Frank Merriwell's Champions Part 48

"That's because you have taken a dislike to him. I will confess that he is not agreeable sometimes, but it is his way."

"It's a very poor way."

"Yes, I'll admit that; but he was on his guard against you, for he has heard so much about you. He expected to find that you thought you knew it all."

"That does not excuse his boorishness."

"Admitted; but still I say he knows his business, and we depend on him when he says Burk will win. Hegner is the cleverest boxer of his age in Philadelphia."

"That is saying considerable."

"I mean it, and he'd prove it to you if you were to put on the gloves with him. I know you are pretty good, but Heg would give you a surprise."

"He must be good, if you have so much confidence in him. Well, I sincerely hope your confidence is not misplaced, but there is something about the fellow's face that makes me suspicious of him. I would not trust him, and I believe he is treacherous. It is my opinion that he will try to get something out of this mill some way."

"He is getting something out of it."

"Ah! So?"

"Yes; we're paying him to put Burk in shape."

"It is possible that will satisfy him, but I think he's a schemer. I tell you, Creighton, you'll find it to your advantage to look out for Hegner."

CHAPTER x.x.xI-THE FIRST BLOW

Hegner was giving Burk his regular daily training, explaining just when it was best to use the stop for the left-hand uppercut and when it was advisable to duck and counter on the body.

Quite a throng had gathered to watch them. Both were stripped down to their regular training suits, which gave Frank a chance to size them up still better than heretofore.

Merriwell saw he had made no mistake in Burk, but, if anything, Hegner was more sinewy and had better muscular development than Frank had thought.

The two lads were working gently, going through the movements for each blow, parry, dodge and counter with deliberation, and Frank soon saw that Hegner really knew his business.

"What do you think of those chaps, Merriwell?" asked Hodge, who seemed strangely restless and nervous.

"I haven't seen them get to work in earnest yet," was the answer.

"Say, old man!"

"What is it?"

"I'd like to see you go up against that Hegner and hammer him all over the lot. I despise the sight of him."

"Perhaps I couldn't do the trick, you know."

"What? Get out! I know you could!"

Diamond was attracted by what was pa.s.sing between them, and dipped in.

"Could? Could what?" he asked.

"Could knock the packing out of Mr. Hegner," declared Bart, incautiously.

"Of course!" nodded Diamond.

Frank was about to caution them to speak lower, but it was too late.

Hegner's keen ears had heard enough, and he whirled on the trio like a tiger.

"Who is it that can knock the packing out of Mr. Hegner?" he harshly demanded. "If it is one of that party, let him step out! I'll give him a chance."

This sudden action confused both Hodge and Diamond, and Merriwell was silent. The eyes of all in the room were turned on the little group.

After a moment, Hegner laughed scornfully.

"What's the matter with you chaps?" he sneeringly demanded. "I heard one of you say that somebody could knock the packing out of me. If you will bring the gentleman forward, I'll be happy to give him a chance to try."

Still the three were silent.

"Bah!" cried Hegner. "You're a lot of bluffs! I can do you all in turn, one after the other, but there's not one of the lot who has the nerve to put on the gloves with me."

"If that is what you think, Mr. Hegner, it won't take long to show you that you are mistaken," said Frank, quietly, as he stepped out. "I am willing to put on the gloves with you for a friendly go."

"You'll be a snap," came derisively from Hegner.

"Possibly so; but you can tell better about that later on."

Creighton was somewhat disturbed.

"Hold on, fellows!" he exclaimed. "If you're going to box, we do not want any hard feelings about it."

"Don't let that worry you as far as I am concerned," said Frank, as placidly as ever. "Can I borrow a suit, Charlie?"

"Yes, you may have mine."

Frank followed Creighton to a dressing-room, and Diamond went along.

Hodge started to accompany them, and then seemed to change his mind, and remained behind.

"It's too bad!" declared Creighton, as soon as they were in the room.

"I'm sorry anything of the kind should happen."

"I'm glad of it!" exclaimed Diamond, whose dark face was flushed and who seemed to be well satisfied.

"Oh, it's all right," laughed Frank, as he began to strip off. "There's no damage done, old man."

"But there may be. Hegner has an ugly temper."