merits, so he will keep still for a while. He has been trying to
injure you ever since you entered the academy, and he has said here
to-night that he proposed doing me up to square an old score after he
had finished you. I tried to get him to take me first, for I told him
there wouldn't be anything left for me to fight when you were through
with him. He said he was going to polish you off easily, and he has
been whispering and laughing with that sneaking Reynolds. Somehow, I
feel as if they have put up some kind of a job to get the best of you,
and that is why they feel so well. You want to be on your guard for
tricks, old man."

"I will," assured Frank, as he began to "peel" for the fight. "Go over
and make arrangements with Reynolds. If you can get him to agree to
make it a go-as-you-please till the best man whips you will suit me."

"All right; I'll stand for that."

Away went Hodge to consult with Reynolds, and Frank did not dream that
he had proposed just the kind of a fight that Bascomb and his second
most desired.

The wind was coming in across the bay, and the sea was moaning at the
ragged base of Black Bluff, on the heights of which the fight was to
take place. There were scudding clouds in the sky, but the night did
not promise to be very dark.

It did not take Hodge long to complete arrangements with Reynolds, and
he soon returned to inform Frank that it was to be one straight fight
from start to finish, with no rests till one or the other whipped.

Frank had not supposed there would be near so many spectators present,
and he well knew that the most of those assembled were fellows who were
secretly envious of him because of his popularity, although nearly all
had made protestations of friendship in the past.

Frank did not care for the friendship of such fellows, as there was
nothing in the world he despised more than a hypocrite. He could
respect a foe who was open and frank; but he had no use for anybody who
wore two faces.

Fred Davis had not been told where the fight was to take place; but he
had scented it in some way, and he came panting to the spot, just as
Merriwell and Bascomb were about to meet. He rushed straight to Frank,
exclaiming:

"You must not fight on my account! You shall not! You haven't any
right to do it! This must stop!"

"Here, Bart," said Merriwell to Hodge, speaking quietly and firmly,
"turn this boy over to Mulloy, and tell him to keep Davis from making
an