"That's right," nodded Jack. "I thought gentlemen never fought in such a manner, but I have found out that even gentlemen are occasionally forced to do so."
"Marline holds just the same ideas as you held. I demanded satisfaction of him, and he said he'd give it to me, with swords."
"He's a chump! What he really needs is a good drubbing, and you ought to give it to him."
"And be called a bully. They would say it was a cowardly thing to do. Really, Jack, I'm in a confounded nasty place!"
"I believe you are," admitted Diamond, slowly. "But you must do something."
"Suggest something."
"Fight him with the weapons he named!" cried the Virginian, hotly. "You can do it, and I know you can get the best of him. I haven't forgotten our little duel. Not much! Why, Merriwell, you disarmed me twice! You can do the same trick with him."
"Perhaps not."
"I know you can. If you disarm him twice, you can call him a bungler, and refuse to continue the duel. Do it, Merry!" excitedly urged Jack. "I'll stand by you—I'll be your second."
"Thank you, old man; but aren't you afraid of getting into serious trouble? If the faculty——"