rn.

Arrangements for the wrestling match were soon made, and then the two
lads faced each other on the turf. Flemming was tall and solid, with
broad shoulders and a back of which he was particularly proud. He was
heavier than Merriwell.

There was not a single ounce of superfluous flesh on Frank Merriwell. He
was a mass of bone and sinew, splendidly formed and supple as a young
panther. In every movement and pose there was indescribable grace, and,
at the same time, a suggestion of wonderful strength and self-reliance.

Flemming was bold and confident. He had made a special study of
wrestling, and he knew all the tricks employed by experts. He had seen
Merriwell and Diamond wrestling, and he felt certain that his adversary
and rival would be an "easy thing."

It chanced that the under holds in the first match fell to Flemming,
which made him certain in his own mind that he would have no trouble in
throwing the lad he hated.

The signal was given, and the enemies advanced and secured holds. Then
Heffiner gave the command, and the struggle began.

In the twinkling of an eye Flemming tried the cross-buttock, but it
seemed that Merriwell had been expecting just such a move, for he passed
his left leg behind Fred's right and through in front of Fred's left.
Then the force of Flemming's surge seemed to lift both lads off their
feet.

"Down Merriwell goes!" cried Thornton, triumphantly.

But it seemed that in the act of falling Frank whirled in the air and
brought his rival under. This, however, had been planned from the very
instant that Fred made the first move to accomplish the cross-buttock,
and Frank's lock-trip had brought it about by lifting the other lad from
the ground by a whirling movement.

Flemming struck fairly on his shoulders, with Merriwell across his body,
and Heffiner cried:

"First fall for Merriwell!"

Exclamations of astonishment broke from the spectators. Instead of a
struggle of some moments, this fall had seemed to come about in the
twinkling of an eye.

But what was most astonishing was that Flemming was flat on his back at
the bottom when the lads struck the ground, although it had appeared
that he had successfully accomplished the cross-buttock.

It is certain that very few of those who witnessed the affair had the
least idea how Merriwell had accomplished this, but they saw that he was
the victor in the first contest.

Jack Diamond seldom smiled, but now he did so, and the expres