CHAPTER IV.
THE FIGHT.
The blow staggered Frank.

It had come so suddenly that he was quite unprepared for it.

His face became suddenly pale, save where Diamond's hand had struck, and there the crimson prints of four fingers came out quickly, like a danger signal.
With the utmost deliberation Merriwell removed his coat.
"Come, sir!" he said to Diamond as he passed coat and hat to a ready sophomore.
"I--I can't fight you that way!" protested the Virginian.

"Bring the rapiers." "This time I claim the right to name the weapons, and they will be bare fists." "Right! right!" cried several voices.

"You'll have to fight him that way, Diamond." "I will fight him!" grated Jack, furiously.