“Fillmore and the Jap came to the club for the purpose of bringing this affair about. Fillmore and Merry had a little trouble some time ago. You know Fillmore struck Frank over the head in the lacrosse game at Oriole Park.” “That’s a fact!” exclaimed Harrow. “I’d forgotten about that.” “They had a little trouble shortly after we arrived in the city this afternoon. Mark what I say, that fellow has engaged Hashi to make a holy show of Merry. He thinks it will be an easy thing to do.” “Well, I didn’t see through the thing!” confessed Spaulding. “I thought it was purely accidental. If I’d thought it was a put-up job I’d surely had something to say to Mr. Fillmore. How did you happen to agree to it under such circumstances, Merriwell?” “What was the difference?” said Frank. “If I’d spoken up and declared it a scheme more than one present would have fancied me a squealer.” “I suppose that is so.” “Besides, I must confess that I was not a little annoyed, and I felt a desire to teach that Jap a lesson. I hope I may be able to succeed. I’ll wager that Fillmore has promised him money if he makes an exhibition of me.” “Frank,” said Bart, “behind this there is something more than the mere desire to show you up.” “What do you mean?” “Take my advice and be on your guard every moment. You know what things may be done with these bone-breaking Japanese tricks.” “I know very well.” “If that Jap wished and he could catch you just right, he might injure you for life.” “Would he venture to do that?” cried Harrow. “Fred Fillmore would be delighted to have him do it.” “This affair seems more serious than I suspected,” said Spaulding. “Are you certain you can handle him, Merriwell?” “No man can be certain of his ability to handle another who is a stranger to him,” confessed Frank. “But you had no hesitation about agreeing to meet him. I fancied you felt fully confident.” “I give you the assurance that I shall handle him if it is in my power.” “Don’t worry; he’ll do the trick,” asserted Hodge, whose confidence in Frank was solid as the everlasting hills. It was not a long drive from the club to the gymnasium on Howard Street. They left the carriage and ascended a flight of stairs. In a dark corner on the stairs stood a fellow who seemed waiting for something. As Frank passed, this person seized his arm. “One moment, Merriwell!” he whispered. It was Cutler Priest. “All right, Hodge,” said Frank, for Bart, not recognizing Priest, had turned quickly. “Merriwell, you’re in danger!” whispered Priest. “I came over from the club in the carriage with Manners and Ridgely. Both had been drinking. They were shooting off their chin. Fillmore planned this whole affair.” “As I thought,” said Merry. “He’s paid the Jap to do you up.” “This simply makes my suspicion an assurance.” “But, from some things Manners let drop, I feel sure that it is not the intention to simply defeat you. The Jap is going to break your bones.”