Darleton, however, was not so obtuse, and he surveyed Bart searchingly, a flush creeping into his cheeks. “I observe that you fence after a fashion, Mr. Hodge,” said Darleton, and the passing breath of insult lay in his manner of saying “after a fashion.” “Oh, not at all!” protested Hodge; “but I assure you that my friend Merriwell can put up something of an argument at it when he is in his best form.” “Indeed?” smiled Darleton, lifting his eyebrows. “Then I am led to infer that he is not in his best form just now.” “What leads you to infer that?” “Oh, your manner of speaking the words, of course. I would not comment on what I have seen him do.” “Wouldn’t you?” “No, indeed.” “Sometimes our ears deceive us,” said Bart; “but I fancied I did hear you—never mind that.” He broke off abruptly, but he had informed Darleton that his words, spoken when he first appeared on the scene, had been overheard. Darleton shrugged his shoulders, a gesture he had caught from his French instructor. “Fancy leads us into grave mistakes at times,” he said. “It should not be permitted to run away with us. Now, I have known fellows who fancied they could fence, but very few of them have been able to make much of a go at it.” This was a sly thrust at Merry. Frank looked pleasant and nodded. “I have even known instructors to be deceived in the skill of their pupils,” he remarked, reaching home and scoring heavily. This reply brought the blood flashing once more to Darleton’s cheeks. “In case you were the pupil,” said the fencer, instantly, “no instructor could feel the least doubt in regard to your skill.” His words plainly implied that he meant lack of skill, although he was not that blunt. “Although you are not inclined to comment on the work of another,” returned Merry; “it is evident that your observation is keen, and with you, one’s back might not be as safe as his face.” This was a coup, for Darleton lost his temper, showing how sharply he had been hit. “I’ll not pass words with you, Mr. Merriwell,” he exclaimed, “as I am not inclined to waste my breath uselessly. If at any time while you are here you feel inclined to demonstrate what you can really do—or think you can do—you will find me at your service.” Hodge stiffened. It was a challenge. “Thank you for your kindness,” smiled Frank, perfectly at his ease. “I may take you at your word later on.” Darleton and Hardy turned away. “He may,” observed Hardy, speaking to his companion, but making sure Frank could not fail to hear, “yet I doubt it.” Hodge seized Frank’s arm, fairly quivering with excitement. “You’re challenged, Merry!” he panted. “You must accept! Don’t let him off! Teach the fellow a lesson!” “Steady, Bart,” said Merriwell softly. “There is plenty of time. Don’t fly up like this. Do you want to see me defeated?” “No! He can’t defeat you!” “How do you know?” Hodge stared at Frank in doubt and astonishment. “Is it possible you are afraid to face him?” he gasped.