As a consequence of this talk, Buster spoke to Luke Watson, and there was a hasty meeting of the Gee Eyes and it was voted that Dave should box Merwell if he so desired.
Not knowing of this meeting and of its result, Link Merwell strode into the gymnasium the next afternoon, in company with Nat Poole, and proceeded to put on a pair of boxing gloves.
"Too bad, Nat, but I can't wake any of those fellows up," he said, loudly. "Every one of 'em is afraid to face me."
"How about Dave Porter?" asked Nat Poole, in an equally loud tone.
"Worst of the bunch. I guess he's afraid I'll knock the head off of him."
These words were spoken so that Dave might hear them. There were a few seconds of silence, and then Dave walked up to Merwell.
"So you think I am afraid to box you, Merwell?" he said, quietly.
"Oh, so you've woke up, eh?" sneered the bully. "Thought you and your crowd had gone to sleep."
"I want to know if you think I am afraid to box you?"
"Of course you are afraid."
"You are mistaken—and I'll prove it to you in very short order. How soon do you want to box?"
