“I am greatly overcome in his honorable presence,” he murmured.
“Here’s a chance for you to prove your claim that you are more than a master for any athlete or wrestler that weighs not more than two hundred pounds.”
“How would you generously suggest that such may come about?”
“Challenge him! His name is Merriwell. Challenge him!”
Fillmore laughed, as if considering it a great joke.
The face of Bart Hodge was dark and frowning.
“Here it comes!” he muttered again.
Hashi advanced a little and surveyed Frank more fully.
“I humbly confess my exceeding admiration at beholding one so grandly famous,” he purred. “Believe me greatly overcome in your august presence.”
“What claptrap!” said Hodge. “Out with it and show your hand! Nobody is fooled by this slick game.”