themselves; but the guests of the Fairmount were admitted, so all of Frank Merriwell’s friends were there. But Frank—where was he? “I can’t understand it,” declared Diamond. “It is most remarkable that he should not be here. I didn’t suppose anything could keep him from this mill.” Hodge looked worried. “He will be here,” Bart declared. “You know he has promised a sensation, but I’m afraid he failed in securing the evidence he needs.” Tang!—the gong sounded. Burk and Jackson advanced to shake hands. Then it was that Frank came hustling into the room, looking flushed but triumphant. Hurrying to the ringside, he turned to the spectators and cried: “This match must be stopped five minutes! I have something to tell you before it goes on!”