He feinted with dazzling rapidity several times, and drove a straight left to the Frenchman's ear. With lightning-like quickness he played a tattoo upon the Frenchman's face and body. Bewildered, his opponent dashed into a clinch. "If you say so, we'll call this off right here," said Jack. The Frenchman suddenly freed himself, and his reply to this kindly offer was to send a jab to Jack's nose, drawing blood. "Just for that," said Jack quietly, who felt somewhat ashamed at having been caught off his guard, "I'll finish this fight right now. There is no need prolonging it." Once, twice, he rocked the Frenchman's head, and then, as the latter came forward in a last desperate effort, Jack pivoted on his heel, and, starting his left low, swung. The Frenchman checked himself in his attack, and desperately tried to leap back. But it was too late. Through his guard went the blow, and, catching the Frenchman on the point of the chin, it lifted him from his feet and into the air. At least four feet through the air went the Frenchman, and came to the deck, head first, at the feet of his friends. He lay there while the referee counted him out. Quickly Jack leaped forward, and, kneeling, raised his late opponent's head. "Water, some of you," he called. It was quickly brought, and Jack, wetting his handkerchief, bathed the Frenchman's face. His efforts were at last rewarded by a slight groan, and finally the unconscious man opened his eyes. "What hit me?" he asked in a faint whisper. "It's all right, old man," said Jack. "You'll be all right in a second." Slowly the light of comprehension dawned in the Frenchman's eyes. He struggled to his feet, where he stood uncertainly for a few moments, looking at his conqueror. Jack extended a hand. "I'm sorry I had to do it," he said, a pleasant smile lighting up his face. The Frenchman looked at him in silence for a full minute, then, stepping forward, he grasped the outstretched hand. "What are you," he demanded, grinning, "a prizefighter?" "No," said Jack, with a laugh, "but I guess I have had better training than you." "Well," said the Frenchman, "if you ever need anybody to help you out, you can count on me. Maybe some day you will bump up against someone who can best you, but I believe the two of us together can put him down." "Thanks," laughed Jack, "I'll remember that offer when the time comes." The other French middies now gathered found and shook Jack and Frank both by the hand, while the one who had first made himself odious apologized profusely for his actions. "Say no more about it," exclaimed Frank. "I'm glad we're all friends at last." Further conversation was interrupted by the sudden sound of a bugle on deck. It was the call to quarters. Quickly all sprang to their posts. Men dashed hither and thither, and in almost less time than it takes to tell it the Marie Theresa was cleared for action.