There was a resounding smack as Frank struck Davis lightly across the face with his open palm.

“You big coward,” he said, “to taunt a prisoner.  I’ll teach you a little lesson.  Take off your coat.”

For a moment Davis shrank back before the boy; but seeing the eager faces about him and realizing that the others expected something from him he jerked off his coat and faced the lad.

“You’ll wish you had kept out of my path,” he sneered.

It was plain to be seen that sentiment was about evenly divided among the German crew.  The men knew neither of the combatants were German, and while they knew that Davis was a traitor to his country, they had a pretty good idea that Jack and Frank were too.  For some reason, however, none had the slightest doubt that Lord Hastings was a German.

Now Jack stepped forward, and, speaking in German, said: 

“Men, as long as these fellows have got to fight, it may as well be done right, eh?”

There was a general murmur of approval from the crew.

“All right,” said Jack.  “Now, we won’t have any rules, except that this is to be a straight fight.  No kicking, biting nor gouging.  Nothing but fists go.”  He looked Davis squarely in the eye.  “Do I make myself clear?” he asked.

“Yes,” replied Davis sullenly.

“Good.  Then when I say ‘go’ you can tackle each other until I cry stop, which shall be at the end of fifteen minutes, if you are both on your feet.  And then you’ll stop if I have to take you both in hand.  Stand back, men.”

The Germans crowded back to the edge of the little room to give the combatants free play.  To most of them this was something new.

Most had seen many fights and duels, but it is doubtful if any had ever witnessed a stand-up fight with bare fists.  They leaned forward expectantly.

Frank and Davis had both rolled up their sleeves and now awaited the word, Davis sullen and glowering, and Frank cool and collected, apparently, though to Jack’s keen eye the lad was plainly very angry.  Jack was not without some misgivings as to the outcome of the encounter, for Davis was much the larger of the two.

Also he was apparently much stronger than his adversary, and from his position Jack knew that he must know something of the pugilistic art.  To Jack, an exceptionally skillful boxer himself, it looked as though Frank had tackled more than he could finish.

“If Davis were only a German now,” he muttered to himself.  “But he’s English, and, although he’s a traitor, he’ll probably give Frank a trimming.”

“All ready,” said Jack, watch in hand.  “G——­”

At this moment there was an interruption from the doorway.

“What’s the meaning of this?” demanded a stern voice.

All turned quickly.  Lord Hastings stood in the doorway.

“I say, what’s the meaning of this?” he demanded.

“Just a little personal affair, sir,” replied Frank, stepping forward.  “Davis here and I are going to settle a difference.”