CHAPTER IV.

THE FIGHT.


The blow staggered Frank. It had come so suddenly that he was quite
unprepared for it. His face became suddenly pale, save where Diamond's
hand had struck, and there the crimson prints of four fingers came out
quickly, like a danger signal.

With the utmost deliberation Merriwell removed his coat.

"Come, sir!" he said to Diamond as he passed coat and hat to a ready
sophomore.

"I--I can't fight you that way!" protested the Virginian. "Bring the
rapiers."

"This time I claim the right to name the weapons, and they will be bare
fists."

"Right! right!" cried several voices. "You'll have to fight him that
way, Diamond."

"I will fight him!" grated Jack, furiously. "It is the prize fighter's
way, but I'll fight him, and I will lick him!"

He tore off his coat and flung it down. The boys quickly formed a ring,