Diamond was not worried at all. He had the utmost confidence in Frank, and he seemed elated to think Merry was about to get at Hegner.
It did not take Frank long to strip and get into Charlie’s suit. Then the three came forth and found Hegner waiting for them.
The fellows present had gathered around, and it was the almost universal opinion that Hegner would make short work of the fellow from Yale.
Frank looked handsome in the sparring suit. He was neither too stocky nor too thin, but was graceful and supple, with a figure that aroused the envy of many a lad who looked him over then.
“This is to be a friendly bout, Mr. Hegner,” he said, as he accepted the gloves which were passed to him. “We are not to attempt to murder each other.”
“Oh, not at all!” said the other, with a crafty twinkle in his eye. “There is not much danger of murder with such gloves as these.”
When the gloves were carefully put on, they faced each other and shook hands, after which they were at it quickly.
Hegner danced away and came in with a bewildering rush, which was avoided with ease by Frank, who gave him a light body blow as he passed. Like a cat Wallace came about and was after Merriwell again. They sparred a moment, and Hegner tried to get in with a feint and a straight left-hand drive for the face. He put all his force into the blow, and it would have been a stunner had it landed; but Frank guarded with his right and countered with his left, sending Hegner staggering backward.
At the very outset Merriwell had the best of it, much to the surprise of those who had expected Hegner to “walk into him with a rush.” They looked at each other, and then said over and over that there would be a sudden change.
Wallace seemed a bit dazed by the reception he had received, and he ground his teeth with anger. He did not delay about coming to the scratch, however, and the bout went on.