"You are a dandy, old man!" cried the Virginian, admiringly. "You got back at Flemming in great shape. They say he has been weak as a rag ever since you dropped him the second time, and it is pretty certain he will hold you in respect hereafter." "I shall be satisfied if he will let me alone," said Frank, quietly. "I have no grudge against him, but the fellow who has not the nerve to fight his way in this world gets left. Life is a battle from start to finish, and the hardest fighter is the winner." "True," nodded Jack. "My mother was one of the gentlest women in the world," continued Merriwell. "Thoughts of strife and contention distressed her. To her a personal encounter was brutal and vulgar, and she instructed me never to fight unless absolutely compelled to do so. As far as possible I have tried to remember her teachings. I have not found it possible to do so at all times, as my enemies would ride over me if I did. When I see that a foe is determined to force me into an encounter then I become the aggressor. In another thing my mother was at fault. Many times she told me never to strike the first blow. She was wrong. Often the first blow wins the battle. If a person sees there is certain to be an encounter, he should do his best to get in the first blow, and make it a good one. Then he should not be satisfied to let it rest there till his enemy has recovered, but he should follow it up. That is my belief." "And you are right. Old man, you have a level head. I never saw another fellow like you, Merriwell, and I doubt if there is another in the world." Frank laughed. "You flatter me, Diamond." "Not at all." "Ah, but you do. I know my own failings." "I wonder what they are?" "Do not think for a moment that I have no failings! I have studied my own nature, and I have discovered them. As far as possible, I seek to remedy them. To myself I am a very ordinary sort of fellow. I know it, Jack. The man who can see no flaws in himself is an egotist, a cad, and a shallow fool! As soon as he is perfectly satisfied with himself, he ceases to progress--he deteriorates." "That is true." "Among my friends I see many things worthy of emulation. You, my dear Diamond, are not aware of your own fine qualities, and----" "That will do, Merry!" cried Jack, blushing. "I am sure that I try to be a gentleman. My father was a true Southern gentleman." "There can be no doubt of that. You show your breeding in every way. A natural gentleman will be a gentleman under any circumstances. He carries the air about him, and nothing can disguise it." Jack sat down. "You have squared your score with Flemming," he said; "but I have a little matter to settle with Thornton. I am wondering how I shall settle it." "Thornton is Flemming's satellite. It would be cruel to use him roughly." "But I will not let him off! He should be taught a lesson." "Look here, Jack, I have a scheme." "What is it?" "Let's put up a racket on him." "What sort of a racket?"