“Oh, we’re not going to murder you, you fool!” “You surprise me!” “But I have had you brought here in order that I may square my account with you.” “In what manner? Are you going to mutilate me?” “I may carve you up some before I am through with you. You think you are a great fencer, but I am satisfied that you are a coward. If you were forced to fight for your life you would show the white feather.” “Do you think so?” “I know it.” “Give me half an opportunity.” “I will, and you shall fight me!” cried Darleton viciously. “You did some very fancy work on exhibition. Now you can show what you’re capable of doing when your handsome body is at stake.” “What do you mean?” Darleton turned to his companion. “Where are the rapiers?” he asked. One of the masked men held out something wrapped in a black cloth. “Here they are.” “All right. Set him free. He can’t get away. Release his hands.” A moment later Frank’s hands were freed. “Strip down for business, Merriwell,” commanded Darleton, flinging aside his coat and vest and removing his collar. “You are going to fight me with rapiers.” “A genuine duel?” asked Merry. “That’s what it will be.” Frank did not hesitate. He flung aside his coat and vest, removed his collar and necktie, and rolled back the shirt sleeve of his right arm. The readiness with which he accepted the situation and prepared for business, surprised some of the masked men. Before long Darleton and Frank were ready. In the meantime, the cloth had been removed from the rapiers, revealing two long, glittering weapons. “Give him the choice,” cried Darleton, with a flourish. The man with the weapons stepped forward, holding them by the blades and having them crossed. Frank accepted the first that came to his hand. His enemy took the other. “On guard!” cried Darleton savagely; “on guard, and defend your life!” Steel met steel with a deadly click. There was no fooling about that encounter. From the very start it was deadly and thrilling in its every aspect. The duelists went at it keyed to the highest tension. Merry saw a deadly purpose in Fred Darleton’s eyes, and he knew the fellow longed to run him through. On the other hand, only as a last resort to save himself did Frank wish to seriously wound his enemy. Aroused by his fancied wrongs, Darleton handled the rapier with consummate skill. He watched for an opening, and he was ready to take advantage of the slightest mistake on the part of his opponent. The torches flared and smoked, casting a weird glow over the scene. The fighters advanced and retreated. The rapiers glinted and flashed. “Do your best, Merriwell!” hissed Darleton. Frank was kept busy meeting the swiftly shifting attacks of the fellow, who was seeking to confuse him. “I know your style,” declared the vengeful chap. “You can’t work the tricks you played on me at the Midwestern. Try any of them—try them all!” Frank made no retort. He was watching for a chance to try quite a different trick.