Radford was a savage fighter, and Merry found him even more formidable than Rolf Harlow. Radford was a member of the Alexandria Athletic Club, although he had been stopping in Blue Cove a few days.
Frank did not escape some punishment, but he skillfully managed to cause his enemies to interfere with each other to a certain extent, and when he did strike a blow they were certain to feel it.
Three times was Harlow sent to grass, and Radford was knocked down twice, the second blow causing blood to spurt from his nose, on which Merriwell’s hard fist had landed.
Still, encouraging each other, they pressed Frank hard. Finally, Radford got in a blow that brought Merriwell to his knees.
Elsie, who had uncovered her eyes, screamed with fear, and held her hands over her face once more.
Kate quivered with excitement and fear.
“Oh, the cowards!” she exclaimed. “He could whip either one of them alone!”
“And I can whip them both together!” panted Frank, who caught her words.
“On him—on him!” shouted Harlow. “Now is our time to do him up! We can finish him in a hurry!”
Both boys rushed at Frank. Radford was in advance. Merriwell ducked and arose. He had grasped Radford about the ankles, and he lifted the fellow into the air, flinging him clean over his head!