He's a dandy to push himself to the front, but----" That was a little more than Frank could stand.

The jolly look had vanished from his face, and he faced Bascomb, saying sharply: "Look here, my friend, I reckon you are saying one word for Rains and two for yourself.

I haven't mixed up with you for reasons that you very well understand, but I don't propose to take much of your talk.
If there is any difference between Mr.Rains and myself, we will settle it at another time; but if you want to get a rap at me, now is the accepted occasion, and I will put on the gloves with you." Bascomb had not been looking for this, and he was taken aback for a moment.

Still, although he knew Merriwell was a far better all-round athlete, he believed he could more than match him in boxing, so he eagerly accepted the opportunity.
"I'm your man," he said.

"Peel off and get into gear.