“Why, here is the great athlete who fancies he is something of a fencer,” he said. “Good evening, Mr. Merriwell. I suppose you came to see me outpoint Marlowe? Well, you will be disappointed, I regret to say.” Hodge was near, and the words and manner of Darleton had caused him to bridle until he was on the point of exploding. “I regret very much,” said Merry quietly, “that we shall not have the pleasure of witnessing the fencing bout between you and Mr. Marlowe, sir.” He was calm, polite, and reserved. L’Estrange spoke up: “I suppose we might geef ze exhibition ourselves, Meestare Darleton,” he said. “Zat might please ze spectators bettaire than nothing.” “But it would not be like a bout in which there was an element of uncertainty. Every one would know you could defeat me easily if you cared to. If I counted on you I’d win no credit, for they would say you permitted me to do it.” The desire of the fellow for applause and his thirst to display his skill by defeating some one was all too evident. Suddenly he turned sharply to again face Frank. “How about you?” he asked. Merry lifted his eyebrows. Hodge felt a tingling, for he realized that an open challenge was coming. “About me?” repeated Frank questioningly. “Yes, how about you? You think you can fence.” “I have fenced—a little.” “I was told to-day that you are a champion at everything you undertake. That’s ridiculous if you undertake many things. You have undertaken fencing. Well, I’d like to convince some people that there is one thing at which you are not much of a champion.” “Would you?” asked Merry, smiling pleasantly. “Indeed I would. The crowd wants to see a fencing bout to-night. Marlowe has taken water. He isn’t here. You are here. Of course we can’t fence for honors in the series, as you have not been engaged in previous contests. All the same, we can give an exhibition go. There will be an element of uncertainty about it. What do you say?” “Why, I don’t know——” came slowly from Merry, as if he hesitated over it. “Oh, if you’re afraid,” sneered Darleton—“if you haven’t the nerve, that’s different.” A strange, smothered growl was choked back in the throat of Bart Hodge. “I don’t believe I am afraid of you,” said Frank, with the same deliberate manner. “I was thinking that such an affair would be quite irregular if interpolated with the finals.” “Don’t worry about that. If you are willing to meet me, I’ll fix it.” “Of course I’m willing, but——” “That settles it!” cried Darleton triumphantly. “You hear him, gentlemen. He’s ready to fence me. He can’t back out.” “As if he would want to back out!” muttered Bart Hodge softly. “You’ll get all you’re looking for to-night, Mr. Darleton.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER V THE FENCING BOUT. “On guard, gentlemen!” It was the voice of François L’Estrange.