The champion of the _Indefatigable_ had not yet appeared on deck; and the crew of the _Queen Mary_ strained their necks hunting him out. "Bring out your champion!" they called. "What's the matter with him? Is he afraid?" The men of the _Indefatigable_ returned these compliments with jeers of their own. "Oh, just wait!" they howled. Captain Raleigh, in the meantime, had approached Jack and his seconds. "It is only fair to warn you," he said quietly, "that the man whom you are to oppose is Tim Harris, champion of the British fleet." Jack was surprised. "I didn't know that, sir. I thought he was with the _Queen Elizabeth_." "Well, he's here; but I didn't know it until a moment ago. It will be no dishonor to you if you wish to withdraw. A man must be in perfect trim to stand before Harris." "Why," said Jack, in surprise, "I can hardly do that now, sir. The men are depending on me." Captain Raleigh smiled frankly. "You are all right, boy," he said. "At your first words I thought you were afraid. But you cannot hope for victory." "I always hope for victory, sir, and I shall do my best. I am no novice." "Perhaps not; but Harris is almost a professional; in fact, I may say, a good deal better than many professionals. He is fast for a man of his size and has a terrible right-hand punch. I have seen him box often. If you are decided to go on with this, a word of warning. Watch that right hand of his like you would a hawk." "I shall remember, sir," replied Jack. "Thank you." "All right then," said Captain Raleigh. "I like your spunk. Good luck to you." Captain Raleigh walked back to Captain Reynold's side. "Will he withdraw?" asked the latter. "He will not. He says the men are depending on him and he must go through with it." "By Jove! a fine spirit!" exclaimed Captain Reynolds. "I hope he is not too easily disposed of." "I don't think he will be," said Captain Raleigh, quietly. "Someway, I have a feeling that you haven't carried off the honors yet." "But it's foolish to talk like that, Raleigh," said Captain Reynolds. "You know this man, Harris." "I suppose it is foolish, but it's the way I feel just the same. Ah! There's Harris now." Tim Harris had appeared on deck; and the crew of the _Indefatigable_ went wild. Now for the first time the crew of the _Queen Mary_ knew who Jack's opponent would be; and after a look at Harris, they became strangely silent. Then one voice called: "Never mind who he is. Templeton can lick him, anyhow!" The others took up the cry and Jack smiled. Now the referee called the principals to him and gave them their instructions. "No hitting in clinches, and clean breaks," he said. Jack and Harris nodded that they understood. As the two stood there together, the crowd sized them up.