“I should say not! I believe in boxing, but if there is anything I heartily detest it is prize fighting and prize fighters.”
“I believe I have heard you express your opinion in that direction before.”
“I have expressed it often enough.”
“And still you can fight yourself, Merriwell.”
“I can fight if it is necessary, and I believe every fellow should learn to do that, for there will come times when he’ll find the knowledge valuable. As long as the world stands there will be ruffians and bruisers who will attempt to impose on peaceful people, and there have been scores of times in my life when I have not found it possible to avoid a fight. When I have to fight, I sail in for all I am worth, and do the other fellow up as quick as I can; but I do not like it, and the chap who does has too much of the brute in him to suit me.”
“You have very decided ideas on almost everything, Merry.”
“What is a fellow worth if he does not have a few convictions he is willing to stand by?”
“Not much.”
“That’s right. I respect a fellow who will fight for what he thinks is right, even though it may be wrong; but I do not respect a prize fighter who will fight like a beast for a purse of money.”
“Well, there is to be no purse in this affair. I think you will like Burk better when you know him better. He is going to fight Jackson for the honor of the club.”