While the leader of the Firsts realized that Fred was strong and agile, he had no idea the boy had already mapped out his plan of campaign, and he asked in surprise:
"How do you mean?"
"Why, make his nose bleed. After Thomas hit Bart on the nose, he lost his nerve."
Though the plan appealed to the First, he did not wish to say so, lest Fred become overconfident, and he replied:
"But it's getting in the good blow that will be the difficulty."
"That's the truth," asserted a third voice. And turning, Fred and Sandow were surprised to see Buttons close beside them.
"It's lucky it was you!" declared the First. "Guess we'd better change the subject. I didn't realize we were so near the school. You two run along and I'll arrange with Hal."
"Thought everything was fixed," remarked Buttons, as Sandow left them.
"Going to change the hour, that's all." And Fred told his chum about the party, adding: "Can't you get Grace Darling and come over in the evening?"
"Guess so. I promised to let her know how things came out."