"I'll name ten of Dick's friends, and Ben can name ten of his friends. No one else will be allowed to come."
Dave quickly called off his list of boys.
"Choose me, Ben!" "Choose me!" urged two score boys whom Dave had not named. Ben looked around, trying to select those whom he thought most friendly to himself.
Then the procession started again, containing only the chosen ones. Others wanted to go, but knew they would be driven back by the selected twenty friends.
The field was quickly reached. Ben Alvord was cooling, now. He would have drawn out of the fight, but knew that he couldn't get out without discredit. So Ben pulled off his jacket, took off his collar and tie and made ready.
Dick, who was almost wholly free from anger, made similar preparations. After a good deal of disputing Hoof Sadby was agreed upon as a referee satisfactory to both sides. Dave, of course, seconded Dick, while Alvord chose Toby Ross.
"Get your men forward," ordered Hoof. "Want to shake hands before you start?"
"No," growled Ben sullenly.
"Time, then! Get busy!"
Dick threw himself on guard. He was not an amazingly good boxer, but he had been through a few schoolboy fights.