"Why," said Jack, in surprise, "I can hardly do that now, sir. The men are depending on me."
Captain Raleigh smiled frankly.
"You are all right, boy," he said. "At your first words I thought you were afraid. But you cannot hope for victory."
"I always hope for victory, sir, and I shall do my best. I am no novice."
"Perhaps not; but Harris is almost a professional; in fact, I may say, a good deal better than many professionals. He is fast for a man of his size and has a terrible right-hand punch. I have seen him box often. If you are decided to go on with this, a word of warning. Watch that right hand of his like you would a hawk."
"I shall remember, sir," replied Jack. "Thank you."
"All right then," said Captain Raleigh. "I like your spunk. Good luck to you."
Captain Raleigh walked back to Captain Reynold's side.
"Will he withdraw?" asked the latter.
"He will not. He says the men are depending on him and he must go through with it."