The contestants were now warming up, and blows were given and taken freely. Link Merwell was forced back twice, and was glad when time was called by Lambertson.
"Don't get too anxious," said the instructor, during the recess. "Remember, this is for points."
Again the two boys went at it, and the third, fourth, and fifth rounds were mixed up freely. All present had to acknowledge that Link Merwell boxed quite well, but they saw that the points were in Dave's favor. Dave had perfect control of himself, while the bully was getting excited.
"I'll show you something now!" cried Merwell as they came up for round six. He flew at Dave like a wild animal. But Dave was on the alert and dodged and ducked in a manner that brought constant applause. Then, almost before anybody knew it, he landed on the bully's jaw, his cheek, and then his nose.
"O my! Look at that!"
"Say, that was swift, wasn't it?"
The three blows had thrown Merwell off his balance, and he recovered with difficulty.
"He—he fouled me!" he panted.
"No foul!" answered the gymnasium instructor, and just then time was called.
"Maybe Merwell would like to call it off," suggested Dave.