Most had seen many fights and duels, but it is doubtful if any had ever witnessed a stand-up fight with bare fists. They leaned forward expectantly.
Frank and Davis had both rolled up their sleeves and now awaited the word, Davis sullen and glowering, and Frank cool and collected, apparently, though to Jack's keen eye the lad was plainly very angry. Jack was not without some misgivings as to the outcome of the encounter, for Davis was much the larger of the two.
Also he was apparently much stronger than his adversary, and from his position Jack knew that he must know something of the pugilistic art. To Jack, an exceptionally skillful boxer himself, it looked as though Frank had tackled more than he could finish.
"If Davis were only a German now," he muttered to himself. "But he's English, and, although he's a traitor, he'll probably give Frank a trimming."
"All ready," said Jack, watch in hand. "G——"
At this moment there was an interruption from the doorway.
"What's the meaning of this?" demanded a stern voice.
All turned quickly. Lord Hastings stood in the doorway.
"I say, what's the meaning of this?" he demanded.
"Just a little personal affair, sir," replied Frank, stepping forward. "Davis here and I are going to settle a difference."