Three days before the time set for the great race, there was a “hop” at the little hotel. The dining-room floor had been cleared and polished, and an orchestra of musicians formed from the musical lads of Blue Cove Academy. It was a happy night for Blue Cove. All the young folks stopping in the vicinity assembled at the hotel, and when the music struck up, the floor quickly swarmed with smiling lads and pretty lassies. Elsie Bellwood was there, and of course Frank claimed her for the first waltz. As they glided over the floor to the soothing strains of music, Elsie felt that were she to live thousands of years, never could she be happier than she was at that moment. Frank’s strong arm was about her, her hand was in his, and she gave herself up to his guiding will on the floor, as she had sometimes dreamed of giving herself up to be guided by him through life. Never had Elsie waltzed so well before, and never had Frank waltzed better, so it was not strange that they attracted attention and were universally admired. Next to Frank and Elsie, the most graceful dancers on the floor were Bart Hodge and his partner, the pretty girl whom Anson Addison so much admired. Addison had claimed the first waltz with her, and great was his rage when Hodge appeared and reminded her that she had promised him that dance. As they whirled away, leaving Addison standing alone, the latter ground his teeth and vowed vengeance. When the dance was over, Addison found an opportunity to speak to Hodge. “Come out,” he said; “come out alone and fight me—if you dare!” “I’ll do it—with pleasure,” nodded Hodge, promptly. “Lead the way.” Then he followed at Addison’s heels. Kent Spencer had heard Addison muttering threats, and he was watching the fellow. When he saw him speak to Bart, the manner of the two lads was enough to betray what was coming, so Spencer hastened to find Diamond. “Come on!” he excitedly whispered. “There’s a scrap in the air!” That was enough for Jack. If a fight was going to take place, he wanted to see it; if it was possible, he would wish to take a hand in it. “Go ahead,” he said; “I’m after you.” When they reached the outer air, they saw two figures moving away in the direction of the academy ground, one following the other. “They are going to fight over on the ball ground,” said Spencer. “Come ahead, and we’ll get there another way.” Jack followed, and they made a half circle, coming around to the ground on the side opposite the hotel. By the time they arrived there, Hodge and Addison were hard at it, having stripped off their coats and vests. They were striking, grappling, struggling, falling, getting up, breaking away and going at it again. Spencer and Diamond heard the sound of their blows and panting breaths before the fighting lads were seen. “Let’s keep away,” said Diamond. “I’ll risk Hodge. I haven’t known him long, but he strikes me as a terror.”