with a belaying-pin. Thank you, Mr. Murphy. You anticipate the
situation."

He turned to All Hands And Feet, who was still crowding him as they
circled the deck. "Stop where you are, my friend; otherwise, Mr.
Murphy will crack you on the head with the belaying-pin."

All Hands And Feet grinned patronizingly and paused.

"Vell?" he queried.

"On my ship," Matt continued, "all fights are pulled off under my
rules. Kicking, choking, biting, gouging and deadly weapons are
prohibited. If you get me down you can use your fists on me, but
anything else will necessitate the interference of the referee with
his trusty belaying-pin."

"Vell?" All Hands And Feet queried again. He was very eager for the
fray.

"We have procured a set of two-ounce gloves in anticipation of this
physical culture exhibition," Matt replied. "Unfortunately, however,
I fear your hands will not fit them. Would you care to try them on?"

"Cut it oud! Cut it oud!" the enemy rumbled contemptuously, and again
commenced his advance.

"One minute, then, my friend, until I put on--"

"Fight mit your bare hands like a man!" the big Swede bellowed