Midshipman Edgerton, looking very much puzzled, stepped over to Dave Darrin's corner.
"Darrin," began the referee in a friendly tone, "Tread doesn't like the idea of fighting you again to-night."
"Didn't he say he would?" demanded Darrin.
"Yes; but of course, but—"
"I hold him to his word, Mr. Edgerton."
"But of all the crazy—"
"I have my own reasons, sir," Darrin interposed quietly. "I think it very likely, too, that Mr. Treadwell will comprehend my reasons."
"But he doesn't like the idea of fighting an already half-whipped man."
"Will it get on his nerves and unsteady him?" asked Dave ironically.
"Are you bound to fight to-night, Mr. Darrin?"