He's stout as a moose, and he will give you a nasty fall." For all of his warning words, Bart had great confidence in Frank.

They had fought once, shortly after coming to Fardale, and Hodge had found Merriwell more than his match then.

Since that time, Frank had missed no opportunity to pick up points in boxing, and his advancement had been great.
Still there was a chance that, by some accident, Bascomb might land once with that "wicked left," or might seek to injure Merriwell by a fall, if he found that he was matched in every other way, so Bart was on hand with his words of warning.
It did not take Frank long to get ready, and it was not long before the two boys faced each other, adjusting the gloves upon their hands.

Then they came up to the scratch, and the word was given that started the contest.
Bascomb started in at once with a series of false motions intended to confuse Merriwell, but they simply brought a faint smile to Frank's face, and he remained as placid as ever until---- Just as Bascomb had decided to rush, Merriwell rushed.

There was a flashing of their gloves.