second.

"So you didn't think one punch like that would hurt him," quoted
another with good-natured sarcasm.

"No," said Orde, simply. "I've hit men that hard before with my
bare fist."

"Did they survive?"

"Surely."

"What kind of armour-plates were they, in heaven's name?"

Orde had recovered his balance and humour.

"Just plain ordinary rivermen," said he with a laugh.

"Gentlemen," struck in Gerald, "I want to introduce you to my
friend." He performed the introductions. It was necessary for him
to explain apart that Orde was in reality his friend, an amateur, a
chance visitor in the city. All in all, the affair made quite a
little stir, and went far to give Orde a standing with these sport-
loving youths.

Finally Gerald and Orde were permitted to finish their gymnasium
practice. Murphy had recovered, and came forward.

"You have a strong punch, sir, and you're a born natural fighter,
sir," said he. "If you had a few lessons in boxing, sir, I'd put