“I am not a gentleman of leisure, although I occasionally take time to enjoy myself. When I work, I work hard; when I play, I play just as hard. I have been playing lately, but the end is near. I thank you, professor, for your interest in me and your offer; but I cannot accept.” “Eet is a shame so great a fencer is lost to ze world,” sighed the Frenchman. “Steel, sare, if you evaire have cause to defend your life in a duel, I theenk you will be successful.” Nearly an hour later Morton and Merriwell entered the card room of the club—not the general card room, but the one where games were played for stakes. Two games were in progress. Several of the players had met Frank the night before, and they greeted him pleasantly. Among the few spectators was Fred Darleton. “I observe Darleton is not playing,” said Frank, in a low tone, to his companion. “He never plays in the daytime,” answered Morton. “Never in the daytime?” “No.” “But he does play at night?” “Almost every night.” “What game?” “Poker. He is an expert. I’ll tell you something about it later. He’s looking this way.” Darleton sauntered over. “I presume you are quite elated about your victory over me, Merriwell?” he said unpleasantly. “Oh, not at all,” answered Merry, annoyed. “It was not anything to feel elated about.” “You are right,” said Darleton. “If we were to meet again to-night the result would be quite different. I confess that you gave me a surprise; but I was in my very poorest form last night. I am confident it would be a simple matter for me to defeat you if we fenced again.” “Want of conceit does not seem to be one of your failings.” The fellow flushed. “I presume you are one of those perfect chaps with no failings,” he retorted. “At least, you are, in your own estimation. You are very chesty since you secured the decision over me.” “My dear man,” smiled Merry pityingly, “that was a victory so trivial that I have almost forgotten it already.” This cut Darleton still more deeply. “Oh, you put on a fine air, but you’ll get that taken out of you if you remain in Omaha long. I shall not forget you!” “You are welcome to remember as long as you like.” “And you’ll receive something that will cause you to remember me, sir!” “Look here,” said Frank earnestly, “I do not fancy your veiled threats! If you are a man, you’ll speak out what you mean.” “I fancy I am quite as much a man as you are. You’re a bag of wind, and I will let down your inflation.” “Hold on, Darleton!” warmly exclaimed Morton. “This won’t do! Mr. Merriwell is the guest of the club, and——” “You brought him here, Morton—that will be remembered, also!” “If you threaten me——” “I am not threatening.” “You hadn’t better! Perhaps you mean that you intend to lay for me and beat me up. Well, sir, I go armed, and I’ll shoot if any one tries to jump me. If you want a whole skin——”