“These fights, you know, are seldom on the level. In almost every case they are fixed in advance. Prize-fighters, like many politicians, may be bought easily if you have plenty of dough. Some of the recent fights in this city have been the most open cases of robbery ever recorded. Every square sport—and there are a few square men who call themselves sports—is disgusted with the rottenness of the affairs here. The man who puts his money on one of these bouts without knowing just how the land lays is taking a leap in the dark, with everything in favor of a terrible jolt when he strikes.” “But I supposed I knew; I thought Herrick on the level.” “And the chances are that you have put your foot in it. Is there no way to hedge?” “I don’t know. Perhaps I might find somebody to put money on the Unknown if I offered odds enough.” “It would be taking a desperate chance. When does the fight take place?” “To-morrow night.” “Well, it’s no use to worry over it to-night, Diamond. To-morrow we’ll see what can be done. You are to stop here with me.” “But——” “There are no buts about it. Just get out of your clothes and turn in.” The Virginian made no further protest, and thirty minutes later he was sleeping heavily in Frank’s bed. Merry came over to the bed, and stood there looking down at Jack. “Poor boy!” he murmured. “It was great luck that I ran on you just when I did, for you were already well entangled in the snare. I must save you and put you on the right road again.” Then he quietly left the room and descended to send a telegram to his father, addressing it to Charleston, South Carolina, and asking for ten thousand dollars. For the first time in his life Merry had brought himself to make such an application to his father. And now it was not for his own sake, but for the unfortunate boy, Harry Collins. Having seen that the message was despatched without delay, Frank returned to his room and turned in for the night, having seen that Jack was still asleep. Diamond slept late the following morning, but Merry was up early, as usual, took a cold plunge, a rub-down, and some brisk exercise before awakening Jack. The Virginian was dejected enough when he opened his eyes to the morning light. He had a splitting headache, while his mouth was dry as a chip, and there seemed to be a coat of fur on his tongue. “Merriwell,” he said solemnly, “a man is a thundering fool to drink!” “It’s a good thing you’ve found that out,” smiled Frank. “But you want to remember it. Lots of men find it out, but they have a way of forgetting quickly.” “I think this will do me very well,” declared Jack. “Wouldn’t you like a big drink of whisky?” Merry asked. “Not on your life!” cried Diamond, with a look of repugnance. “Then you are all right. When a fellow gets so he feels that he must have a drink the first thing in the morning he is on the road to a drunkard’s grave. I’m glad to hear you say you do not want anything.” “But I do want something,” groaned Jack.