Part 15 (1/2)

”I have my suspicions,” was the answer.

”Well, I can tell you for sure. It was that sneak, Hank Dell. He's boasting of it now!”

”I was pretty sure he did. What was his object?”

”I guess he wants you and your brother to s.h.i.+ft to some other mess.

There are a couple of tough friends of his that he wants to berth alongside of him in your places.”

”Well, he's welcome to have them as far as I'm concerned,” Frank said, ”but he needn't have gone that way about it. I think I'll have to take it out on him.”

”I would,” advised Tom. ”Some of us will stand by you. We don't like Hank any too well. Slip down below right after afternoon drill, and there'll be a clear place where you can see how well he can handle his fists.”

”I'll do it,” agreed Frank.

Boxing is encouraged among the blue-jackets, and Frank was an adept at it. He had seen Hank in action, and realized that he, too, could put up a good fight.

Afternoon drill began at 1:30 o'clock, and on this occasion consisted of a talk on projectiles, and practice in sighting the big gun, and in firing a dummy charge. It was over at three, and Frank slipped below.

Some of those in the secret followed him.

Just how it had been brought about Frank did not know, but in a secluded place on a lower deck he found a number of his friends, and there, also, was Hank with a few of his cronies. Hank did not wait but swaggered up to Frank and said:

”I understand you have been sayin' things about me.”

”What things?” asked Frank, coolly.

”About slicin' the ropes of your brother's hammock.”

”I said I thought you cut them-yes.”

”Well, if I did, what are you going to do about it?”

Frank's answer was to strip off his middy blouse, an action followed by Hank. The others formed a ring about them, and soon the fight was on. It was scientific, in a way, until Frank, with a feint, caught Hank unawares, and landed a good blow on one eye.

Then Hank lost his head and struck out wildly. He lost control of himself, and Frank easily got through his guard, planting several effective blows.

”I-I'll pay you for that!” spluttered Hank, as his lips swelled and one eye partly closed. He struck out wildly, and did manage to hit Frank on the face. It was a stinging blow, and hurt. But Frank knew he could not hope to come off scathless.

Then it was give and take for awhile, until Frank saw his chance, and aimed a sharp uppercut at Hank's chin. It caught the bully squarely, and almost lifted him off his feet. He staggered back, and would have fallen had not one of his chums caught him.

”I-I've had enough!” he muttered.

”Don't try to cut down any more hammocks,” said Frank, as he went to wash himself, for a scratch on his cheek was bleeding.

”Oh, you haven't heard the last from me-not by any means,” threatened Hank. But Frank did not worry.

The next day when Hank reported for early morning inspection his condition, as well as that of Frank, attracted the attention of the officer in charge of the division.