rrific
blow between Merriwell's eyes and sent the freshman to the floor.

The sophs were jubilant and the freshmen were downcast. Merriwell simply
laughed as he sat on Rattleton's knee.

"Whee jiz--I mean jee whiz!" spluttered Harry. "Are you going to let
that fellow do you. The sophs will never get over it if you do. Hear 'em
laugh!"

"Don't worry," smiled Frank. "This is the beginning. There must be an
ending."

"Do him--do him, Bruce!" fiercely whispered Hartwick in the ear of his
principal. "It's plain enough that you can."

"I think I can," said Bruce, confidently.

The sophs offered three to two on Browning, and many bets were made.

Then time was called and the rivals advanced once more.

The second round was hotter than the first, if possible, and Merriwell
drew first blood by giving Browning a heavy one on the nose. It ended
with both sparring, and neither seeming to have a decided advantage.

Now the freshmen were encouraged, and they expressed their confidence in
their man. More bets were made, the sophomores still giving odds.

The third round filled the freshmen with delight, for Merriwell knocked
Browning off his feet twice, while he seemed to get no heavy blows
himself.

The sophs became quieter, and no money at odds was in sight. In fact,
the freshmen tried to get even money, but could not.

The fourth and fifth rounds were filled with good, sharp, scientific
work, but toward the close of the fifth both men seemed a trifle groggy.
Neither had a decided advantage.

"Dat Merriwell is a boid!" declared Buster Kelley enthusiastically.
"Why, dat chap could be der champeen of der woild if he went inter der
business fer fair. Dat's on der level, too."

Both lads were battered and bruised, and there was blood on their faces
when they retired to their corners at the command from Horner.

"He's a nut," confessed Frank. "He has given me some soakers, and he
takes his medicine as if he liked it."

"You'll finish him next round, sure," fluttered Harry. "I shall buck the
kickit--I mean kick the bucket if you don't."

"How is it?" Hartwick eagerly asked as he wiped the blood from
Browning's face. "Can you finish him next round?"

"I shall try, but I don't believe the fellow can be licked unless he is
killed. That's what I think of him."

"Didn't I hear you say you knew a trick that would do him?"

"Yes, but it is not a square deal, although no referee could call it
foul if this were a fight wit