"—five, six, seven, eight, nine—ten!"
At the sound of eight Dave Darrin had made a strenuous effort to rise.
Yet he had swayed, fallen back slightly, then forced himself with a rush to his feet.
But Midshipman Treadwell drew back, both fists hanging at his sides, for the "ten" had been spoken, and Dave Darrin had lost the count.
While Dave stood there, looking half-dizzily at his opponent, Referee Edgerton's voice broke in crisply:
"Mr. Darrin required more than the full count to come back. The fight is therefore awarded to Mr. Treadwell."
CHAPTER XVIII
FIGHTING THE FAMOUS DOUBLE BATTLE
"It wasn't fair," hissed Midshipman Page hotly.
"It was by a mighty small margin, anyway," quivered Farley.
"I don't feel whipped yet," remarked Dave quietly.