CHAPTER XXXVII--THE LAST BLOW--CONCLUSION

The gymnasium of the Olympic Athletic Club was crowded. There were seats all around the room, and a roped-off ring in the center. A referee and two judges had been chosen. Hank Burk's second was Wallace Hegner, his trainer. Tom Jackson had a second who seemed to know his business.

The excitement was at fever heat, for the great match was about to begin. The principals came out and entered the ring, accompanied by their seconds. They wore bath robes, which were soon flung aside. Then the spectators cheered as they saw the two lads stripped to the waist.

On choice by lot the Olympic had secured the bout for themselves; but the guests of the Fairmount were admitted, so all of Frank Merriwell's friends were there.

But Frank--where was he?

"I can't understand it," declared Diamond. "It is most remarkable that he should not be here. I didn't suppose anything could keep him from this mill."

Hodge looked worried.

"He will be here," Bart declared. "You know he has promised a sensation, but I'm afraid he failed in securing the evidence he needs."

Tang!--the gong sounded.

Burk and Jackson advanced to shake hands.

Then it was that Frank came hustling into the room, looking flushed but triumphant. Hurrying to the ringside, he turned to the spectators and cried:

"This match must be stopped five minutes! I have something to tell you before it goes on!"

There was a murmur of astonishment and disapproval. The audience, their nerves tingling with the desire to see the boxers go at each other, were angered by the interruption.

"You can tell it afterward," cried a voice.

"No!" came firmly from Frank. "It must be told now, for it concerns this match. I know you all want to see fair play--with a very few exceptions. I tell you now that there is a job here, and I can prove it! This match is fixed!"

What a stir that created! For some moments it seemed that there would be a riot, but the excited spectators cooled down at last, although a dozen voices demanded the proof.

In the ring Hank Burk and Tom Jackson looked at each other in a startled way, while Wallace Hegner's face grew pale.

"What does he know?" asked Burk in a whisper.

"He can't know anything," said Jackson. "He is putting up a bluff."

Hegner found his voice and demanded that Merriwell be removed from the room. But it was too late, as he soon saw, for the young fellows who had heard his assertion were eager to hear more.

"I know you do not permit betting," Frank cried; "but there has been betting on this match. Large sums of money have been staked on the result, but a most surprising fact is that the principal backer of Jackson--the one who has furnished most of the money bet on him is the trainer of Burk, Mr. Wallace Hegner!"

Hegner gave a howl and made a rush for Frank, but Bruce Browning was on hand and interposed his massive form, grasping the furious lad by the collar and holding him helpless.

"I will tell you how I know this," Frank went on, speaking swiftly. "This Hegner has a grudge against me, and, with several of his friends, a gang of thugs, he attacked me the other night. In the fight I secured a handkerchief marked with his initials, and he came very near getting a knife into me. One of the gang was captured, a fellow known as Shiner Gregg. The police have been wanting to get hold of Gregg for some time, and when he fell into their hands they 'put on the screws.' As a result of the squeezing the fellow has confessed everything. He told how Mr. Hegner obtained his money to stake on this crooked match. Two weeks ago the jewelry store of Isaac Rosenfeld was entered and robbed. Gregg says Hegner planned the robbery and was one of the four concerned in it."

"It's a lie--a downright lie!" screamed Hegner, struggling to reach Frank. "Let me get at him! I will kill him!"

"It is the confession of Shiner Gregg," said Frank. "He says this match was fixed--that Jackson would win, and Burk would receive good pay for flunking. Here is the proof that I have spoken the truth."

He whistled, and into the room came six uniformed policemen. They quickly reached the ring, and Hegner, who had fought like a tiger to break from Browning, was collared, handcuffed and taken in charge.

By this time, in some mysterious manner, Burk and Jackson had disappeared. The spectators were furious. They talked of tar and feathers.

Wallace Hegner, limp, white and crushed, was marched away between the officers. As he passed Merriwell he lifted his eyes, but they fell instantly, and his appearance was that of a whipped cur.

Frank's second blow had been a knockout.

Hegner was held for the Grand Jury, tried and convicted, for overwhelming evidence against him was obtained. As it seemed to have been his first offense, he was given a comparatively light sentence.

Frank pitied the fellow at last, for all the heart and life seemed gone out of him. Never before had Frank struck an enemy such a blow as that.

Burk and Jackson escaped from the Olympic with a portion of their clothes, and they took care to keep in hiding for a long time after that.

It was suspected that the judge had been tampered with, but this was never proved. That several of the Olympic men knew all about the game was certain, but Jackson and one other were the only ones expelled from the club.

Before leaving Philadelphia Frank Merriwell and his party attended a banquet given in their honor by the Fairmount Club. It was a jolly affair, for young lady guests were present and everything passed off finely.

There were speeches and toasts, and the mention of Merriwell's name always brought a tumultuous burst of applause.

A gay time was had for two days more in Philadelphia, their new-found friends doing everything possible to make the visit a pleasant one.

From the South came news that Harlow had escaped from jail by striking down a keeper. But he had been hit in the head with a club later on, and was now in the hospital.

"He won't come to trial just yet," said Frank. "And perhaps it is just as well."

"And now for Yale!" cried Jack. "Hurrah for old Eli!"

"So say we all of us!" shouted Harry.

And then a roar went up in which all of their new-found friends joined:

"Hurrah for old Eli! Hurrah for the brave boys of the Yale Combine!"

THE END.

No. 20. of the _Merriwell Series_, entitled "Frank Merriwell's Return to Yale," gives an account of games, sports, and pastimes, work and study, in all of which Frank shines conspicuously, and retains the admiration of all his old friends.

BUFFALO BILL BORDER STORIES

The Career of the King of Scouts

Your Dealer Has Them!

Western Adventure. Without a Dull Line. Every Man Wants Them.

Since the Ladies' Home Journal began the publication of the personal history of William F. Cody, or, as he was better known, Buffalo Bill, that famous old-time scout and plainsman has assumed a new importance in the eyes of Americans. For many years we have been telling the American reading public that no more interesting, native character ever lived. The stories of his adventures as narrated by his friend and chum, Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, are mostly facts, but they are written with such engaging interest that it is impossible to tell where the fact leaves off and fiction begins. Buffalo Bill was a truly great character. Prentiss Ingraham is truly great as an author and between the two they make the books in this line well worth the while of any American who wants to know something of the wild life on the rolling prairies of the Far West.

ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT

1--Buffalo Bill, the Border King 2--Buffalo Bill's Raid 3--Buffalo Bill's Bravery 4--Buffalo Bill's Trump Card 5--Buffalo Bill's Pledge 6--Buffalo Bill's Vengeance 7--Buffalo Bill's Iron Grip 8--Buffalo Bill's Capture 9--Buffalo Bill's Danger Line 10--Buffalo Bill's Comrades 11--Buffalo Bill's Reckoning 12--Buffalo Bill's Warning 13--Buffalo Bill at Bay 14--Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Pards 15--Buffalo Bill's Brand 16--Buffalo Bill's Honor 17--Buffalo Bill's Phantom Hunt 18--Buffalo Bill's Fight With Fire 19--Buffalo Bill's Danite Trail 20--Buffalo Bill's Ranch Riders 21--Buffalo Bill's Death Trail 22--Buffalo Bill's Trackers 23--Buffalo Bill's Mid-air Flight 24--Buffalo Bill, Ambassador 25--Buffalo Bill's Air Voyage 26--Buffalo Bill's Secret Mission 27--Buffalo Bill's Long Trail 28--Buffalo Bill Against Odds 29--Buffalo Bill's Hot Chase 30--Buffalo Bill's Redskin Ally 31--Buffalo Bill's Treasure Trove 32--Buffalo Bill's Hidden Foes 33--Buffalo Bill's Crack Shot 34--Buffalo Bill's Close Call 35--Buffalo Bill's Double Surprise 36--Buffalo Bill's Ambush 37--Buffalo Bill's Outlaw Hunt 38--Buffalo Bill's Border Duel 39--Buffalo Bill's Bid for Fame 40--Buffalo Bill's Triumph 41--Buffalo Bill's Spy Trailer 42--Buffalo Bill's Death Call 43--Buffalo Bill's Body Guard 44--Buffalo Bill's Still Hunt 45--Buffalo Bill and the Doomed Dozen 46--Buffalo Bill's Prairie Scout 47--Buffalo Bill's Traitor Guide 48--Buffalo Bill's Bonanza 49--Buffalo Bill's Swoop 50--Buffalo Bill and the Gold King 51--Buffalo Bill's Deadshot 52--Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Bravos 53--Buffalo Bill's Big Four 54--Buffalo Bill's One-armed Pard 55--Buffalo Bill's Race for Life 56--Buffalo Bill's Return 57--Buffalo Bill's Conquest 58--Buffalo Bill to the Rescue 59--Buffalo Bill's Beautiful Foe 60--Buffalo Bill's Perilous Task 61--Buffalo Bill's Queer Find 62--Buffalo Bill's Blind Lead 63--Buffalo Bill's Resolution 64--Buffalo Bill, the Avenger 65--Buffalo Bill's Pledged Pard 66--Buffalo Bill's Weird Warning 67--Buffalo Bill's Wild Ride 68--Buffalo Bill's Redskin Stampede 69--Buffalo Bill's Mine Mystery 70--Buffalo Bill's Gold Hunt 71--Buffalo Bill's Daring Dash 72--Buffalo Bill on Hand 73--Buffalo Bill's Alliance 74--Buffalo Bill's Relentless Foe 75--Buffalo Bill's Midnight Ride 76--Buffalo Bill's Chivalry 77--Buffalo Bill's Girl Pard 78--Buffalo Bill's Private War 79--Buffalo Bill's Diamond Mine 80--Buffalo Bill's Big Contract 81--Buffalo Bill's Woman Foe 82--Buffalo Bill's Ruse 83--Buffalo Bill's Pursuit 84--Buffalo Bill's Hidden Gold 85--Buffalo Bill in Mid-air 86--Buffalo Bill's Queer Mission 87--Buffalo Bill's Verdict 88--Buffalo Bill's Ordeal 89--Buffalo Bill's Camp Fires 90--Buffalo Bill's Iron Nerve 91--Buffalo Bill's Rival 92--Buffalo Bill's Lone Hand 93--Buffalo Bill's Sacrifice 94--Buffalo Bill's Thunderbolt 95--Buffalo Bill's Black Fortune 96--Buffalo Bill's Wild Work 97--Buffalo Bill's Yellow Trail 98--Buffalo Bill's Treasure Train 99--Buffalo Bill's Bowie Duel 100--Buffalo Bill's Mystery Man 101--Buffalo Bill's Bold Play 102--Buffalo Bill: Peacemaker 103--Buffalo Bill's Big Surprise 104--Buffalo Bill's Barricade 105--Buffalo Bill's Test 106--Buffalo Bill's Powwow 107--Buffalo Bill's Stern Justice 108--Buffalo Bill's Mysterious Friend

To Be Published in June, 1921.

109--Buffalo Bill and the Boomers 110--Buffalo Bill's Panther Fight 111--Buffalo Bill and the Overland Mail

BUFFALO BILL BORDER STORIES

To Be Published in July, 1921.

112--Buffalo Bill on the Deadwood Trail 113--Buffalo Bill in Apache Land

To Be Published in August, 1921.

114--Buffalo Bill's Blindfold Duel 115--Buffalo Bill and the Lone Camper 116--Buffalo Bill's Merry War

To Be Published in September, 1921.

117--Buffalo Bill's Star Play 118--Buffalo Bill's War Cry

To Be Published in October, 1921.

119--Buffalo Bill on Black Panther's Trail 120--Buffalo Bill's Slim Chance

To Be Published in November, 1921.

121--Buffalo Bill Besieged

In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the books listed above, will be issued, during the respective months, in New York City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers, at a distance, promptly, on account of delays in transportation.

HORATIO ALGER, JR.

Is the favorite writer of a million boys. Do you realize what this means? His stories are good!

MERRIWELL SERIES

Stories of Frank and Dick Merriwell

YOUR DEALER HAS THEM!

Handsome Colored Covers--Stories of Generous Length

For three generations, the adventures of the Merriwell brothers have proven an inspiration to countless thousands of American boys.

Frank and Dick are lads of high ideals, and the examples they set in dealing with their parents, their friends, and especially their enemies, are sure to make better boys of their readers.

These stories teem with fun and adventure in all branches of sports and athletics. They are just what every red-blooded American boy wants to read--they are what he must read to develop into a manly, upright man.

ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT

1--Frank Merriwell's School Days 2--Frank Merriwell's Chums 3--Frank Merriwell's Foes 4--Frank Merriwell's Trip West 5--Frank Merriwell Down South 6--Frank Merriwell's Bravery 7--Frank Merriwell's Hunting Tour 8--Frank Merriwell in Europe 9--Frank Merriwell at Yale 10--Frank Merriwell's Sports Afield 11--Frank Merriwell's Races

To Be Published in June, 1921.

12--Frank Merriwell's Party 13--Frank Merriwell's Bicycle Tour

To Be Published in July, 1921.

14--Frank Merriwell's Courage 15--Frank Merriwell's Daring

To Be Published in August, 1921.

16--Frank Merriwell's Alarm 17--Frank Merriwell's Athletes 18--Frank Merriwell's Skill

To Be Published in September, 1921.

19--Frank Merriwell's Champions 20--Frank Merriwell's Return to Yale

To Be Published in October, 1921.

21--Frank Merriwell's Secret 22--Frank Merriwell's Danger

To Be Published in November, 1921.

23--Frank Merriwell's Loyalty 24--Frank Merriwell in Camp

To Be Published in December, 1921.

25--Frank Merriwell's Vacation 26--Frank Merriwell's Cruise

In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the books listed above will be issued, during the respective months, in New York City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers, at a distance promptly on account of delays in transportation.

MARY J. HOLMES CHARLES GARVICE MAY AGNES FLEMING MRS. GEORGIE SHELDON

Four authors enshrined in the heart of every reader of fiction in America. See the list of their works in the NEW EAGLE SERIES.