They were at it again, and Defarge improved the very first opportunity to try that thrust again. But his success was no greater than before, his opponent seeming to escape with ease.
Then Hawkins showed that he could play with Defarge, counting on the French youth almost at will.
With an exclamation of rage, Bertrand flung down his foil at last.
“It makes me too mad to fence!” he snarled. “Here I’ve spent years at it, and I find myself like a baby in your hands!”
“And you gave Merriwell something of a go, if I have been informed correctly,” said Packard.
“I kept him busy,” declared Defarge.
“I’m more than satisfied,” asserted the medical student. “Hawkins is the most wonderful athlete alive, and I’ll bank on it! He can defeat Merriwell at anything!”
“I thought you would come to that conclusion,” said the French youth. “Will you try to help carry out the plan I proposed?”
“Sure thing,” nodded Packard. “You may count on me! At last I believe I shall live to see the day when Merriwell’s colors will be lowered in the dust! It will be the happiest day of my life!”