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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..33b6f64 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #60463 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/60463) diff --git a/old/60463-0.txt b/old/60463-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index b298353..0000000 --- a/old/60463-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9969 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Frank Merriwell's Diamond Foes, by Burt L. Standish - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Frank Merriwell's Diamond Foes - Straight Over The Plate - -Author: Burt L. Standish - -Release Date: October 9, 2019 [EBook #60463] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK MERRIWELL'S DIAMOND FOES *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -Transcriber’s Notes: - -Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). - -Additional Transcriber’s Notes are at the end. - - * * * * * - -BOOKS FOR YOUNG MEN - -Merriwell Series - -ALL BY BURT L. STANDISH - -Stories of Frank and Dick Merriwell - -Fascinating Stories of Athletics - -A half million enthusiastic followers of the Merriwell brothers will -attest the unfailing interest and wholesomeness of these adventures of -two lads of high ideals, who play fair with themselves, as well as with -the rest of the world. - -These stories are rich in fun and thrills in all branches of sports and -athletics. They are extremely high in moral tone, and cannot fail to be -of immense benefit to every boy who reads them. - -They have the splendid quality of firing a boy’s ambition to become a -good athlete, in order that he may develop into a strong, vigorous, -right-thinking man. - -_ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT_ - - 101--Frank Merriwell’s Nomads - 102--Dick Merriwell on the Gridiron - 103--Dick Merriwell’s Disguise - 104--Dick Merriwell’s Test - 105--Frank Merriwell’s Trump Card - 106--Frank Merriwell’s Strategy - 107--Frank Merriwell’s Triumph - 108--Dick Merriwell’s Grit - 109--Dick Merriwell’s Assurance - 110--Dick Merriwell’s Long Slide - 111--Frank Merriwell’s Rough Deal - 112--Dick Merriwell’s Threat - 113--Dick Merriwell’s Persistence - 114--Dick Merriwell’s Day - 115--Frank Merriwell’s Peril - 116--Dick Merriwell’s Downfall - 117--Frank Merriwell’s Pursuit - 118--Dick Merriwell Abroad - 119--Frank Merriwell in the Rockies - 120--Dick Merriwell’s Pranks - 121--Frank Merriwell’s Pride - 122--Frank Merriwell’s Challengers - 123--Frank Merriwell’s Endurance - 124--Dick Merriwell’s Cleverness - 125--Frank Merriwell’s Marriage - 126--Dick Merriwell, the Wizard - 127--Dick Merriwell’s Stroke - 128--Dick Merriwell’s Return - 129--Dick Merriwell’s Resource - 130--Dick Merriwell’s Five - 131--Frank Merriwell’s Tigers - 132--Dick Merriwell’s Polo Team - 133--Frank Merriwell’s Pupils - 134--Frank Merriwell’s New Boy - 135--Dick Merriwell’s Home Run - 136--Dick Merriwell’s Dare - 137--Frank Merriwell’s Son - 138--Dick Merriwell’s Team Mate - 139--Frank Merriwell’s Leaguers - 140--Frank Merriwell’s Happy Camp - 141--Dick Merriwell’s Influence - 142--Dick Merriwell, Freshman - 143--Dick Merriwell’s Staying Power - 144--Dick Merriwell’s Joke - 145--Frank Merriwell’s Talisman - 146--Frank Merriwell’s Horse - 147--Dick Merriwell’s Regret - 148--Dick Merriwell’s Magnetism - 149--Dick Merriwell’s Backers - 150--Dick Merriwell’s Best Work - 151--Dick Merriwell’s Distrust - 152--Dick Merriwell’s Debt - 153--Dick Merriwell’s Mastery - 154--Dick Merriwell Adrift - 155--Frank Merriwell’s Worst Boy - 156--Dick Merriwell’s Close Call - 157--Frank Merriwell’s Air Voyage - 158--Dick Merriwell’s Black Star - 159--Frank Merriwell in Wall Street - 160--Frank Merriwell Facing His Foes - 161--Dick Merriwell’s Stanchness - 162--Frank Merriwell’s Hard Case - 163--Dick Merriwell’s Stand - 164--Dick Merriwell Doubted - 165--Frank Merriwell’s Steadying Hand - 166--Dick Merriwell’s Example - 167--Dick Merriwell in the Wilds - 168--Frank Merriwell’s Ranch - 169--Dick Merriwell’s Way - 170--Frank Merriwell’s Lesson - 171--Dick Merriwell’s Reputation - 172--Frank Merriwell’s Encouragement - 173--Dick Merriwell’s Honors - 174--Frank Merriwell’s Wizard - 175--Dick Merriwell’s Race - 176--Dick Merriwell’s Star Play - 177--Frank Merriwell at Phantom Lake - 178--Dick Merriwell a Winner - 179--Dick Merriwell at the County Fair - 180--Frank Merriwell’s Grit - 181--Dick Merriwell’s Power - 182--Frank Merriwell in Peru - 183--Frank Merriwell’s Long Chance - 184--Frank Merriwell’s Old Form - 185--Frank Merriwell’s Treasure Hunt - 186--Dick Merriwell Game to the Last - 187--Dick Merriwell, Motor King - 188--Dick Merriwell’s Tussle - 189--Dick Merriwell’s Aero Dash - 190--Dick Merriwell’s Intuition - 191--Dick Merriwell’s Placer Find - 192--Dick Merriwell’s Fighting Chance - 193--Frank Merriwell’s Tact - 194--Frank Merriwell’s Puzzle - 195--Frank Merriwell’s Mystery - 196--Frank Merriwell, the Lionhearted - 197--Frank Merriwell’s Tenacity - 198--Dick Merriwell’s Perception - 199--Dick Merriwell’s Detective Work - 200--Dick Merriwell’s Commencement - 201--Dick Merriwell’s Decision - 202--Dick Merriwell’s Coolness - 203--Dick Merriwell’s Reliance - 204--Frank Merriwell’s Young Warriors - 205--Frank Merriwell’s Lads - 206--Dick Merriwell in Panama - 207--Dick Merriwell in South America - 208--Dick Merriwell’s Counsel - 209--Dick Merriwell, Universal Coach - 210--Dick Merriwell’s Varsity Nine - 211--Dick Merriwell’s Heroic Players - 212--Dick Merriwell at the Olympics - 213--Frank Merriwell, Jr., Tested - 214--Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Conquests - 215--Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Rivals - 216--Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Helping Hand - 217--Frank Merriwell, Jr., in Arizona - 218--Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Mission - 219--Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Ice-boat Adventure - 220--Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Timely Aid - 221--Frank Merriwell, Jr., in the Desert - -In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the -books listed below 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. - -To be published in July, 1929. - - 222--Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Fight for Right - 223--Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Team Work - -To be published in August, 1929. - - 224--Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Athletic Team - 225--Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Peck of Trouble - 226--Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Ordeal - -To be published in September, 1929. - - 227--Frank Merriwell, Jr., Birdman - 228--Frank Merriwell, Jr., at the Old School - -To be published in October, 1929. - - 229--Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Repentant Enemy - 230--Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Gridiron Honors - -To be published in November, 1929. - - 231--Frank Merriwell, Jr., on the Border - 232--Frank Merriwell’s Diamond Foes - -To be published in December, 1929. - - 233--The Merriwell Company - 234--Dick Merriwell and June Arlington - - - - -Frank Merriwell’s Diamond Foes OR STRAIGHT OVER THE PLATE - - - By - BURT L. STANDISH - - Author of the famous Merriwell stories - - [Illustration] - - STREET & SMITH CORPORATION - PUBLISHERS - 79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York - - * * * * * - - Copyright, 1914 - By STREET & SMITH - Frank Merriwell’s Diamond Foes - - All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign - languages, including the Scandinavian. - - Printed in the U. S. A. - - * * * * * - -FRANK MERRIWELL’S DIAMOND FOES. - - - - -CHAPTER I. COLONEL CARSON, OF CARSONVILLE. - - -Chip Merriwell, in running togs, had just taken a rail fence at a -flying leap. As he dropped into the road beyond the fence, he halted -suddenly and gave vent to a startled exclamation. - -Almost at the same instant, a second figure in athletic shirt and track -pants came hurtling over the fence, pulled up abruptly, and stood -hanging on to Merry’s shoulder. This second person was Billy McQuade, -with whom Frank Merriwell, junior, was spending a few days of the -spring vacation. - -The two friends had left home for a cross-country hike together. It was -now the middle of the forenoon, they were on their way back, and had -still four miles to go before reaching Carsonville. - -The crisp spring air of morning gave the two runners new life at every -breath. To many a languid youth it spelled laziness and lack of all -effort, but Merry and his friend knew from experience that “spring -fever” is only a convenient name for doing nothing. Both of them were -looking forward to a luxurious relaxation in the long grass by the -Carsonville mill pond that afternoon, but they intended to make it all -the more enjoyable by an honest physical weariness. - -At the point where the two friends struck the highway, it curved in a -wide horseshoe bend in order to avoid a tongue of undrained swamp land -that struck up from the river. Merriwell had come to the road on one -side of the curve, intending to follow the highway back to town. - -As he took the hedge bordering the road with a flying hurdle, he had -caught sight of a buggy in the white stretch directly ahead of him. -That one flashing glimpse had shown him a man in the buggy, and, as he -came to earth, he saw the horse give a sudden leap, shying frantically -at sight of the flying figure. - -Merriwell regretted instantly that he had not looked before he had -leaped, but it was now too late. Before Billy McQuade took the leap in -turn, the mettlesome steed hitched to the buggy was tearing around the -bend of road, while the lone occupant stood up sawing savagely at the -reins. - -“That’s a lesson I should have learned before this,” Merriwell murmured -regretfully. “The horse shied when I came over the hedge, and he’s run -away.” - -“No doubt about that,” commented Billy, watching with startled eyes. -“He looks as if he didn’t intend to stop this side of Fardale.” - -The course of the runaway was anything but reassuring. The startled -horse was racing madly around the horseshoe bend, with the buggy -leaping and rocking behind him, threatening at every instant to go over. - -The driver still stood erect, however. He was shouting in an angry tone -of voice, and trying vainly to curb the frightened animal. Disaster was -imminent at any moment. - -“My eye!” Billy ejaculated soberly. “We’ve done it this time, Chip!” - -“Then we’d better undo it,” snapped Merriwell, rousing himself. He -pointed across the marshy land to the opposite bend of the road. - -“Come along, Billy! We can cut straight across over there, and beat the -horse to it. He’s forced to go clear around the bend.” - -“Practical lesson in geometry,” murmured Billy, with a resigned look -at the boggy strip. “The shortest distance between two points is a -straight line. Go ahead, old man, I’m with you. Hope the buggy will -still be with the horse when it gets there!” - -Chip Merriwell leaped across the road, Billy close behind him. They -vaulted the rail fence on that side, and set off across the marsh land -at the best possible speed. - -It did not seem that Billy McQuade’s hope would be fulfilled. The -runaway had by this time reached the central point of the curve, and -the driver’s efforts seemed to have no effect, for the buggy was -careering and bouncing as if ready to smash up at each wild leap. - -Merriwell took a glance over his shoulder, and increased his speed. But -it was difficult to cover the ground rapidly; pools of water lay here -and there, the soft grass and soaked soil sucked at every step, and -only by jumping from tussock to tussock could progress be made. - -The two runners made it, however. They were nearly across the neck of -sunken land when Merriwell heard a startled cry from his friend, and -glanced around. - -He was just in time to see the driver flung from the buggy! - -With a thrill of fear that his carelessness had brought about an -irreparable injury, Chip Merriwell dashed forward. The horse was almost -upon him as he scrambled up and swung himself across the fence, but -the frightened beast had no time to swerve. Taking a few long running -steps, Merry flung himself sideways and caught at the bridle. - -Almost directly, the horse stopped, trembling and heaving. With a -breath of relief, Merriwell began stroking his muzzle, patting his -neck, and uttering soothing words. The animal perceived that he was a -friend, and stood quiet. - -One swift glance showed that the buggy was uninjured, then Merriwell -looked around for the driver, stepping back from the horse to get a -clear view. - -He saw Billy McQuade meeting the driver, who had risen to his feet. -It was evident at once that he had suffered from nothing worse than a -severe shock, for, as Merriwell turned and approached the two, he heard -the driver cursing furiously. With a feeling of distaste, he inspected -the man, whose clothes Billy was hastily brushing. - -The driver of the rig was a tall, spare, stoop-shouldered man. He was -very well dressed, and wore a gray mustache and goatee. There was a -hard set to his face, and a pouchiness beneath his black eyes, that -denoted self-indulgence, and a life that was anything but what it -should be. - -“You good-for-nothin’ loafer!” he roared, turning furiously on Billy, -as Chip Merriwell came up. “You done this a-purpose! You----” - -“It was not Billy’s fault at all,” broke in Merry warmly. “I was the -first one over the fence, and your horse shied at me.” - -The driver whirled on him, his rage becoming a cold fury as he met -Merriwell’s firm, steady gaze. - -“What are you doin’ in them duds?” he demanded. “So it was you, hey?” - -“Yes,” and, although Merry’s eyes flashed at the tone of the man, he -kept his voice cool. “Yes, and I’m very sorry about it. Of course, -I’ll be glad to settle for whatever damage was done.” - -“Lot o’ good that’ll do!” growled the other, who seemed to be eying him -with anything but liking. “What you chasin’ around in them duds for?” - -“We were doing a bit of cross-country running,” Merriwell said quietly. -Billy McQuade was flashing him queer looks which he interpreted as -warnings, but he took no heed of them. “As I said, I’ll expect to make -good any damage, and I’m very sorry the accident occurred. My name is -Frank Merriwell, junior, and you’ll find me at the McQuades’ residence, -if you want me.” - -The man flung Billy a hard look, then laughed sneeringly. - -“Mebbe I will and mebbe I won’t,” he jeered. “They ain’t goin’ to have -a residence very long, I reckon. I s’pose he put you up to scarin’ that -hoss, eh?” - -“He did not!” cried Merry indignantly. The insinuation made him angry -clear through. Billy flung him an imploring glance, but he was a chip -of the old block, and showed it in his next words. - -“I don’t know who you are, my friend, but you’ve got a disposition that -I wouldn’t like to be let loose with. We’ve caused an accident, or, -rather, I have, and I’ve apologized and offered to do all in my power -to make it right. - -“Instead of throwing slurs and curses into the atmosphere, it’d be a -whole lot more decent if you’d try to act white. I don’t blame you for -being mad. I’d probably be mad myself in the same circumstances. But -that’s no reason for your acting in this way.” - -The stranger gave him a black look, then moved off. - -“Humph!” he grunted sarcastically. “I guess you’re like your dad, if -all I’ve heard say is correct. Let’s see what damage was done. I reckon -the buggy was smashed up.” - -Merriwell and Billy McQuade followed him to where the horse stood. The -man went over the buggy, then examined the horse. - -“Ain’t nothing busted,” he said, almost regretfully, it seemed. “But -you kids are too gay, runnin’ around the country in them duds. It’s -goin’ to be stopped.” - -“Don’t let our clothes worry you,” retorted Merry. “You know where to -find me if you want damages. Come along, Billy.” - -He promptly turned his back. Billy threw a dubious look at the man, -then followed slowly. Once more the deep voice reached Merriwell. - -“You’ll be sorry for this, mind my words! You ain’t a-going to talk to -me that way and get off with it, you young scoundrel!” - -Chip Merriwell’s cheeks flamed a little, but he kept a firm grip on -himself and walked on. After a moment he turned to see the man climb -into his buggy and give the horse a savage cut with the whip. - -“The brute!” he murmured indignantly. “What that horse needs is a kind -word, instead of the lash. More than likely that fellow had him whipped -into such a temper that he would have shied at a dead leaf.” - -Billy nodded. To his surprise, Merry saw that his friend’s usually -clear, frank features were overcast and troubled. - -“What’s the matter, old man? You seemed to know that fellow.” - -“I do.” - -Billy cast a worried look at the rig, now disappearing around the curve -of the road. - -“Here’s a go!” he muttered gloomily. “I guess we’re all in for it now, -Chip.” - -“Why? That man isn’t the sheriff, is he?” asked Merriwell, with a laugh. - -“No. He’s a whole lot worse. That chap is Colonel Carson, who owns most -of Carsonville, and he’ll make the old burg plenty hot for us now, -believe me!” - - - - -CHAPTER II. WHY BILLY LEFT SCHOOL. - - -Chip Merriwell looked curiously at his friend and host. - -“Has this Colonel Carson anything to do with your leaving Fardale--or, -rather, with your writing that you would not be back?” - -“Yes,” Billy said, in a low voice. “Let’s walk along, Chip, and I’ll -tell you about it. It might as well come out now as any time, I s’pose.” - -It was Merry’s second day in Carsonville. Billy McQuade, or, as he was -more generally known, “Billy Mac,” was a plebe at Fardale Academy. -During the preceding summer he had shown remarkable ability as backstop -on the scrub nine, and it was reported that he was in line to catch for -the regular team during the coming season. Billy Mac was also good at -first, however, so that Fardale had been in no little doubt. - -Shortly before the spring vacation began, Billy had been called home -to Carsonville. His father was dead, and his mother had merely written -that she needed Billy’s presence to settle up some portions of the -estate. Then had come a letter from Billy himself--a heartbroken -letter, stating that he would be unable to return to Fardale. - -He assigned no definite cause, and the reason remained pretty much a -mystery. It was a most disconcerting mystery, also. Owen Clancy, Chip -Merriwell’s regular backstop, was somewhere off in the Southwest. It -had been pretty generally settled that Billy Mac would don the mask -this season, and his sudden withdrawal was a body blow to Fardale hopes. - -These had been swiftly raised, however, when on the last day of school -before the vacation Clancy had appeared without warning. He had -retrieved his family fortunes, and was ready to pitch into work at -Fardale once more. This, none the less, did not throw any light upon -the mystery of Billy Mac’s dropping out. - -Both Merry and his father had been no little worried. Frank Merriwell, -senior, had finally suggested that Chip drop around to Carsonville -during vacation. Although head over ears in track and field work, Chip -had assented gladly. Billy Mac sent him a cordial invitation to come -along, and he had promptly arrived. - -The McQuade home was a comfortable, old-fashioned residence on a hill -near the river, just outside of town. During his first day, Merry had -asked no questions, but his eyes had been busy. He noted the worried, -uneasy air of hospitable Mrs. McQuade, and the nervousness of his -friend. It was not hard to guess that the estate of the senior McQuade -had fallen into difficulties, though not a word had been said on the -subject. - -“Let’s have it, old man,” said Merry gravely. “Nothing helps a fellow -so much as being able to spout out his trouble to some one else.” - -“I know,” sighed Billy Mac hopelessly. “But this is different. I s’pose -you remember about--about dad dying just before Christmas holidays?” - -“Yes,” said Chip sympathetically. “And we were all mighty sorry to hear -of it, old fellow.” - -“Well,” went on the other, “things didn’t look so bad just then. Mother -had a thousand dollars of insurance money, while the house and orchard -was ours. We’ve got some mighty fine fruit trees there, and they -promised to take care of things pretty well.” - -“I should think they would! Those apples you dug up yesterday were -something fine, Billy Mac.” - -“They were the last of the ones we buried last fall, Chip. We shipped -off some of them, for with the apples and other things we get high -prices from the city. They seem to appreciate getting extra fine fruit.” - -“Of course they do. The trouble with most farmers is that they don’t -take pains enough to market their crop right, and take care of it on -the way. But go ahead.” - -Billy sighed again, and glanced heavily at the river. - -“This here Colonel Carson,” he broke out, “suddenly produced a -mortgage on the house and orchard for two thousand dollars. That was -just before vacation, when mother wrote for me to come home.” - -“But you knew that he had the mortgage?” queried Chip, frowning. - -“We thought dad had paid it. You see, dad--well, dad was kind of -careless about money. Just the same, we _knew_ he had paid that -mortgage. Mother could find no receipt, however, and Carson vowed that -it had never been paid.” - -“Somebody ought to teach him something,” said Merry warmly. “Hadn’t you -any proof whatever?” - -“Not a scratch, Chip. We couldn’t find a single thing. Mother pleaded -with him, and he agreed to give us a little time in which to pay -it--over again. It hit us pretty hard, you see. We knew that dad had -paid it, but that villain Carson only wants to get hold of the place.” - -“Looks as though the scoundrel had you,” said Merriwell thoughtfully. -“Can you pay it, Billy?” - -“Maybe. Mother has that thousand insurance money, and--well, to tell -the truth, I’ve arranged to get a job as clerk in the Carsonville -general store. If we can hold the colonel off a while, I guess we can -fix it.” - -“Pretty hard lines, just the same,” commented Merry. “So that’s why you -wrote that you wouldn’t be back to Fardale, eh?” - -“Yes,” said Billy Mac miserably. “It’s all off, Chip. And now, after -what’s happened this morning--well, you can guess that Carson won’t -have much mercy.” - -Merriwell whistled softly. Now he began to see the possible disaster he -had brought upon the McQuade family through scaring Colonel Carson’s -horse. Recalling the man’s face, he was forced to admit to himself that -he could not see much hope in it. Every line spelled hardness, cold -unscrupulousness. - -There was good cause for Billy Mac’s worry--yet he had cast no word of -blame on Chip, whose lack of caution seemed to have brought wreck upon -him. Merry appreciated this fact. It was only another indication of the -sterling qualities of his friend. - -At the same time, it gave him serious food for thought. If Colonel -Carson did come down upon Mrs. McQuade, in his rage, Chip knew that he -would be morally responsible for it. - -“I’m mighty sorry about this, old man,” he exclaimed soberly, “What -kind of a fellow is this Carson? Is he well off?” - -“Got slathers of money,” said Billy Mac, with added gloom. “The burg -was named after his family, and he owns most of the main street, the -bank, and everything else, even the baseball team.” - -“Baseball team?” inquired Merriwell sharply. “A professional team?” - -“No, the Clippers are made up of amateurs, and stand pretty high in the -Amateur League. But it’s like everything else, Chip. The colonel is -said to be mighty careless about methods in everything he does, so long -as he gets what he wants. The Carsonville Clippers are amateurs, all -right, but I notice most of ’em have jobs in Colonel Carson’s bank, or -on his farms, or somewhere. And the jobs don’t need much attention.” - -“So that’s it, eh?” Merriwell looked thoughtful. “Are they a good -bunch?” - -There was no doubt that the Clippers could play ball, and play it well -enough to win most of their games. Carsonville, of course, was not a -large-enough place to support such a team, but, where his one great -hobby was concerned, Colonel Carson was willing to spend money like -water. - -One reason for this was that his own son was the star pitcher of the -Clippers. Another was that Colonel Carson had a consuming ambition to -make such a showing with his amateur team, that he could buy into one -of the larger professional-league teams as a well-known follower of the -sport. - -To this end, it was necessary that his team should win games. The -Clippers did so. But--and this point Merry dragged by sheer force from -the reluctant Billy--it was whispered that Colonel Carson did not care -much how they won, so long as they did win. - -“I don’t believe in repeating calumnies,” went on Billy, “whether you -like a man, or don’t. I believe that Colonel Carson is a scoundrel and -a liar where my family is concerned, but I don’t like to repeat things -that have no foundation.” - -“Right you are,” exclaimed Chip. “But in a case of this kind, rumor is -apt to hit pretty close to the mark, Billy Mac. Is there a good diamond -here?” - -“You bet!” cried Billy enthusiastically. “Almost as good as the Fardale -grounds, Chip. It’s laid out down below the milldam, by the river, with -concrete stands and all that. Colonel Carson certainly does things up -brown!” - -“That’s what he wants,” agreed Chip. “It’ll help his reputation -with the league magnates. But if he builds his reputation on secret -chicanery and dirty work, he isn’t going to get very far, and, judging -from your own case, it looks as though Colonel Carson had a tricky -streak right through him.” - -He could not help feeling sorry for Billy Mac, even while admiring his -sturdy pluck. To throw up school, athletics, and everything else in -order to take up a hopeless undertaking was a stiff proposition. And -Billy’s task looked hopeless. - -His salary as clerk in the Carsonville general store would certainly -be small. It would take him a long time to get together a thousand -dollars, to add to the thousand his mother already possessed. Yet it -had been the only chance, and Billy Mac had plunged desperately at it -without a squeal for help. - -Merriwell knew better than to offer financial assistance, though he -knew that his father would be glad to help the McQuades. He had seen -enough of Billy’s mother to guess at her pride, and, as though Billy -had read his secret thought, he turned to Merriwell. - -“Don’t say anything to mother about my telling you this,” he said -quietly. “It may come out other ways, or she may tell you herself----” - -“I understand,” interrupted Chip. “She wouldn’t like to think that her -guests had been bothered with family troubles. She’s a mighty fine -mother to have, Billy.” - -“You bet your boots!” and the other’s eyes lighted up. “She didn’t want -me to quit Fardale, of course. But it was the only chance there was, -and she had to give in at last.” - -“Well, the place isn’t lost yet, so brace up,” advised Merriwell. - -By the time they had finished this heart-to-heart talk, they were at -the outskirts of the town, and nearing the McQuade home. Billy pointed -out a large white house set in from the road as the Carson residence. - -They had just passed this point, when, from a bend in the road, came -a shrill cry in a boyish voice. An instant later they sighted two -figures. One was that of a rather small young fellow, crouching; over -him stood a tall, heavy-set figure, striking at the smaller chap, and -paying no attention to his cries for mercy. - -“My eye!” cried Billy Mac hotly. “Trail along, Chip. I’ll give that -brute something else to think of!” - -And Billy broke into a run, with a yell of anger. - - - - -CHAPTER III. LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON. - - -“Hel-l-lup!” - -At sight of Chip Merriwell and Billy Mac, the smaller of the two -figures uttered a shrill appeal. As the bully straightened up, the -little fellow writhed away and danced over to the side of the road. - -“Hello, Chub!” cried Billy, pausing. “What’s the trouble? Were you -playing?” - -“Pl-l-laying nothing!” returned Chub shrilly, dancing about in his -rage, and pointing at his tormentor. “That big stiff said I rooted too -much for the visiting team l-l-l-last Saturday! He caught me and was -l-l-lambasting me!” - -Chip saw that his friend was fully competent to handle the situation, -and stood back. There was something comical about the helpless rage of -Chub, and about his manner of stumbling speech, that amused Merriwell. - -“You’re a fine sort of sport, I don’t think!” exclaimed Billy Mac, -addressing the bully. “Just because a fellow doesn’t root for you, you -want to punish him--and a little chap like Chub, too!” - -The bully glowered at Billy Mac in a threatening fashion. He was a -hulking big fellow, wearing a sporty necktie of flaming red, and a -loud-checked suit. His features were heavy and overbearing, with -deep-set black eyes, that gleamed maliciously, and from one corner of -his mouth drooped a burned-out cigarette. - -“What’s it to you, Billy Mac?” he growled menacingly. “You’d better -not try to show off around here, just because you been to a military -academy fer a few months!” - -“There’s no one showing off around here except that necktie of yours,” -snapped Billy Mac. “It’s a wonder you couldn’t find a baby to lick, you -coward!” - -It became evident to Merry that the two knew each other, and that his -friend cherished a thorough dislike for the bully. - -“Give it to him, Bil-l-ly!” chirruped Chub, who was well out of danger -by this time. It seemed impossible for the little chap to pronounce the -letter “l” without spilling it out by degrees. “L-l-l-lam him for me!” - -The big fellow sneered. - -“I suppose you think you can run the place, Billy Mac, now that you’ve -been away to school, hey? You think you are a real athlete, with them -underwear things on, don’t you?” - -Seeing that his friend was speechless with rage, Merriwell interfered. - -“It’s quite evident that you’re not fitted to pass on athletes, my -friend,” he broke in ironically. “I’ve always found that the fellow -who goes around with a coffin nail sticking in his face is the one -who sticks in the bleachers. He doesn’t get out and toss the ball very -much.” - -For some reason, this speech seemed to infuriate the bully. He whirled -on Merry with a snarl of anger. - -“Smart guy, ain’t you? I suppose you’re that Merriwell kid that Billy’s -been blowin’ about so much?” - -“It seems that you have some brain left, in spite of cigarettes,” -returned Merry dryly. “You’re supposing a lot of things, my friend. -It might strike you to suppose that your absence is better than your -company.” - -“Oh, is that so?” The big fellow clenched his fists, glaring. “Say, fer -about two cents I’d take you down a peg, Slim-shanks!” - -Billy Mac turned quickly. - -“Look here, Chip, you butt out of this!” he demanded. “Chub Newton’s a -friend of mine, and this isn’t your quarrel.” - -“All right, old man,” said Merriwell, waving his hand. “I’ll gladly -turn over our genial friend to you. He looks as if a dose of McQuade -compound would improve his health a good deal.” - -“Yah!” shrieked Chub Newton, in wild delight. “That’s the way to talk! -L-l-listen to that, Bul-l-ly! You’re goin’ to hear things, al-l-l -right!” - -Bully favored Chub with a black look. - -“I’ve give you one lesson about closin’ that jaw of yours, Chub,” he -grated. “You’d better lay mighty low, mind my words!” - -There was something in the tone and aspect of the fellow that struck a -responsive chord in Merriwell’s memory. What the familiarity was, he -could not fathom. However, he was sure that there was a familiarity. - -“L-l-light into him, Bil-l-ly!” pleaded Chub, his shrill voice -appearing to irritate Bully like the buzzing of a mosquito. The latter -shook his fist threateningly. - -“You heard what I said!” he roared. “Shut that jaw, or I’ll show you -what a real lambastin’ is, you tow-headed little rat!” - -“I don’t think you will, Bully,” said McQuade. Merriwell had thrown him -a warning look, and he had curbed his temper. - -“Hey? Why not?” The big fellow turned on Billy, seeming to comprehend -for the first time that he was being actually interfered with. “I -suppose you’ll stop me, hey?” - -“Well, I’ve been thinking it over quite a while,” admitted Billy, with -a grin. “Try a fresh cigarette, Bully. It might help you to get ideas -faster.” - -Chub Newton waved his arms in delight. A few passers-by were pausing -to listen to the altercation, and the little fellow turned to them -eagerly. - -“Watch Bul-l-ly catch it!” he sang out shrilly. “He’s going to get -a fal-l-len on harder than the Sprucetown batters fel-l-l on him -l-l-l-last Saturday!” - -At this the big fellow’s face went positively black with rage. It was -clear that he could think of no taunts to fling back at his diminutive -foe, so he did the next best thing that occurred to him. He took a -swift step toward Chub, his fists clenched. - -“No you don’t!” - -Billy Mac leaped forward and caught his shoulder, twirling him around. - -“Look out!” roared Bully furiously. “I’ll mash that smart-alec mouth o’ -yours, you fool! Go home an’ dress yourself!” - -“I’d make a better job of it than you’ve done,” retorted Billy, with -contempt. - -Among the gathering array a quick smile passed, with significant looks -at the loud attire of the big fellow. This only served to infuriate him -the more. It was clear to Chip that Bully was by no means a favorite, -though for some reason no voice was lifted against him, save that of -Chub Newton. - -“Go for him, ol-l-ld scout!” Chub shrieked. “You can l-l-lick him easy! -He’s got a yel-l-ler streak!” - -“And you’ve got a yelling streak,” observed Merry, with a laugh. - -Glaring from his deep-set eyes, Bully stepped toward McQuade. - -“I guess you need a lesson,” he growled. “You’re gettin’ too all-fired -smart around this town, for a pauper.” - -Billy went white. - -“I’d sooner be a pauper than the son of a crook,” he snapped. “And I’d -sooner be the son of a crook, than a crook myself, Bully!” - -A murmur of applause went up from the crowd. It was cut short by a roar -from the big fellow. - -“Call me a crook, will you!” - -With a quick lunge forward, he aimed a vicious blow at Billy Mac. The -backstop did not appreciate the compliment, however. - -Catching the blow on his arm, he took a quick step in, and there was a -dull smack. Bully went staggering back. - -“Yah!” chirruped Chub, in great glee. “I tol-l-ld you! L-l-lam him -again!” - -The big fellow hesitated, with a surprised expression on his face. -Evidently concluding that an accident had happened, he rushed at Billy -with a shout. - -“Here’s where you get yours, smart alec!” - -Billy Mac did not seem at all disturbed over the prospect. He waited -the rush quietly, and, as the big fellow drove in another blow, Billy -caught the arm. He turned, jerked the other’s wrist over his shoulder, -and Bully flew over him into the dust. This brought a shout of applause -from the spectators. - -It was a simple jujutsu trick. Billy Mac had not learned it very -adroitly, but he had learned it well enough to spill his adversary head -over heels. Bully was unhurt, and was up instantly, brushing at his gay -attire. - -“Got some luck, ain’t you!” he sneered furiously. - -“Better not try my luck again,” said Billy Mac, with a laugh. - -Chub Newton let out a shrill yell. - -“L-l-look at the l-l-loud guy now! Yah! Why don’t you cl-l-laim you -stubbed your toe, Bul-l-ly Carson?” - -Merriwell started. Could it be possible that this fellow was the son of -Colonel Carson, of whom Billy Mac had spoken--the baseball player? Yes, -he placed the chap now. The features and voice were not unlike those of -Colonel Carson. - -However, he had no time to conjecture further. Bully went at Billy -Mac with a second rush, this time exercising more caution. McQuade -had to depend entirely on his quickness, and proved that it was quite -dependable. - -He slipped aside, raising a cloud of dust as he did so, and tried to -trip his opponent. Bully staggered and lost his balance, and, as his -arm flew out wide, Billy Mac stepped in and his fist went out. - -Again there came a sharp crack as the blow landed. The big fellow, -struck fairly on the angle of the jaw below the ear, shivered, and then -went reeling across the street. He pulled up at the fence, clinging to -it desperately. - -“Yah! He’s scared out!” cried Chub. - -So, indeed, it seemed. The blow had not been hard enough to knock him -out, yet he made no offer to return to the fight. Instead, he raised -his fist and shook it menacingly. - -“You’ll suffer for this!” he exclaimed. “You wait till I see dad!” - -“Yah!” shrilled Chub Newton, dancing wildly. “Go put a muffl-l-ler on -your new cl-l-lothes, Bully Carson!” - -Bully moved off, evidently sick of the encounter. Since it was plainly -over, the spectators drifted away, and Chub Newton thanked his rescuer. -Billy Mac introduced him to Frank Merriwell, junior, but seemed to have -little delight in his victory. - -“Now I am in for it, and no mistake!” he exclaimed, looking after the -big fellow. - -“Why?” - -“Didn’t you notice the resemblance?” - -“Well, yes. And I heard Chub call him Bully Carson----” - -“Yes, that’s his usual nickname. He is Colonel Carson’s son, Chip. And -I guess you can see that I’ve done a pretty bad morning’s work for the -McQuade family.” - - - - -CHAPTER IV. COLONEL CARSON’S REVENGE. - - -“I’m awful-l-ly gl-l-lad to meet you! Bil-l-ly’s tol-l-ld me a l-l-lot -about Chip Merriwel-l-l!” - -“We seem to have come along just right,” said Merry, shaking hands with -Chub. “But we’d better get home, Billy Mac. We seem to attract a good -deal of attention in these running togs.” - -Billy Mac nodded. - -“Sure. You’d better come with me, Chub. We’ll go down to the swimming -hole near the house and have a plunge.” - -Chub looked disappointed. - -“I’m sorry, fel-l-lows, but I can’t. I’m workin’ at the grocery, you -know, and I got to get orders this morning. I’l-l-l see you l-l-later, -though.” - -“You come down to the swimming hole,” offered Billy quickly, “and I’ll -help you make up for lost time by covering this street and taking -orders.” - -“Wil-l-l you, honest!” cried Chub! “Oh, hurray! Watch me go!” - -“Well, chase along to the river, then. We’ll get our duds and be right -down.” - -Chub went capering off at full speed, while Chip and Billy trotted off -to the McQuade home. - -Here they secured their clothes and towels, saying nothing to Mrs. -McQuade of what had happened that morning. Billy was full of fears, -but he forced them down in her presence. He did not want to worry his -mother unnecessarily. - -When they left the house to get to the river, they passed a corner of -the orchard. It was bright with blossoms, whose scent came sweetly on -the breeze, and Billy jerked his head toward the gnarled trees. - -“I’d hate to see those trees piling up an income for Colonel Carson, -Merry.” - -Chip Merriwell nodded in comprehension. - -“It would be hard, old chap. But that’s exactly what they’re doing, -right now, since you’ll have to pay the loan a second time. Even that -will be better than letting the place fall into his hands.” - -“Can’t help it,” and Billy shook his head gloomily. “The mortgage is -overdue, and he could foreclose any time he wanted to, you see. He’s -going to be sore as blazes over what happened this morning, too.” - -“He doesn’t seem to be very fair-minded, for a fact,” agreed Merry. -“But it’s a bad plan to worry over what hasn’t happened, Billy. Just -forget about financial troubles, and enjoy your swim.” - -It would have been hard for the most hardened pessimist _not_ to have -enjoyed that plunge into the cool, quiet old river, whose waters were -backed up for half a mile by the dam below, forming an ideal swimming -pond. The warm air was fresh with the breath of fruit blossoms, for -Carsonville was in the fruit belt, and surrounded by orchards. - -After twenty minutes of vigorous exercise, the three friends pulled -themselves out on the grassy bank and enjoyed a sun bath. - -Somewhat to his surprise, Chip Merriwell found that Chub Newton was -older than he appeared, and was an expert swimmer. Also, he had no high -opinion of the autocrats of his native town. - -“I hope the Cl-l-lippers get l-l-lambasted good and proper this -year,” he announced pleasantly. “Bul-ly Carson has the worst case o’ -swel-l-led bean you ever saw!” - -“He looks like it,” said Chip, stretching out lazily. “Can he pitch?” - -Chub Newton snorted disgustedly, but Billy spoke up. - -“Sure he can pitch, Chip. Chub has a private grouch on, that’s all. -Bully isn’t any great favorite off the diamond, but he has the knack of -tossing the ball, all right.” - -“Yah!” sniffed Chub. “He’s got l-l-luck with him.” - -“That’s what he said about Billy,” said Merriwell. “What’s your private -grievance against the colonel’s son?” - -“Why, I wanted to pl-l-lay on the Cl-l-lippers,” bubbled the little -chap. Every time he struck the letter “l” his tongue seemed unwilling -to let go of it. “I tried out with ’em and made good. Then a bunch o’ -city fel-l-lers come out here and got jobs whil-le they pl-l-layed -bal-l-l. They done me, al-l-l right, and three or four other -fel-l-lers, too. I was too short to pl-l-lay third, and one o’ them -guys was a swel-l-l shortstop. That l-let me out. L-l-lot o’ folks -think that Colonel Carson ought to ’a’ favored home pl-l-layers.” - -“I don’t know about that,” said Merry thoughtfully. “Of course, -sentiment can’t enter into ball games that way, Chub. If the odds were -about even, though, he might have done so, I should think. Those city -chaps aren’t ringers, are they?” - -“No, I guess not,” spoke up Billy. “I don’t think that even Colonel -Carson would try that game, Chip. He made quite a bit of bad feeling -among the young fellows here, just the same.” - -“Time we were gettin’ dressed,” observed Chub uneasily. “I hate to go, -but those orders have to be in before noon.” - -The three took a last plunge into the cool water, had a quick rub down, -and dressed. Then Chub and Billy Mac departed to take a short cut -back to town along the river banks, while Merry returned to the house -in order to write a letter to his father. On the way, however, he -reconsidered. - -“I think I’ll let it wait till to-night,” he reflected. “I’ll have a -talk with Mrs. McQuade first, if I can work it, and see how the idea -strikes her.” - -As he passed the corner of the orchard, and came to the garden patch -that stretched below the house, he paused suddenly. A sound of vehement -talking drifted down to him, and he recognized the deep voice, with a -thrill of alarm. - -The next moment he made out a horse and buggy standing in front of -the house, in the drive. An exclamation of dismay burst from him, for -he recognized it at once as the same which he had encountered at the -horseshoe bend that morning. - -“It isn’t possible!” he murmured. “Colonel Carson wouldn’t try such a -trick!” - -He approached the house, and, as he did so, his alarm increased. There -was no doubt that the autocrat of Carsonville was present, and that -he was extremely angry. As Merriwell sprang to the wide veranda, he -clearly heard the vibrant tones. - -“Yes, that graceless son of yours publicly assaulted my boy in the -streets, not half an hour ago, Mrs. McQuade. It’s the last straw, I -tell you! First he tries to frighten my horse, then he assaults my son. -If it hadn’t been for the spectators, he might have killed the poor -fellow. Now, you’ve either got to pay that mortgage or move out.” - -Merry chuckled at this version of the incident. Then his face became -serious. - -“Billy is a good son,” faltered the voice of Mrs. McQuade. “I’m sure -there’s some mistake, Colonel Carson. He’s going to start to work -Monday at the store, and we hope to pay you that loan before long.” - -“You’ll pay up inside of five days,” stormed the angry man. “I’m sick -of this fool way of conductin’ business, mind my words! You’ve got till -Monday mornin’, then out you go, if you don’t settle.” - -Merriwell stepped to the door, his eyes snapping. Colonel Carson stood -inside, and Mrs. McQuade was helplessly facing him. - -“I think you’ve made a mistake, sir,” said Chip quietly. Carson swung -around. “I was present at the encounter in the street, and I assure you -that your son was in no danger. Billy hit him twice, and he lost his -nerve and started for home.” - -Colonel Carson’s face purpled with fury. - -“So you admit it, hey?” he roared. “You can be mighty thankful, young -man, if I don’t have both o’ you arrested for this business! Nice -goings on, this is!” - -“I guess you won’t do any arresting in a hurry,” said Chip calmly. “It -wouldn’t make a very nice story to get out about your son. The ‘poor -fellow,’ as you call him, was brutally beating little Chub Newton, and -Billy stepped in to prevent it, that’s all. If there’s any arresting to -be done, it might be the other way around, for your son assaulted Billy -first.” - -Mrs. McQuade gave Merriwell a grateful glance. Colonel Carson sputtered. - -“That’s a lie!” he broke out. - -Chip’s eyes flashed. - -“I think we’ve had enough of your brand of politeness,” he said -quickly. “You have given Mrs. McQuade until next Monday to pay you, and -that settles your business in this house, Colonel Carson.” - -“What’s that to you?” shouted the enraged autocrat. “You ain’t got any -right here neither----” - -“I think you had better go, Colonel Carson,” and Mrs. McQuade gestured -toward the door, with quiet dignity. “I have no legal proof of the -mortgage having been paid, although the fact is morally certain. If we -are not able to pay you before Monday, we cannot resist eviction, of -course.” - -“Fine chance you have of raising two thousand dollars by then!” sneered -Colonel Carson, grasping his hat. “I’ll be around at eight o’clock -Monday morning, so you’d better be packed up.” - -And with that he left, still muttering threats. - -“I’m sorry about this, Mrs. McQuade,” said Merriwell. “But don’t give -up hope yet. Billy told me about the matter after we met Colonel Carson -this morning.” - -“It’s hard to keep up heart,” and the good woman looked out the door, -her face strained and hopeless. “You see, we are positive that Mr. -McQuade paid off that loan long ago, but we have no proof that would -stand in law. It seems hard that such a man as Colonel Carson should -drive us out!” - -“He’s not done it yet,” responded Chip cheerfully. “I never knew -chicanery to get a man anything lasting, Mrs. McQuade. It may seem to -win out, but there are other things more important than money, you -know.” - -“You’re a good comfort, Mr. Merriwell,” and she gave him a smile, as -she dabbed at her eyes with her apron. “Well, I’ll have to see about -those cookies----” - -And she went to the kitchen, leaving Chip in a thoughtful mood. When -Billy returned half an hour later, he was wrathful at hearing of the -colonel’s ultimatum, but could see no hope ahead. During luncheon, -however, Merry made a proposition. - -“If I could get a thousand dollars to add to your thousand, Mrs. -McQuade, would you let me lend it to you? You could pay me interest, -of course, and give me a mortgage to that amount, if you liked, as -security.” - -This proposal was argued pro and con., but Chip had made it in such a -way that it was a straight business proposition, and in the end Mrs. -McQuade assented, providing that Merriwell could get the money. - -So that night Chip wrote his father at Bloomfield. He related the -situation at Carsonville, told what had happened that day, and stated -that since he felt responsible in some measure, he would like to borrow -a thousand dollars from his father in order to help out the McQuades. -It never occurred to him that his father might refuse the loan. - - - - -CHAPTER V. THE VILLAGE GREEN. - - -“When are them guys coming?” - -“They’ll be along pretty quick, Bully. I hear there ain’t any game -Saturday?” - -“No. There’s been a flood down the valley, and them Greenville scrubs -wired that they wouldn’t be up. They’re all helpin’ flood sufferers. -Think o’ lettin’ a little thing like that interfere with our schedule!” - -Bully Carson grunted sarcastically. It was evident that he had little -use for flood sufferers. - -“Come on, Bully, let’s get a little practice right here,” suggested -one of the half dozen fellows standing around in baseball uniforms. -“Bunting practice.” - -“Might’s well, while we’re waiting, I suppose,” assented Carson. - -They were waiting by the schoolhouse, lolling about the village green, -and waiting for the remainder of the Clippers to show up for the -morning work-out. Off at one side stood a group of young fellows who -were watching proceedings with scowling faces. - -Bully Carson and “Squint” Fletcher, who covered home plate for the -Clippers, stepped out and began to plunk a ball back and forth. -Hendrix, the shortstop, seized a bat and began to bunt. - -At this juncture; Frank Merriwell, junior, accompanied by Billy Mac, -strolled up. They had been having a work-out of their own down by the -river, and Billy carried his catcher’s mitt. They paused not far from -the group of discontented-looking chaps, who nodded to Billy. Merriwell -was introduced, and all watched the Clippers at work. - -It was the morning after Colonel Carson’s ultimatum had been delivered. -From the comments which were passed, Chip decided that the young -fellows of Carsonville cherished a distinct feeling of dislike for the -colonel’s son, who was captain of the Clippers. - -“Bully gives me a pain,” declared one of the group, Bud Bradley. He -proceeded to narrate Carson’s comment on the action of the Greenville -club. - -“That doesn’t sound extra well,” commented Merry. “It’d be more to the -point if the Clippers would pile down to Greenville and help out the -flood sufferers.” - -“No chance of that,” exclaimed Dan McCarthy, a lanky village youth. -“Nobody ever heard o’ Bully Carson helpin’ any one, nor his dad -neither.” - -“Howdy, fel-l-lers,” piped Chub Newton, as he joined the group. “Any -one want to order groceries this morning? I hear there’s no game -Saturday.” - -“Open date,” returned Billy. “Too late now to rearrange things, too.” - -“Look at that second baseman drop them!” growled Jim Spaulding. - -“And talkin’ about bushers, watch that feller who tries to play first,” -added McCarthy. - -“Yah!” jeered Chub Newton, prodding Bud Bradley in the ribs and dancing -away. “You fel-l-lers are jeal-l-lous, that’s what! You’re sore because -you aren’t inside of those uniforms.” - -“And who wouldn’t be sore?” said Bradley hotly. “When that fellow -Carson blacklists his own townfolks, and drags in city players, it’s -enough to make any one hot!” - -“’Tisn’t as if we wasn’t good ball players, either,” added McCarthy. -“Bully knows he couldn’t show off around us, that’s all. He wants to be -captain, and he’d stand a fine chance of us electin’ him!” - -Merriwell moved off a few steps, watching the Clippers. The foregoing -remarks had indicated clearly the position of things in the town. The -group of disgruntled natives comprised several of those who, like Billy -Mac, had been ousted from the Clippers by the imported amateurs. - -It was not hard to understand the reason for this, and Merry found -himself in sympathy with the feeling. Knowing what he did of Bully -Carson, he thought it highly probable that the captain of the Clippers -doubted his ability to hold that position among the young fellows who -had grown up with him. - -It was much easier to impress a crowd of chaps who worked for his -father. They would be very likely to toady to him, and allow him to -lead them. This was plainly the sort of thing that Carson loved. - -“Just the same,” remarked Chip to Billy, who stood beside him, “I don’t -think your friends give him full credit, old man. He looks like a good -pitcher, and those other chaps know their business.” - -“You’d show him up in two jerks, Chip,” declared Billy stoutly. Merry -smiled, but did not reply. - -Carson had noted the arrival of the two friends, for more than once he -looked blackly at the group, and passed remarks to his companions that -drew their eyes also. They grinned at his words as if they formed great -strokes of humor. - -Merry saw at once, however, that Carson knew his business. So did the -rest of the Clippers. They had spread out over the green, and handled -the bunts in fine shape, moving in perfect harmony and whipping over -the ball with precision. - -Their captain and star pitcher might have a bad case of “swelled head,” -but he showed that when it came to pitching, he was right there. As a -group of girls passed on the other side of the street, he proceeded to -cut loose. - -And Merry admitted to himself that Bully Carson was a pitcher. He had -speed and good control, while his curves broke sharply. - -“Aw, cut out the comedy, cap,” growled his catcher, Squint Fletcher. -“This ain’t no stage performance!” - -Carson scowled, but kept silent. Perhaps he had already discovered that -his husky backstop had little desire to truckle to him. - -“Say, I got an idea!” chirruped Chub Newton shrilly. His voice lifted -across to the green, and it caused Bully Carson to throw a vicious -glance in the direction of the group. - -“Be careful of it,” grinned McCarthy. “You want to set on it an’ hold -it gently by the ears, Chub. Don’t push it too hard.” - -“You l-l-listen to me,” went on the little fellow eagerly. “We could -get a better team right here in town than those Cl-l-lippers! I’d -l-l-like to form another one, a cl-l-lub of our own, and l-l-lambaste -the spots out o’ them!” - -At this astounding proposal, the members of the group stared at each -other. Carson, who must have heard the words, looked blacker than ever, -but continued tossing the ball. - -“We couldn’t do it,” and Bud Bradley shook his head. “We’ve no money -for grounds or uniforms or things, and most of us have to keep close to -work.” - -“I’d like to show that second baseman up, just the same,” said -Spaulding. “But I guess there’s no chance, Chub.” - -“Why not?” spoke up Billy Mac hastily. “We’ve got uniforms of one kind -and another already, haven’t we? We don’t need grounds--we can practice -up and beat the Carsonville Clippers on their own grounds, fellows!” - -“Yah! That’s the stuff!” shrieked Chub, dancing excitedly. “Wouldn’t -that be a scream, though! A bunch of us l-l-lambastin’ the town -cl-l-lub! Wow!” - -It was plain that Chub’s proposition appealed strongly to most of those -present, but the difficulties seemed insurmountable. - -“It’d take down Colonel Carson a heap,” muttered McCarthy. “I’d do a -good deal to pay him back fer the way he gobbled our pasture lots, when -his cussed mortgage come due!” - -“Look here,” exclaimed Billy Mac, with eagerness. “It isn’t near so bad -as it looks, honest! We got pretty near a full infield right here in -this crowd. We could get to work and practice off days till the ball -season gets going, then light into that bunch right.” - -“Sounds good,” admitted Spaulding. “But it won’t work, Billy. Those -fellows are sluggers from Sluggville. We’d have to have a crackajack -pitcher to hold ’em down. And you know as well as I do that we’d have a -hard job hitting Carson.” - -“That’s all right,” retorted Billy Mac. “Mebbe we could get Chip -Merriwell, here, to come down from Fardale and pitch!” - -At this proposal, every eye went to Merry. McQuade’s eager seconding -sent Chub into spasms of delight. - -“Yah!” he piped shrilly. “Put Chip in the box, and watch him l-l-lam -Carson! See him cl-l-lip the Cl-l-lippers! Yah!” - -“What do you think of the plan, Merriwell?” inquired Bud Bradley -doubtfully. “Would you be willing to come over and pitch?” - -Merry nodded. Before he could speak, however, his eye was caught by a -sudden movement on the part of Carson’s team. - -Three or four members had just arrived. Bully Carson, who must have -heard the eager cries of Chub Newton, had immediately ceased practice. -He had gathered the Clippers around him, and appeared to be talking -vigorously, though his words were lost. - -“You’d better put on the soft pedal, Chub,” advised Merry. “Seems to me -that Bully has it in for you and Billy Mac.” - -“Let him come!” sniffed Billy. “But what do you think about the idea, -Chip?” - -The group closed in about Merriwell, every member anxious for his -opinion, as Billy had more than once described the diamond wizard’s -prowess to his home friends. - -Merry hesitated, as he glanced around the faces. It did not appear -likely that the Clippers could be easily trounced, and, besides this, -he did not like to appear to be stirring up ill feeling. - -He knew that there was a strong current of dislike against the Carson -methods. At the same time, Colonel Carson controlled the town, and -could possibly make it hot for those who opposed his son. Merry -hesitated to give advice, under the circumstances, but finally nodded. - -“Yes, I think the idea’s a good one, if you don’t carry your antagonism -to extremes. As to coming over and pitching for you, I can’t promise -definitely. I’d be glad to do it, of course, if things shape themselves -right.” - -“Hurray!” went up a general shout of delight, and Billy Mac patted his -friend on the back, until Merry almost choked. - -“Hurray for you, Chip! I knew you wouldn’t go back on us!” he cried. - -“By gum, we’ll have the first practice this afternoon!” exclaimed -McCarthy, in high excitement. “Chub can get off o’ the store, I reckon, -and we’ll go down to the river an’ start things! Jim, can we get enough -fellers together?” - -“I guess so,” assented Spaulding, with a nod. “Merriwell might be able -to give us some good advice, and he could get a line on our work.” - -He was interrupted by a sudden cry from Chub Newton. - -“Hey! L-l-look out, fel-l-lers! Here they come!” - -Merry and the others turned quickly. Bearing down upon them was Bully -Carson, a bat in his hand, and crowding around him were the members of -the Clippers. One and all looked ugly in the extreme. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. A CHALLENGE. - - -As the Clippers approached, there was no sign of giving way in the -ground around Merriwell. The Carsonville boys were not equal in -numbers, but they were plainly anxious enough for battle. Carson paused -a few yards distant. - -“Well, what do you want?” snapped Merry. - -“We’re goin’ to run you out o’ town, see?” retorted Squint Fletcher, -his cross eyes glaring savagely. “You’re here tryin’ to stir up trouble -against us, eh? Well, you don’t get no chance.” - -“I think you’re misinformed,” returned Chip quietly. “No one’s stirring -up a fuss except you.” - -“Oh, is that so?” Bully Carson pushed forward aggressively, clutching -his bat. “I suppose you didn’t try to kill dad yesterday, hey? I -suppose you didn’t set Billy Mac on me, hey?” - -“You’re doing a lot of supposing,” said Merry dryly. “Your thinking -apparatus needs oiling, Bully. Try a cigarette. It may straighten out -things.” - -Merriwell’s calm demeanor, and the resolute air of the group around -him, rather cooled the ardor of the Clippers. It only angered Carson -and Fletcher the more, however. - -“So you’re the famous Chip Merriwell, hey?” spluttered Squint, shoving -his undershot chin forward. “I guess we’ve heard enough slush out o’ -you and the rest o’ this gang. Let’s beat ’em up proper, fellers!” - -“Yah!” chirruped Chub, dancing on the outskirts of the crowd. “Try it! -Ask Bul-l-ly where he got that bump on his chin. Ask him!” - -This sally scored, for Billy Mac’s fist had left unmistakable marks on -the heavy countenance of the captain of the Clippers. - -“You’ll get yours, you little runt!” foamed the angry Carson, -brandishing his bat at Chub. “We’ll make you pretty sick of lettin’ off -your jaw around here!” - -“Well, you’re a mighty slow bunch to git started,” observed the lanky, -bronzed McCarthy, who worked in the orchards, and looked it. He spat on -his hands. “I allus did want to paste them lamps of yours, Squint.” - -“You’ll get your wish, all right,” added Bud Bradley, shoving forward -belligerently. “Let’s take Carson down and throw him in the river, -fellows!” - -This proposal was greeted with high delight on the part of the town -group. The Clippers began to move forward, and Merriwell saw that a -conflict was imminent. - -“You’d better go slow,” he advised the Carson crowd. “We’re not forcing -any battle, remember. Keep back there, Bradley. If they start it, let -them take the consequences.” - -“We’ve got ’em scared already,” jeered Squint Fletcher. “Leave that -Merriwell kid to me. I’ll handle him!” - -“Yes, you won’t!” piped up Chub Newton. “Yah! L-l-lambaste ’em, -Bil-l-ly!” - -Chub’s shrill cry was the last straw. Carson emitted a furious roar and -raised his bat, while his team began crowding forward. The group around -Merry closed in compactly, and it looked as if there would surely be a -fight. - -At that instant, however, a brawny man shoved in between the two -parties. Squint Fletcher was just aiming a blow, and the man seized him -by the shoulders and flung him back, sending him into Carson with a -thump. - -“That’s enough o’ this!” roared the town constable, for the man was no -other. “I been keepin’ my eye on you, Fletcher. Clear out o’ here, the -bunch of you.” - -“What right have you got to interfere?” cried Carson angrily. “I’ll -have my father----” - -“You shut up, or I’ll pinch you!” exclaimed the constable hotly. “I -don’t care for either you or your dad. I’m constable o’ this town. Git -out, now, and do it lively, or I’ll run the lot o’ you in! Jump!” - -He pulled forth his club. Seeing that he meant business, Carson flung -a sullen look around, nodded to his gang, and they melted away. The -constable turned to Merry. - -“Much obliged,” said Chip, smiling. “We were afraid they meant trouble.” - -“So they did,” growled the constable. “You’d better let ’em simmer -down.” - -“We will,” said Billy. The group was just breaking up when Merriwell -halted them. - -“One minute, everybody. What do you say to getting a game with the -Clippers this Saturday? I believe it’s an open date; I can pitch, and -if you’re willing to work between now and then, we can give them a run -for their money!” - -“Whoop!” A yell of delight burst from every throat. - -“Bully for you!” cried Spaulding, grabbing Merry’s hand and pumping it. - -“No, us fer Bully!” said McCarthy. “You bet we will!” - -“Can you get a team together?” asked Chip. “If you can, meet at Billy’s -house to-night and talk things over.” - -“We can get everything but a first baseman,” said Bud Bradley, thinking -quickly. - -“Well, maybe I can take care of that,” said Merry. He remembered that -Owen Clancy was at Fardale, and his chum could be induced to come to -Carsonville. “So long, then. Billy and I will get the game, and we’ll -expect you right after supper. Bring all the fellows you can get, and -we’ll start practice work in the morning.” - -This sudden proposal had been simmering in Merriwell’s brain for some -moments. He knew that it would be hard for him to get away from Fardale -later in the season, and if these local players had any talent, there -might be a chance of defeating the Clippers at once. - -The group broke up. Merry and Billy set off together, while the others -spread the news through the town in great excitement. - -“We’ve undertaken a big contract, Billy. Let’s go up and see the -colonel now.” - -“I’m willing,” said Billy Mac. “But he’ll want to bet on the game, -Chip.” - -“He’ll--what?” - -McQuade explained hastily. It seemed that Colonel Carson was used to -plunging heavily on his own team, in common with a number of other men -who followed the Amateur League. Some large sums of money changed hands -as a result of the games. - -“If he only knew it,” exclaimed Merry, frowning, “that will hurt his -chance of ever buying into a big-league team. That sort of a man is not -wanted in baseball to-day. However, we’ll see if he’s willing to play -us.” - -The two friends wended their way to the large white house occupied -by Colonel Carson. They were met at the door by that gentleman, in -person, who did not ask them inside, but stiffly inquired their -business. - -Merriwell stated it, saying that he understood the Clippers had an open -date on Saturday, and that he would like to meet them with a pick-up -Carsonville team. The colonel tugged at his goatee suspiciously. - -“What’s your object?” he snapped. “Want to play for the gate receipts?” - -“Not at all,” said Chip. “We just want to play the Clippers off their -feet, and we intend to do it.” - -“Humph!” grunted the other. “Got a mighty good opinion of yourself, -hey?” His face cleared suddenly. “Mebbe you’d like to make a little -side bet, you or Billy?” - -“No, thanks,” returned Merriwell. “I don’t gamble, and I don’t think -Billy does.” - -“Well, look a-here,” went on Colonel Carson wheedlingly, addressing -Billy. “I know you’ve got some insurance money, McQuade. You put it up -on this game, and I’ll give you odds, two to one. How’s that? Ain’t -that fair?” - -“Fair enough,” grinned Billy Mac. “Only, I’m not in your class as a -gambler, colonel. No, we’re in this just to show up that club of yours, -and do it proper. That’ll satisfy us.” - -“But if you won,” persisted the other, taking no heed of the taunt, -“you’d have enough to pay off that mortgage, and some over!” - -Billy wavered, but only for an instant. - -“Nothing doing,” he declared firmly. “If you want to play us, we’ll -make your old team hump itself. If you’re scared of getting beaten, all -right. Just say so.” - -“What! The Clippers scared o’you!” Colonel Carson laughed scornfully -as he eyed the two. “Well, I guess not! It’s a go. The reg’lar umpires -will be here, anyway, so I guess we can use ’em?” - -“Certainly,” said Merriwell. “We may have the ball park for practice?” - -“Not much,” retorted Colonel Carson. “Get your own practice ground. -Mebbe you had a notion I’d lend you uniforms!” - -“No, we’d hate to play in Clipper uniforms,” returned Merry gravely. - -Colonel Carson was not quite sure how to take that remark, so he let it -pass. - -“Too bad you’re scared to bet on yourself,” he said cuttingly. “Got any -battery picked out yet?” - -“We’ll be it,” said Billy, with a grin. “Merriwell pitches for Fardale, -you know.” - -“Humph! And you’ll do the ketchin’, hey? Well, I don’t wonder that you -fellers don’t want to bet, then!” - -Merry flushed a trifle. - -“You’re wrong, Colonel Carson. I don’t believe in betting on principle. -And especially where baseball is concerned. It’s an unhealthy element -to drag into the game, and the big baseball men have no use for a -gambler, any more than good business men have.” - -This speech caused Colonel Carson to flush. His hard-lined, unhealthy -face took on a most unpleasant aspect. - -“Oh, you think you’re smart!” he observed darkly. “Young man, I’ve not -forgotten what took place yesterday morning. You’re goin’ to regret it. -I intend to make you so sick of this town that you’ll never come back -to it.” - -“Thanks,” said Merry easily. “The town looks pretty good to me, -though--all except the name. Well, you haven’t said whether we’d get -that game or not.” - -“Of course you’ll get it,” said Colonel Carson. “We’ll run up such a -score on you that you’ll quit before the third inning.” - -“Thanks again,” and Merry chuckled. “Maybe you’ll change your mind -about that. Anyhow, we’ll make you hump.” - -“Humph!” grunted the colonel, as if to echo the last word. “Two-thirty -this Saturday. I’ll provide the umpires, and they’ll be our regular -league men.” - -“That suits me,” said Merry, and the two friends took their departure. - -Billy stated that there need be no worry about the umpiring, as that -end of the league was in good hands, and the umpires were excellent men. - -“That’ll help a whole lot, then,” said Merry. “To-day is Wednesday, -Billy. We will get started to-morrow morning. Two days of practice -looks pretty slim, but I guess we can pull through. Want to get out -with your mitt for signal work this afternoon?” - -“You bet!” cried Billy excitedly. “And I’ll catch you in a real -game--my eye!” - -“Let’s hope we don’t make exhibitions of ourselves,” said Merry. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. CHIP GETS A LETTER. - - -That evening, the McQuade homestead thrummed with eager voices. Six of -the best local players, carefully picked by McCarthy, had gathered. A -good many more had offered their services, but most of these had more -enthusiasm than baseball knowledge. - -“We sure need a first baseman,” exclaimed Spaulding. Merry smiled. - -“I wired my chum, Owen Clancy, this afternoon,” he explained. “He’s at -Fardale now, and has been out West. He’s just getting over a sprained -ankle, but I think he can cover first for us all right. Now, let’s get -down to business and map things out.” - -Billy Mac, of course, would be backstop. He had been practicing all -afternoon with Merry, and Chip had found that he could ask no better -partner. The lanky Dan McCarthy would cover third, and looked as if he -would do it efficiently. - -Jim Spaulding made a bid for the central sack. He was one of the town -players who had been ousted by Bully Carson, and was correspondingly -bitter against the Clippers. Chub Newton would take care of short. - -“We won’t be a cl-l-lassy-l-l-lookin’ bunch,” announced the little -fellow, as he inspected the ancient and tattered uniform he had -brought along, “but we’l-l-l be right there when it comes to bal-l-l -pl-l-laying!” - -“You bet!” chuckled McCarthy, eying his own faded green shirt and -baseball pants. “If I don’t bang out a two-bagger, I’ll quit tryin’ to -play ball, by gum!” - -The outfield would be taken care of by Moore, also an ex-Clipper; -Henderson, who had been a high-school star two years before, and a -tremendously built young chap named Nippen. This Nippen was almost a -giant in build, possessed of terrific strength, and apparently had the -general aspect and intelligence of a cow. - -He was the one member of the gathering who did not impress Merriwell as -being especially adapted for baseball. Billy, however, reassured his -friend in a whispered aside that Nippen would produce the goods. - -“He doesn’t look up to much, Chip, and he lumbers around like an -overgrown puppy. But when he lands on the ball, he kills it, and the -way he covers center field is something wonderful to watch. You wait!” - -So Merry smiled and waited. Every one present displayed inspiring -eagerness to work. There was one thing, however, which troubled -Merriwell. This was the ill feeling which they displayed. - -“You’ve got to watch that, fellows,” he said. “I noticed to-day that -you weren’t a bit anxious to avoid trouble. Now, if we start in to win -that game, it’s going to make the other crowd sore. They’ll try to get -us into a fight and break up things. I want you to promise me that -whatever they say or do, you’ll keep your heads and let the scrapping -wait till later. We can’t afford to get rattled, you know.” - -All save McCarthy recognized this fact and readily extended their -promise. The lanky third baseman held back, however. - -“If that feller Squint Fletcher gets gay, I’m goin’ to paste him,” he -declared stubbornly. “I won’t take any talk or any dirty work from him.” - -“All right,” said Merry quietly. “We’ll have to find another man to -cover third, I’m afraid. We can’t take any chances that way, fellows.” - -McCarthy was taken all aback by this. When he found that Merriwell was -in earnest, he scratched his head and reconsidered. - -“All right,” he said, “I’ll promise not to start anything like a scrap, -no matter what Squint does. But I’m goin’ to file my spikes, jest the -same. I reckon we’d better make Merriwell captain, fellers.” - -There was an instant shout of agreement. Chip held up his hand. - -“Hold on, everybody! I think that Billy Mac ought to be your captain. -I’m an outsider, and I’m only butting in here, anyhow----” - -“Not on your life!” yelled Billy. - -“Yeh! You’re it, Merriwell!” chirped Chub Newton. “I’l-l-l bank on you -every time! L-l-let’s make it unanimous, fel-l-lows!” - -Merry’s protests were voted down amid wild enthusiasm, and he was -elected captain of the pick-ups. Spaulding suggested that they call -themselves the Carsonville Clippings. - -“That’s it!” cried Chub. “The Cl-l-lippers and the Cl-l-lippings--wow! -Won’t Bul-l-ly Carson be mad, though!” - -The name was adopted with a yell of delight. The meeting was just -breaking up when there was a ring at the doorbell, and Billy returned -with a telegram for Chip. - -“It’s from Clancy,” cried Merry, tearing open the envelope. “Hello! -Listen to this, fellows!” - -And, holding up the message, he read as follows: - - Coming on the jump. Ankle fine. Bringing your uniform and some balls. - Arrive to-morrow noon via _Hornet_. - - OWEN CLANCY. - -“What’s the _Hornet_?” inquired Billy, in wonder. “There’s no noon -train in!” - -“That’s Clancy’s car,” laughed Merry. “It’s an old auto that he took -off the scrap heap and made into a racer, though it doesn’t look up to -much. He brought it with him from the West.” - -“I’d like to put him up,” volunteered Spaulding. “We’ve got lots of -room at our place, and he’d be welcome to stay a month.” - -Billy protested, for he wanted Clancy as a guest himself, but Merriwell -knew that two guests would sorely tax good Mrs. McQuade’s resources, so -he accepted Spaulding’s offer gratefully. The meeting broke up with the -first practice set for the following morning, Chub Newton stating that -he would get off work easily enough, as his employer had no love for -the Carsons. - -Merriwell rather expected that he would get a letter from his father in -the morning’s mail, but none came. Though he said nothing of it, this -worried him slightly. He had explained to Billy that he had written his -father, asking for the thousand dollars, and he began to wonder if his -letter had miscarried. - -He soon forgot his worry, when the Clippings assembled on an old -diamond used by the high school. It was in a meadow beside the river. -Three or four old balls were produced, and Merry at once set to work to -get an idea of what his team could do. - -The results were both encouraging and discouraging. The diamond was -rough and uncared for, so that the infield had a tough time judging -balls, but the base throws were excellent, and they showed good form. - -Merry handed up slow ones, and the batting practice proved that in -this quarter his team was lamentably weak. Chub Newton would bite at -anything. McCarthy faced the plate wickedly, but his eye was poor on -slow ones, and it was said that Bully Carson did his best work with a -fadeaway ball. - -Spaulding proved to be a fair batsman, while Nippen landed on Merry’s -first ball and knocked it into the middle of the river. Henderson and -Moore did poorly, and, although the three outfielders showed up better -on gathering in high ones, Merry was not greatly encouraged when he and -Billy went home for lunch. - -“We’ve got a tough nut to crack here, old man,” he remarked soberly. -“Can the Clippers hit pretty well?” - -“That’s their strong suit,” gloomily returned Billy Mac. “They get a -pitcher going, and it’s all off with him. They’re pretty ragged when it -comes to headwork, but they give Carson mighty good support. Yes, they -can certainly hit. Squint Fletcher leads the league.” - -“Slugging doesn’t always mean hitting,” said Merry cheerfully. “Brace -up, old man! We’ve a day and a half for practice, and we’re going to -improve a whole lot.” - -“We’ll need to,” muttered Billy. He halted suddenly, staring up at the -house just ahead of them. “Hello! There’s a machine standing out in -front!” - -“Clancy must have come ahead of time!” cried Merry. - -The two burst into a run. Reaching the veranda, they found a red-haired -young fellow seated in a rocker. He was talking with Mrs. McQuade. At -sight of Merriwell, he leaped up and vaulted the railing. - -“Hello, Chip!” he cried, wringing Merry’s hand. “Wow! I’m glad to see -you!” - -“Same here,” returned Chip. “I see you’ve already met Mrs. McQuade, eh?” - -“We’re old friends by this time,” said Clancy. “Hello, Billy! I haven’t -seen you since last fall. How’s everything?” - -“Pretty good,” stated Billy, forgetting his troubles for the moment. -“When do we get some eats, mother?” - -“Lunch is all ready,” said Mrs. McQuade, who had taken a fancy to the -red-haired chap already. “Do you want to bring your stuff inside, Mr. -Clancy?” - -Merriwell hastily explained that Clan was going to stop with Jim -Spaulding, and they turned to examine the load heaped in the vacant -seat of the machine. - -This was composed of two Fardale uniforms, together with a catcher’s -mitt, protector, and mask, and a half dozen balls. On these Billy -pounced with delight. - -“Wait till this afternoon, Chip! We couldn’t do much with those old -balls this morning, but we’ll show you something this afternoon! Say, -this looks pretty good to me.” - -“Something to eat would look pretty good to _me_,” said Clancy. “I’ve -been hitting the high places ever since early this morning. Say, it -certainly did feel good to go out and have your mother pump water over -me, Billy. Reminded me of days on the farm.” - -The three settled down about the table, and Merry at once launched into -a description of events at Carsonville. Billy and his mother never -tired of watching the bronzed young fellow, who had been regaling Mrs. -McQuade with tales of his adventures in Arizona, and Clancy polished -off the good things before him with astonishing rapidity. - -“It listens good to me,” he commented, with a sigh, when, at length, he -could stow no more away. “I hear at Fardale that Billy has developed -into quite a backstop, eh?” - -“Sure,” said Merry. “He’s a wonder, and no mistake, Clan.” - -“Oh, my eye!” sniffed Billy. “Just because I happen to hold on to your -double shoots, you needn’t raise my modesty like that!” - -“It isn’t every one who can hang on to them,” said Clancy. “Oh, by the -way, Chip, I came mighty near forgetting! Your father was at Fardale -yesterday on a flying visit.” - -And he began to dig excitedly at his pocket, finally extricating an -envelope which he handed to Merry. - -“Your father asked me to give this to you. He said it would get to you -quicker than if he mailed it.” - -Merriwell nodded. With a word of apology to Mrs. McQuade, he tore open -the envelope, half expecting to see an inclosure. None fell out. He ran -his eye quickly over the letter, and his cheeks paled a trifle, then he -refolded it, and put it in his pocket. - -Five minutes later he stood on the veranda with Billy. Clancy was down -in the drive explaining the hidden beauty of his car to Mrs. McQuade. - -“What’s the trouble, Chip? Wouldn’t he let you have the coin?” asked -Billy. - -“I’m sorry, old man,” and Merriwell bit his lip. “He didn’t think it -wise.” - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. GETTING DOWN TO WORK. - - -Merriwell drew out the letter and sank into a chair. While Billy -listened, he read over that portion of the letter referring to the -request for a loan. Chip read as follows: - - “I sympathize very deeply with both Billy and his mother, Frank, and - I would be glad to have you read this to Billy, and assure him of my - best regards and wishes. As to lending you the money, however, I do - not think that this would be wise, for several reasons. - - “The first and most important is that it seems to me to be a poor - way in which to checkmate a scoundrel like this Colonel Carson. I - have made inquiries about him, and find that he had a reputation as - a plunger on ball games, and is wrapped up in the success of his own - team. - - “I think you have done well in raising a team to defeat the Clippers, - as intimated in your wire to Clancy. I was going to suggest that very - thing. If you and Billy can beat his club, it would be an ideal way - in which to punish him. I only wish that more of the Fardale boys - were here, so that they could come down and help, but vacation has - scattered them.” - -“That’s all very well,” interrupted Billy mournfully, “but licking the -Clippers isn’t going to save this house for mother, Chip. I wish--I -wish we’d taken a chance on it, and taken up that bet he offered!” - -“No, you don’t,” exclaimed Merriwell. “Hold on, Billy. I haven’t -finished yet.” - - “Go ahead and whip Carson’s team, Frank. You and Billy and Clancy can - do it if you try, and remember that I’ve every faith in all of you. - Do it, and I will see that Billy and his mother do not lose the roof - over their heads. - - Your loving father, - FRANK MERRIWELL, SENIOR.” - -Merry looked up to meet his friend’s startled gaze. - -“What does he mean by that, Chip?” - -“Search me,” said Merry, as he stowed away the letter. “But you can be -sure that father means something, all right.” - -“I guess he does,” rejoined Billy, new hope dawning in his eyes. “My -eyes! It’s a promise, Chip! I’ll bet he means that if we beat the -Clippers he’ll lend you the coin!” - -“No,” and young Merriwell shook his head decidedly. “He doesn’t think -it a good plan, old man, and that ends it. Father doesn’t have to say a -thing twice. Yes, it’s a promise, I imagine. I’ve no idea what he means -by it, of course, but he has some kind of plan up his sleeve. You quit -worrying.” - -“I’ll try,” said Billy, with a sigh. “But I wish he’d said something a -little more definite than that.” - -“So do I, Billy,” confessed Merry. “He didn’t, so there’s no use -wondering. I’m not going to say anything to Clan about this business, -so now let’s go around to Jim’s house with him, then we’ll get out to -the ball field again.” - -Merriwell decided that the McQuades’ trouble was a personal affair. He -had entered into it largely through accident, and he did not consider -it a matter to share even with Clancy. So all three of the friends -piled into the _Hornet_, Billy standing on the running board, and they -made a triumphal progress to the Spaulding residence. - -Despite his unbounded confidence in his father, Chip could not help -feeling disappointed over that letter. However, the definite promise at -the end served to relieve his anxiety, to some extent, but he could see -no light upon the subject. How could his father prevent Colonel Carson -from carrying out his threats? - -As he obtained no answer to this mental query, Merriwell tried to -forget the whole thing, and trust that his father knew best. But it was -no easy matter. - -That afternoon they met the other Clippings on the village green, -going from there to their practice ground. Chub Newton had been given -a vacation until Saturday night, and his employer had promised that if -the Clippers were beaten, Chub would get full pay. - -In fact, the entire town was already plunged into excitement over the -sudden contest. Public disapproval of Bully Carson had long simmered -beneath the surface, kept under cover by the influence and general fear -of Colonel Carson. - -It was not yet daring enough to show itself openly, but it peeped forth -in minor ways. Every one knew that Billy McQuade, prompted by his guest -from Fardale, Chip Merriwell, had dared to defy Colonel Carson. Also, -that half a dozen of the town’s best local baseball talent had joined -the two friends. - -Consequently, the grocer’s son, who was taking Chub Newton’s place -behind the counter temporarily, ran out with a bag of apples and -deposited them mysteriously on the ground by the astonished Clippings. -A little later, as they passed the one ice-cream parlor in the place, -the proprietor appeared suddenly and thrust a paper bucket of ice cream -into Spaulding’s hand, then vanished without a word. - -By such tokens as these, Frank and his friends soon discovered that -they were not without secret good wishers, though none of the latter -dared come into the open. - -“Talk about a scared town!” laughed Clancy, munching an apple -vigorously. “Looks like your friend Carson had this place buffaloed for -sure, Chip!” - -“Well, there’s good reason for it,” explained Spaulding. “The colonel -owns the bank here, and pretty near half the farms and orchards around. -If he said to smash a merchant, that merchant would be apt to smash. I -know, because he’s done it before this, and he’d do it again.” - -“It’s a pretty poor kind of influence to hold over people,” declared -Frank. “I’d hate to walk down the street and know that nine out of ten -people hated me in their hearts.” - -“The colonel doesn’t know it. He’s got too much vanity. And he wouldn’t -care very much if he did realize it, I guess.” - -“Somebody ought to l-l-lam him good,” piped Chub. “I’d l-l-like to see -him run out of town!” - -“Maybe you will some day,” growled McCarthy ominously. - -“Don’t forget your promise,” said Frank, in a low voice. - -“No danger o’ that, Merriwell. I filed them spikes o’ mine, though.” - -“See here, Dan, I don’t want to have any of that work----” - -“I ain’t goin’ to start anythin’, I said,” broke in the lanky youth -doggedly. “And I won’t. But I ain’t goin’ to let trouble hit me over -the ear, you bet. I’ll be jest as meek as a lamb until they try dirty -work on me, only I want to be ready.” - -Frank nodded. After all, he did not greatly blame McCarthy for -distrusting the caliber of Squint Fletcher, or, for that matter, the -rest of the Carsonville club. He did not believe in fighting fire with -fire, but he saw that it would be useless to try argument with Dan -McCarthy. - -So he let the matter drop, confident that the lanky third baseman would -not be the first to start any “dirty work.” The general sentiment of -the Clippings was that the Clippers would not stop at anything to win, -but that the umpiring would be fair. - -“I want you to help me out, Clan,” said Frank, as he walked along -beside his old chum. “These chaps are just aching for a good chance -to start a scrap with the other team. They’ve all promised me that -they’d go slow during the game, but I want you to get after ’em during -practice.” - -“In what way, Chip?” - -“By showing them how necessary it is that they keep their heads. That’s -our only hope. If our boys get rattled, the Clippers will walk away -with us. Impress on them, Clan, that, no matter what provocation they -get, they have to keep quiet while the game is on. What happens later -doesn’t concern me.” - -Clancy grinned. “All right. Count on me, Chip.” - -Upon reaching the practice grounds, Merry at once sent the men to their -positions. He took the bat, and for half an hour gave the entire team a -driving practice work-out. The new white balls seemed, oddly enough, to -put new heart into his team. - -It showed them that Frank and Clancy meant business. It was a little -thing, but it is just such little things that count tremendously. The -red-haired chap covered first like a demon, scooping up everything that -came his way. His example fired the others. - -As Billy had foretold, the Clippings seemed like a different set of -players. They went after the ball with a vim. Spaulding, Chub, and -McCarthy tackled anything, and managed to smother the stiffest ones -Frank drove at them. - -In the outfield, the marvelous fielding of Nippen astonished Merriwell. -The gigantic, overgrown fruit picker, in his lumbering fashion, fairly -ate up the ground. When he went after a high one, he seemed never to -know where it would fall, but when it came down, it invariably plunked -into his mitt. He had no science, but he seemed to have luck. - -“How do they strike you?” inquired Merry, as he and Clan conferred -during a brief rest. - -“Pretty promising bunch, Chip. But when they get up against those -Clippers, it’ll be a whole lot different. Those fellows can do in their -sleep what this crowd has to break their necks over.” - -“That’s true, but, just the same, they’ll improve a lot by Saturday.” - -Clancy shook his head doubtfully. It was clear that he was not greatly -impressed by the Clippings. - -The batting practice that followed served to back up Clancy’s opinions. -Calling in the outfielders, Frank kept putting over nothing but outs -and ins and straight fast ones, yet the batters could not seem to -connect. - -His coaching helped them a good deal, but nothing wonderful resulted. -Nippen seemed to have spent all his energy on the one ball he had -struck that morning. Chub Newton could hit nothing. Henderson was -afraid to stand up to the plate, and Billy McQuade seemed to have lost -his batting eye. - -McCarthy, however, fell on the ball, and pounded it viciously until -Frank served him up slow floaters, when he failed lamentably. Then -Merry put Billy through his paces as backstop, using everything from -the double shoot to the jump ball; and the work-out was over. - -“It’s a bum lookout,” observed Billy, when they were walking together -past the orchard to the house. “We did pretty rotten at bat to-day.” - -“Oh, not so bad,” said Frank encouragingly. “We’ll all be nerved up -more on Saturday, for one thing. Then remember, Bill, it isn’t the -sluggers who win.” - -“That’s right, Chip. Do you honestly think we’ve got a show?” - -“I do,” replied Frank earnestly. “Our fellows are fine on -base-throwing, and when they get to work on a decent diamond, the -results will be astonishing. I really think we’ve an excellent chance, -old man.” - -“Then that takes a load off my mind,” said Billy, with a sigh. “I -thought you’d be pretty disgusted with us.” - -Frank smiled and patted him on the back cheeringly. But in his heart he -felt that, while the Clippings might have a chance, it was a terribly -slim one. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. COLONEL CARSON MAKES A BET. - - -On Friday morning, the day before the game, Colonel Carson was -standing in the lobby of the Carsonville Bank. He appeared extremely -discontented. - -“Not a one,” he said disgustedly. “Everybody in town is scared to bet -on them Clippings.” - -“I don’t wonder,” sneered Bully Carson derisively. “They’re a bunch of -pick-ups.” - -Bully Carson wore his most flamboyant attire, for he would not go to -work-out with the Clippers for another hour. From one corner of his -mouth drooped a limp cigarette. - -“Too bad you can’t place a few dollars,” he went on. “It’d be easy -money.” - -“Is your arm all right?” inquired the colonel. - -“Never better. Hello, who’s that gink?” - -The two turned to gaze at the doorway. The bank had just been opened -for business, and, as things were not very brisk in Carsonville, this -was the first customer of the day. And he was evidently a stranger. - -“Must ’a’ come in on the mornin’ train,” observed Bully. - -He was a well-set-up, quietly dressed man, and would have attracted -little attention save for his remarkably fine build. A soft crush hat -was pulled down over a pair of very keen but pleasant eyes, and the -lower portion of his face was hidden by a curly dark beard. - -The stranger gave a single glance at the two, and walked to the -teller’s window. With a nod and a cheery “Good morning,” he drew out -a long bill book and opened it. Colonel Carson gasped and clutched -at his son’s shoulder, for the bill book appeared to be crammed with -yellowbacks. - -“I have a couple of certified checks I’d like you to cash for me, if -you will.” - -His voice was quiet and self-restrained. - -“Certainly, sir,” replied the teller. - -The stranger shoved the two checks he had taken out through the window. -The teller glanced at them, and his jaw fell. He excused himself, then -beckoned to Colonel Carson to come over. - -“These are pretty large checks, colonel,” he said apologetically. - -“Humph!” grunted Carson, and turned to the stranger. “Made out to John -Smith! Is that your name?” - -“Aren’t those checks sufficient warrant?” smiled the stranger. “They’re -certified, and ought to be as good as gold, Colonel Carson.” - -“You know me?” The bank owner looked surprised. - -“I’ve heard of you,” returned John Smith pleasantly. “You see, I’m -quite a follower of baseball, though I don’t often get away from home. -I’ve heard a good deal of the Carsonville Clippers, and came over to -have a look at them.” - -Bully Carson swelled visibly. His father turned to the teller. - -“It’s all right, I guess. Two thousand is a big sum, but they’re -certified. Mr. Smith, meet my son. He’s the pitcher o’ the Clippers. -Goin’ to stay for the game to-morrow?” - -“Perhaps,” smiled John Smith. “I’ll see what the chances are for -placing a few bets around here.” - -He winked knowingly, and Colonel Carson flung Bully a warning glance. - -“We got an awful tough team to go up against,” he said, tugging at his -goatee. “I’d like to bet on the Clippers myself, but durned if I don’t -think we’ll get beat.” - -Bully had caught that look. - -“Yes, they got a feller named Merriwell,” he said dolefully. “I dunno’s -I’ll be much good against him, either.” - -“Oh, Merriwell! I’ve heard of him often,” exclaimed the stranger. “By -Jove, I’d like to get a bet down on his team, whatever it is! I suppose -I could see the two teams at work, couldn’t I?” - -“Sure, I’ll take care o’ you, Mr. Smith,” volunteered Bully. - -He went off arm in arm with the stranger, and Colonel Carson turned to -his teller. - -“There’s an easy mark! When Bully gets through with him, he’ll be ready -to put up some real coin on them Clippings, mind my words!” - -Colonel Carson’s confidence in his son was well placed. Indeed, Bully -had no easy task, for not a soul in Carsonville had any great belief -that the Clippers would be defeated the next day. - -The stranger went out to the park with them, and was pleasantly -astonished by the concrete stands and excellent diamond. - -“You have quite a place here, eh,” he observed. “Go ahead, boys, don’t -mind me.” - -The Clippers did not appear to mind him in the least. They went -to work, and, after watching them a little time, the stranger was -evidently well satisfied. Bully Carson seemed to have difficulty in -finding the plate. His infield gave him wretched support, making wild -throws, and letting the ball tear through them. - -His outfield did little better. On the whole, the stranger was anything -but well impressed by the Clippers, and did not hesitate to say as much -on the way back to town. Bully Carson agreed that they were in poor -shape, but when the stranger had left him, he congratulated his team -warmly. - -“I guess that feller’s hooked,” he observed sagely, and hastened home. - -After casual inquiries about town, John Smith found his way to where -the team captained by Frank Merriwell, junior, was working out during -the afternoon. As this was their first visitor, the Clippings displayed -no little curiosity, seeing that he was a stranger to them, but he held -aloof from the diamond. - -“Who is he--one of the umpires?” inquired Frank. - -“Search me,” returned Billy Mac. “He’s a new one in this burg.” - -“It’s a scout for the Phil-l-ladel-l-lphia Ath-l-letics,” chirruped -Chub Newton from second. “He’s l-l-lookin’ for recruits.” - -“What’s that?” cried McCarthy excitedly, taking Chub seriously. - -“Sure, he’s goin’ to sign you on, Dan,” grinned Spaulding. - -McCarthy did not see the joke. He advanced to take his turn at batting, -and, when Frank handed him a stiff inshoot, he fell on it and knocked -the ball through Chub’s hands. Then Merry began teasing him, but he -refused to bite, until he caught one on the nose and lined it out. - -“Wow? Mebbe that’ll show him what Dan McCarthy can do!” he yelled, as -the ball zipped. - -When he discovered that he had been victimized, he turned on Chub. - -“You blamed little yapper!” he said. “You’d be a whole lot s’prised to -find that he _was_ a big-league scout, wouldn’t you?” - -“Yah!” piped Chub jubilantly. “L-l-line her out again, Dan!” - -The stranger hung around for an hour, speaking to no one, but watching -the practice intently. Finally he drifted off in the direction of town. - -Once back in the town, he began inquiries as to Colonel Carson’s -whereabouts. That individual was not hard to find. In fact, he was on a -still hunt for the stranger, and finally encountered him near the bank. - -“Well, Mr. Smith, how’d the two teams strike you?” - -“The Clippers didn’t look up to much, to my mind,” said the stranger -easily. “Of course, I may be mistaken, but Merriwell’s crowd seemed -to be pretty good. Why, one of those fellows lammed the ball a mile, -Carson!” - -“Yes,” and Colonel Carson fingered his goatee, “them fellers can hit, -Smith. Placed any bets yet?” - -“Well, no,” replied the stranger. “I rather thought I might induce you -to put up a little money.” - -“I ain’t very flush right now,” said the colonel cunningly. It was not -the first time that he and Bully had worked together to good advantage. -“Still, I dunno as I’d mind placin’ a little on the Clippers, seeing’s -they belong to me.” - -“Ah, you’re a true sport!” cried Smith heartily. “Oh, by the way--I -have some friends here by the name of McQuade. Perhaps you know where -Mr. McQuade lives, colonel?” - -“Well, yes. He lives in the cemetery, right now, Smith. He’s been dead -quite a spell.” - -“Dead! You don’t say!” The stranger was visibly perturbed. “Poor -McQuade! He never had much head for business. I suppose he died poor?” - -“He died owin’ me two thousand,” said Colonel Carson grimly. “I got a -mortgage on his place over by the river, right in my safe. I’m goin’ to -foreclose, too.” - -“Well, well! Did he leave any family?” - -“Son an’ widder,” jerked the other. “Son’s ketchin’ on Merriwell’s -team.” - -John Smith glanced around. The town constable stood at a little -distance, and the stranger pointed at him. - -“That’s the constable, isn’t it, Carson? Well, let’s bring him into -your office, and if we can make a little bet, he could be stakeholder. -Eh?” - -Colonel Carson grinned to himself, and agreed with some show of -hesitation. With the constable following, they entered the bank and sat -down in the owner’s private room. - -“Look here, Carson,” said the stranger affably. “I’ve been thinking -this thing over. McQuade used to be an old friend of mine, and I hate -to think of his widow and son being left out in the cold. I tell you -what I’ll do. I’ll set two thousand dollars against that mortgage you -hold. - -“If you win, the money’s yours. If the Clippers are beaten, then I get -the mortgage. How does that sound?” - -“No good,” stated Carson firmly. “The McQuade place is worth a heap -more’n that sum, Smith. I got that mortgage cheap.” - -The stranger looked disappointed. - -“Well,” he remarked, replacing the bill book which he had taken from -his inner pocket, “I don’t know that I’m very anxious to bet against -the Clippers, anyway. I’d risk the sum for the sake of McQuade’s -family, out of pure sentiment, but---- Well, I’ll hang about town and -see if I can’t get a bit of money down on your team. After all, it’s -safer.” - -He rose, with a gesture of dismissal to the constable. - -“Hold on!” cried Colonel Carson. “You ain’t in earnest, Smith?” - -“Why, of course!” said the stranger. “Merriwell’s team is untried and -green. After all, I might be foolish----” - -“Set down, set down,” and the colonel reached out to his safe. “I’ve -got that mortgage right here. I reckon I’ll take a chance, Smith.” - -And once more he grinned to himself. - - - - -CHAPTER X. HOW THE GAME OPENED. - - -Carsonville was emptying itself. - -Every person in town, young and old, was a baseball enthusiast. The -grand stand and bleachers of the club grounds were invariably crowded -every Saturday. But on this one Saturday it seemed as though the town -had gone crazy over the game. - -So, after a fashion, it had. Despite its support of the Clippers, -Carsonville turned out to see baseball, rather than to see the Clippers -play. It loved the game for itself. Down underneath the surface, -however, it cherished a warm dislike for the Clippers and their captain. - -This dislike had been, perforce, hidden, for fear of antagonizing the -autocrat of Carsonville. When the home team had been playing, all -personalities had been forgotten in the game itself. On such occasions, -even Bully Carson had become popular for the moment, if he won a game. - -It was quite different on this Saturday, however. The Carsons had been -defied, and when the crowd had streamed into the park, it forgot all -about its fear of Colonel Carson’s power. - -“I hope them Clippers get trounced! I hope Bully Carson gets knocked -out of the box!” cried old Abner Powell, on whose forty acres the -colonel held a heavy mortgage. - -“So do I! Hurray for the Clippings!” yelled the teller of the -Carsonville bank. - -“Here’s where the colonel gets took down!” shouted the Carsons’ hired -man. - -Every one had forgotten their fears, under the magic influence of the -ball park. And every one had raised the price of a seat. By general -consent, it was the largest crowd that the Carsonville park had ever -held. - -Every man on the two teams was known personally to the fans, except -Merriwell and Clancy. Even they were known by reputation, though few -of the townsfolk had dared to show support by watching the Clippings -practice. - -The line-up of the two teams was announced that morning by bulletin: - - CLIPPINGS. - McCarthy, 3d b. - Nippen, c. f. - Clancy, 1st b. - Merriwell, p. - McQuade, c. - Spaulding, 2d b. - Moore, l. f. - Henderson, r. f. - Newton, ss. - - CLIPPERS. - Fletcher, c. - Burkett, 1st b. - Bangs, 3d b. - Ironton, ss. - Johnson, r. f. - Murray, 2d b. - Carson, p. - Runge, l. f. - Merrell, c. f. - -The diamond was in perfect condition, its caretaker having spent all -morning getting it in shape. Every line was freshly marked, every inch -carefully raked free of hindrances. The very sight of it was a joy to -the fans, empty though it stood. - -And it was joy to Merriwell and Clancy, also, when they arrived at -the clubhouse beneath the grand stand. Both had been too busy to look -at the place, but they were instantly delighted by it. Meantime, the -_Hornet_ proceeded around to the field with Mrs. McQuade and Jim -Spaulding’s young brother. - -“It’s a peach of a place, Chip!” cried the red-haired chap. - -“Yes--look at that diamond! I don’t remember when I’ve seen a better -cared-for place.” - -Merry continued his inspection as the rest of his team poured in to -dress. There were bleachers behind first and third, all well filled, -and the only symptom of neglect was in the high board fence. Directly -behind second, in the center fielder’s territory, there was a strip of -fence ten feet wide that had been leveled. This, it appeared, had been -cut out to erect a large score board, but there had been delay in the -shipment of materials, and the gap was unfilled. - -Billy Mac pointed to the river, which ran about a hundred yards behind -the fence. - -“No home runs in this field,” he said, “unless the ball goes into the -river. You see, the diamond inclosure is a little small, Chip. Outside -of the fence it’s marshy, and it would have cost a lot to fill in. So -they compromised on that ground rule. If the ball goes into the river, -it’s a home run. It’s never yet gone in, though.” - -“Queer kind of ground rule,” growled Clancy. “But there’s no accounting -for tastes, so let’s try to put the ball in the water, fellows!” - -“We’l-l-l try,” piped Chub resolutely. “When do we practice?” - -“Right now,” exclaimed Frank. “We’re a little early, so we’ll get to -work and let the Clippers howl, if they want to.” - -When the Clippings walked out, they were greeted by a long yell from -the fans. Then there rose a buzz of voices as the players trotted out -to their places, and Merry began to drive hot ones along the infield. - -Every one was wondering how the home talent would show up. No sooner -had the ball begun to snap around the bases than shout after shout -pealed up. Despite their rare and wonderful uniforms, the Clippings -showed form! - -Even Frank was surprised. On the level diamond his team proved that -they could do something, after all. They went after the ball with -ginger, and the way they snapped it up was astonishing. - -The Clippers now produced themselves, and promptly spread out behind -the foul lines to inspect their opponents. They delivered themselves -of comments, which were audible over most of the field. - -“Look at the uniforms!” yelled Squint Fletcher. “They used them kind -fifty years ago! Pipe the Irish third baseman! Wow!” - -“Who’s that scrubby runt playin’ short?” cried Ironton, waving his -fists. “Wait till I land on him!” - -“I’l-l-l show you!” chirped Newton angrily. “Wait til-l-l----” - -“Listen to him!” cried Ironton. “Wow! He talks like a washing machine!” - -Even the crowd laughed at that, for every one knew Chub. The little -fellow lost his temper, and sent the ball far over third. - -“They’re easy,” commented Bully, in contempt. “We got their goat -already. You watch when that Merriwell gets up to the plate. I’ll lam -him in the head.” - -“You’d better try it!” retorted Clancy heatedly. Merry signed to him to -walk up toward the box, with Chub. - -“You fellows keep quiet,” he said. “Pass the word around not to give -any back talk unnecessarily. First thing we know, this will be a -free-for-all, and we have to avoid that if possible.” - -The Clippings tried to restrain themselves, but it was hard work for -them to keep from answering the taunts that poured in from Bully -Carson’s men. At length, Frank signed to his team, and they trotted -in. The Clippers spread out on the field, and began to amuse themselves -with threats of what they would do to their opponents, while they -tossed the ball around. - -In Colonel Carson’s private box, square in the center of the grand -stand, sat the colonel and his new acquaintance, John Smith. The latter -had accepted the proffered seat gratefully, though he refused the -proffered stogies, pleading that his health did not permit smoking. - -As the Clippings came in to their bench, they looked up and saw the -stranger. - -“There’s your scout, Dan,” chuckled Billy. “Only it looks like he was -friends with the wrong side.” - -The stranger waved a hand at them. - -“Go in and win!” he cried. “You’ve got ’em licked, Merriwell!” - -“You bet!” returned Clancy quickly. “Just watch our smoke, Whiskers!” - -The stranger’s white teeth flashed through his beard, and he turned his -attention to the Clippers as they fell to work. - -“They seem to do better than they did yesterday,” he remarked suddenly. - -Colonel Carson leaned back and grinned complacently. - -“I reckon they slept well last night, Smith,” he drawled. “Any team is -liable to an off day, you know.” - -“Yes, I know,” returned Smith sharply. “It looks to me as if you had -let me in for a bit of sharp practice, Carson.” - -“Sport is sport,” observed the colonel, with a grin. “You risks your -money, and you takes your chance.” - -“I’ve a good mind to call the bet off!” - -“No, ye don’t! The constable’s down keepin’ order in the bleachers, and -you can’t locate him ’fore the game starts if ye want to. ’Sides, I -reckon you ain’t a welsher.” - -The stranger allowed himself to be soothed down, and settled himself to -watch the progress of things. - -Frank and Bully Carson met with the two umpires, and went over the -ground rule regarding a home run. - -“No chance o’ your scrubs gettin’ the ball in the river,” jeered -Carson. “Don’t need to worry over it. Ain’t never been done, anyhow!” - -“That’s no sign it can’t be done,” said Frank, with a smile. - -A gong rang out. Merry and Carson quickly discussed the question of -outs and ins, while the umpires were announcing the batteries. - -“I’d like to git in the box first crack, an’ knock your block off,” -growled Bully. “But I dunno’s I wouldn’t jest as soon knock you out o’ -the box. Take your choice.” - -“Thanks,” said Merry easily. “Since you’re so kind, I think we’ll give -you a chance to get a home run, Bully. According to the batting order, -I’m afraid you won’t get a crack till the third inning, though.” - -Carson, whose name stood seventh on the list, glowered derisively. - -“Huh! We’ll prob’bly bat around twice in the first inning, you joke! -You’d better get another pitcher warmin’ up.” - -“Come on, Bully,” cried Squint Fletcher. “Leave that poor simp alone!” - -No one had any need to hear the umpires’ announcement, and it was -drowned in a roar of cheers as the Clippings went out to their -positions. Colonel Carson glowered and tugged at his goatee, then -smiled as Squint Fletcher advanced to the plate amid a mingling of -hisses and cheers. Squint had his backers, who liked him for his -rough-and-ready tactics. - -Indeed, it soon developed that the Clippers were not without friends. -The general sentiment was against them, but there were plenty of -hoodlums and toadies who were willing to cheer them. Also, many farmers -had come in, who were used to yelling for the Clippers. - -The umpires took their positions, and Merry whipped over three balls -to Billy. Squint stepped up to the plate, with a sneer, and balanced -himself aggressively. Billy Mac signed for the double shoot. - -Frank nodded, took his time, and, amid a wild shriek of delight from -the crowd, delivered the first pitched ball. Squint Fletcher pulled -down his bat--and there was a crack like a pistol shot. - -Squint had landed square on Frank Merriwell, junior’s, famous double -shoot! - - - - -CHAPTER XI. THE CLIPPINGS GET WILD. - - -The connection, however, was so plainly an accident, and Squint himself -looked so bewildered, that every one roared with laughter. - -The ball went almost straight up in the air over first, until it seemed -to lose itself in the sky. Fletcher came pounding down the base line, -while Bully Carson, behind first, sent a roar at Clancy. - -The red-haired first baseman was not rattled, however. He calmly -stepped back, pulled down his cap, and waited. The ball came down like -a bullet and stuck in his glove. - -“Out!” - -Roar after roar of applause went up. The Clippings, who had been -nervous and unsettled, instantly regained their poise and confidence. - -“Take your time, Chip!” snapped Spaulding, from second. - -“That’s the ticket, old man!” cried McCarthy encouragingly. - -“L-l-lam into ’em!” piped up Chub. - -Frank smiled. Burkett, who covered first for the Clippers, advanced to -the plate, pulled down his cap, and waited. - -“We’re all behind you, old-timer,” chirped Clancy. - -“Let him hit it, Chip!” cried Billy. None the less, he signaled for an -inshoot. - -Burkett was plainly anxious to hit. Frank put over a fast inshoot. The -ball fairly smoked with speed, and Burkett swung too late. - -“Strike--uh--one!” - -“Land on him!” yelled Bully Carson. “All he’s got is speed!” - -Billy called for another of the same, but Merry shook his head. He -guessed that Burkett wanted speed, and would be looking for it, so he -put over a fadeaway that drew Burkett for another strike. - -“This fellow’s a cinch!” cried Billy. Burkett looked determined. - -Studying him for a moment, Frank nodded at the signal for a jump ball. -He sent the sphere down to the plate waist-high. Burkett brought down -his bat, but the ball seemed to jump over it, and plunked into Billy’s -mitt. - -“Out!” - -Cheer after cheer rolled up, as Burkett sullenly retreated, and was -replaced by Bangs. The Clipper third baseman was a wiry, alert fellow, -and he chopped down his bat as if ready for anything that could come -along. Merry determined to let him hit. - -So, without pretending to pitch, he merely tossed over the ball and -waited. Bangs gasped, then struck viciously. Another crack, and the -ball went on a bee line to McCarthy. And Dan fumbled it. - -A groan swelled out from the crowd, but it changed instantly to a -cheer. For McCarthy had picked up the ball and slammed it over to -Clancy a yard ahead of Bangs. - -“One, two, three!” yelled the crowd, confident now that it would see a -real game of ball. A storm of applause greeted the Clippings as they -walked in. - -“Rotten fumble,” grunted McCarthy. - -“Don’t you believe it!” cried Clancy, slapping his shoulder. “You -retrieved it before it had a chance to work, Dan. Fine business!” - -“You’re up first, Dan,” said Merry. “Now go in and repeat!” - -McCarthy grinned happily, and strode out to the plate. He waited while -Carson tossed over his warmers-up. - -“This pie-eater’s pretty soft, Bully,” snarled Squint. “Let him hit. He -ain’t worth fanning.” - -The lanky chap opened his mouth, then snapped it shut again, and -stepped into the box. Carson eyed him a moment, and the bleachers fell -silent in suspense. - -“Speed fer him, Bully,” cried Fletcher. “He’s scared already.” - -Carson nodded and wound up. The ball seemed to come with startling -speed. In reality it was a slow fader, and it fooled McCarthy -completely. - -“Strike--uh--one!” - -Squint returned the ball. Almost without a pause, Carson snapped over -a hot one across the inside corner. Dan was taken by surprise, and a -second strike was called. It was followed by a third. - -“This bunch of rubes is soft!” chirruped Bangs from third. - -“Whoop! Down they go!” cried Ironton, as the big Nippen stalked out. - -“Who’s the cow?” inquired Murray, from second. Carson grinned. - -“This is an animal show, Bully,” snapped Squint. “Watch the elephant -fan his ears!” - -The crowd could not help laughing at the awkward figure of Nippen. -Carson burned a hot one across. Nippen swung, after it had plunked home. - -“Gone to sleep at the switch!” grunted Squint, while the bleachers -roared a storm of advice and criticism. The big fellow flushed angrily. - -“Hit him in the ribs and wake him up!” cried Murray. - -Carson grinned again. He sent over a smoking-hot ball that forced -Nippen to leap back. The huge fruit-picker looked at him furiously. - -“You watch out!” he cried warmly. - -“Shut up, Nippen,” exclaimed Merry. “He doesn’t dare hit you.” - -As if to disprove this, Carson launched another in the same place. -Nippen jumped back, and, as his bat fell, the ball struck against it -and rolled out into the diamond. - -The big fellow leaped out toward first. Bangs darted in to secure the -ball, laughing as he did so. He straightened up with it, and slapped it -to Burkett, but a cry of amazement went up. Nippen had beaten out the -throw! - -“Watch the elephant run!” shrieked the fans. - -Clancy walked out to the plate, while Chub went down to coach at first. - -“Hello, carrot-top!” growled Squint. “Watch out you don’t scorch the -ball on his thatch, Bully!” - -Carson knew that Clancy was dangerous. He put over a fast drop, but -Clan refused to bite. Then came a slow fadeaway, and the red-haired -chap took it on the nose. - -There was a groan of dismay. The ball soared high, and Merrell raced -back toward the fence. Then he stopped, and waited, and the ball came -down into his glove. - -Nippen, showing poor judgment, had dashed for second as soon as the -ball settled softly in Merrell’s glove. The center fielder did not wait -an instant, however, and threw the ball to Murray, who made Nippen an -easy out. - -The Clippings were retired. The inning was over, without a run. - -“We’re holding them, fellows,” said Frank quietly, as they walked out. -“Keep up the good work, and we’ll win, sure.” - -“We’ll do it, Chip,” cried Spaulding. - -“L-l-look out for Ironton,” snapped Chub, as the Clipper shortstop -walked out. “He’s l-l-like-l-ly to start something.” - -Billy Mac evidently thought the same thing, for he signaled for the -double shoot. Merry shook his head, and compromised on the jump ball. -Ironton struck vainly. - -“Hoop-a-la!” sang out Clancy. “He’s going!” - -“Let him soak it,” pleaded McCarthy. “We’re all behind you, old scout!” - -Billy called for a fast drop. Although doubtful of its wisdom, Frank -put it across, and Ironton murdered it. With a clean crack, the ball -began to soar toward center field, and Ironton went racing toward first. - -“Wake up, Nippen!” roared the fans. “What’s the matter with the -elephant?” - -The huge fruit-picker stood staring up at the ball. Suddenly he turned -and began lumbering toward the fence. He did not even look over his -shoulder at the ball, but continued through the ten-foot gap, while the -crowd sent a storm of catcalls after him. - -“He must be going for a swim!” gasped Merry. - -“Whoop!” yelled Dan McCarthy. “Look there!” - -Nippen had turned abruptly. The ball was seen to fall squarely into his -glove--and stick! A wild roar rose from the crowd, then it died away -into a groan, as the base umpire motioned Ironton to hold third. - -“What does this mean?” exclaimed Frank, walking back. “That ball was -caught!” - -“Outside the fence,” said the umpire. “That gap shouldn’t be there -by rights. It went over the fence, and Ironton is entitled to his -three-bagger.” - -“By gum!” yelled McCarthy wrathfully. “What kind of----” - -“Quiet!” snapped Frank. - -He turned and waved back his angry players, who were crowding forward. - -“That’s a mighty queer decision,” he said, forcing himself to calmness. -“Does it go for every ball that drops outside the fence?” - -“Yes,” said the umpire. - -Frank saw that the umpire regretted his hasty decision, but would not -change it. - -“All right,” he said. - -The crowd looked at it otherwise, however. One howl of indignant -surprise went up as Ironton was seen to be safe. The mob threatened to -pour out on the field, and only when Frank was seen to be taking up his -position again did the fans restrain themselves. - -As for the Clippings, they could not understand the decision. It looked -to them like foul play, though Merry saw that the umpire had not meant -to be unfair. Nippen started to bellow out his rage, Spaulding managed -to quiet him, and the game proceeded. But the Clippings had been -demoralized. - -This became evident when Johnson popped up a foul. McCarthy went after -it, and let it drop. He made a throw to catch Ironton at the plate, and -sent the ball into the grand-stand wiring. Ironton scored and Johnson -stopped at second. - -Frank saw that the balloon was going up, and wasted no more time. He -struck out Murray with three pitched balls, and then Carson slouched up -to the plate with a wide grin. - -“Good-by!” he called cheerfully. “Here’s where we knock the Fardale -wonder out!” - -His hopes were not realized, however. Frank handed him a fadeaway, and -Carson swung vainly. Billy called for the double shoot. Carson saw the -ball break for an in, and brought down his bat, but the sphere suddenly -curved away from him. - -“Strike--uh--two!” - -Mindful of the fellow’s threats, Frank put all his speed into the next -ball. It was a shoulder-high, straight one, that nipped the inside -corner of the plate. So fast was it, that Carson instinctively jumped -back, then flung down his bat with a curse. As he did so, Johnson -leaped toward third. - -Billy whipped off his mask and slapped the ball to Dan. The lanky -chap took it and slammed it down on Johnson in a cloud of dust. The -Clippers were retired. - -“See here, fellows,” pleaded Merry, as he picked out his bat, “this has -to stop right now! Cool down, everybody. Billy, you work Carson for -your base. Clan, get down to first and coach. We’ve got to break their -streak.” - -And Merry went out to the plate, with a badly demoralized crowd on the -bench behind him. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. CLIPPING THE CLIPPERS. - - -“Here’s the boy wonder!” announced Squint Fletcher. “Soak him in the -bean!” - -As Carson began to wind up, a voice pierced the roar of cheers that -startled Frank. It seemed like a voice that he knew well. - -“Fardale forever! Hurrah for old Fardale!” - -Merry could not tell whence that voice came, but he gripped his bat -hard at the sound of it. Carson unwound, and a white streak shot toward -the plate. - -Whether he intended it or not, the ball came straight for Frank, who -was forced to step back. Squint grinned. - -“Look out for your bean!” - -Again Carson sent the ball whizzing down, but this time Merry -connected. There was a crack, and the sphere went sailing over second, -and Frank went to first. - -“Hold it!” cautioned Clancy, as Billy came up to the plate. - -“Here’s the champion human mistake, Bully!” sang out Squint. - -Carson gave Billy a black look and whipped over the horsehide. - -“Ball--one!” announced the umpire. A storm of cheers floated across the -field. - -The next ball broke sharply. It struck Billy on the arm, and the -backstop at once flung away his bat and took first. He gave Frank a -grin as the latter advanced. - -Spaulding came up, and Carson fanned him. The Clippers were evidently -waking up. - -Moore managed to pop up a weak fly, which Ironton gathered in easily. -Henderson followed, and struck out, leaving Billy on first and Frank -marooned on second. Two innings were finished, and the Clippers were -one run to the good. - -In the third, Merry shut out the Clippers, but, although McCarthy -connected for a long drive, he was caught trying for third. In the -fourth the heavy end of the Clippers was up, but Burkett, Bangs, and -Ironton fanned in beautiful harmony. Clancy was up for the Clippings. - -“Lay out a soft one, Clan,” said Merry. “This has been an old-time -slugging match so far. Get to first, and work the hit-and-run.” - -The red-haired chap nodded and stepped to the plate. Carson sent over -a wide one, and Clancy swung viciously, drawing a chuckle from Squint. -Again he swung at a poor one, then Carson lashed a fast high one across. - -To the surprise of the Clippers, Clancy choked his bat and laid a neat -bunt down the third-base line. So astonished was Bangs that Clancy beat -his throw easily, and Frank came up to bat, smiling. - -Carson paused, scowling. He did not like Merry’s smile, and knew that -his speed had not fooled Frank before. So he wound up as if delivering -a fast one, and his famous slow fadeaway floated down toward the plate. - -Instantly Clancy was sprinting for second. Merry was not altogether -fooled by that delivery, and he fell on the ball for a short, choppy -stroke that sent the sphere zipping along the ground to Carson. - -The pitcher tried to stop it, but it went through him. Murray was -backing him up, but before the ball reached first, Merry was standing -on the bag, and Clancy was safe. Roar upon roar swelled out from the -fans; but Frank did not again hear the voice which had startled him. - -Billy McQuade strode out and pounded the plate with a determined air. -Carson fooled him twice with a slow fader, and, at the second strike, -Merry gave Clancy the signal for a double steal, doubting whether Billy -could connect. - -As Carson unwound, the two sprinted for third and second. Billy saw the -movement, and stepped forward desperately. He managed to bunt, and, -although he was nailed at first, Clancy and Frank were safe. - -It seemed as though they would remain safe, however, for Spaulding put -up a foul tip that was easily smothered by Squint Fletcher. Moore came -up, and as he was a notoriously weak batter, Frank gave his chum the -signal to steal. - -Clancy grinned, ready for anything. Carson kept him close to third, -but, as the big pitcher wound up again, Clancy went toward home like a -streak. Instantly Carson let the ball fly. - -Moore, however, knew his business. He was in his box, and, although -Squint yelled at him to get out of the way, he stepped forward and -bunted the ball along the first-base line. Clancy came sliding to the -plate in a cloud of dust, and the umpire motioned him safe, Moore, in -the meantime, getting to first. - -Squint at once moved for a new trial, but the umpire denied the motion, -and the Clippings and their admirers sent up a shrill yell as they -knew the score was tied. During the argument Frank stole third, but an -instant later Moore was caught off first, and the inning was over, with -the score tied. - -The fifth, sixth, and seventh passed without another run. In the -eighth, Runge took third on a long fly, which Henderson dropped, but -he died there. Henderson made good his error by a hit in the next -half, and Chub Newton astonished every one by getting another, but the -Clippers woke up and effected a beautiful double play that retired the -side. - -The ninth opened with the heavy end of both sides at bat. The crowd was -now silent and tense, for the game was apt to jump either way without -warning. Merriwell seemed airtight, and Carson had superb support -behind him. - -Squint Fletcher strode up to the plate, and came down on the first ball -Frank put over. The hit was a clean one, the sphere flying out between -Moore and Nippen for a Texas leaguer, but Squint was not content with -this. He tore around first and went on to second like a whirlwind. - -Moore sent the ball in to Spaulding perfectly. The second baseman stood -off the line, and, as he stooped for the catch, Squint came slamming -into him in a whirl of dust. The ball was seen to drop, and, when -the dust cleared off, Spaulding was fiercely addressing the grinning -Squint, whose spikes had gone into his leg. - -“Rotten! Murder him!” went up the yell. - -“Dirty work! Smash him, Jim!” cried McCarthy. - -Spaulding was about to obey, when Chip Merriwell leaped on him and -restored him to sanity. Muttering, the angry Spaulding wiped the blood -from his leg and limped to his place. Frank returned to his box, glad -that trouble had been avoided. - -Burkett fanned, but Bangs clipped a high one that Moore misjudged. -Squint was halted at third, while Bangs took second on a close -decision, with one out. Ironton came up and deliberately stepped into -Merry’s double shoot, but did it so cleverly that the umpire was -deceived into giving him a base. The sacks were filled. - -The next man up was Johnson. Frank fooled him once, then snapped the -ball to Clancy in an endeavor to catch Ironton. The effort failed, but -Squint Fletcher took a chance on reaching home. - -Clancy sent in the ball far ahead of him, and Squint turned to get back -to third. As he did so, Billy put the ball into McCarthy’s hand. Squint -gave a yell and flung himself at Dan feet first, in an undoubted effort -to spike. - -A shout of anger burst from every man on the field. The lanky McCarthy -was not so easily caught, however. As Squint came at him, he writhed -aside and drove down his fist with the ball into Fletcher’s face. - -Squint was knocked a yard away, and rose with a yell of wrath, blood -streaming from his nose. McCarthy was only too ready to pitch into him, -but Bully Carson dragged his backstop away, and Merry caught Dan by the -shoulder. - -“You paid him out for spiking Jim,” cried Frank. “Now simmer down, Dan.” - -Squint was greeted with howls and catcalls as he came in. But, during -the storm, Bangs had stolen third, and Ironton had taken second. Frank -gave Johnson a fast high one, and Johnson hammered it for two sacks. - -Murray fanned, but the evil was done. The score stood three to one, -and the Clippings seemed lost when McCarthy came out to the plate and -went out on a high fly. The crowd began to stream away from the field. - -Nippen lumbered up to the plate, and, with a grin, Carson handed him -an out. A shriek of astonishment went up as the huge fruit-picker -connected. The ball went up and up, and the Clipper outfield raced -back. Then they halted in dismay. - -Silence fell on the crowd--broken by a gasp. Nippen passed second, -rounded third, and held on home. The ball not only cleared the fence, -but--dropped into the river! The huge outfielder had knocked a homer! - -When the fans understood what had happened, they went wild. Amid the -confusion, Clancy came to bat and rapped out a single. The field became -a bedlam. Shrieks and wild yells rose on every side, and the thump of -feet rose into a dull thunder. When Merry came out to bat, the entire -crowd went crazy all over again. - -As for the Clippers, they were thunderstruck. Carson tried to gain -time, but the umpire commanded him to play ball, and he threw a vicious -one straight at Frank’s head. Merry calmly stepped back and bunted it -toward first. - -Carson leaped for it and fumbled. Clancy sprinted down to second, and, -before the big fellow could decide where the ball ought to go, Merry -was safe on first and Clancy was taking third. - -“Wake up, you bonehead!” growled Squint, as he walked out and met his -captain. “Say, you’re the limit!” - -“He’s l-l-limited, al-l-l right!” chirruped Chub, from behind third. -“The bal-l-loon’s gone up, fel-l-lows! Tag al-l-long!” - -Carson scowled as Billy Mac faced him. Frank seized his chance and went -down to second. Again the crowd lost its head with delight, yelling and -stamping in a frenzied manner. - -“Finish it up, you bonehead,” grated Squint. “Fan this man and we have -’em.” - -Billy laughed. A moment later the ball came down, and he cracked it -squarely. It shot back at Carson like a bullet. The big fellow leaped -aside amid a yell of derision, and, before Murray had fielded it, -Clancy and Merriwell had crossed the plate. - -The Clippings had clipped the Clippers! - -Merry and Billy reached the shelter of the dressing room first, but the -rest of the team was caught by the frenzied crowd. As the two entered, -they found the black-bearded stranger waiting for them. He held out a -paper to Billy. - -“Here,” he said, with a laugh, “is something for your mother, Billy. I -think you won it pretty fairly, old man!” - -The stranger caught at his beard, and it came off in his hand. Chip -took one glance, then leaped for him with a yell. - -“Father!” - -And Frank Merriwell, senior, smiled quietly as he took Chip’s hand. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. BEATEN AT HIS OWN GAME. - - -“Now, boys, I owe you a word of explanation.” - -Frank Merriwell, senior, faced the victorious Clippings, who were lined -up around Mrs. McQuade’s extended dinner table. - -“I want you to know why I did this. It wasn’t to gamble, as most of -you know that I don’t countenance that so-called sport for a minute. -It wasn’t to fight Colonel Carson with his own weapons. That’s another -thing I don’t believe in. - -“But I do enjoy beating a man at his own game, when I can do it cleanly -and make him learn a lesson. Now, in plain words, I knew that Colonel -Carson was little short of being a crook. When he gambled, he wanted to -gamble on a sure thing.” - -“That’s right,” went up a murmur. - -“But I did not make this bet with him in the prospect of winning money. -I made it in order to get that mortgage from him--that mortgage which -my good friend, Mrs. McQuade, had the pleasure of burning just before -dinner. He had obtained it legally. Then he had been paid for it. By -some mischance, Mr. McQuade had not obtained it, and had no receipt to -show. - -“Colonel Carson produced it after his death, and claimed that he had -never received payment. He intended to oust Mrs. McQuade from this -house on Monday. If she had borrowed the money and paid it off the -second time, Carson’s villainy would have triumphed. This I did not -want to see.” - -He paused, his grave eyes sweeping from face to face. - -“As I wrote you, Frank, that would be a poor way to defeat him. So I -came to Carsonville myself, in disguise. The worthy colonel tried to -entrap me into betting against his team. I appeared to fall into the -trap, and wagered my money against his mortgage. He tried to induce me -to bet against his money, but this I would not do. I want you to get -the difference, and get it clearly.” - -“I do, father,” exclaimed Chip quickly. - -One after another the rest nodded assent. - -“What would you ’a’ done if you’d lost?” queried McCarthy. - -Frank Merriwell, senior, smiled. - -“I watched you at practice work, Dan, and felt sure that I couldn’t -lose.” - -At this retort a yell of delight went up, and Dan flushed and wriggled -in his chair. The speaker went on quickly: - -“Are you sure, all of you, that you get my point? I’m not defending -betting, even in a righteous cause, mind; it is demoralizing, and -every sport in which it is allowed is sure to suffer. Colonel Carson -is doing a great injury to baseball to-day. But in this case I might -plead extenuating circumstances. I was not betting in order to win. I -would cheerfully have let Mrs. McQuade borrow the money, except that -this would have been knuckling under to a scoundrel. I won nothing for -myself except the satisfaction of having been of service to a lady whom -I am proud to number among my friends, and to her son, whom I am proud -to number among my son’s friends.” - -And he leaned forward, took up his glass of water, and, with the warm -smile which had endeared him to so many hearts, proposed a toast. - -“To Mrs. McQuade and her hospitable roof-tree!” - -A resounding cheer shook the rafters, and the good lady herself, -between tears and laughter, was unable to respond. But she could not -have made herself heard. - -“And here’s another to Frank Merriwell, senior!” shouted Billy McQuade. -Another roar went up. - -“And another to the ‘Chip of the old block’!” yelled Clancy -frantically. Chip held up his hand for silence. - -“I guess,” he said, looking around with the smile that was so much like -his father’s, “I guess we’d better call off another to the Carsonville -Clippings--the picked-up nine that clipped the Clippers!” - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. “SOUR GRAPES.” - - -“Too bad about Ted Crockett,” said Garding, pulling on the weights. - -“For Fardale, you mean,” returned Lee Chester. “Fine for Ted.” - -“Uh-huh,” Hunt Garding paused with a sigh. “Going around the world with -his dad, eh?” - -“He’s foolish! I’d sooner be captain of the Fardale nine than go around -the world a dozen times! When does he leave, Hunt?” - -“Monday night--right after the Franklin Academy game. Say, Chesty!” - -“Huh?” - -Garding dropped his voice with a glance around. No one appeared to be -in hearing, and he leaned forward. - -“Do you think Chip will get it?” - -“Get what?” - -“The captainship. Ted’s going away leaves it vacant, you know.” - -“Holy smoke! That’s right! By golly, we’ve got to root for Chip!” - -Hunt Garding nodded, but looked doubtful. He and his brother plebe were -among Frank Merriwell, junior’s, stanchest supporters at Fardale. In -common with many other students, they had remained at Fardale during -the spring vacation. - -It was Saturday morning, the last day of the vacation. Owing to a -conflict in the schedules, a postponed game with Franklin Academy was -to be played off on the following Monday, a half holiday having been -declared by the two schools. Franklin was Fardale’s ancient rival, and -as it was the second game of the season, feeling was running high. - -Unfortunately for the Fardale team, its second baseman and captain, Ted -Crockett, was leaving school. He had been called away suddenly to take -a long trip with his father, but had managed to postpone his leaving -until after the Franklin game. - -His abrupt departure would leave vacant an important office, that of -captain of the nine. It was of this that the two plebes were talking in -the gymnasium. They did not observe a figure which stood just around -the corner, and which was that of Bob Randall. He had just emerged from -the locker room, had caught their words, and was listening for the -remainder. - -“I’m not so sure, Chesty. Chip isn’t certain to get the place, you -know.” - -“I’d like to know why not!” broke out Lee Chester indignantly, glaring -at his chum. “Why, he’s the best pitcher Fardale ever had, barring his -father and uncle!” - -“Of course,” said Garding. “Best all-around athlete, too.” - -“Well, what’s the matter with you, then? All we’ve got to do is to get -the fellows on their toes, and----” - -“There are several things the matter. First, there’s another chap on -the team who’s a mighty fine tosser.” - -“You mean Bob Randall?” - -“Yes.” - -The silent figure around the corner drew back, with a little smile -playing about his clean-cut mouth. Randall was a handsome, dark-eyed, -fiery-tempered Southerner, who could play ball like a fiend, when he -wanted to. - -He was full of pride, and his greatest fault was his temper. Despite -this, however, he was a prime favorite. At Lee Chester’s next words his -face flushed darkly, and his smile changed to a quick scowl. - -“Randall? Nonsense, Hunt! He’s a dandy fellow, and is a peach of a -pitcher, but he’s not in Chip’s class.” - -“Naturally not, since Merry is a chip of the old block,” said Garding, -with a chuckle. His face instantly became serious, however. - -“You’re wrong, Chesty,” he went on. “Bob Randall is popular.” - -“So’s Chip, according to my notion.” - -“Sure. There’ll prob’ly be an election right after the game on Monday. -But Chip, Clancy, and Billy Mac are over at Carsonville, and who’ll -look after their interests? You can bet that Chip will not try to get -the captaincy, but he ought to.” - -“I s’pose there will be some campaigning done,” admitted Chester. “But -I don’t think Randall has much show. He’s too hot-headed to work as -captain. Now, look at Chip Merriwell. Did you ever see him rattled? Not -enough to notice it. He can pitch rings around Bob Randall, too. Wait -till Monday, and you’ll see.” - -“Well, you wait yourself. Randall doesn’t think a heap of Chip, I -guess----” - -“You’re wrong there, Garding.” - -The two plebes whirled in surprise as Bob Randall stepped out. With an -effort the latter had wiped the traces of discontent from his dark, -good-looking features. - -“You’re wrong,” he repeated easily. “I do think a good deal of Chip -Merriwell, but since you seem to be discussing the subject frankly, -I’ll say that he hasn’t any more chance of being elected captain than -you have.” - -The two plebes were inclined to be angry at being overheard by Randall, -of all persons, and much more so by his words. - -“Who gave you any license to butt in?” snapped Chester. - -“I happened to overhear what you said, that’s all. This is a public -place, isn’t it?” - -“Generally considered so,” said Hunt Garding, with a grunt. - -Randall saw that he had hurt himself with these two plebes, and he -quickly tried to regain lost ground. He was not the kind to do any -disguising of his true sentiments, however, and stated his ground -bluntly. - -“Look here, fellows, you seem to have the idea that I’m sore on -Merriwell. I’m nothing of the kind. But there’s no use beating about -the bush, after what’s been said, and I’m quite willing to admit that I -want to be captain.” - -“We guessed it,” retorted Chester dryly. - -“Well, there’s no harm in that, is there?” Randall began to grow warm. -“Can’t a fellow contest an elective office with Chip Merriwell?” - -“Some fellows could, maybe,” said Garding. “But if you want it -straight, Bob, you’re not the fellow, in this case. He’s out of your -class as a pitcher.” - -Randall’s dark eyes flashed, but he controlled himself. - -“I don’t acknowledge that. Who’ll go into the box for Fardale when Chip -isn’t around? Tell me that.” - -“You will, because you’re the next best pitcher,” retorted Hunt. “You -don’t need to get sore, Randall. I’m not decrying your ability when I -say that you’re not the equal of Merriwell, because you’re a blamed -good pitcher.” - -This only added fuel to the flame, however. - -“Well, that remains to be seen,” declared Randall hotly. “Chip gets -away with it because he has luck, that’s all. A whole lot depends on -this game with Franklin, Monday, and the fellow that pitches and wins -the game for Fardale will be the next captain of the regulars!” - -“And that’ll be Chip Merriwell, for he’ll surely pitch,” said Chester. - -“He won’t!” cried Randall, losing his temper. “I’m slated for that -game, and I’m going to show you fellows what a real pitcher can do -when he gets started. The trouble with a lot of you plebes is that you -truckle to Merry because his father and uncle are old-time diamond -stars!” - -Lee Chester showed his wrath at this charge. - -“I guess that lets you out,” he exclaimed angrily. “You’re so blamed -jealous that your brains are twisted, Bob Randall! Nobody gets truckled -to around this school, unless he’s got the goods, and you’re a long -ways from having them.” - -“Well, I should hope so!” flashed back Randall. “I’d hate to have a -crowd of decent fellows thinking that I was a little tin god on wheels! -That’s what you seem to think about Merry.” - -“Better take it easy, Bob,” advised Hunt Garding, with a frown. “Go out -and cool off, and you’ll see it differently.” - -“I see it well enough, thanks,” snapped Randall furiously. “It isn’t -hard to see that a bunch of you fellows toady to Chip Merriwell -because you think it’s going to get you something. That chap is -overrated. He’s got ability, but it’s your crowd that has given him -such a case of swelled head that he thinks he can cop off everything. -He’s going to find that he can’t.” - -“Aw, go away and sneeze! Your brain’s dusty!” jeered Chester. - -“I’ll tell you two something!” cried Randall, shaking his fist and -advancing a step. “We’re going to win this game on Monday, and I’m -going to do it! Look at the team--it’s all shot to pieces! Billy -McQuade has left school. Crockett’s going to quit. Clancy is off with -Merry at Carsonville, instead of being back here practicing to get into -shape to cover first. What kind of a captain would Chip make, when he -allows this on the eve of an important game, tell me that?” - -“He’d make a better one than you would, losing your fool head this -way,” retorted Chester. “He’s at Carsonville trying to persuade Billy -Mac to return, and you know it! Say, if I had that jealous disposition -of yours I’d hang it on the back fence and throw stones at it! You make -me tired!” - -Randall’s temper lashed out. His face went white with anger. - -“Yuh impudent little Yankee!” he roared. Whenever he forgot himself his -voice took on a soft Southern drawl, which it now assumed abruptly. “I -reckon I’ll teach yo’-all somethin’ right heah! I’ll show yo’-all yo’ -cain’t talk to a Randall like he was a low-down niggah!” - -He started for Chester, and Chester started for him with great -willingness. Before they could strike a blow, however, Hunt Garding -dashed in between with a quick warning, pointing across the gym. - -“’Sh-h-h! The athletic instructor’s coming!” - -Randall flung a look toward the door, then sullenly jammed his hat over -his eyes and strode away. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. THREE CHEERS FOR CHIP! - - -On that Saturday evening there was a momentous discussion under way at -the quarters of Colonel Gunn, principal of Fardale Academy. - -It was here that Coach Trayne occupied a room, and in his room was -seated Ted Crockett, the present captain of the Fardale baseball team. -The two were discussing the future destinies of the nine. - -Crockett was extremely popular among his teammates. Coach Trayne knew -that his influence would go far toward the selection of a new captain, -and had asked him over for a frank talk. He had certain information -which was bound to startle Captain Crockett, and which would startle -all Fardale when it was made public. The coach did not intend that it -should be made public for the present, however. - -Meanwhile, Villum Kess had seen Crockett enter Colonel Gunn’s quarters, -and the astute German lad guessed at once that a consultation was going -on regarding the new captain of the nine. He started off hastily, and -bumped into a dark figure. - -“Who’s that?” demanded the voice of Lee Chester. - -“Kess,” returned Villum, panting. - -“Guess?” cried Chester. “Get out into the light, you dub!” - -“Kess!” shouted Villum. “Dot iss vot I----” - -“Oh, it’s you!” said Lee Chester, with a chuckle. “What’s your hurry?” - -“Vait! You hafe mein vind pumbed avay!” - -Villum hung on to Chester’s arm for a moment, then straightened up. - -“Grogett hass yust gone into der house, yes, no,” he cried excitedly. -“Dey vos goin’ to elegtion a gaptain, Jesty!” - -“Whew!” gasped Chester. “Looks like business, eh? Think they’re going -to make a choice to-night?” - -“Yah, aber ve moost hellup oud Chip. I should faint fits oof dey bicked -any one else. I bet you’ve moost get der poys togedder und root!” - -“Say, you’re not so far off, old scout!” exclaimed Chester. “Come -along! We’ll settle Randall’s hash right here!” - -And the two disappeared in hot haste. - -The captain and coach of the Fardale nine were engaged in animated -discussion, while Villum Kess and Chester were getting to work. Captain -Crockett was learning something that carried dismay to his heart, for -the success of Fardale was very dear to him, and it looked as though -Fardale’s hopes were going glimmering for that year. - -“I’m afraid I have bad news for you, Ted,” said Coach Trayne gravely. -“I suppose you know that Frank Merriwell, senior, ran over from -Bloomfield last Thursday?” - -“Yes, sir,” said the perplexed Crockett. “I know he made a hurry visit, -and I supposed that it had something to do with Clancy’s jumping off -for Carsonville.” - -“Not altogether. He came over to make certain arrangements, and to -let me know about something important that has just turned up. Mr. -Merriwell gave me permission to use the information at my discretion. -I suppose you will regard it as confidential if I pass it on to you, -Crockett?” - -“Why, certainly, sir!” - -Crockett sat up, his eyes beginning to bulge. He knew that something -serious had come up, for it was seldom that Coach Trayne used his -“business tone” when off duty. - -“I hope that nothing really grave has happened, sir?” - -“You can judge for yourself, Ted. We’re likely to lose the services of -Chip Merriwell for the rest of the season.” - -“Wh-a-a-t!” - -Crockett stared at the trainer as if he thought the latter’s senses had -taken flight. Lose Chip Merriwell, just when Fardale was counting on -sweeping all her foes before her! Impossible! - -“Are you joking, Mr. Trayne?” he gasped. - -“I’m sorry to say that I’m not,” returned the worried trainer. He -sighed, for he, too, had had visions of what his team would do with -Merry in the box. - -“No, it’s anything but a joke, Crockett. I am not at liberty to say -very much, and in fact I’m not aware of the definite reasons myself, -but the fact remains that Chip may leave school before long.” - -“But why?” queried the astounded captain of the nine. “He’s not sick or -anything, is he?” - -“No. As I understand it, his father and uncle are going West, and -intend to take Chip with them. Mr. Merriwell did not go into details, -but it’s easy to imagine that it must be something of importance to -necessitate Frank’s leaving school at this juncture. It’s going to be a -hard blow to the team, for he was the mainstay.” - -Crockett nodded. He was absolutely unselfish, and realized fully that -much of the school’s success in sports was due to Frank Merriwell, -junior. - -“That’ll be awful news to get out!” he murmured. “It’s going to jar -things on the campus, all right!” - -“Well, don’t let it out for a while,” went on the coach. “I’ve told -you about it because I wanted to ask you who you had in mind to fill -your position when you leave. I’d like to have the election held right -after Monday’s game, if possible.” - -“Well,” replied Crockett gloomily, “if you hadn’t told me this, I’d -have said that Chip himself was the man. He’d make a better job of it -than I would, in fact. But since he’s going to drop out also, I’d say -Bob Randall.” - -“Randall? Yes, he’s a good man, Ted. But if Chip does leave, isn’t that -the very reason why he ought to be elected?” - -“Huh! I don’t get you,” said Crockett, his mind in a whirl. - -“It’s like this,” smiled Coach Trayne: “Frank has done a whole lot for -the school, and for the baseball team. It’s not settled that he’s to -leave, remember; but I think that whether he does or not, the school -ought to avail itself of the chance to give him honors while it can.” - -“You’re right,” assented Captain Crockett quickly. “Yes, I get your -angle now, sir. I suppose he’ll go in the box for us on Monday? That’ll -cinch the game, and it’ll throw everything his way when I mention to -the boys that he ought to be captain.” - -“I’m glad that such is your opinion,” said the coach, with a breath of -relief. “I happen to know that Randall is moving heaven and earth to -get the election, and---- Hello! What’s all this?” - -From in front of the house had risen a sudden burst of cheering. Coach -Trayne went to the window and flung it open. Instantly a renewed shout -went up. - -“Merry for captain! Whoop-ee!” - -A crowd of students was gathered before the windows. They had been -hastily marshaled by Chester and others of Merry’s adherents, and more -were assembling at every moment. On the edge of the crowd, hidden by -the darkness, stood Bob Randall. He was flushed and angry, but he knew -better than to give way to his inclinations before this gathering. - -“Vot’s der matter mit Randall?” shouted the voice of Villum Kess. - -A chorus of groans answered, mingled with jeers and catcalls. The -dark-haired lad in the shadow clenched his fists and muttered -wrathfully, but he kept himself under control. A roar went up. - -“Chip Merriwell! We want Chip for captain!” - -Coach Trayne slammed down the window and turned to Crockett with a -smile. - -“Hardly representative of the team, Ted, but they show the trend of -public sentiment. But if Merry wins Monday’s game, and is elected, what -about Randall?” - -“That’s what I was thinking,” said Crockett uneasily. “He’s a splendid -chap, except for his hot, Southern temper, Mr. Trayne. He really -believes that he’s as good as Chip on the mound, and I must say that -he’s the best we have after Merry himself.” - -“I understand you,” nodded the coach. “I think he’s a bit jealous of -Merry, and it’s quite certain that he is anxious to be elected himself. -However, he’s a bit too quick to pick up grievances. I’d be afraid -of him as captain. You understand, old chap, that I’m not trying to -dictate?” - -“Of course, sir,” smiled the captain. “You’re dead right, just the -same. He has the clear-headed ability to serve as captain, but he’s apt -to lose it all in a quick flash of temper. A captain has to be a pretty -cool sort--I guess the only qualification I had for the job was my -coolness. By the way, have you heard from Chip whether Billy Mac will -return or not?” - -“No word yet,” and the coach shook his head. “Things look bad, -Crockett. With Billy gone, Clancy will have to catch Merry on Monday. -Who’ll go to first in his place I haven’t decided yet. After you go, -the team will be badly disrupted, I’m afraid. When Merry goes--well -may----” - -And he flung up his hands in hopeless despair. Ted Crockett stared -gloomily at the window, and listened to a new burst of cheers that came -from the campus. - -As if in answer to these, there came a knock on the door. Coach Trayne -answered it, and uttered a cry of satisfaction as he received a yellow -envelope. - -“A wire, Crockett! Let’s hope it’s from Chip.” It was not from Merry, -however, but from Owen Clancy. - -“Read that, Ted!” cried Trayne, and handed the message to Crockett. It -was brief and very much to the point: - - Chip won great game in Carsonville. Billy McQuade returning to - Fardale with us. On deck bright and early Monday morning. - -“Hurrah!” cried Crockett jubilantly. “Billy’s coming back! Say, may I -read this to the fellows, Mr. Trayne?” - -The coach nodded a smiling assent. The news that the backstop was -coming back to school after writing that he would not return, was a -great relief to him. - -Crockett flung up the window and read out the message. It was greeted -with a storm of frantic cheers. Then he held up his hand for silence, -and after a moment the crowd fell quiet. - -“Three cheers for Captain Chip!” he shouted. - -Another roar of cheers welled up through the night as the crowd -acclaimed this good news. Then the meeting slowly broke. - -With bitter heart and darkening brow, Bob Randall had heard the -message read, and had heard the cheers that followed Crockett’s shout. -He slipped away across the campus and toward the barracks, a fierce -anger welling up within him. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. A WILY PLOTTER. - - -Randall slowly returned home to the barracks. His heart was hot against -Chip Merriwell, and hotter yet against the crowd who had acclaimed his -rival. - -“Confounded Yankees!” he muttered. “Whatever did I come to this part -of the country for, anyway! Just because I had an uncle livin’ at -Carsonville, I reckon. I wish I had stayed down home an’ taken a chance -on the Annapolis examinations!” - -The cool night air calmed down his heated anger a little, and by the -time he reached the barracks it had changed into a dull despair. It -seemed to him that no one had a chance to rival one of the Merriwells -at Fardale. - -Yet Bob was not a bad sort of fellow at heart. His impulsiveness -sometimes led him into hot-headed errors, which he bitterly repented -later. He had tried to conquer himself, and to some extent had -succeeded. None the less, in this case he had given way to his -bitterness without restraint. - -As he reached the door of the barracks he detected a figure lurking in -the shadow to one side. A keen glance showed him that the figure was -not in uniform, and was one of the village youths. - -“Here!” cried Randall sharply. “What are you doing around here?” - -“I’m lookin’ for Bob Randall,” came the surprising answer. - -Randall started. - -“You’re not looking for him, but at him,” he answered. “What’s your -business?” - -The village youth held out a paper. - -“Here’s a message I was to bring you. And the feller said that you was -to keep it under your hat.” - -Randall took it in some wonder, and the youth darted off. When he -reached his room, where his roommate, Harlow Clarke, was busy over his -books, Bob opened the paper, and read the message it bore: - - Come over to Dobb’s Hotel. Must see you and talk with you at once. - Don’t let any one know you’re meeting me. - - YOUR UNCLE. - -Randall whistled. His uncle! He had had the pleasure of meeting that -gentleman on his arrival in the North, and he had not been greatly -impressed by Colonel Carson’s rather uncouth accents and hard features. -Still, Colonel Carson was his uncle, and had come up from Carsonville -to see him, it appeared. - -He turned quickly to his roommate. - -“I’ve got to go over to town, Clarke,” he said. “Will you fix the rope -in the window so I can get in without running the guard?” - -“Surest thing you know, old man,” said Clarke. “Will you get in before -taps?” - -“I can’t tell yet, but probably not.” - -“Well, get along, then. I’ll fix up a dummy that’ll fool the inspector -when he comes to look at the beds. You’ll find the rope out of the -window as usual.” - -Quickly but quietly, Bob left the barracks and the academy grounds. It -was not the first time that he and his roommate had wanted to come in -after regulation hours, and by the aid of the rope and dummy this was -invariably effected without much danger of detection and punishment. - -Randall found his uncle waiting for him at the hotel, and was quickly -taken to a private room. - -“Glad to see ye, Bob, glad to see ye!” he cried effusively, as he -pressed Bob into a chair. “Shall I send for a drink, eh?” - -“I don’t drink, thanks,” said Randall. “You must have been in something -of a rush to see me, uncle!” - -“Well, might’s well admit that I was,” and Colonel Carson fingered his -goatee thoughtfully and eyed his nephew. “I hear there’s to be a game -here on Monday?” - -“Yes,” and Randall’s face fell a trifle. “Franklin Academy is coming -over. It ought to be a pretty good game. Will you stay over?” - -“Mebbe. Hard to say, though, Bob. I know about them Franklin fellers. -I been keepin’ tabs on their pitcher, thinkin’ to pick him up for the -Clippers next year. I wanted to see ye about that game, Bob.” - -“I’m glad some one wants to see me about it,” returned Randall -bitterly. “I thought that I was going to pitch for Fardale. If I -pitched and won, I’d probably get elected captain afterward--our -captain leaves Monday night, you know.” - -For some reason Colonel Carson looked perturbed. - -“Yes?” he prompted. - -“But it seems they’ve slated Merriwell to pitch. That means he’ll do -me out of the captaincy. Everybody seems to knuckle down to these -Merriwells over here. I can’t understand it!” - -Colonel Carson looked relieved. He eyed his nephew keenly. - -“I s’pose that if Merriwell pitched, it’d be a cinch for Fardale, Bob?” - -“It’ll be a cinch, anyhow,” exclaimed Randall. “If I got in the box I’d -draw rings around those fellows.” - -“Well, I’m talkin’ about Merriwell. He’d do considerable more, wouldn’t -he?” - -Randall hesitated. - -“Yes,” he replied unwillingly. “I’m bound to say that his very name -seems to scare Franklin out of its boots. Why?” - -Colonel Carson tugged at his goatee slowly. - -“Well, I figure on gettin’ you in the box, Bob,” he said reflectively. -“I want to do a little bettin’ on that game. If it wasn’t for -Merriwell, I think that Franklin pitcher might have a chance to win.” - -“He couldn’t do it,” exclaimed Randall quickly. “If I got a chance at -him I’d show him up!” - -The older man’s eyes narrowed suddenly. - -“I don’t s’pose you’d throw the game?” he snapped out. - -Randall flushed and sat up. He looked hard at his uncle, but the latter -was smiling. Bob sank back, with an uncertain laugh. - -“I pretty nearly thought you were in earnest, uncle! Of course, I know -you’d never think of such a thing, though. No, if I can win that game -I’m pretty sure to get the election that will follow it.” - -The colonel tugged at his goatee once more. He seemed to get all kinds -of inspiring thoughts from that patch of gray hair on his chin. Just at -present his thoughts were anything but inspiring, however. - -“I’ve got him placed,” he was reflecting inwardly. “He thinks that -Franklin feller is no good. Now, if I can keep Merriwell out and let -Bob pitch, I can go ahead and place some bets on Franklin. I hate to -see Bob get the spots licked off him, but business is business.” - -Aloud, however, he expressed himself quite in an opposite fashion. - -“Well, nephew,” he said pleasantly, “I’d like to see ye get a fair -chance. It don’t seem to me like that feller Merriwell gives any one -else a show, does he?” - -“You wouldn’t think so if you were here at Fardale!” - -“I don’t need to be here to tell that. If you go on the mound Monday -afternoon, you’re pretty sure to win, eh?” - -“Dead certain,” said Randall. “We’ll have a bang-up team, and we’ll -hand it to Franklin pretty hot, uncle.” - -“Glad to hear it, nephew, glad to hear it. I’ll see to it that -Merriwell does not do ye out o’ your chance.” - -“You’ll--what? What do you mean?” - -“None o’ your business,” and Colonel Carson, with a dry chuckle, pulled -out his watch. “I got you placed, Bob. You go right ahead and ’tend to -business. I’m a-goin’ to help out one o’ my kin when I get the chance, -that’s all.” - -“But what influence have you with Captain Crockett and Coach Trayne?” - -Colonel Carson gave Bob a look of commiseration. Was it possible that -his own nephew was so green? - -“Not much, I reckon. But I got some influence with Merriwell. There’s a -train out o’ here in twenty minutes, Bob. It’ll get me to Carsonville -before midnight. I reckon I’d better take it, to make sure. I got a -heap o’ things to see to.” - -Randall looked at him in astonishment. - -“But I thought you’d be here for the game, uncle!” - -“I reckon I will be,” laughed the colonel quietly. “Now, you lay mighty -low, Bob. Don’t say nothin’ to any one about seein’ me, or about what I -said. But as sure’s you stand here, nephew,” he went on impressively, -“you’ll be the one to pitch in that game on Monday, mind my words!” - -“I’d like to know how you’re going to work it!” said Randall, in some -wonder. “If you do, you’re a wizard!” - -“Well, some folks have called me worse’n that,” said Colonel Carson, -with a chuckle, as he reached for his suit case. “You’ll be pitchin’, -and I’ll be here, and I’m a-goin’ to lay some whoppin’ good bets, let -me tell you!” - -After Randall had taken his departure, not knowing whether to feel -delighted or dejected over his uncle’s promises, Colonel Carson laughed -softly. - -“Oh, yes, I’ll lay some bets!” he chuckled again evilly. “But it’ll -be on Franklin, all right! I guess you’re goin’ to get a pretty bad -lickin’, nephew--but business is business. I see where I get revenge on -that cussed Merriwell kid!” - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. A NIGHT ATTACK. - - -“There’s nothing like being square, fellows. You can’t beat it, I don’t -care what any one says. It’s not so much whether you win or lose, it’s -simply that you feel square inside. That’s what Davy Crockett meant -when he said: ‘Be sure you’re right, then go ahead!’ Davy didn’t care a -snap about dying--he knew he was right, and he won out!” - -“Lecture on history by Frank Merriwell, senior,” laughed Chip. His -father smiled as he watched the lights of the train flashing up the -valley. - -“It’s a fact,” he went on, turning to Chip and Billy McQuade and -Clancy, who had accompanied him to the train. “I’m not preaching, and -you know it.” - -“But Davy Crockett died in the Alamo,” interjected Clancy doubtfully. - -“Sure,” flashed back Frank Merriwell, senior. “That’s why he won, -that’s why he’ll live forever, Clancy. He knew he was right--get that? -Defeat is no sign of failure, not a bit of it. This Colonel Carson, of -Carsonville, has been winning consistently until you fellows turned the -trick on him. Now he’s started in to reap the whirlwind.” - -“He reaped it, all right, when Chip pitched to-day,” said Billy Mac. -“He reaped a few double shoots he didn’t expect--or, rather, the -Clippers did.” - -“You’ve got the idea,” said Merriwell, as the train pulled in. “Well, -so long for the present, everybody. Good luck to you on Monday, Frank! -I’ll try to run down from Bloomfield to see that game, but I can’t -promise. I’ve got some important affairs on with Dick--you’ll learn -about them later.” - -He handed his grip to the porter and sprang up the steps. The -eleven-o’clock express was already late, and there was only time for a -last wave of the hand before the train began to move, then drew away -into the night. - -“I wish you fellows wouldn’t go to the hotel,” said Billy, as the three -friends started toward town. “We’ve all kinds of room at home.” - -Chip flung his arm over the other’s shoulder, smiling. - -“Cheer up, Billy! Clan and I haven’t had much chance to get together -since he came home from the West, you know. We’ll have an old-time -gabfest, and will get acquainted again before we come up to the house -to-morrow. By gracious, these streets are dark!” - -“I’m sorry now we didn’t come down in the _Hornet_,” said Clancy -regretfully. “We could have piled into her somehow.” - -Late Saturday night in Carsonville was, indeed, a dark time, especially -for the Carsonville Clippers! - - * * * * * - -Quite naturally, Colonel Carson and his son had not taken their beating -with a good grace. Bully Carson was an excellent pitcher, but so far -did Chip outclass him, that he and his father were furious over the -disgrace of being beaten by a pick-up nine from their own home town. - -No sooner was the game over, than they put their heads together in -order to concoct a plan which would assist them both in humiliating -the Merriwells and in winning a few side bets upon the Franklin game. -Colonel Carson was fond of gambling, but he usually liked to know -beforehand which way the game was going to come out. - -As a result of their conference, the astute colonel hurriedly caught -the late afternoon train for Fardale, determined to gain revenge on -Chip and his father, and recoup his losses at the same time. - -He needed only a lever in order to get his machinations into working -order, and this lever he found in the person of Bob Randall. Having -discovered that his nephew was not cut on his own pattern and merely -disliked Chip Merriwell with an open and manly fervor, he had changed -his tactics. Obtaining the information he was after, he caught the late -train back to Carsonville, passing that which bore Frank Merriwell, -senior, on the way. Things were shaping themselves very nicely, indeed, -he reflected. - -Meantime, Bully Carson had been busy trying to obtain his own revenge. -During the evening his team met at the town pool room, which they -frequented the greater part of the time, and Bully set to work. - -Squint Fletcher, his catcher, could barely walk. Bully passed him up -with a scowl, and turned to the rest of the assembled Clippers. - -“We hadn’t ought to let them fellers get away with it,” he declared -cunningly. “They put the spurs to us right, then they beat up Squint -here.” - -“If you hadn’t blown up they wouldn’t have beaten us,” growled Ironton, -the Clippers’ shortstop. - -This criticism was quite true. But Bully Carson was loath to admit it, -so he merely frowned the more. - -“If we’d had a little decent support from you guys,” he snapped, “I -wouldn’t have gone up. How can a pitcher do anything when he don’t get -any support?” - -“How can he get support when his balls get knocked a mile outside the -grounds?” snapped back Ironton. - -A general grin went up at Carson’s expense. It was quite true that when -he had started to lose his head, Chip’s men had fallen on him and -pounded the ball unmercifully, and Bully knew it. - -“Well,” he insisted surlily, “we oughtn’t to let ’em get away with -it, just the same. They’d ought to go back home so’s they’d know what -they’d been up against.” - -A general mutter of assent went up. On this point, at least, it was -evident that the Clippers thoroughly agreed with their captain. - -“Well, what’s the process?” inquired Murray, the second baseman. - -Bully gathered them around him, with a wary glance at the other -occupants of the pool room. He lit a cigarette, got it drooping in -approved fashion from one corner of his mouth, then explained himself. - -“I happen to know that Merriwell’s old man is goin’ off by the express. -I heard ’em say somethin’ about it. More’n likely, the kid and that -carrot top who played first will come down to see the old man off. It’s -gettin’ along toward train time, and if we went down we’d be liable to -meet them two comin’ back. If the whole crowd’s with ’em, so much the -better.” - -“Count me out,” growled Squint Fletcher. “I got both eyes shut.” - -“It ain’t so bad, Bully,” said Ironton. “We can beat ’em up proper, eh? -Guess there’s enough of us without Squint.” - -Bully Carson’s proposal was accepted without any great enthusiasm, -but it was decided that Merriwell and his friends needed a lesson, -consequently they must be given it without delay. - -So, after rolling fresh cigarettes, the party decamped toward the -railroad station. There were six of them, all told, for two had -remained to help Squint Fletcher home, but it was conceded that six -Clippers would be enough to handle Merriwell and as many of his “gang” -as might be with him. - -While nearing the station, which was situated at some little distance -from the center of town, the train was heard pulling out. Ironton had -hastened ahead, and a moment later he returned with word that Merriwell -and two others were coming. The Clippers hastily disposed themselves in -a dark doorway. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. THE INITIALS IN THE HAT. - - -“Why don’t you finish the year at Fardale, Chip?” - -Billy Mac was distinctly worried. So was Owen Clancy. - -“I’m sure I don’t know,” returned Frank, with a frown. “Dad only hinted -that he and I might go West. Looked as though Uncle Dick was mixed up -in it, too, but I couldn’t get him to say anything definite.” - -“Looks bad for Fardale if you have to leave,” remarked Clancy. “We’ll -lick the spots off Franklin on Monday, anyhow. With Ted Crockett going -away, too, the team will be all bust up for sure.” - -“I s’pose there’ll be a new captain elected,” said Billy slyly. - -“That’s right!” exclaimed Chip. - -“I guess there’s only one fellow going to nab that honor, Chip.” - -“Who?” inquired Frank. “Randall would be a mighty good man, and I’d -like to see him get it----” - -“You old humbug!” cried Clancy. “You’re it, of course! Why, Chip, if -you didn’t get it I’d never set foot on the diamond again!” He broke -off abruptly as he stubbed his toe. “Why don’t you get some light in -your blamed old burg, Billy?” - -“We’ve got shining lights right now if you’d only take your hat off,” -grinned Billy Mac. “But Clan is right, Chip. Captain Chip, I should -say!” - -“Nonsense!” said Merry. “Of course, I won’t say that I wouldn’t -appreciate the honor, fellows, but I think that Randall is the one for -the place. Besides, remember, dad talked as if he and I would go away. -I sure hope it won’t come true.” - -He paused suddenly, for he had detected a dark figure lurking against a -wall ahead of them. - -“Do you ever have holdups here, Billy?” he went on, in a low voice. -“Looks as if that fellow was waiting for a belated traveling man, eh?” - -“No danger,” scoffed Billy Mac, after a glance at the hulking figure, -which remained by the wall in shadow. “This isn’t a particularly good -residence section, but the constable keeps things pretty clean around -here. No, I sure hope you won’t leave----” - -He was interrupted as the lurking figure slouched out and barred their -path. Chip took a keen look, but did not recognize the man at once, -for it was dark, and the fellow’s hat was pulled down over his eyes. -Something about the figure suggested Bully Carson to him, but he -dismissed the swift suspicion that flashed over him. - -“Where ye goin’?” demanded the fellow, in an obviously disguised voice. - -“That’s our business,” flashed Merry. “Get out of the way.” - -The figure lunged forward with a swift blow. So rapidly was it done -that before Frank could dodge he felt the man’s fist strike his breast, -flinging him violently back against Clancy. At the same instant the -eager voice of Carson rose in a low cry: - -“We got ’em, boys! Come along!” - -Out from an adjacent doorway poured a group of dark shapes, while -Carson flung himself forward with another blow at Merriwell. Before -it landed, however, Chip had recovered himself, and he realized the -situation in a flash. Darting under the big fellow’s lunge, he snapped -in a blow that caught Carson full in the mouth and jarred him to an -abrupt stop. - -“Against the wall, fellows!” he cried quickly. “We’ll have to fight -them off!” - -“It’s Carson’s gang,” exclaimed Billy, as he and Clancy ranged up -beside Chip. - -“You bet it is,” responded a voice, and the dark figures closed in on -them. - -It seemed that there was no hope for the three friends, as the crowd -rushed in at them with furious blows. Chip, however, had hastily pushed -back into an angle formed by the union of two house walls, where it -was difficult for the Clippers to get at them. - -This fact, together with the darkness, rendered the odds somewhat more -even. Carson’s followers were confused by Merry’s quick move, and when -they came shoving forward in a mass Clancy stepped out and let fly with -his fists. - -“Look out!” cried Ironton, trying to get back. “They’ve got clubs, -boys! Watch out for ’em!” - -“Quit your crowding,” exclaimed Bully Carson, to those behind. - -He was flung forward, however, and Merry’s fist cracked into his right -optic. Unable to see what had hit him, he staggered back with a howl. - -“Look out fer sledge hammers!” he cried. “They got some bricks--get -back, you fellers!” - -Merry was smiling slightly--that old, self-confident smile which -spelled danger had the Clippers but seen it. Before Carson could -retreat, Chip stepped out and followed up his first blow with two swift -punches from right and left. The big fellow was sent reeling back -headlong into his own men. - -Meanwhile, Clancy and Billy Mac had not been idle. Taking advantage of -their opponents’ momentary confusion, they had immediately carried the -battle into the enemy’s camp. Every head was that of a foe, and they -struck out with amazing carelessness as to whether they hurt any one. - -Taken by surprise at these bewildering tactics, the Clippers tried to -shove back from the niche in the wall. Their numbers were against them, -however. Those behind were still trying to get into the conflict, and -the two or three in the front rank were getting all the benefit of the -three friends’ flying fists. - -A fragment of rock crashed against the wall behind Frank. Flaming with -anger at the whole cowardly attack, he leaped forward with a cry to -Clancy and Billy. Carson met him with an angry bellow. - -The big fellow lacked all science, however. Already smarting under his -punishment, his attack was futile. Merry’s fists beat a tattoo on his -heavy face, while his own vicious blows merely beat the air. Once again -Chip’s knuckles landed against his puffing eye, and he measured his -length in the dust. - -One of the Clippers had hurled a rock at Clancy, which had struck -the red-haired chap on the shoulder and staggered him. He recovered -instantly, however, and as Carson went down the three leaped forward, -carrying the fight back into the street. - -Ironton went reeling away, clasping his stomach where Billy’s fist -had located his solar plexus. Clancy floored Murray, while Chip sent -another of the assailants staggering. How the battle would have ended -was doubtful, had not Bully Carson scrambled to his feet at this -juncture and promptly started for home. - -Already demoralized by their failure to carry the three friends off -their feet at the first rush, the Clippers lost any further desire for -combat on seeing their leader streaking his way into the darkness. - -Hardly had his flying figure disappeared when the others broke. They -attempted no retaliation for the blows they had received, but simply -melted off into the night and vanished. Billy McQuade would have -pursued, but Chip seized his arm and dragged him back. - -“Hold on,” he panted, with a laugh. “We can be mighty glad they’ve -decided to go, Billy. No use getting after them, or they might change -their minds.” - -“Bring ’em on!” cried Clancy vigorously. “Hoop-a-la! I’m just getting -ready to scrap, Chip!” - -“Who were they?” asked Frank, getting Billy calmed down. “Was it Carson -and the Clippers?” - -“Didn’t you recognize Bully’s voice? Sure it was.” - -“Here’s a job for the town constable, then,” said Clan energetically. -“Chip, if this wasn’t a cowardly, no-account, low-down assault, then -I’ll eat my hat!” - -“Eat this one instead,” laughed Frank. He picked up a soft felt hat -which lay on the ground at his side. - -Billy struck a match. The hat bore a violent scarlet band, and on the -sweatband inside were stamped the letters “E. T. C.” - -“Who does that stand for?” asked Chip. - -“Bully Carson,” spoke up Billy promptly. “Edward T., otherwise Bully. -Say, fellows, I guess we can land that bunch in the lockup, hey? There -must ’a’ been six or eight of ’em, and with this for evidence we can -maybe jail the whole bunch.” - -“Seemed to be more like a dozen,” said Clancy. - -Merry laughed. - -“Come along, you two fire eaters. Billy’s right, for I counted six.” - -“You were cooler than I was, then,” commented Clancy. “Shall we go wake -up the constable, old man? There’s no doubt about our being able to----” - -Frank shook his head. - -“I think they’ve had enough punishment, to judge by the way they acted. -Let it go, fellows. You aren’t hurt?” - -“Nary scratch,” said Clancy. “Somebody hit me with a brick, but it -struck my shoulder and didn’t hurt. Of course, if you think it’s better -not to prosecute ’em, I’m agreeable. But I’d like to see that cuss -Carson do time for this business.” - -Frank nodded. He knew exactly how his chum felt in the matter, but the -Clippers had received fair punishment, and their attack had failed. -When he went on to state that by prosecuting Carson they would be -detained in town, the others agreed instantly. - -“Sure,” said Billy. “We couldn’t afford to miss that Franklin game. I -wish you two obstinate mules wouldn’t go to the hotel, though.” - -“We’ll let your mother get a little sleep,” said Clancy. “She got a -bang-up supper after the game, and it wouldn’t be fair to impose on -her, Billy. I’ll take you back to-morrow in the _Hornet_, if you’ll sit -on the running board.” - -“You bet I will! Just the same, I wish we were goin’ back to-night,” -added Billy, with a worried note in his voice. “The Carsons are down on -you because you helped me, Chip, and they never overlook an injury.” - -“I don’t think Bully will overlook anything for a day or two,” said -Frank. “I landed on his right eye twice, anyhow. Nonsense, Billy! He’s -tried for a cowardly revenge and he’s failed, and that closes up the -incident. We’ll get back to Fardale to-morrow night if your mother -doesn’t kill us with that chicken dinner she promised for to-morrow.” - -“Yum!” and Clancy smacked his lips. “Billy, don’t say anything more -about our going back to-night, or I’ll assassinate you! Wow! Your -mother’s chicken dinners certainly do hit me in the right spot!” - -“All right,” retorted Billy Mac. “But I’d bet you fifteen thousand -dollars and a half that we hear from that crowd again!” - -Merry flung the initialed hat into the street, and they went on their -way. None of the three observed a shadowy form that followed them at a -little distance, as if spying on their movements. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. FATHER AND SON. - - -Bully Carson, long after midnight, was still sitting over a washbowl -in his room at home, bathing a startlingly black eye. It was a painful -operation. - -He was growling savagely to himself as he worked. There was a strong -smell of arnica in the air, while his room was decorated with cigarette -stubs and hastily discarded garments. These latter were calculated -to be striking in appearance, and they were. When attired in all his -glory, Bully Carson, as Billy Mac said, could be heard coming a full -mile away. - -Just at present he was attired only in his underwear, however, and in -several bruises. He had been adorning these with arnica, but not with -arnica alone, for ranged beside him were all manner of bottles. - -At intervals of five minutes, Bully would anxiously pick up a hand -mirror and examine his injured eye. It was something of a job, since he -could only see out of the other one, and he gained little joy from it. - -“He must ’a’ hit me with a brick!” he muttered vengefully. His mutter -mingled with a groan of despair as he took another look at his eye. - -“Wow! I guess I’ll get my auto and get out o’ town fer a while--this -is only gettin’ worse every minute! Yes, sir, that’s what I’ll do, as -soon’s Ironton shows up. He’s watchin’ them fellers, and if they get -the constable I reckon I’ll have passengers in that car o’ mine.” - -Bully Carson was disheartened, there was no doubt of that. He was -also discolored, and realized the fact thoroughly. He had counted on -flashing a particularly flamboyant necktie on the girls the next day, -but the colors would not harmonize very well with his eye. And his eye -was immense, and growing more so. Bathing only seemed to help it along. - -He began to dress. Late as the hour was, he was determined to get his -car and slink out of town, rather than display his facial adornments to -Carsonville’s admiring gaze. He realized just how admiring that gaze -would be. - -Suddenly he paused, at the sound of some one entering the house. He -started, then recognized his father’s step ascending the stairs. This -was strange, for when Colonel Carson had left for Fardale he had -expected to remain over Monday. A moment later the colonel opened the -door of his son’s room and stepped in. - -“Still up, eh?” he said. Then his eyes took in the array of bottles, -and he sniffed. “Arnica?” - -“Arnica,” repeated Bully sullenly, keeping his back to the light. - -“What have you been doing?” - -“I been sittin’ on the roof eating scrambled eggs--what’d you suppose?” - -Being used to Bully’s disrespectful manner, Colonel Carson took no -notice. - -“When I left, you agreed that you would get Merriwell laid out,” he -said. “Did you succeed?” - -“If I had, I wouldn’t be packin’ up,” returned Bully. He moved around -until the light struck his face. “See that peeper? Well, I’m goin’ to -take that car o’ mine and beat it. I’ll be back in a few days.” - -“Hold on, son, hold on,” but Colonel Carson could not help smiling, -angry though he was. “Do you mean to say that kid licked you?” - -“Don’t look that way, does it? He had about a dozen fellers hid in a -doorway, and they jumped us with clubs. We couldn’t do nothin’.” - -Bully reeled off this astonishing lie with assurance. His father -examined the black eye with commiseration and rage. - -“My poor boy! We’ll make that fellow rue the day he ever came to -Carsonville, son! So you were going away, eh?” - -“Yes. I reckon I’ll lay over in Orton fer a few days.” - -Orton was a small town fifteen miles from Carsonville, a mere country -village, where it would be easy to remain and pass over the injury -with any excuse. Colonel Carson nodded thoughtfully. - -“That’s not so bad, son. I dunno’s it won’t fit in pretty well, too.” - -Bully looked up suddenly. - -“Thought you was goin’ to stay over in Fardale? You must ’a’ done some -tall hustling to get back on that late train! Did you see Randall?” - -“Yes,” and Colonel Carson’s hard face darkened suddenly. “He’s no good -the way we thought, Bully. He won’t throw the game.” - -“Huh? Why not?” - -“I didn’t get down to reasons--didn’t have to. He’s one o’ these here -goody-goody fellows who believe in sport for sport’s sake, prob’ly. -Anyway, he shied when I mentioned it, so I changed my plans around a -bit.” - -“You’re a wonder!” and Bully chuckled suddenly, in unholy admiration. -“You got the slickest brain I ever did see! What’s the idea now?” - -“Well,” and Colonel Carson sank wearily into a chair, “you know that I -want to get down some bets on this Fardale-Franklin game, Bully. The -only thing is how to know which team will win, d’you see?” - -“Sure--even with this eye,” said Bully, with a grin. “Go on.” - -“The Franklin pitcher is a wonder, but they don’t know it at Fardale. -Randall thinks he can win easily, if he pitches. And he’ll pitch if -Merriwell doesn’t show up, that’s certain. So if Randall pitches, it’s -a dead sure thing that Franklin wins the game.” - -“And if Merriwell pitches----” - -“Then it’s not so sure. But listen here, Bully! Randall put me wise to -something, something that made me alter my plans. We want to get back -at Merriwell, at both of ’em, father and son. The father will get hit -if Fardale loses, and the kid gets hit if he don’t pitch.” - -“How so?” - -“’Cause whoever pitches that game gets ’lected captain o’ the Fardale -team. I don’t understand it all, but that’s how she lays. If Randall -pitches, Merriwell loses out all around, d’you see?” - -“And if he pitched, then he’d get the ’lection?” - -“That’s it, Bully.” - -The son grimaced, as he knotted a yellow-purple necktie about his neck. - -“Then he can pitch, fer all o’ me. By thunder, I know when I got -enough, pop. If you can figger out any way----” - -“Hold on, son, hold on!” and Colonel Carson tugged at his goatee, -smiling craftily. “You ain’t never seen the old man lose out very long, -have you? He ain’t a-goin’ to this time, either. Merriwell ain’t goin’ -to pitch that game, see?” - -“How you goin’ to keep him out?” - -“That depends. Where is he now?” - -“Gettin’ the constable to arrest me, mebbe,” returned Bully easily. “I -lost my hat, and he slung it away after seein’ whose it was. Ironton is -watchin’ to see where he goes fer the night.” - -“Well, we can take care of him easily enough,” announced Colonel -Carson, with great complacence. “Your goin’ to Orton will come in jest -right, too.” - -“Me? Not on your life!” exclaimed Bully fervently. “You don’t get me -mixed in no more doings with that kid, Merriwell, pop. Not much! I’m -done.” - -“Oh, no you’re not!” said the other easily. “I’ll get over to Fardale -for that game, and I’ll get a good bunch o’ money down on Franklin. -That cussed fool Merriwell done me out o’ the McQuade mortgage, and I’m -goin’ to make him and his kid sweat for it, you bet!” - -“I guess he wasn’t so much of a fool if he did you out o’ anything,” -muttered Bully, under his breath. - -“Yep, it’s a good scheme, a mighty good scheme,” mused his father -reflectively. “I’ll give you a rake-off on them bets, Bully. Ain’t the -kid got an uncle named Dick Merriwell?” - -“Sure. What’s the idea?” - -Bully began to take a keener interest in the subject. He knew that the -wily Colonel Carson was rarely bested at such an encounter as this, and -hope sprang anew that his father could succeed where he himself had -failed. - -“You wait, son. I ain’t got the precise details figgered out, but -they’re a-comin’. Yes, they’re on the way, all right.” - -Colonel Carson fell to tugging thoughtfully at his goatee. An instant -later there came a soft whistle below the windows. - -“There’s Ironton now,” exclaimed Bully. - -He crossed to the nearest window, and flung up the sash. - -“That you, Bully?” came the voice of Ironton. - -“Sure, it’s me. What’d you find out?” - -There was a trace of anxiety in his tones. He still half feared that -Merriwell would arrest him for that night’s work. - -“It’s all right, Bully. I heard ’em talking. They ain’t goin’ to do -nothin’ about it, but figure on goin’ home to-morrow.” - -“Ask where Merriwell is,” spoke up Colonel Carson hastily. Bully -repeated the question. - -“He and the red-headed guy went up to the Morton House,” answered -Ironton. “How’s the eye?” - -“Black,” said Bully, with a curse. “I’m goin’ to skip out o’ town fer a -few days. Much obliged, Ironton. See you later.” - -He closed the window. Colonel Carson had risen, and was reflectively -fingering a telegraph blank he had extracted from his pocket. - -“I’m glad to get that information, Bully. I guess I can fix Mr. Chip -Merriwell without much trouble!” - -“I’d like to know how,” growled Bully. - -“You will, as soon as you get your car out. I want you to do an errand -over at Orton, and I guess there won’t be any chance to go wrong this -time. Get ready, and when the car’s out come to my room.” - -And Colonel Carson made his exit, whistling softly to himself. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. LURED AWAY. - - -“No use--I can’t sleep a morning like this!” - -Chip Merriwell jumped out of bed and went to the window. It was early -Sunday morning, and from the room at the hotel which he and Clancy -occupied he had a clear view of the village green, the streets leading -on down toward the river, and the green opposite slope of the valley -beyond. - -The air was heavy with apple blossoms, warm with spring richness, and -Frank drank it in eagerly. From somewhere about the place he heard the -pur of a motor car, but could see nothing of the machine. - -“I don’t believe I can stay indoors,” he sighed softly, and turned to -where his clothes lay on a chair. - -Indeed, the morning was a perfect one. The little town lay still, -deserted, apparently empty of all life. Yet its streets were clothed -with freshness, and its feathery-leaved trees were green with new -spring life. From the fruit orchards that hedged Carsonville there -drifted renewed sweetness on every breeze. - -Chip glanced at his chum, but Clancy was sleeping the sleep of the -just. The red-haired chap put in his daytime most energetically, and -when he slept he did it with just as much vigor. - -“I’ll let him pound his ear,” smiled Chip, as he flung on his clothes, -impatient to be outdoors. “Anyway, I’d just as soon have a walk all by -myself for a change. I’ve a good notion to go down and take a dip in -the mill pond, by gracious!” - -At thought of the cool, inviting waters of the river, which he had -explored with the aid of Billy Mac, he finished his dressing hurriedly. -The hotel was still dead to the world, and Frank quietly let himself -out into the silent corridor. - -Downstairs, however, he found the clerk sweeping out the office. The -clerk looked up with a cheery greeting and a wide grin, for Chip was -already a popular hero in Carsonville, after the game of the day before. - -“Up early, ain’t you?” - -“Too fine a morning to sleep,” said Chip. “What’s that machine I heard -buzzing around?” - -“The garage is down the street a ways,” explained the clerk, leaning on -his broom. “They’ve got one machine there for hire. Want to get it?” - -“No, thanks,” and Frank laughed. “I was only mildly curious. Clancy’s -car is all right?” - -“Sure, I seen it out in the back yard only just now.” - -Merry nodded and passed on to the veranda. At sight of the upturned -chairs he was attacked by sudden laziness, and with a yawn turned -over one of the chairs and seated himself, drinking in the clear air -greedily. - -“Mornings like this make life worth living,” he reflected contentedly. -“I’ll wager that if folks knew how good these early spring mornings -were, they’d go to bed earlier and get up earlier. It’s worth all the -rest of the day!” - -He sprawled out comfortably. He was still weary with his stiff game -of the previous afternoon, and his long evening following, and soon -realized that if he sat here very long he would be fast asleep once -more. So, after five minutes, he forced himself to rise. - -“I never thought I’d be getting lazy!” he murmured. “Well, down to the -river and have a quick dip, then a rest on the long grass, and back to -rout Clan out in time for breakfast.” - -He paused as he reached the steps, for he caught sight of a solitary -figure that seemed to be approaching the Morton House. - -The figure was that of a farmer, but this signified nothing in -Carsonville, where every one owned farms or orchards, or else worked in -them. The man was tall, round-shouldered, and his face was decorated -with a yellowish wisp of beard. He seemed to be a powerful fellow, Chip -thought. - -As he approached the hotel, Merry caught sight of the man’s face. It -was not exactly a pleasant one, for the eyes were very close set, and -there was a general look of shrewd cunning about the man which was not -reassuring. - -Frank would not have noticed him, had the man not been inspecting him -rather closely as he drew near. It occurred to Merry that the fellow -might be looking for him. - -“Good morning!” he exclaimed. “This is certainly great spring weather, -eh?” - -“Purty good,” and the man looked him over curiously. “Say, mister, -mebbe you kin tell me if there’s a feller at the hotel by the name o’ -Merriwell? Frank Merriwell, I guess the front part of it is.” - -Merry wondered. Without any undue self-glorification, he thought it odd -that the man did not know him, for every soul in town had witnessed the -game of the previous day. He himself had come in for a good deal of -attention. - -“I believe he’s stopping here,” he said. “In fact, you happen to be -talking to him at this moment. Why?” - -“Well, now!” The man stared up. “Are you him?” - -“I’m it,” laughed Frank. “Anything I can do for you?” - -“Why, I was down to the railroad dee-po jest now, when a tellygram come -in fer a feller o’ that name. The agent, he couldn’t come up very well, -so I said I’d fetch it along and see if you was here.” - -While he spoke, the man began fishing in the pocket of his overalls, -and at last pulled out a yellow envelope. Merry took it with a nod. He -knew that there was no regular telegraph office in the little town, -messages being handled from the railroad station, so he thought little -of the matter. - -“Well, I’m much obliged to you for your trouble,” he said, taking out a -quarter as the man handed him the message. “If you’ll take----” - -“No, thanks, mister,” and the man turned away without taking the money. -“I couldn’t take nothin’, thanks. So long.” - -“So long,” said Frank. - -He tore open the message, as the man slouched away down the street. -It was a typewritten message, and had evidently been received at -Carsonville some ten minutes previously. - -“By gracious!” he said. “What the deuce has struck Uncle Dick, anyhow? -And where or what is Orton?” - -This was the message that caused him so much wonder: - - FRANK MERRIWELL, JUNIOR, Carsonville: Have your father meet me - not later than nine, Sunday morning, Orton. Very important. Keep - destination secret. - - UNCLE DICK. - -Merry stared down at it, frowning. There must be a place named Orton, -though he knew of none in the vicinity. But what was Dick Merriwell -doing there? - -He turned at a step, to find the clerk sweeping out the refuse through -the doorway of the hotel. Chip knew that he would be able to get -information at once, and spoke. - -“Where is Orton? Is that any place near here?” - -“Orton? Sure, Mr. Merriwell!” The clerk jerked his thumb over across -the valley. “It ain’t what you might call a metropolis, nohow, but it’s -got a smithy and a couple o’ stores and a schoolhouse. Thinkin’ o’ -goin’ over there?” - -Frank started. Going over there! Why, of course! - -“How far is it from here?” he queried. - -“About fifteen mile by road, I take it. ’Bout ten, as the crow flies.” - -While the clerk paused to stare at him curiously, Merry considered. -If his uncle was at Orton, he must be expecting his father to meet -him there. But Frank Merriwell, senior, had returned home on the late -train! And Dick had stated that it was very important, so there was but -one thing to do. - -“Clan hasn’t waked up yet,” thought Chip, “so I guess I won’t disturb -him. I’ll go down and see if I can get that garage machine, and if it’s -taken then I can rouse up Clancy and get the _Hornet_ buzzing.” - -He turned to the clerk, with quick decision, shoving the telegram into -his pocket. - -“Yes, I just received a telegram----” he stopped, remembering the -admonition in that telegram. “But, by the way, I’d rather you wouldn’t -say anything to any one about my going to Orton, will you?” - -“Sure not,” assented the clerk at once. - -“Tell Clancy that I’ll be back before noon,” went on Merry, turning. -“I’ll get a car if I can, and be back by then, easily. Much obliged to -you!” - -“You got a good morning for the trip,” called the clerk after him. -“Good luck!” - -Chip waved his hand in return, and walked down the street toward the -garage. He glanced about for the messenger, but doubtless the man had -returned to the station, and he sighed. - -“I see where I don’t get that early swim this morning! Well, that’s -what comes of a fellow having a family!” - -And with a whimsical grimace he saw the garage ahead of him. In front -was an old-fashioned but comfortable-looking car, with a young fellow -busily engaged in washing it off. - -“Must be expecting Sunday traffic,” thought Frank. “That looks a -whole lot better than Clan’s bumpy old scrap heap, just the same. -Six-cylinder, too, so probably she can go some.” - -Approaching the washer, he inquired if the car was for rent. The young -fellow hailed the proprietor of the garage, inside, and the latter came -out and nodded to Chip at once. - -“You’re young Merriwell, ain’t you? I seen that game yesterday, by -thunder! Is it you who wants to get a car?” - -“I want to go over to Orton and back,” said Merry, “if your car’s for -rent.” - -“For rent? To you?” A wide grin came over the man’s face. “Say, -Merriwell, you couldn’t rent no car off’n me, not if you was to offer -me a cold million dollars!” - -“Eh!” Merry looked at him in astonishment. “What do you mean?” - -“Anybody that lays over Colonel Carson like you did yesterday, son, can -have my car when he wants it, see? No, don’t do any hollering. I won’t -take no pay, except for gas and the chauffeur. Just expenses. You’ll -have to get back by noon, though. I only got the one car, and it’s -engaged for the afternoon.” - -Finding that the man was absolutely earnest in his refusal to take -money, Chip assented. - -“We’ll be back as soon as we can reach Orton and turn around,” he said, -getting into the car. “And I’m much obliged to you, sir!” - -“Pleasure’s all mine, son,” returned the other, with a grand air. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. WHERE IS MERRY? - - -“Great morning, Chip!” - -Clancy was drowsily looking out of the window. His eyes had just -opened, and he had not yet observed the absence of his chum. - -“Wake up and take a look at things, you lazy----” - -Clan turned over to give Merry a punch, then suddenly sat up. - -“Well, by Jupiter!” he gasped. - -He noticed for the first time that his chum’s clothes had disappeared, -as well as Chip himself. Then he turned toward the window, hearing a -church bell ringing sweetly across the valley, and noticed the maturity -of the morning. - -“Jumping whippoorwills! I must have overslept a whole lot----” - -At that moment there came a sudden, furious knocking on the door. -Clancy paused, half out of bed, and poised a pillow to fling as the -door opened. - -“Come in!” he yelled. “I’m not deaf. Come in, you imitation of a real -man! You don’t fool me, Chip Merriwell----Wow! Get out o’ here!” - -Clancy had thought that it was his chum, but as the door opened wide -his voice shot up to a shrill yell. For there, looking in with rolling -eyes, was one of the two negresses who acted as waitresses and bell -boys at the hotel. - -“Get out o’ here!” shrilled Clan, pulling the bedclothes around -him. “Can’t you hear? Shut that door! What d’you think I am, a -moving-picture show?” - -The door shut. From the outside came the voice of the startled negress: - -“Ah thought yo’ said to come in, suh. Ah suttinly did!” - -“I was wrong,” retorted Clancy, grinning in spite of himself. “I meant -to say go climb up the flagpole and kill flies. What do you want?” - -“Why, suh, dar’s a gem’man downsta’rs askin’ foh yo’ an Mistuh -Merriwell.” - -“What’s his name, and what time is it?” - -“It’s dat ar McQuade boy. It’s ten o’clock, suh.” - -“Send him up,” and Clancy leaped for his clothes. “Great Scott! Ten -o’clock! Say, there must be something in this Carsonville air! I -haven’t slept as late as this for a month of Sundays.” - -He tore open his suit case, and went into dressing with such furious -energy that the room was filled with baseball uniforms and sections of -underwear and clean shirts when Billy flung open the door. - -“What’s goin’ on here?” demanded the astonished Billy Mac. - -“Me, mostly,” said Clancy. “Where’s Chip?” - -“How do I know? Say, are you just getting up?” - -“No!” roared Clancy, half into a clean shirt. “I’m sitting on Brooklyn -Bridge making mince pie, you bonehead!” - -“Oh, don’t let me disturb you,” said Billy sarcastically. “If you -haven’t got your beauty sleep, old sorrel top, go right back to bed. -It’s only ten o’clock, and I thought maybe you’d like to take a sunrise -swim down in the mill pond.” - -Clancy cut these remarks short by seizing a pillow and letting fly. -Billy was sent back into the corner, and came up grinning. - -“Where’s Chip?” - -“Look under the bed,” retorted Clancy. “I just woke up. I suppose he’s -dug out for the river himself. There’s no sign of a bathroom around -this jay hotel.” - -“What d’you expect for three dollars a week? There, leave off that -white shirt, Clan! We’ll go down to the crick and meet Chip, then come -back here and dress.” - -This program suited Clancy to perfection. On their way down to the -street, however, he stopped and asked the clerk whether Chip had left -any message for him. - -“Sure, Mr. Clancy. Said he’d be back before noon.” - -“Huh? And when was that?” - -“A little before seven this morning.” - -“Holy smoke!” cried Clancy. “Before seven! Then Merry’s been gone for -three hours, Billy! He isn’t down at the river, you boob!” - -“Quit calling names,” retorted Billy, a trace of anxiety in his clear -eyes. “It didn’t improve your manners to go West, I reckon. Sure, we’ll -go down and see, anyhow. He might be asleep in the sun down there.” - -Clancy asked the clerk if he knew where Merry had gone. The clerk, -mindful of Chip’s injunction, said that he “couldn’t say,” and the two -friends went off toward the river in helpless wonderment. - -Billy said nothing, but he was not a little worried. Clancy suspected -nothing wrong, though he knew that it was not Chip’s usual custom to -disappear without leaving any word of where he had gone. - -Upon reaching the mill pond they found no sign of Merry. Clancy scoffed -at the fears of his friend, so they stripped and took a hasty dip, then -dressed and made their way back to the hotel. - -“If he don’t show up pretty soon,” said Billy, “mother will be all -balled up with her chicken dinner, Clan.” - -“Well, we aren’t going to wait for him,” said Clancy firmly. “I want -that chicken dinner, believe me! We’ll give him half an hour, then -we’ll load into the _Hornet_ and go up to your house. Maybe he’s there -now.” - -Mrs. McQuade had been requested to prepare an early dinner, as the -three friends intended returning to Fardale in the _Hornet_ that -afternoon. So promptly at eleven-thirty Clancy got out his car and -ordered the reluctant Billy to climb in. Since there was a strong -possibility that Merriwell was at the McQuade house, Billy finally -obeyed. - -“Nothing could happen to him,” scoffed Clancy, as they climbed the -hill. “He’s off on a walk, that’s all, and probably has gone to sleep -on the shady side of a tree.” - -Mrs. McQuade had seen nothing of Merry, and since her dinner was all -ready and waiting, she put aside a generous portion to keep warm for -Chip and insisted on Clancy and Billy pitching in at once. - -They did so, but as the meal progressed Clancy began to feel the same -anxiety that was worrying his friend. Finally he asked Mrs. McQuade to -hold her pies in the oven for a little. - -“Billy and I will run back to the hotel. He might be there, or on the -way.” - -The two jumped into the _Hornet_, and Clancy hit only the high spots -until they drew up before the hotel. A man came down the steps, and -Clancy recognized him as the garage proprietor. - -“Say, Mr. Clancy, where’s Mr. Merriwell?” - -“Isn’t he here?” - -“No,” returned the man, in a worried voice. “I got that auto rented -this afternoon, and----” - -“Auto!” yelled Billy. “Did he rent your auto?” - -“Why, sure! Didn’t you know that?” - -“Not yet, I didn’t!” snapped Clancy. He wakened abruptly to the fact -that there must be something seriously wrong. “When was this?” - -“About seven o’clock.” - -“Where did he go to?” - -The garage proprietor hesitated. - -“Well, last thing he says was not to say anything. But mebbe you boys -could go and see if anything’s wrong. Anyhow, you’re his pals, so I -reckon he wouldn’t mind me tellin’ you so much. He went over to Orton, -or said he was goin’ there.” - -“What the deuce was he going to Orton for?” queried Billy, in -astonishment. “Why, there’s nothing there but a schoolhouse and a -smithy!” - -Clancy frowned. He looked to see the clerk coming down toward them in a -hesitant way, having heard the conversation. - -“There ain’t nothin’ wrong, is there?” inquired the clerk. - -“Seems to be,” and Clancy gave him a sharp look. “Didn’t Merry say he -was going to Orton?” - -“Oh, you know about it, then?” said the clerk, looking relieved. “Why, -yes, the telegram come from Orton, I think he said----” - -“What’s the matter with you?” sang out Billy. “There’s no telegraph -station at Orton, and you know it! Did he tell you that?” - -“Well, he got a telegram, then he started askin’ me about Orton,” -returned the clerk. “I didn’t ask no questions, so I don’t know where -it come from. He seemed rather fussed, though.” - -“There’s something wrong, Clancy,” murmured Billy, leaning over and -speaking in a low voice. “It isn’t like Chip to go off like that.” - -“No,” agreed Clancy, “that’s not his regular trail at all.” - -He turned to the garage proprietor. - -“Don’t worry about the car, sir. We’ll do a little inquiring around -here, and then start out after it. But whatever loss you incur will be -made good.” - -“I wouldn’t give a whoop,” explained the man, “only I’d promised the -car for this afternoon to another party. Far’s I’m concerned, Merriwell -could have the car out all day without payin’ a cent. But I hate to -disappoint folks.” - -“Well, we’ll see what can be done,” said Clancy. “How far to this -place?” - -“Fifteen miles or less. The roads ain’t none too good, but it ain’t a -long ride at all. The car was in good shape, too.” - -“H’m!” grunted Clan. “Mighty funny if it’d take a car five hours for -that! But he might have had a breakdown somewhere. It’d be a good play -to run out and take a look at Orton, Billy.” - -“Better look at that telegram first, Clan.” - -“Huh? Why?” - -“Because we might learn something.” - -“Where’s the office here?” - -“At the depot. But I’d bet you thirteen thousand dollars and fifty -cents that we’ll find there hasn’t been any message for Chip received.” - -“Say, what’s got into you?” queried Clancy. “Too much chicken pie?” - -“Oh, you know same’s I do, only you won’t say it,” sniffed Billy -forebodingly. “It’s foul play, Clan. Merry has helped me, and those -Carsons are getting even with him, that’s what it is!” - -“Well, I’m beginning to think so myself, all right,” said Clan soberly. -“Only I didn’t want to scare you out.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. INVESTIGATING. - - -Once more assuring the garage proprietor that any losses he might incur -would be made good, Clancy opened up the _Hornet_ and started for the -railroad station. - -“Colonel Carson owns a lot of land over toward Orton,” stated Billy -gloomily. “He’s mixed up in this somewhere, you can believe me!” - -Clancy grunted, but made no reply. When they reached the railroad -station they had no difficulty in finding the combination agent and -telegraph operator. - -“Morning, Mr. Martin!” sang out Billy. “Did you get a wire for Mr. -Merriwell about seven this morning?” - -“Not me, Billy,” returned the agent. “Was he expecting one?” - -“Not that we know of, but he got one,” exclaimed Clancy. “Are you sure -that none came in this morning or last night?” - -“Nobody here last night, and nothing has come this morning.” - -The operator regarded them with curiosity. - -“Did you say Merriwell got a telegram, Billy?” he asked. - -“No, I said so,” snapped Clancy. “He certainly got a telegram this -morning, and if it didn’t come through you, it’s a mighty queer thing!” - -“Yes, I reckon it is,” returned the agent calmly. This merely -exasperated the red-headed chap. - -“Well it’s a darned funny thing,” he exclaimed, “that telegrams can be -received here without the telegraph operator knowing it!” - -“Ain’t no message come this morning,” declared the agent again, and -with a nod to Billy, he turned and went back into his place of business. - -For a moment the two friends were at a loss what to do. It was quite -evident that Chip Merriwell had been called away to Orton by some -important affair, yet this agent declared that no message had arrived -for him! - -“I guess we’ll go back and grill those fellows over again,” said -Clancy, starting the _Hornet_. “We want to make sure about this -telegram business.” - -“It’s easy enough to send a fake message,” suggested Billy Mac. - -“We’ll soon see, then.” - -Returning to the hotel, they questioned the clerk anew. By this time he -was in enough anxiety to speak out fully, and stated emphatically that -he had seen the telegram, and that Merriwell had mentioned it. - -“I guess that settles it, Clan,” exclaimed Billy, with a gloomy -countenance. “He got a message, all right, but it didn’t come through -the station agent.” - -“Do you suppose that Colonel Carson or his son had a hand in it?” - -“Sure I do! Only, what’s their reason? Do you think they tried to get -Merry where they could beat him up?” - -“From what I saw of the colonel,” said Clancy thoughtfully, “he -wouldn’t go into anything so raw as that, old man. Bully tried it and -got all that was coming to him last night. Granted that Chip was lured -away, there are some folks who would have a decidedly good reason to -keep him out of sight for a day or two.” - -“Who?” - -“Some of the Franklin Academy crowd. I may be doing him an injustice, -but I’d be more apt to blame Bob Randall than the Carsons, Billy.” - -Billy Mac stared in open disbelief. - -“Randall? But why should he try to keep Chip away from Fardale?” - -“Because he wants to pitch in Monday’s game against Franklin. It looks -to me as if Randall was trying for the place Ted Crockett will leave -vacant. If he won the Franklin game he’d be a popular hero----” - -“Cut out this foolishness, Clan!” - -Billy Mac leaned forward earnestly. He was a staunch friend of -Merriwell’s, but he had seen Bob Randall at his best, and both liked -and admired the fiery, handsome Southerner. - -“You’re away off. Bob Randall isn’t that sort, not by a good deal. -He doesn’t like Chip particularly, but it’s an honorable, open-faced -dislike, and it won’t last. If he knew anything like this was going -on, he would be the first one to warn Chip. No, if there’s any one to -blame, Clancy, it’s the Carsons.” - -The red-haired chap nodded. He was quick to recognize that his words -might have been an injustice to Randall, whom he did not know at all -well. Moreover, if anything was wrong it was no doubt inspired by Bully -Carson or his father. - -“Yes, Billy, I got a bit out of perspective there, I reckon. Randall or -the Franklin crowd wouldn’t be down here. Well, our best plan will be -to hit for Orton and see if Merry’s car got disabled.” - -By dint of inquiries they soon found that there was but one road to -Orton, and that if they took it there was no chance that they could -miss Merry. Clancy was for going to call on Colonel Carson and putting -it up to him straight, but Billy Mac persuaded him to adopt the more -sensible course of taking the road to Orton and tracing up Merriwell. - -“Let’s go up to your house, then,” said Clancy, “and load up with some -rations. Chip may be pretty hungry when we find him, and there’s no -knowing how long we’ll be gone. Besides, we’d better tell your mother -nothing of what we suspect. No use worrying her, Billy.” - -This was sound argument, and when they arrived at the McQuade home they -said nothing of their uneasiness. Clancy stated that Chip had been -called over to Orton very unexpectedly, and that they were going over -to meet him, and might possibly proceed on to Fardale without returning. - -So, loading the _Hornet_ with their belongings and a generous amount -of Mrs. McQuade’s toothsome edibles, the two started out on the trail -of Frank Merriwell, junior. Once outside of town, Clancy opened up the -_Hornet_ and showed what she could do. - -“I took her off the scrap heap,” he declared proudly, “and while she -doesn’t look up to much, she can certainly go some!” - -Billy’s interest was only perfunctory, however. He was still thinking -about Chip and the Carson family. - -“Funny we didn’t see Bully around town, Clan. He usually sports around -in his gay duds on Sunday, and runs an old car he bought second-hand. -The colonel sticks to horses, but Bully likes to make an impression -with his car.” - -“I guess Merry gave him a black eye last night,” said Clancy. “That may -account for his failure to sport around. I guess the whole crowd is -laying low and keeping quiet for the present.” - -Billy grunted, but relapsed into silence. - -The Orton road was a rough one, and after the first mile Clancy had -to slow down a bit. They were going directly away from the railroad, -and as they proceeded without seeing any trace of the garage car, they -found that the country lost its prosperous aspect, and became a good -deal rougher and wilder. - -More than once they passed rocky farms that had been abandoned years -before, although the flowering orchards around Carsonville had proved -that, with industry and skill, the country could be made productive. - -Mile after mile reeled off without any token of their quarry, other -than tracks of auto tires in the road, which might have been left by -any one of a dozen machines. At length they topped a rise and saw Orton -itself, two miles farther on. It was a miserably small place, and -Clancy’s heart sank. - -“There’d be an elegant place to hold Merry prisoner,” said Billy, -pointing to a deserted farmhouse that stood back from the road to one -side. It was the fifth place he had pointed out with the same idea, -and Clancy grunted. - -“You’re off, Billy. I don’t believe Merry was ever in this jay town. -There’s nothing to it but a blacksmith shop and a couple of stores.” - -“But don’t you think that’s what’s happened?” persisted Billy Mac. - -“No, I don’t. Chip may have been lured away, all right, but Colonel -Carson has too much gumption to work that kind of a racket, according -to my notion. No hotel here, is there?” - -“No,” said Billy anxiously. “We can find out if Merry was here by going -to the smithy. The blacksmith lives just behind it.” - -Orton was not even large enough to be possessed of a church, it -appeared. The little place seemed absolutely desolate in the Sunday -afternoon quiet, but as the _Hornet_ drew up in front of the smithy, -Clancy saw that the blacksmith was standing under an apple tree, -watching them. - -Leaping out, the two hastened into the orchard behind the smithy, and -proceeded to question the burly smith. - -“I couldn’t say,” he responded to their inquiries. “I’ve seen two or -three machines go past, but didn’t pay much attention. Mebbe my wife -did. Hold on a minute.” - -He turned and lifted a shout at the house in the rear. A tired-looking -woman came forth, and made response that she had seen Bully Carson’s -machine early that morning, but had not noticed the others. - -“Bully Carson!” exclaimed Billy, in a low voice. “We’re on the trail, -Clancy!” - -Clancy considered. If they were to make inquiries through the place, -it might be best to leave the _Hornet_ here. Turning to the smith, he -found that the latter sold gasoline to the few cars coming through the -place, and arranged to leave the _Hornet_ in his care. - -Returning to the car, he brought it around behind the smithy, and with -Billy made his way to the tree-bordered street. An instant later, Billy -clutched his arm. - -“I hear a car, Clan! It’s coming this way!” - -The two friends stopped, the slow exhaust of a motor car coming clearly -from ahead of them. The car came into sight, running slowly toward -them. There was a single figure at the wheel. - -“By gracious, it’s Bully!” cried McQuade excitedly. - -The car rolled toward them at a slow pace. - -“Get ready to jump her,” ordered Clancy, in a tense voice. - -“What you going to do?” - -“We’ll do a little kidnaping on our own hook, Billy. Watch out, now!” - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. THE THIRD DEGREE. - - -Carson was evidently quite unsuspecting. Possibly he did not see the -two figures that waited at the roadside. At all events his car rolled -slowly past the smithy, and, as it came opposite to their waiting -place, Clancy nudged Billy and leaped forth. - -He believed in doing a thing thoroughly, when he _was_ doing it. -Consequently, as he saw Bully twist around in his seat with a start of -alarm, Clancy gave him no chance to increase his speed, but put all his -energies into a flying leap. - -A cry broke from Carson, but he was too late. Clancy rose in the air -like a bird and struck full against him, driving him down at once. The -two fell in a confused tangle under the steering wheel, while the car -went slowly along the road. - -Meantime, Billy Mac jumped to the running board and piled into the -tonneau. He leaned over the back of the front seat. Before he could -lend assistance, the two figures came erect, and Clancy shoved Carson -bodily over into the tonneau. - -“Keep him there, Mac,” he ordered. - -“What you going to do?” gasped Billy. - -“No time to talk,” said Clancy, jumping to the steering wheel. “Throw -a robe over that fellow’s head! Sit on him, you chump!” - -Carson, indeed, was rising to the occasion. He had landed in the -tonneau on his head and shoulders, and was squirming upright, letting -out wild yells as he did so. The peace of the Sabbath was being -terribly shattered. - -Billy Mac saved the day by adopting Clan’s suggestion. Seizing the -heavy blanket that did duty for an auto robe, he threw it over Carson’s -head, managed to evade the waving fists, and plumped himself on top of -the big fellow. - -Carson was forced to the floor of the car, which had leaped into speed -under Clancy’s touch. Billy McQuade being a chunky fellow for his age, -made no light weight, and Carson’s bellows for help were stifled. - -So quickly had it all occurred, that, while Bully Carson must have -recognized his assailants, he had been too startled to propound any -questions. In fact, he had been hustled about so rapidly that when -Billy came down on him he had no more breath left with which to shout. - -After a moment Clancy stopped the car on a lonely stretch of road, -and told Billy to shove their prisoner out. Billy did not stand on -ceremony, but opened one of the side doors and sent Carson tumbling out -like a bag of flour. - -The big fellow landed in the dust, came to his feet, flung off the -robe, and emerged, spluttering with rage. - -“What’s this mean!” he exclaimed hotly. “I’ll have you dubs pinched fer -this!” - -Clancy grinned. - -“No, you won’t, Bully. You’re liable to get pinched yourself for what -took place last night. Where’s Chip Merriwell?” - -“How do I know?” demanded Carson, working himself up into a rage. -“You’d better clear out, and do it quick, or I’ll smash your carrot -head in about----” - -“No more of that talk,” said Clancy. “You’re a coward, my friend. If -you try fighting, you’ll get the worst of it by a good deal. Where’s -Chip Merriwell?” - -Clancy gave no sign of his inward perturbation. He had conducted this -assault absolutely without evidence, and on a momentary impulse. If -he failed to extract any information, he was apt to find himself up -against the law. - -“I don’t know anythin’ about him,” said Carson sullenly. - -“Don’t lie,” said Clancy angrily. “You sent him a fake telegram that -got him over to Orton this morning. Where is he?” - -Carson went white. - -“How’d you know that----” he began, then checked himself and tried to -bluster it off. “You’re crazy, you boobs! I ain’t seen the feller----” - -“You make me sick,” said Clancy, with renewed self-confidence. “You -gave yourself away right there, Bully. Now come across, or take the -consequences.” - -Carson glared at him out of his one good optic. - -“I’ll show you!” he bellowed. “You ain’t a-goin’ to get clear with this -kind o’ doin’s around here----” - -And turning swiftly, he shoved Billy Mac aside and made a break down -the road. Clancy grinned inwardly. Carson was not only scared, but he -was extremely anxious to get away. - -Clancy caught the big fellow within fifty feet. Carson showed fight, -but the red-haired chap decided to waste no further time. Catching the -arm of Carson, he twisted it behind the other’s back, and had him at -his mercy. - -“Take his arm, Billy,” he commanded. “Put him into the machine and keep -him quiet. If he yells for help, twist his arm and it’ll break just -below the elbow.” - -Carson went green. - -“Hey, what you fellers tryin’ to do?” he whimpered. “Ouch! I’ll go -along--don’t twist that arm, Billy! We allus been friends, ain’t we?” - -“Not much,” retorted Billy Mac, with unconcealed contempt. “I always -knew you were a coward, Bully, but I thought you’d show a little -fight! Get along with you.” - -Clancy climbed into the driver’s seat, feeling highly satisfied with -himself. He had forced a practical admission from Carson that his -suspicions were correct, and he grimly made up his mind to force a good -deal more from the fellow. - -“Where you goin’, Clan?” inquired Billy, with some anxiety. - -He had shoved Carson into the tonneau and followed him, still grasping -his arm. - -“Well,” said Clancy, with a wink that Bully did not catch, “I think -we’d better take him to that deserted house you pointed out, as we came -into town. Then we can torture him until he confesses.” - -“Fine!” grinned Billy. “We’ll do some fancy branding on him, and if -that don’t work, we can hang him up by the thumbs and roast his feet, -eh?” - -Unfortunately, perhaps, he overdid the matter. Carson’s evil conscience -had turned him into an arrant coward, but it had not destroyed his -judgment by any means. He perceived that the two were trying to -frighten him, and he relapsed into a sullen silence. - -“You’d better tell us where Merry is,” stated Clancy, turning to look -into the heavy, surly features. “I’ll warn you, Bully, that we’re not -inclined to show you any mercy.” - -“Go to thunder!” growled the captive, and followed it with a string of -curses. Clancy flushed angrily and threw in the clutch. - -“All right, my friend,” he grated. “You’ll get yours!” - -Ten minutes later they drew up at the deserted house outside town. -Clancy drove around to the side, installed the machine in the -half-ruined barn, and reconnoitered the house. A door was swinging on -its hinges, but the place in general was in tolerable condition. He -returned to the barn and took out his handkerchief. - -“Put his wrists together,” he ordered. - -“Give him a chance to talk,” pleaded Billy. Clancy nodded. - -Carson, however, merely poured out a string of curses and began to -plunge in a furious attempt to escape. His twisted arm soon made him -quiet. - -“Take him up to the house,” said Clancy, when he had been bound. “I’ll -get some stuff to make a fire with.” - -Billy obeyed. He deposited Carson in an empty room, tied his ankles -securely, then returned to Clancy with an anxious face. - -“See here, Clan, how far are you goin’? You don’t mean to torture him?” - -“I should hope not,” said Clancy, with a grin. “I feel like it, but -I don’t believe I’d go that far. I’m goin’ to walk back and get the -_Hornet_. We’ll have something to eat, and maybe you can scare him -into talking before I get back.” - -Clancy’s hope was vain. When he returned with the _Hornet_ and their -provisions, he found that Carson had absolutely refused to say a word -on the subject. Billy was not a little anxious, but Clancy stood firm. - -“Billy, I’m goin’ to make that fellow talk if I have to bust every law -on earth. Just stop to think--he’s done something to Chip, and knows -where he is. He seems to have a notion that we’re throwing a bluff into -him about torture and----” - -“So we are,” interjected Billy. “You know it blamed well.” - -“Sure,” admitted Clancy, with a grimace. “But I’m goin’ to make him -think he’s wrong, if I can.” - -There ensued a series of bluffs at torture on Clancy’s part, but they -had not the slightest effect on Carson. - -But Bully Carson stood pat. The first shock of alarm over, he resisted -all of Clancy’s efforts with a grim silence that could not be broken. -He knew that he was helpless, but he also knew that despite Clancy’s -talk the red-haired chap would not dare to proceed to extremities. And -as long as he could hold silence, he intended to do so. Merriwell must -be kept out of that Franklin game. He knew that his father had gone to -Fardale and would doubtless plunge heavily on the result of the game. -Since money meant more than anything else to the Carson family, Bully -intended making a hard fight of it. - -He did so. Clancy and Billy built a roaring fire in the old fireplace -when darkness came on. This took the damp from the main room of -the farmhouse, and rendered it habitable. They ate some of their -provisions, refusing to give Carson anything to eat or drink. Finally -Clancy gave up in disgust. - -“All right,” he said grimly to the prisoner. “You’ll stay here a month -if you don’t loosen up, old scout. Billy, we’ll take turns keeping him -awake to-night. He must have been on the go most of last night and -to-day, and that’ll bring him to terms.” - -When morning dawned, Bully Carson was haggard and drawn, but still -refused to open his lips. Clancy was desperate. Thirsty and hungry -though their captive was, nothing seemed to have any effect. Yet their -only hope of rescuing Chip Merriwell lay in making him talk. - -“I’ve had enough of this,” said Clancy, when the morning was half gone. -“Billy, we’re up against it. Right or wrong, that fellow’s going to -talk.” - -“You’re not going to really torture him?” asked the white-lipped Billy. - -“I am.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. QUICK WORK. - - -Carson was worn out with lack of sleep and exhaustion. When Clancy -dragged him to the fireplace, took a burning brand from the fire, and -approached him, he let out one frightened yell. - -The red-haired chap knew that he could not carry out his bluff, but he -held so desperate a countenance that Carson was overborne. Even Billy -himself half thought that Clancy meant to put his bluff into effect. - -“I give in!” yelled Carson wildly. - -Clancy drew a long breath of relief, but did not let Carson see it. - -“Where’s Chip Merriwell?” he demanded grimly. - -“Don’t burn me!” yelled Carson frantically. “Give me a drink!” - -“You’ll drink when I get ready, and not before,” roared Clancy. -“Where’s Chip Merriwell? Hurry up, you galoot!” - -“He’s at the Brundage Farm, on the other side of Orton,” gasped Bully. -“For Heaven’s sake, give me a drink!” - -The bully had given in completely and absolutely. None the less, he -knew that since it was getting on toward noon, all hope of getting to -Fardale for the game must now be over. - -“Get up,” and Clancy kicked him to his feet. “Billy, take him out to -the car and you take the wheel. I’ll come along in the _Hornet_. Make -him guide us to this Brundage place, and do it quick!” - -“Give me a drink first,” pleaded Carson. - -“You’ll drink when you get there, not before. Jump lively!” - -With a groan, Carson followed Billy. The fellow was in a pitiable -plight, but at thought of Chip, Clancy lost all pity. - -He soon ascertained from Billy Mac that Brundage was a farmer living on -one of the Carson farms, just outside Orton, but on the opposite side -of the town from where they were at present. Also, Carson loosened up -with the story. - -He confessed to having lured Chip away, and stated that both he and the -driver of his machine were being held at the farm in question, in order -that Chip should be detained from the Franklin game. At this Clancy -climbed into the _Hornet_ with a groan of despair. - -“The harm’s done, now!” he reflected bitterly. “Billy, Chip, and I will -be out of the game for certain. That means that Franklin will have a -walk-away, unless old Fardale comes up to the scratch, or a miracle -happens.” - -Billy, driving Carson’s car with the owner huddled in the tonneau, shot -out on the road, while Clancy followed in the _Hornet_. Poor Carson -was almost in a state of collapse, but Billy allowed him no sleep. - -The two cars shot through Orton like a streak, giving Carson no chance -to call for assistance. On the other side of town they came in sight of -their goal--a large white farmhouse, set back from the road. - -Billy turned in at the drive and whizzed up to the side of the house. -As Clancy followed him, two men appeared, one carrying a shotgun. -Clancy instantly perceived that their troubles had just begun, and took -charge of the situation. - -“Get a drink of water for Mr. Carson,” he cried, and the man with the -shotgun leaned the weapon against the side of the house and hurried -toward the well. The other came forward. - -“This Mr. Brundage?” inquired Clancy. - -“It is. What ye want? What’s the matter with Bully?” - -Clancy turned and drew a breath of relief at sight of Bully, who had -fallen sound asleep from utter weariness. - -“We came after Merriwell,” he stated, turning to the farmer. “Get him -out here in a hurry. Bully is tired out, that’s all.” - -This statement was perfectly true. At Clancy’s air of haste, Brundage -clawed his whiskers for an instant, then turned and hurriedly stamped -into the house. Before the other man returned, Clancy caught up the -shotgun and thrust it into Billy’s hands. - -“Climb into the _Hornet_ and be ready to light out,” he exclaimed. -“Keep that fellow covered.” - -As the man approached, Billy ordered him to put up his hands. Clancy -was already examining the barnyard. In one corner appeared an -automobile, which beyond a doubt was that of the Carsonville garage. - -The astonished farm hand obeyed Billy’s abrupt order. Bully Carson was -in no danger of awakening for the present, and Clancy made ready to -depart as soon as Chip was produced. - -“We’ve got to hit her up for Fardale, Billy. When Chip comes, you give -him that seat and climb out to the running board----” - -“Take Carson’s car,” suggested Billy. - -“No. We’ll do it in the _Hornet_. That old bone wagon of Bully’s -couldn’t keep up with us for a mile.” - -At this moment Brundage appeared at the door. - -“Shall I let the other feller out----” he began, then stopped abruptly -at sight of Billy covering the farm hand with the shotgun. “Hey! What -you fellers up to?” - -“You send Merriwell out here and do it in a hurry,” said Clancy, -striding toward the door. - -“All right, Brundage!” sang out the farm hand, with a grin. “I’ll -’tend to these fellers--that old gun ain’t loaded!” - -He started for Billy on the jump. Brundage slammed the door and -vanished. - -At the man’s shout, Billy hastily examined the shotgun. He found that -it was unloaded, and flung it to the ground. Clancy, flaming with anger -and despair, returned hastily to the machine just as the farm hand -leaped at Billy. - -The red-haired chap was in no mood for argument. His fist shot out and -caught the farm hand underneath the ear. The fellow gave a grunt, then -slumped weakly to the dust, and lay quiet. - -“We’re up against it, Clancy,” exclaimed Billy, looking at the house. -“He would have fallen for it if he hadn’t seen me holding that chap up, -or trying to.” - -“It’s all my fault,” said Clancy, with a groan. “But we know that he’s -got Merry in there, and that’s some comfort. We’ll have to get him out.” - -“I don’t see how----” began Billy, but at that instant he was -interrupted. - -A shrill yell arose from inside the house. Then there followed a wild -commotion. - -Without warning, there was a crash of glass, as a china plate came -through one of the lower windows. Another followed, and another, then a -chair burst through the window. - -“Wow! Lemme out o’ here!” came a shrill yell. “I want to go home!” - -Through the window protruded a frightened countenance. - -“It’s the garage driver from Carsonville!” yelled Billy. “Come on, old -scout!” - -“Wow! Lemme out o’ here!” - -It was evident that the young fellow was scared almost out of his head. -He took a flying leap through the window and landed in a rose-bush. In -his hand he held two more plates, and as he scrambled to his feet he -hurled them against the house. - -Then, paying no attention to Clancy and Billy, he rushed across the -barnyard and cranked up his machine. It was evident that he had broken -loose, and was too frightened to do anything but hit it up for home. - -“Let him go,” said Clancy. “We’ll get in that window, Billy!” - -He started for the house. The chauffeur, wild-eyed and reckless, got -his machine slewed around and went shooting down the drive like a crazy -man. - -“Wow!” he yelled, as he passed. “Git the constable! Wow!” - -Renewed sounds of commotion came from within the house. Clancy dashed -at the window. Billy gave him a boost to the sill, and the red-haired -chap shot over the edge headfirst and tumbled to the floor inside. - -He found himself in a darkened room, evidently the dining room of the -farmhouse. It was in wild confusion. Chairs were flung around, the -floor was littered with smashed crockery, and over in the corner Clancy -made out two figures in furious combat. - -As he rushed up, he saw that Chip Merriwell was being gripped by the -enraged Brundage, and that the young athlete was fighting furiously for -his freedom, despite the handicap of handcuffs on his wrists. - -“Whoop-ee!” yelled Clancy, charging across the room. “Here we are, -pard!” - -Merry managed to break loose, and, raising his handcuffed wrists, he -brought them down across the brow of the farmer, who toppled forward. -Clancy caught his chum in his arms as the man fell senseless. - -“Come along, Chip----” he cried, but Merry broke in. - -“Get the key for these irons, Clancy! He’s got it in his vest pocket.” - -Clancy leaned over, and, after a short search, found the key of the -handcuffs in the farmer’s pocket. Straightening up, he inserted it in -the lock, and Merry’s hands fell free. - -“Bully for you, Clan! I thought you were never coming!” - -“We’ll put these fellows over the road,” cried Billy, who had also -entered. “This will land the Carsons in jail, all right.” - -“I guess they’re all right,” said Merry. “They got me over here on the -pretext that Uncle Dick was here. This man Brundage slipped the irons -on me, and they imprisoned me and the chauffeur. Where’d he go?” - -“Went home on the jump,” said Clancy. “What happened?” - -“Brundage came in and released him. Then he went to the door a moment. -The chauffeur was almost wild with rage and fright, and he started to -smash his way out. I guess he did it, all right!” - -“Looks that way, Chip! Say, do you know it’s ’most noon Monday? Let’s -get out of this!” - -The three hastily left by the window and ran to the _Hornet_. - -“We’re off for Fardale and the big game,” cried Clancy exuberantly. - -“You can’t get us there in time, can you?” asked Merry anxiously. - -“By thunder, I can try!” returned Clancy. “Hang on, Billy! We’re off!” - -And the _Hornet_ darted away. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. WON IN THE NINTH. - - -Fardale field was clothed in gloom. The only bright spot was the stand -occupied by the Franklin rooters, and they were certainly making things -lively in that quarter. - -The great game was on, but as far as Fardale’s chances were concerned, -it seemed to be all off. Inning after inning had run along, and time -after time Fardale had been saved from disgrace only by mere good luck. - -As it was, the eighth inning had started with the score four to one in -favor of Franklin. And Peters, the Franklin pitcher, had tightened up -after the first inning, and was invincible. - -Randall, pitching for Fardale, had started out strong. In the fifth he -had let in a run, and in the sixth his poor support had sent him up in -the air. For Fardale had certainly put a poor team in the field, with -substitutes behind the bat, on first, and in the pitcher’s box. - -Even so, Randall might have held Franklin had his own men been able to -hit the swift curves of Peters. Once he loosened up, however, Franklin -romped away with the game, and the slaughter was on. All Fardale -could now hope for was to hold down the score, and she was fighting -desperately to that end. - -Coach Trayne and Captain Ted Crockett were talking anxiously together -while the Fardale batters were being mowed down in the final half of -the eighth. - -“We’re gone completely now,” announced Crockett gloomily. “We’ll get -another chance next inning, but the game’s over.” - -“I can’t understand it,” said the coach, in perplexity. “I’ve had no -answers to any of my telegrams from Chip or Billy or Clancy. At noon I -wired the hotel there, and they said that all three had left yesterday. -Nobody knows where they are.” - -“Something’s happened to ’em, all right,” said Ted, as a storm of -cheers swept out from the Franklin bleachers, announcing that Peters -had fanned a second man. “Maybe that car of Clancy’s has blown up. Did -you wire Mr. Merriwell?” - -“I’ve wired everybody in the country!” cried the coach desperately. -“Nobody knows anything about it. Merry left Carsonville yesterday -morning, with Clan and Billy. That’s all. They’ve dropped completely -out of sight.” - -“It’s a rotten shame,” muttered Crockett. “We had to put Randall in, -and they have simply murdered him. The boys are all up in the air, too.” - -“Well, hold the score down,” said Coach Trayne, in desperation. “That’s -all we can hope for now.” - -Another roar went up from Franklin as Peters fanned the third man. -Villum Kess trotted out to right field in gloomy fashion. - -“Ve vos complexicated now,” he said, as Crockett joined him. “Ve make a -losings ven Chip vos gone, yah! Ve vos our feet viped off der earth of, -Ted!” - -“We’ll have to hold ’em,” said the captain glumly. “We get one more -chance.” - -Randall went into the pitcher’s box amid a storm of cheers from the -Fardale bleachers. The Southerner realized that he had been outclassed, -but he was resolutely trying to hold his self-control. - -“All right, Randall!” cried Crockett. “We’re all with you, old man!” - -“Yah, ve vos all mit you,” piped up Villum. “But I vish dot Merry vos -mit us, like plazes!” - -As the first Franklin man came up, Fardale redoubled its cheers. It was -the first of the ninth. If Franklin could be held to its four runs, -there was still a slim chance that Peters might be pounded in the next -half. But every one admitted that the chance was too slim to be hoped -for. Peters had everything. - -The batter fell on Randall’s first ball, and cracked out a neat single. -The next batter tried for a sacrifice, but he was unable even to put -himself out. The ball rolled down to third, and the third baseman made -a wild throw to first. Both men were safe, and the Franklin cheers -redoubled. - -It was too much for Randall. In his anger he sent a fast one at the -plate, and Peters himself landed on it. The ball streaked down toward -first, but the unhappy substitute, playing Clancy’s position, muffed -it. By the time he got through booting it around, the bases were -filled, not a man was out, and Franklin seemed fated to run up a -tremendous score. - -The next man advanced to the plate with a wide grin at Randall. The -heavy end of Franklin’s batting order was up. At this instant, however, -a shrill yell ascended from the gate. - -“Merriwell! Merriwell! Stop the game!” - -The yell rose to a roar. Men rose in the bleachers, stamping and waving -their hats. Every one knew of Merriwell’s unexplained absence. Randall -went white, and would have delivered the ball had not the umpire -stopped him. - -Across the field careered a dust-white _Hornet_, with three uniformed -figures clinging to it. Ted Crockett turned with a wild yell as Clancy -drew up behind third. - -“Get in the game!” he shouted. “Merry, pitch! Take first, Clan! Catch, -Billy!” - -A renewed storm of yells swept the field as the sudden shift of players -was comprehended. Randall, white-faced, tried to protest, but Crockett -waved him off the field. The three friends had made shift to don their -uniforms as they rode into town, not without difficulty. Coming through -the village they had heard how the game was going, and had hastened on -to the field. - -While they took their positions, and Merry was given a moment to warm -up, the crowd fell silent. Even the Franklin rooters had cheered, for -they were clean sportsmen, but the Fardale fans began to realize that -Merry had arrived too late. - -“They can’t do anything now except hold ’em down,” declared Coach -Trayne. - -New life had been infused into the team, however. Villum Kess was -capering around in right field trying to stand on his head, and almost -succeeding. The ball was being snapped around the bases in wonderful -fashion. One and all, the team were leaping into action as if the -coming of Merry and his friends had turned the tide. - -Yet the score stood four to one, and the bases were filled, there were -none out. - -“Play ball!” called the umpire. - -The Franklin batter stepped into his box. Merry poised himself on the -mound and nodded at Billy’s eager signal. - -Then Merry did a strange thing: - -He knew that the men behind him had regained confidence, and he -proceeded to show his confidence in them by lobbing over a slow, -straight ball. The batter almost gasped with astonishment, but swung -and took it on the nose. - -“Wow!” - -The crowd came up on its toes. The ball drove across the field like a -bullet, so quickly that it could hardly be seen what had happened. The -shortstop put out his glove, and the ball struck. Instantly he leaped -to second. - -The runners had leaped at the crack of the bat. Touching second, the -shortstop whipped the ball to Clancy. It came straight and true, and -the man on first tried to get back, but too late. Three men had been -retired, in less than twenty seconds from the time the ball was hit! - -“Great Scott!” gasped Trayne, watching with bulging eyes. “It’s -incredible!” - -The crowd went mad with excitement. Such playing had rarely been seen -on Fardale field since the time of Frank Merriwell, senior. The Fardale -players had moved like clockwork, with such absolute precision that -they had accomplished a triple play before they themselves realized the -fact! - -Small wonder that the fans went crazy as the team trotted in. The grand -stand was in bedlam, screaming and shouting and stamping. The bleachers -shrieked that the game was not lost yet, and implored Crockett to send -Merry to bat. - -Crockett did not lose his head in the excitement, however. He himself -was up, and he was fairly confident of a hit. As he strode out to the -plate, the uproar died away. After all, Franklin was three runs to the -good, and the case for Fardale looked hopeless. - -As it happened, Clancy, Billy Mac, and Chip would come to bat in the -order named. - -Crockett fell on the first ball for a clean safety, Clancy walked out -and the Fardale followers greeted him with a storm of yells. - -These died into a groan, as Clancy swung twice without result. Peters -was a cool pitcher, and he tried to tease Clancy into a third strike, -but in vain. With three balls, Clancy settled himself for a good one. - -It came over--a sharp drop. Clancy chopped at it, and the ball went -sizzling toward third. Instantly Crockett was speeding toward second, -and managed to beat out the ball by an inch. Once more the crowd went -wild with excitement. - -“A hit, Billy Mac!” - -“Billy Mac to bat!” - -“Win the game, Billy!” - -Yell after yell pealed across the field, as Billy Mac went forth. -Peters conferred with his catcher, and steadied down his rather -demoralized team, then went back to the box. - -Billy looked like easy money. He swung widely at two teasers, and -Franklin began to grin. With the next ball down, however, Billy -suddenly changed his tactics and met it on the nose. The ball sailed -up over second, continued its course beyond reach of the center -fielder, and, before it was retrieved, two men had come in and Billy -was grinning happily from third. - -“Four to three! Hurray!” - -The band struck into “Fair Fardale” and hundreds of voices picked up -the song and thundered it forth as Merry was seen to step toward the -plate, bat in hand. The chorus rose and shrilled up into a wild scream, -drowning out the Franklin cries. Peters waited, then shot the ball down. - -Frank struck--and missed. - -Again Peters poised himself. Again he uncurled his slim length and sent -the white sphere sizzling down. Again Merry swung wickedly at it, and -missed. - -The song died away and settled into silence. Peters grinned easily, -glanced at Billy at third, and sent another hot one over the plate. - -Merry struck. A sharp crack, and the ball began to rise. But the -Franklin outfielders took one look at it, then flung up their gloves -and ran in. It was a home run, and Fardale had won by one run! - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. CAPTAIN OF THE NINE. - - -“Hey, Chip! We got him!” - -The players grouped about Coach Trayne in the clubhouse turned. They -had been waiting for the arrival of Clancy and Billy Mac, who was still -to vote on the new captain, as the coach had demanded a written ballot. - -“By gracious!” - -The exclamation burst from Merry. Between Clancy and Billy was a -drooping figure which he recognized as that of Colonel Carson. The -man’s clothes were torn, and by the fierce glances he cast around it -was clear that he had not been captured without a struggle. - -“We knew he was somewhere,” explained the panting Clancy. “So we went -to the gate and grabbed him. Let’s tar and feather him, fellows!” - -“Stop!” - -Merry stepped out as the yell went up. He flung Billy and Clancy aside, -and faced the frightened Colonel Carson. - -“Colonel,” he said quietly, “I think you’d better get out of town at -once. You tried dirty work, and I fancy that you’ve paid up for it, -since you intended betting on Franklin. Fade away, and do it lively.” - -Colonel Carson faded. - -“He plunged pretty heavily, I hear,” said Trayne, holding back the -indignant Fardale men. “Let him go, boys. Merry’s right. Get in here -with your ballots, you fellows, and quit delaying things!” - -“Hold on a minute, please,” said Chip. “I only want to say that the -fellow to be elected is Owen Clancy----” - -“Pho! Shut up, you rube!” - -“Yah! Listen to der peesness! Go vay und talk mit yourselluf, Frankie!” - -“Clan didn’t knock the home run!” - -Coach Trayne quieted down the yelling mob, and roared for ballots. When -he had written out his, Merry turned to the silent and unhappy figure -of Bob Randall and held out his hand. - -“Bob,” he said, smiling, “I want to congratulate you on your game -to-day! That Franklin chap, Peters, seems to have been a general -surprise, and with a smashed-up infield behind you, I think you did -remarkably well to keep them down!” - -Randall hesitated, then accepted Frank’s hand. There was a quick -glitter in his dark eyes as he searched Merry’s face. - -“Do you mean it?” he faltered. “You--you’re not sarcastic?” - -“Well, I should say not!” cried Merry warmly. “Old man, if you’d had -Clan and Billy in their regular positions to steady things down, you’d -have won in a hand down!” - -“Thanks,” said Randall, and turned away. “It’s--it’s mighty good of -you, Chip.” - -There were fifteen men present, counting the substitutes, who, of -course, each had a vote. When the last ballot had been handed in, Coach -Trayne read them one by one. Then he held up his hand. - -“Men,” he said, “I received fifteen ballots in the vote for a captain -of the regular team to succeed Captain Ted Crockett, who leaves Fardale -to-night. The results are as follows: One vote for Randall, the other -fourteen votes are all for Merriwell, so I guess we can claim that the -new captain has been unanimously elected.” - -A shouting mob surrounded Chip, who had, in truth, been surprised. His -thoughts had all been with Colonel Carson, and he had failed utterly -to consider the captaincy. Through the crowd pushed Randall, his eyes -shining. - -“And I want to congratulate you, Merry,” he said simply, holding out -his hand to Frank. “You’re the man for the job!” - -“Thank you, old man,” said Merry, as he met Randall’s eyes. “I’m proud -to have you behind me!” - -And their hands met, amid a renewed storm of cheers. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. A CHALLENGE. - - -“Where’s Bob Randall?” - -“Search me, Chip. He didn’t turn up for practice. Bet a dollar he’s -still sore over not getting elected captain.” - -“Nonsense, Clan! He came around finely, congratulated me----” - -“Oh, I know all about that. But the galoot got hot all over again, when -he got to thinking it over! I know his kind. He goes on impulse.” - -Merry turned away. Despite his efforts to convince himself to the -contrary, he knew that Clancy was right. Randall “went on impulse.” - -“Well, I’ll do the best I can,” thought Merry anxiously. “Bob is too -fine a fellow to do this. If I leave Fardale he ought to be captain, I -think.” - -The first and second teams were at practice on the Fardale ball field. -There was an hour left before the drums would sound assembly for supper -formation, and Merry was putting his men through their paces. - -“I hear there’s no game for Saturday,” said Billy McQuade, joining -Merry. - -“Right. Had to be canceled. I’m sorry, because I may have to leave next -week, and I’d like to play one more game----” - -Frank broke off abruptly as the cadet orderly from Colonel Gunn’s -office came up and saluted. - -“Telegram, just arrived.” - -“Thank you.” - -Merry took the message and tore it open. A cry of amazement broke from -him, followed by an incredulous laugh. Then he turned. - -“Mr. Trayne! Clan! Come over here!” - -Coach Trayne and Clancy joined him, and Merry proceeded to read the -message aloud: - - “FRANK MERRIWELL, JUNIOR, Captain Fardale Baseball Team: The - Carsonville Clippers challenge you to a game next Saturday, at - Fardale. Anxious to meet regular Fardale team. Wire my expense. - - “COLONEL CARSON, Owner.” - -Frank looked up, his eyes twinkling. - -“Say, fellows, talk about nerve!” - -“Nerve!” cried Clancy. “After you went over to Carsonville, picked up -a team, and beat them! After Colonel Carson and his son tried to keep -you out of the Franklin game last Saturday by kidnaping you! Nerve’s no -name for it, Chip. Tell ’em to go to thunder.” - -“That fellow’s a pirate!” cried Billy Mac excitedly. “Wire him a -hundred words collect with a kick at the end, Chip!” - -“There’s something crooked behind this,” declared Clancy hotly. “The -Clippers are crooked clear through, Chip, and we’d better not mix up -with them.” - -“They’re an amateur team, though,” said Coach Trayne doubtfully. “It’d -be a good game, boys.” - -“Sure it would,” added Billy Mac scornfully. “Colonel Carson wants to -recoup for his losses, Mr. Trayne. He has the reputation of being a -dirty gambler, and there’s something behind the challenge, you can be -sure of that!” - -Frank smiled. - -“His crooked work doesn’t seem to have won for him, just the same! Look -here, fellows, there’s no game Saturday, so we might accept this. It -will be lots of fun to pound Bully Carson out of the lot.” - -“I guess Bully won’t pitch,” declared Clancy, with a grin. “It’d take -him more than a week to get over what I did to him, Chip. - -“That’s one thing that looks queer to me,” continued the red-haired -chap. “You can bet a fistful that Colonel Carson isn’t out for sport, -Chip. He’s out for revenge and boodle, and he doesn’t care how he gets -either, so long as he gets it.” - -“Let him come after it,” said Coach Trayne. “There’s no prospect of -getting another game for Saturday, and the athletic association can use -the money. That game would draw a big crowd, Clancy.” - -“We don’t want to let him yell that we had cold feet,” said Frank. - -Billy Mac grunted. - -“But what’s the sense in playing him, Chip? We ought to have that -shyster put in jail for kidnaping you, and we could do it, and his son, -too. Everybody knows his crowd is crooked and----” - -“So much the more glory in beating them squarely,” said Frank. “What do -you think about it, Mr. Trayne?” - -“It looks all right to me,” returned the coach. “I’d say to take the -game, and then lick the stuffing out of those fellows. We’re playing -the Clippers, you know, not Colonel Carson himself. They could -certainty raise a holler if we refused, for they’re the crack team of -the Amateur League. We’ve no good reason for turning them down, except -on the score of crookedness, which we can’t raise against the team as -a whole. Carson’s private dirty work doesn’t blanket his whole team, -remember.” - -“That’s true,” said Clancy, “but the team is a bad lot, too. They tried -to beat up Chip, Billy, and me down at Carsonville, after our pick-ups -licked them. But you suit yourself, Merry. I’ll stand back of you.” - -“Same here, Chip,” said Billy. “I’d just as soon help to do the bunch -up brown, anyhow.” - -“All right, then,” said Frank. “I see the practice game is over, so -I’ll trot across to the office and phone down a telegram of acceptance.” - -“Oh, by the way, Merriwell,” said Coach Trayne, stopping him, “who are -you working out to fill Crockett’s place?” - -“Well, Mr. Trayne, my choice happens to be holding down second right -now,” and Frank looked across the diamond with a twinkle. “What do you -think of him?” - -The party turned. Standing awkwardly on second and waiting for a -grounder from the batter was Villum Kess. He stood full on the sack -itself, as though firmly determined not to let it get away from him. A -burst of laughter went up, though Trayne kept silent. - -“Him!” cried Clancy derisively. “He’s done nothing but right field up -to now, Chip! Why, he’ll fall all over the infield!” - -“He’s a joke,” said Billy Mac. “Oh, my eye! Look at that!” - -Clancy gasped. As the batter sent a twisting grounder at the place -Kess should have been standing, the German youth appeared to lose his -balance and topple from the bag. He stumbled over his own foot, tried -to recover in vain, and went headlong to the ground in front of the -ball. By some weird chance it seemed to hit his glove, and as he sat up -he grinned and tossed it to first. - -“Dot vos der pusiness!” he squawked, as every one roared with laughter. -“Yaw! Didn’t you toldt me so? You pet!” - -“Talk about luck!” gasped Clancy. “Surely you’re not in earnest, Chip?” - -“I am,” said Merry. “Maybe it’s luck, but I’ve noticed that Villum -always makes the luck break his way, Clan. Get out to first and see if -you can make him miss your pegs. If you can, I’ll reverse my decision.” - -Clancy trotted off with a whoop, and Coach Trayne smiled. - -“I wish you were going to stay at Fardale as captain, Chip! You’d -either smash up the team or else it would be a wonder to behold!” - -“Thanks for them kind words,” said Frank, with a chuckle, moving away. -“You can announce that game for Saturday, Mr. Trayne!” - -And he departed for Colonel Gunn’s office, in order to telephone his -wire to the village. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. LAYING THE WIRES. - - -It was commonly reported around Carsonville that the estimable Colonel -Carson could tug more Satanic inspiration out of his yellow-gray goatee -than Satan himself. At the present moment he seemed to be highly -satisfied with himself. - -He was sitting in his study at Carsonville, and with him was his son. -Bully Carson’s face was decorated with a large black eye, over which he -wore an eye patch. - -He was clad in a loud checked suit, flaming-red necktie, and green -waistcoat. From one corner of his mouth drooped a negligent cigarette. -His face looked pasty and unwholesome, and reflected the same hard, -unscrupulous look that shone in his father’s eyes. - -“Son, here’s where we even up with them Merriwells for good and all.” - -Colonel Carson tugged at his goatee again, and glanced down at Merry’s -telegram of acceptance. He used the Clippers as a means to win money by -gambling. And when he did gamble, it was usually a sure thing. This he -proceeded to prove in his next words. - -“Bully, I’m going to clean up a lot on this here Fardale game,” he -stated reflectively. “I got word to-night that Southpaw Diggs will -come.” - -“Whew!” Bully peered at his father in admiration. “Pop, you’re a slick -one! Ain’t you afraid they’ll recognize him?” - -“Not at Fardale. He’ll take a fictitious name and shave off his -mustache. I’m going to pay him well for it. Also, I’ve got a semipro -catcher to take the place of Squint Fletcher, whom some of the town -boys trounced. Squint was always insolent, anyhow.” - -“Yes,” said Bully, with a scowl. “He didn’t have no respect for me at -all. Then you’ve got two other fellers from that outlaw league, ain’t -you?” - -“For first and third,” replied his father. “Our own second baseman is -excellent, and with Southpaw Diggs we’ll have a walk-away, son.” - -Bully nodded. Diggs was a famous professional pitcher. In his good days -he was one of the best in the country, but he had been let out by the -last team he had been with for drunkenness. - -“Sure Diggs won’t get boozed up, pop?” - -“Quite sure. He has agreed to let me bet half the amount I am to pay -him on our team. He’s also agreed not to touch a drop meantime, and, as -he needs the money, we can depend on him fully.” - -Carson, junior, looked down at the floor, then lifted his one good eye -suddenly. - -“Pop, I want some money,” he blurted out. “I want to get down some -bets on this game for myself, and I’m busted.” - -“Nothing doing,” and his father’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll make a clean-up -for the family, son.” - -“Aw, loosen up!” exclaimed Bully disgustedly. “You durned old tightwad, -you got more dollars in the bank than I have cents! Why, you own the -bank, yet you won’t come over with a hundred!” - -“I should say not!” cried Colonel Carson, horrified at the mere idea. -“Ain’t I brought you up all your life? Ain’t I paid for them clothes -you got on?” - -“Well, you needn’t holler so about it,” retorted his son. “I want some -coin, hear that? I’m tired o’ lollin’ around without any money to go -on, and I’m goin’ to have some.” - -“Get out and rustle for it, then, like I did,” retorted his father -grimly. - -Bully grunted with contempt. He had the same keen love for dollars that -his father had, but he did not possess the elder Carson’s aptitude to -pick up cents. However, he fully intended to get hold of some money to -bet on the Fardale game. - -There was no doubt that the Clippers would win, none at all. With Diggs -on the mound the academy team would be helpless, to say nothing of the -other professionals who would masquerade as amateurs for the occasion. -It was a “raw deal,” but Colonel Carson was famed in sporting circles -for his ability to put raw deals over successfully. - -“This is the surest kind of a good thing,” he mused reflectively. “If -Diggs shows up in good shape, Bully, I’ll get down about a thousand -that we shut them out without a run.” - -“You’d better go easy on them fancy bets,” growled Bully. “That -Merriwell kid is liable to connect with a streak of luck and jab out -a homer, like he done against Franklin. You thought that was a sure -thing, too.” - -Colonel Carson winced. Merriwell’s homer on that occasion had cost him -more money than he liked to think about. - -“You may be right, Bully,” he said slowly. “But he would be helpless -before Southpaw Diggs.” - -“He’s got the durndest luck you ever seen,” insisted Bully doggedly. - -Colonel Carson began to pull at his goatee once more, frowning at the -floor. He knew that Merriwell’s success was not so much due to good -luck as it was to pluck, skill, and honesty. He could not blind himself -to this, but the knowledge only swerved his mind toward vindictiveness. - -“No,” he replied slowly, “it isn’t all luck, son. Just the same, I’ve -no fears that he’ll be able to buck Diggs. There’s no harm in making -sure against all chance, however. If we could get him out of the way, -Randall would pitch. That’d cinch the whole thing.” - -“Huh!” sniffed Bully. “You said that once before----” - -“Shut up!” snapped his father violently. “I’ve had enough of your -insolence! We’ll fix that kid this time, and no mistake.” - -“You will, you mean. Count me out right here, pop! I’ve had all I want -o’ that kid, and if there’s any ‘fixing’ to do, I ain’t goin’ to mix in -it. No, I’m cured, I am, and I reckon I’ll stay cured quite a spell.” - -He felt his injured eye tenderly. His father continued to pull at his -goatee, and suddenly he nodded in decision and rose. - -Going to a cabinet that stood against the wall, he opened a small -drawer and extracted a tiny folded paper. With this in his hand, he -returned to Bully. - -“All right, son, we’ll let your goody-goody Cousin Bob Randall handle -this for us. You go over to Fardale to-morrow and see him. Give him -this”--and he held up the folded paper--“and tell him to get Merriwell -to drink it any time in the forenoon next Saturday. It’s a powder, and -all Randall will have to do is to shake it into a glass of water. It’ll -fix him.” - -Colonel Carson’s eyes were malevolent as he spoke. Bully hung back, -however. - -“No, you don’t, pop,” he cried, with something like fear, “I ain’t -goin’ to mix up in no poisoning----” - -“Shut up, you fool!” snarled his father, glancing around. “This ain’t -poison, but a powder that’ll send him off into a sound sleep for a -while. It won’t hurt him in any fashion, but it’ll put him out o’ the -game for sure.” - -“But what about Randall?” Bully queried weakly. “You tried to get him -to throw the game with Franklin, and he got sore. He ain’t the kind to -do this, pop.” - -“Oh, I sized him up pretty well,” chuckled the elder Carson wickedly. -“Now listen, Bully: You work this right, and I’ll give you ten per cent -of all I win on the game, see? This part of it depends on you, and you -can do it fine. - -“Go to Fardale and get hold of Randall. Talk to him slow and easy, and -get him madder and madder. He’ll be sore about not getting elected -captain, anyhow. Work on that string. Play him good and strong, and get -him to promise that he’ll give the stuff to Merriwell. Then we’ve got -him. He’s one o’ them fellers who’ll stick to a promise, no matter what -comes. But you’ll have to handle it right.” - -“You can trust me for that,” said Bully, with a growl, as he took the -paper. - -His eyes shone with vindictive cunning. He had tried to injure -Merriwell, but vainly. Therefore, it was quite natural that he should -bear bitter hatred toward the fellow he had tried to injure. - -He saw that by working through Randall he would be freed of all -personal responsibility, and this thought cheered on his little soul. -He was willing enough to do anything for which another could be made to -suffer, and this sort of chicanery was precisely what he could do well. - -None the less, he did not forget that he wanted money. He saw that his -father’s scheme depended upon him, and grinned evilly. - -“Now, come across, pop!” - -“Hey?” Colonel Carson glared. “What do you mean?” - -“Come across, I said!” Bully lolled back negligently in his chair, and -eyed his father coolly. “I ain’t workin’ for my health.” - -“Confound your insolence!” sputtered the other angrily. “You’re working -for me! I’ll give you no money to squander, you reprobate!” - -“Nothin’ doing, then, old tightwad,” and Bully made as if to hand back -the folded paper. He carelessly took his cigarette from his mouth and -exhaled a cloud of vile-smelling smoke. - -“Why--do you mean--do you refuse to go to Fardale?” Colonel Carson was -almost speechless with rage. - -“Surest thing you know!” - -Colonel Carson reached into his pocket and drew out two five-dollar -bills. - -“Here’s ten dollars--take it or leave it. Go to Fardale and stay over -Saturday. Use this as expense money.” - -Bully sniffed, and his father exploded: - -“You’ll do what I say! Take this expense money and work this business, -and you get ten per cent of the winnings. Refuse, and you can go to the -dickens for all o’ me! I’ll not have a worthless thing like you loafin’ -around here any longer, understand?” - -It was the first time Bully had ever seen his father aroused against -him, and he was cowed. Reaching out, he took the money and put it in -his pocket with the paper. - -“All right,” he said, “I’ll do it.” But to himself he muttered -sullenly: “And I’ll have a wad to bet on that game--somehow!” - -“Ah, I thought you’d come around, son!” - -And once more Colonel Carson complacently tugged at his goatee. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. A THOUSAND DOLLARS IN CASH. - - -With eight dollars in his pocket, after purchasing his railroad ticket, -Bully Carson climbed aboard the express. - -He did not go into a Pullman, for that would cost more money. Instead, -he sauntered up to the smoking car, rolling a cigarette as he went. For -this occasion he had abandoned his “swellest” clothes, being simply -clad in a black-and-white, shiny-buttoned suit that shrieked aloud, a -plain orange-and-white necktie, and a pair of patent-leather shoes with -green uppers. Bully desired to avoid all prominence during his stay in -Fardale, and so had picked out his meekest raiment for the trip. - -He found the smoking car fairly well filled, and with his mind still -occupied with the subject of raising some money with which to bet for -himself, he dropped into a seat beside a small, dried-up little man. - -Now, there are many people who gauge other people’s importance by their -clothes, and who do so without any regard for taste. Ezra Hostetter had -run a laundry all his life, and he was the simplest-hearted person that -ever ironed a collar. Being of extremely dull taste as regarded his -own attire, he entertained an unlimited admiration for those fortunate -men who could afford and carry off gorgeous apparel with perfect ease. - -Consequently, he directed one startled glance at Bully’s glorious -harmony of colors, and was lost. With honest longing stamped on his -face, he directed sly but highly admiring side looks that feasted on -everything from the green-topped shoes to the scarlet-and-blue hatband -incasing Bully’s purple felt hat. - -To be sure, the eye patch slightly detracted from Bully’s appearance. -Ezra Hostetter began to swell with importance at sitting next this -ornate personage. Possibly it was a prize fighter, or, at the very -least, a follower of sports! - -Not being a judge of character, the little man stole further worshiping -glances as Bully grandly lighted his cigarette and snapped the match -away. Being an excellent judge of character and delighting in posing, -Bully was not slow to detect the point-blank admiration of his -seatmate, and to delight in it. - -“Fine weather, ain’t it?” he remarked condescendingly. “Goin’ to -Fardale?” - -Ezra Hostetter jumped, then stammered out an overjoyed assent: - -“Yes, I’m going to buy a laundry there, Mr.---- Mr.----” - -“Carson,” prompted Bully, settling his thumbs in his vest and leaning -back. “Ed Carson, of Carsonville. I’m glad to meet you, Mr.----” - -“Hostetter, Ezra Hostetter,” said the dried-up little laundryman. - -Bully positively basked during the next few moments. He had had little -opportunity to do any basking around home, of late, and the chance was -too good to be missed. And since he could also be very genial when -he chose, he soon fell into a conversation with Hostetter which was -extremely pleasant on both sides. - -He did not uncase his splendor all at once, however. Having seen the -simplicity of his companion’s heart, he began to take a keen delight in -letting him discover his grandeur by degrees. - -It seemed that Hostetter had heard of Colonel Carson, and, upon -discovering that he was talking with that famous man’s son, his -admiration eclipsed all bounds. After a little he ventured a timid -query as to Bully’s profession. - -“I’m a ball player,” announced Bully, with quiet dignity. “Not a -professional, y’ understand, though I may consider an offer from the -Giants this summer.” - -This was the final straw. Poor Hostetter, blinded by the limitations -of his own experience, carried away by the glamour of Bully’s -wondrous raiment, positively groveled. And Bully continued to bask in -open-mouthed admiration of the other, until it occurred to him that he -had better account for his black eye. - -“I got this in my last game,” and he lightly touched the patch. “I was -pitching, and the batter hit out a liner at me. I tried to stop it, but -the ball broke through my hands and struck my eye. Even so, I caught it -before it reached the ground, and so won the game.” - -He reeled off this fabrication with amazing ease. Across the aisle was -seated a man who had got on at Carsonville, and who knew nothing of how -Bully had really obtained that injured optic. He grinned, and nudged -the man beside him. Bully did not notice it, however. - -Presently the conversation became even more personal. Bully discovered -that his companion was proceeding to Fardale to invest in a laundry -there, which was for sale. After a cautious glance around, Hostetter -pulled forth a long black wallet and opened it out. - -“Look at this!” he exclaimed proudly, anxious to prove to the great man -that he, too, had symptoms of nobility. “There’s a thousand dollars in -cash--in cash, mind you! I’m going to buy that laundry with it.” - -Bully leaned over. At sight of the ten hundred-dollar bills his senses -reeled, and sparks danced before his eyes. A thousand dollars in cash! - -“By glory!” he gasped inwardly. “If I only had that much, what a -clean-up I’d make on this Fardale game!” - -He was more cautious in expressing his thoughts aloud, however. - -“Why didn’t you get a draft? You could ’a’ cashed it at Fardale in the -morning. Ain’t you afraid some one will hold you up?” - -“It’s kind o’ risky,” admitted the little man, replacing the wallet. -“But I don’t like to trust to banks, Carson. I had a bank bust on me -once, in Chicago, and I ain’t never going to trust ’em again. I guess -no one’s going to hold me up, though.” - -Bully pulled down his hat over his eyes. He knew that they were -glittering covetously, and he desired to hide the glitter from his -companion. - -A thousand dollars in cash! The words drove through his brain over and -over, and fitted themselves into a refrain that chimed with the click -and clatter of the wheels underneath him. - -He had visions of himself nonchalantly sauntering through the grand -stand, waving those hundred-dollar bills and petrifying the Fardale -fans with his grandeur. The more he thought it over, the more the idea -appealed to him, and the more he mentally condemned his father for a -tightwad. - -“He’s just rolling in money,” he thought sullenly, “and here I am -almost without a cent! I’ll have to run close to the wind to make this -eight dollars last me, at that. If I only had that thousand in cash, I -guess I’d cut a swath in Fardale!” - -Bitter and black thoughts filled his mind during the remainder of the -journey. Little by little his mind edged to the conviction that he was -a badly injured person, and that he was quite justified in resenting -the injury in any manner possible. After all, he had warned his father -quite fairly that he intended to raise some money, and if his father -refused to take the warning--so much the worse for him! - -“What hotel do you patronize here, Mr. Carson?” asked Hostetter, as the -train was pulling into Fardale. - -“Me?” responded Bully, with careless magnificence. “Oh, I usually -frequent the Dobbs Hotel. Are you going there?” - -“Well--well, to tell the truth, I--I think I will,” said Hostetter. “It -ain’t expensive?” - -Bully grinned to himself, fingering his eight dollars. - -“Not ’specially so. I’d be glad to have your company, old man.” - -“Thank you!” and the other glanced about nervously. “You see, Carson, -I’d feel a little bit safer if I had a friend in the vicinity. Of -course there’s no danger, only I can’t transact my business till the -morning, and----” - -“Give your money to the hotel proprietor,” suggested Bully. - -“Not me! I’ll keep it right on me all the time, and if I lose it, it’s -my own fault. I wouldn’t trust any hotel man that ever lived!” - -“Well, I dunno’s you’re wrong,” said Bully, nodding sagely. “Come -along--we’ll get supper at a restaurant, if you like, then go up to the -hotel.” - -At this proposal the little man fluttered with conscious pride. They -left the train and entered a restaurant together. Here, Bully found -that his raiment created a sensation, that was highly soothing to his -spirits. After supper they went to the Dobbs Hotel and registered, -being given rooms directly across the hall from each other. - -Bully Carson had already sent a message to Randall, informing him of -his arrival and stating that he wanted to see him that evening at the -hotel. He knew that his cousin would have little difficulty in evading -the academy regulations about being out of the grounds after taps. - -However, Bully’s thoughts were still running on that thousand dollars -in cash. Reaching his room before Hostetter arrived, for the latter -had paused to telephone the men with whom he was to do business, Bully -covertly took the key from his own door and tried it in that across the -hall. - -The key worked both locks! - -A few moments later the little man arrived at the room which had been -assigned to him. He soon came over and knocked on Carson’s door, -entering with a worried expression on his face. - -“The bolt on my door is broken,” he exclaimed. “Do you think it’ll be -quite safe there, or had I better get another room?” - -“Oh, you’re all right,” Bully said carelessly. “Lock the door and put -the key in your pocket--don’t leave it in the door, or it can be turned -from outside. Then shove that wallet under your pillow, and you’re -safer’n if you was locked up in a vault. It’s a cinch, old man!” - -“Well, I’ll take your advice,” said Hostetter, with a relieved air. -“Much obliged to you, I’m sure!” - -Saying good night, he vanished. Bully could hear him lock his door and -withdraw the key. - -Carson sat smoking until the room was so full of smoke that he was -forced to open the window, much against his will. A thousand dollars in -cash! The words seemed to burn into his brain. He walked up and down, -trying to fling off the black thoughts that filled him, but finally he -paused and brought down one fist on the table. - -“I’ll do it!” - -At that instant there came a soft knock at the door. Bully started, and -swung around. The door opened. - -“Oh, it’s you!” he cried, and laughed a little. “Come in, Bob. I was -waiting for you.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. CRIMINAL WORK. - - -Bob Randall slipped quickly inside, shut the door swiftly behind him, -and stood as if listening. - -On his high, dark, and undeniably handsome face there was a look of -mingled worry and anger. His eyes seemed haggard, and Bully Carson -chuckled to himself as he recalled what his father had said about -Randall brooding over a fancied injury. It was quite plain that Randall -was in good shape to be worked on. - -“What’s the matter?” inquired Bully. “What you listenin’ for?” - -Randall dropped into a chair, wiping his brow. - -“I thought old man Dobbs had seen me come in,” he explained nervously. -“You see, I got held up at school, couldn’t get away earlier, and had -to sneak past the guards. I came in the hotel by the back entrance.” - -“How’ll you get back to your room?” - -“Easy,” said the Southerner. “Rope to the window. I won’t want to be -seen around here, though, or I might get reported. Old Dobbs knows me -by sight.” - -Carson nodded, and flung himself into a chair. - -“I hear you got beaten to the captaincy of the nine,” he observed. -“That kid Merriwell seems to cop out everything.” - -Randall’s face flushed. - -“What did you want to see me about?” he said, with a scowl. - -“About Merriwell,” Bully stated calmly. “Of course, he’s got you slated -to pitch against the Clippers Saturday?” - -“Yes he has--not!” Randall lost his temper, and slipped into his -Southern dialect as usual when he became excited. - -“I wouldn’t pitch if he did! I’ve had enough of these heah Yankee ways! -I’m goin’ to leave Fahdale, Cahson, for wheah a man doesn’t hog it all -because his fatheh is a big athlete! I cain’t swallow it and I won’t!” - -“Good for you!” said Bully approvingly. “He has certainly treated you -mis’ably, old hoss. You ought to be captain of the Fardale team right -now! It ain’t fair treatment, I say.” - -“I reckon not! These low-down Yankees truckle to him abjectly, Cahson. -You-all haven’t any idea of what goes on heah! When we played Franklin -last Satuhday, that fellow held out the best men on the team until I -was beaten. Then he showed up, put ’em in, and managed to win with -luck.” - -Randall leaned back, trying to collect himself. Bully chuckled quietly. -It was evident that his cousin had worked himself up into a riotous -state of mind. - -Randall was honestly convinced that his version of the Franklin game -was the true one. Had he pitched and won, he would have been elected -captain. He pitched, and was being knocked out of the box when Merry -arrived in the ninth inning and saved the game. - -All Fardale knew that Merriwell had been held prisoner, and that Clancy -and Billy Mac had rescued him, all three appearing in the nick of time. -Yet Randall only accepted that as a story put forth by Merry. - -He had brooded by himself, had pointedly avoided Chip on the baseball -field, and gradually managed to get himself into a badly overwrought -condition. Twisting every little incident, seeing everything in the -light of his jealousy and bitterness, it was not hard for him to -convince himself that he was the victim of a cleverly executed plot. - -His state of mind was a bad one, and would require some severe and -sharp correction before his angle of vision could be straightened. -Fortunately for himself, he had not attempted to convince any one else -on the subject. - -“That’s right,” Bully encouraged him, playing his cards cunningly. -“He’s done you dirt, Bob, for a fact. You ought to get even with him.” - -“What chance have I?” Randall asked bitterly. “I’m all alone here.” - -“Oh, I dunno about that. Pop and me, we figure to stand by our kin, -Bob. Didn’t he try to help you by keepin’ Merriwell out o’ that -Franklin game?” - -Randall nodded, forcing himself into a strained calmness. - -“Yes, and I want you to thank him for me, old man. It was no use, -though.” - -“Virtue is its own reward,” quoted Bully. “We done our best. Now, pop -would like to see you pitch against the Clippers on Saturday, Bob. O’ -course, we mean to beat you, but I ain’t goin’ to be in the game, and -pop would like to----” - -“No chance,” broke in Randall, with renewed bitterness. Then he glanced -up, half suspiciously. “Why is your father so interested?” - -“Because he likes you, Bob.” - -Bully was too wise to persuade Randall along crooked lines. He sneered -at his cousin, in his own mind, for being a “goody-goody” fellow. - -“I’d like to even up with Merriwell, Bob,” he went on cautiously. “We’d -like to have you pitch Saturday ’cause you’re a better pitcher than -Merriwell. We’ve got a new pitcher for the Clippers, and if we beat -Fardale at its best, there’ll be all the more glory in it.” - -“I suppose Colonel Carson intends to do some betting?” Bob queried -keenly. - -“Oh, a little, mebbe. Not much. Now see here, Bob: This guy Merriwell -ain’t used you right, to my notion. He’s played dirty against you, and -he’s got all Fardale persuaded that he’s a little tin god on wheels, -with a bell to his neck. There ain’t no use tryin’ to hit back at him -fair and square. We got to use his own methods.” - -Bully worked himself into a virtuous glow. He almost believed his own -words. - -“You tried ’em last Sunday,” retorted Bob gloomily. “They didn’t work.” - -“We didn’t know just how slick he was, Bob. He could ’a’ got away -from us sooner, only he wanted to come in at the last minute for a -grand-stand play. He thinks that if he pitches against the Clippers -he’s sure to win. But we’d sooner have you pitch, ’cause you ain’t -crooked. We want to play a clean game; get me?” - -Randall nodded. Wrapped up in his own thoughts, he did not even attempt -to penetrate Bully’s sudden show of conscious virtue. - -“That’s right, Carson. And I’d sure like to hand him one hot one before -I leave school!” - -“You’d hand it to him if you pitched against the Clippers, Bob. I’ll -pass it to you on the quiet that we don’t know much about our new -pitcher, and he might pan out wrong. If he does, you stand a chance o’ -winning the game. Of course, I want to see the Clippers win, but if you -could beat us square, I’d be satisfied. It’d make this Merriwell kid -squirm ten ways from election.” - -Randall could readily understand that, according to his notions of -Merry’s character. - -“Yes,” he assented, growing excited as the golden vision arose before -him. “Yes, I reckon yo’ ce’tainly have it doped out. If that could come -about, he’d sho’ learn a bitteh lesson, the low-down scoundrel!” - -Bully grinned to himself. He could read his cousin like a book, and was -playing on the other with beautiful precision. - -“Well, Bob, pop and I figgered up a plan. It ain’t a nice plan, but -this is our last chance to slip one over on Merriwell. He ain’t played -the gentleman in his dealings with you, and we don’t mind fightin’ fire -with fire for once.” - -This amazing display of innocence did not astonish Randall. He knew -little of his precious relatives, and Bully’s assumed hesitation seemed -quite natural to him. - -“Neither do I!” he growled, in return. “Where he is concerned, Carson, -I’d feel justified in doing anything!” - -“Then do this, Cousin Bob.” - -While he spoke, Bully took from his pocket the carefully folded paper -that had been given him by his father. Randall looked at it. - -“Here’s the plan we figgered out, Bob: To get Merriwell out o’ this -here game, we got to keep him out by force. It ain’t no use appealing -to his fairness. He ain’t got any such thing!” - -“Force won’t work, here at Fardale,” muttered Bob. - -“But this powder will,” said Bully, leaning forward and dropping his -voice. “Hold on!” he cried, as Randall gave a quick start. “It ain’t -only a sleepin’ potion, Bob. If you could get Merriwell to drink -it any time Saturday mornin’, which is to-morrow, he’d sleep clear -through till supper time. They couldn’t wake him up, and if they did he -wouldn’t be no good.” - -Randall flushed, drawing back. - -“It’s a bad business,” he faltered. - -“So’s your losing out for captain, Bob. Go in and win this game. What -if Merriwell does know you doped him? He can’t prove it. If you win the -game, you’ll show him up for fair. If you get beat, they’ll say he got -cold feet. You win comin’ and goin’, and we’ll even things up with him -once and for all. What say?” - -Randall still hesitated. Looking at the folded paper which his cousin -held out to him, the criminality of the thing appalled him. His -chivalrous nature rebelled at the very thought. - -But Bully’s cunning words worked on his mind. His fancied wrongs loomed -up large on his mental horizon. Once more a flood of bitterness swept -over him, and he felt himself justified in doing anything. - -“I’ll do it,” he said thickly, and took the paper. - -“Promise?” - -“My word is my promise,” cried Randall, half angrily. Then he glanced -around with sudden alarm. “Say, I’ve been here too long. See if any -one’s in the hall, so I can get out the back way to the side street.” - -Bully opened the door and announced that the coast was clear. On this -Randall silently shook hands with him, then stole off down the corridor -on tiptoe. - -For a moment Bully watched, then his eyes went to the opposite door. -In the silence he could plainly hear a gentle, regular snore. Still -watching that door, he drew the key from his own lock. - -Then he snapped off his own light, and in two quick steps was across -the hall. For an instant he fumbled at the door, with deft fingers -that turned back the lock in perfect silence. Slowly and cautiously he -pressed the knob and opened the door. - -Half a moment later he reappeared and locked the door as silently as -he had unlocked it. Darting swiftly into his room, he switched on the -light and drew something from his pocket, examining it swiftly. His -eyes glittered, and he again snapped off his light and undressed in the -darkness, carefully stowing away the object in his coat pocket. - -“A thousand dollars in cash!” he murmured, as he crept into bed. “Pop, -if you could only see me now!” - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. BEFORE THE GAME. - - -“How’s everything, Chip?” - -“Great, Mr. Trayne! We’re going to do some topside playing this -afternoon!” - -“Glad to hear it,” said the coach, with a smile. “Have you decided to -keep Kess at second?” - -“If you approve, sir. Lowe at third, Harker at short, and O’Day -in Villum’s place in right. It’s a new line-up, but I think it’s -tremendously strengthened.” - -Coach Trayne nodded quick assent. - -“You’ve done wonders with those chaps already, Chip! Crockett was a -dandy captain, but he seemed content to keep the men in their old -positions. This change of yours is going to give the fans a big -surprise.” - -“And a pleasant one, I hope.” Merry’s smile suddenly died away. “Only -I’m not quite certain about the pitching end.” - -“What!” Coach Trayne’s face expressed sudden concern. “Aren’t you going -in?” - -“I hope so. But I was thinking what would happen if anything went -wrong with me, or if I got pounded badly. You see, Randall is our best -substitute man, and he’s been acting badly lately. He refused to come -out to practice the last two days, and virtually announced that he was -through with baseball.” - -“I know,” and the coach looked worried. “Personally, I’d like to kick -him around the block, Chip! But for the school’s sake we ought to try -to placate him.” - -It was late Saturday morning, the day of the game with the Carsonville -Clippers. Everything looked bright for Fardale. The Clippers were due -to arrive on the noon train, and, as their reputation was great, a -record crowd was expected. Word had spread around that this might be -Chip Merriwell’s last game for the season, and excitement was intense. - -“I wouldn’t worry, though,” advised the coach. “You’re all right, old -man, and those Clippers will never get to you. We won’t need Randall.” - -“I don’t know, Mr. Trayne. The Clippers are amateurs, but they’re crack -players. Still, I wasn’t thinking of the game alone. I may go away next -week, and if Randall can only be brought into a right frame of mind, -he’d make a great captain.” - -Trayne flung him a keen look. - -“Do you mean it? After the way he’s acted toward you----” - -“Yes,” said Chip soberly, “I think that he’s merely viewed things -wrongly, and I feel now that he’d make the best captain of any one on -the team. I think I’ll run up to his room right now, Mr. Trayne. I’ll -have a frank talk with him, and it may be that I can win him around.” - -“That’s not a bad idea, Merriwell. If you can do so, it’ll surely be -a great good thing for Fardale. We can’t afford to have a man of his -caliber brooding over his imagined wrongs. Good luck to you, and let me -know how he shows up.” - -“I will,” said Chip, and he turned away toward the barracks. - -As regarded his leaving Fardale, Chip himself knew very little. He had -heard from his father that they were going West, together with Dick -Merriwell, and that he must hold himself in readiness to leave when his -father sent for him at a moment’s notice. Therefore, it was possible -that this was his last diamond work for Fardale. - -The cause of this summons was a mystery to him, but he knew that he -would find out in due course. In fact, he was looking forward to the -trip with no little anticipation. Frank Merriwell, junior, was a chip -of the old block in nickname and in fact, and he knew that with his -father and his Uncle Dick he was apt to experience a lively time. - -He quickly made his way to the room in barracks occupied by Bob -Randall. At his knock, the Southerner’s voice called “Come in!” and -Frank entered. - -“You!” - -Randall came to his feet, fists clenched and eyes flashing. He had -been sitting beside a table, on which lay a pitcher of water and some -books. Evidently he had been trying to get through some study. - -“I’d like a talk with you, Bob,” said Merry quietly. He took no heed of -the other’s constrained attitude. - -“Sit down,” said Randall, his innate hospitality showing through his -anger. “I’m rather surprised to find you coming here, Merriwell.” - -“I thought you would be,” and Frank coolly plunged into the discussion, -without any false premises. “I’ve observed that you’re worked up over -something, Randall. More than one fellow has told me that you’re sore -at me over my getting elected captain, and I wanted to straighten -things out with you if I could.” - -Randall trembled with anger, and seemed on the point of a violent -outburst. Then he made an effort and curbed himself. Forcing his voice -down, he spoke slowly and with apparent calmness, which did not deceive -Frank. - -“That’s quite right, Merriwell. You fooled me at the time, but I’ve -been thinking it over since then, and I’ve seen how you jockeyed me out -of that election. Naturally, it looked like anything but gentleman’s -work.” - -Chip flushed a little. - -“I think you’ve made a big mistake, old man,” he returned. “I thought -you understood me better than that, and I can’t see how you imagine -that I didn’t play fair.” - -“Perhaps you did, from your viewpoint. You kept Clancy and Billy Mac -out of the game and smashed up the team. Then, when I was beaten, you -sailed on the field, slapped the team together, and won out. That’s why -you got elected. I’d have won with the whole team behind me, and you -know it!” - -“Keep your temper,” Chip said crisply. “You’re away off, Bob. I was -kidnaped, and those two fellows pulled me out. If you’d won the game -I’d have been the first to congratulate you. As it was, I had already -proposed you for captain, if you’ll believe it.” - -“You had?” - -“Yes. Ask Coach Trayne or any of the fellows. I don’t think you’ve -given me a square deal in this, Bob, and yet I can see how you look at -it. I’m sorry that I didn’t come to you before and have it out frankly, -but I’ve been pretty busy, and didn’t understand just what was behind -it all.” - -Randall was not at all convinced. He stared down at the table, and his -eye fell on a tiny folded paper inserted in his Cicero. His cheeks -flushed a trifle, and he gave an imperceptible start. - -“In that case,” he said slowly, his clenched hands at his sides in -self-repression, “I--I may have been wrong. But it seemed to me -that you hadn’t been the one to hand out a square deal, Merry. I was -helpless in trying to fight you for an elective office. Everybody -around here seems to toady to the Merriwells----” - -“Hold on, right there, Bob,” Chip interrupted quickly, his eyes -flashing with a hint of anger. - -“You know that’s not the case. If there’s any one who hates to be -truckled to and toadied to, I’m the one. I didn’t go after the -captaincy, in this particular instance, and it was handed to me before -I knew it. As to toadying, you ought to know the fellows too well to -lay that charge, Bob.” - -“Haven’t you everything your own way?” demanded Randall. His eyes still -held to that folded scrap of paper, and his face looked troubled. “You -run everything around here, and nobody else gets a look-in----” - -“Old man, for Heaven’s sake get your brain untangled!” Chip leaned -forward earnestly, setting aside his own irritation. “I don’t want to -run anything. Whatever I have done has been done for Fardale, and I’ve -had nothing further in view than the best good of the school. Let me -prove this by something which I ought not to tell you.” - -He found Randall staring at him with a peculiar look, and fancied that -his words were bearing fruit. - -“I was just talking to Coach Trayne about who will be elected captain -if I have to leave school--which may be at any minute now. I urged you -for the place, since I honestly believe that you’re the man for it. He -could not understand why I overlooked the way you have acted lately, -until I explained that I hoped to talk it over with you and straighten -things out for the good of Fardale. I don’t care a whoop about myself, -Randall. I’m only thinking of the school, and I want you to do the -same. Now, slip into your things and come over to the gym with me. The -fellows will know that the hatchet’s been buried, and you will leap up -at a bound in their estimation, and everybody will be happy. Will you -do it, old fellow?” - -Randall had turned, and was gazing out of the window. Merriwell could -not see the dark flush of anger that flitted across his face, but after -a moment he heard the low and tense voice of Randall. - -“I’ll do it, Chip. I’m sorry.” - -Randall turned quickly to the closet and pulled out his shoes, for he -had been at work in bath robe and slippers. - -“Good!” Frank cried, in delight. “Get on your duds, and we’ll forget it -all!” - -He walked over to the window, looking out on the campus, and stood -watching the flitting crowd below. Randall had come around all right, -he thought, and, with a little careful handling, would soon be his old -self. - -Meantime, however, Randall had given a quick glance at his back. A -crafty smile leaped to his face, and, while still watching Merriwell’s -motionless figure, he reached out and seized the folded paper. - -Tearing off one end with a quick motion, he emptied a flickering white -powder into the glass that stood beside the pitcher. Still covertly -eying Chip, he deftly obtained a second glass from the closet shelf and -placed it on the opposite side of the pitcher. Then he poured water -into both glasses. - -The white powder dissolved instantly. At the sound of the pouring -water, Merry turned, and Randall straightened up with a smile that set -queerly on his features. - -“I say, Merry,” he called, with seeming candor, “let’s drink a -toast to the success of the team to-day, and the continuance of our -friendship--a toast in aqua pura!” - -“Bully!” - -Merriwell stepped forward, with a smile. At this instant there was a -sudden interruption, however. - -The door was flung open, and a panting cadet orderly appeared as the -startled Randall swung round. - -“Mr. Randall! Colonel Gunn wants to see you at once in his office.” - -This summons could mean only one thing--trouble. Randall had already -slipped into his clothes, and he seized his hat, instantly forgetting -everything else. Was it possible that his visit to the village of the -previous night had been discovered? - -“Wait for me, Merry,” he said hastily. “I’ll probably be right back!” - -“I’ll be here, old man,” Chip assured him, and Randall left hurriedly -with the orderly. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. WHO GOT IT? - - -“Too bad we didn’t drink that toast!” murmured Merriwell, as the -echoing steps of the orderly and Randall died away down the corridor. -“Still, I’m mighty glad that Bob saw fit to come around. It’ll clear -things up wonderfully.” - -He crossed the room and sank into a chair. Picking up a magazine, he -began to turn over its pages. As he did so, his hand went out to the -nearer of the two glasses, and he brought it to his lips, sipping -slowly. - -With a sigh, he emptied the glass and replaced it on the table. Five -minutes passed, and Merry flung the magazine back to its place, rising. - -“Wonder what kind of a row Randall has got himself into now?” he mused, -going to the window and looking down on the campus, with a frown. - -Colonel Gunn was the principal of Fardale, and if Randall had been in -some kind of a scrape, it might injure his chances on the diamond. -However, there was a chance that the Southerner had been guilty of some -infraction of the military routine of the school which would merely get -him a “call-down” and a few black marks. - -Suddenly Chip turned, as a sharp knock sounded at the door. - -“Come in!” - -The door opened. Merry gave a gasp of astonishment, for framed in the -doorway, stood Bully Carson. The latter turned and shut the door, not -observing him. - -“You came over to see the game?” Merry asked pleasantly. - -Bully whirled with a swift cry, his face black. - -“You! Why--why--where’s Bob Randall? Isn’t this his room?” - -The startled surprise of Colonel Carson’s son was quite evident. In -fact, he was wildly disconcerted. He had expected to see his cousin, -and instead he found Merriwell. - -“Don’t get scared out, Bully,” said Chip. “Bob will be right back. I -was waiting for him myself, so I hope you won’t mind my company.” - -Merry thoroughly enjoyed the confusion of the other. He bore Carson no -malice, for he knew that the other had been thoroughly punished for -his wrongdoings. He fancied that Bully’s confusion sprang from fear at -being found in Fardale--fear of new retribution for the past. - -“Sit down,” he urged pleasantly. “Sit down and rest your eye, Bully. -One of ’em looks pretty tired. Hot day, isn’t it?” - -Bully growled out something inarticulate and sank into a chair with a -scowl at Merry. Since he had blundered into it, he was determined to -stick. - -As Chip remarked, it was a warm day for that time of year, and no -mistake. Bully Carson was heated by his walk from the village, and he -was perspiring profusely. He pulled out a handkerchief of purple silk -with red bars, and mopped at his face, eying Merry furtively. Seeming -to conclude that he was safe for the present, he regained his composure -slowly. - -Chip knew that Carson was a thorough bully and coward. In fact, he -had himself presented Bully with that black eye, when the other had -attempted to “beat him up” in Carsonville the previous Saturday. He -scanned Bully’s attire with a humorous twinkle in his eyes. - -“You ought to be more careful, Bully,” he remarked, with mock -solicitude. “If you were seen on the Fardale streets in those duds, -you’d be in danger of arrest.” - -“Huh? What for?” Bully growled suspiciously. He looked down at himself. - -“For disturbing the peace,” said Chip, with a laugh, dropping on the -window seat. - -“Think you’re cussed smart, don’t you?” - -“Not a bit of it,” Chip gravely assured him. He found Bully capital -amusement. “I only wonder at your nerve in coming here!” - -“You should worry,” retorted Bully, with a scowl. “Ain’t I got a right -to visit my cousin?” - -“Sure. Only, if you had another cousin in jail, you’d have a better -right to visit him, seems to me.” - -“Huh?” Carson turned pale and mopped at his face again. “What you goin’ -to do about it?” - -Chip knew that he could have both Bully and his father arrested for -what had taken place at Carsonville. This, however, was far from his -thoughts. - -“Nothing. Make yourself right at home, old man. Only I wouldn’t advise -you to light up that cigarette in here.” - -Bully had started to roll a cigarette. He paused, looking up quickly. - -“Why not?” - -“It’s not allowed. Go ahead and suck it all you want to, but don’t -light it. We don’t approve of coffin nails at Fardale, and if the -guards smelled smoke they’d throw you out of here in a hurry.” - -Carson grunted. Nevertheless, he apparently decided to take Chip’s -warning in good part. There was an undernote to Merry’s voice that told -him the other was not joking this time. - -He finished rolling the cigarette, licked it, and carefully inserted it -into one corner of his mouth. Then he lolled back in his chair, glanced -around, and favored Chip with a black look. - -“You fellers are goin’ to get the hide licked off you to-day,” he -announced. His confidence was returning, as Merry made no hostile move. - -“Thanks for the news,” said Chip easily. “Are you going to pitch?” - -“No. We got a new feller named Green. He’ll show you dubs what real -pitchin’ is, and I’m goin’ to back him to the limit.” - -“I hope he’ll show us more than you did,” and Frank settled himself -among the pillows in the window seat. “We’re always willing to be -shown, Bully.” - -Bully grunted. - -“You get yours to-day, all right.” - -“Who’s Green?” asked Chip curiously. “Is he an amateur?” - -“Sure!” - -“And I suppose your father is going to bet on him, as usual?” - -Bully grinned, and patted his pocket knowingly. - -“Pop’s goin’ to do a little betting, I reckon. So’m I.” - -“Why don’t you bet on Fardale, for a change?” Merry queried pleasantly. -“It might get you something, old man!” - -“I suppose you think I’m a piker, hey?” scowled Bully. “I suppose you -think I ain’t got money myself?” - -“You always were good at supposing,” said Chip. “This time you hit it -dead right.” - -“That shows how much you know! I got a thousand dollars in cash, right -here in my pocket, and I’m goin’ to meet a feller now and bet on the -Clippers, see?” - -Chip was somewhat amazed at this intelligence, though he gave no sign -of it. He knew that Colonel Carson himself was a heavy plunger, but -from what he had seen of Bully he had not thought that the latter was -exactly flush with money. - -“You must have bet on Fardale during that Franklin game,” he murmured -gently. “Or has your respected father become generous?” - -“None o’ your business,” said Bully, with a growl, finding the subject -abruptly distasteful. “Whew! I’m certainly het up. I guess I’ll run -along and place that bet, then come back here and find Bob.” - -“Suit yourself,” chirped Merry. “If you’re warm, take a glass of water. -When you get outside, light that cigarette. Then you’ll get nice and -warm again, and it’ll fur up your tongue.” - -Bully merely grunted at this sarcasm. He seemed to decide that part of -the advice was good, however, for he caught up the other glass that -Randall had filled and carried it across the table to his lips. - -“I suppose you’ll pitch to-day?” he inquired, pausing. - -“Once more your suppositions are correct,” returned Chip ironically. - -Bully grunted and gulped down the water, replacing the glass on the -table with a deep sigh, then threw his sleeve across his lips. - -“That certainly tastes good! Well, I hope you’ll get pounded out of the -box, Merriwell. Green will shut you fellers out without a hit.” - -With this pleasant wish Bully came to his feet and moved toward the -door, inspecting a few pictures and pennants as he went. - -“Don’t hurry,” pleaded Chip, with mock anxiety. “You’re not going to -tear yourself away so soon, I trust?” - -“Tell Bob I’ll be back later,” said Bully, with a grunt. - -“With pleasure. Maybe you’d like to have me throw the game for you -to-day?” - -Carson merely scowled and passed outside, slamming the door viciously -after him. From the window Frank could see him start across the campus -in the direction of the riding hall, stopping to light his cigarette. - -“Big brute!” he thought, disgusted. “I wonder how Randall ever got a -cousin like that? But--what on earth is he doing here? If he and Bob -are getting thick, I feel sorry for Bob.” - -This thought was disquieting to Merry. Could it be possible that Carson -was back of Randall’s queer actions? - -It seemed improbable, for Randall had been keeping to himself, and -Carson had not been seen at Fardale previous to this. Yet Frank knew -that Bully possessed a crafty and cunning mind. He felt disturbed over -Carson’s impudence in daring to show himself about the place. - -“Oh, well, I guess Randall can take care of himself,” he mused, and -dismissed the subject lightly, and settled himself among the pillows -again. - -He had been up early that morning, and it was a warm spring day. -Consequently, it was only natural that he should feel drowsy. Taking -advantage of the moment to relax utterly, Merry put back his head and -closed his eyes. Almost before he knew it, he had dropped off into a -light doze. - -He was roused by a sharp knock at the door, and sprang up instantly -with a shout to enter. The door swung back and disclosed Colonel Gunn’s -orderly. - -“You’re wanted at the office, Mr. Merriwell,” said the cadet, with -symptoms of flurried haste. “Colonel Gunn sent me after you on the run.” - -“What’s up?” queried Frank, in surprise. “Is Randall in trouble?” - -“In up to his neck,” said the cadet. “But I’d better not say anything -about it, I guess.” - -“All right,” and Merry seized his hat. “Come along!” - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. ACCUSED OF THEFT. - - -Colonel Gunn was fat, ponderous, and highly dignified. He owned his -military title by virtue of having been an aid on the governor’s staff, -but none the less he was an extremely capable man. - -Merry had no inkling of what trouble Randall was mixed up in, for the -orderly had wisely refrained from discussing it. Upon entering the -office of the principal, Chip found Colonel Gunn seated at his desk. -Before him was Randall, white-faced and evidently badly frightened, -while at one side stood the constable from Fardale village. - -To judge by the general air of things, the situation was anything but -pleasant for Bob Randall. Merry came to attention. - -“Ah, Mr. Merriwell,” exclaimed the colonel, in his ponderous -style, “I sent for you at--ah--Mr. Randall’s request. There is a -considerable--ah--difficulty, and Mr. Randall seems to think that you -can--ah--help matters out. I’m sure I hope so.” - -“Yes, sir,” returned Frank, quite in the dark as yet. “I didn’t know -that Randall was in any trouble, sir.” - -“I did not intend to convey that--ah--intelligence, Merriwell. I -merely ventured the--ah--statement that there was a difficulty. You -will please note that there is not only a technical, but a moral, -difference--I might say a tremendous difference--between leveling an -accusation of--ah--guilt, or presupposing such a conclusion, and making -a statement of bare and unvarnished fact.” - -Merry was tempted to smile, but knew better. - -“Yes, sir,” he gravely answered. “I beg your pardon, Colonel Gunn, for -having unintentionally miscomprehended your prior remark. If I may be -allowed a word with Randall, sir, it might serve to----” - -“Ah--certainly, certainly!” wheezed the colonel. - -Merry turned. Until then, Randall had not dared to break silence, -knowing that the principal was a stickler for discipline. Now he leaned -over the table toward Frank, his face white and tense. - -“Chip, I swear that I didn’t do it!” he cried passionately. “I never -dreamed of such a thing!” - -“I hope not,” returned Frank, his eyes twinkling. Then, noting the -terrible strain that Randall labored under, he became serious. “What is -it, old man? What kind of trouble are you in?” - -“This heah officeh says that I stole a thousand dollahs last night!” -cried out Randall, indicating the constable. - -Merry smiled. To any one who knew Bob Randall, the preposterous -absurdity of such a charge was evident. Randall might be a murderer, -but never a thief. - -“Why, old man,” said Frank, “surely there’s no evidence for such a -charge? You have plenty of money, for one thing. For another, any one -who knows you must believe you incapable of such a thing.” - -“Yo’ sho’ ahe true blue, Chip!” Randall cried eagerly. “Of co’se, no -one would accuse a Randall of theft, except a low-down Yankee----” - -Colonel Gunn cleared his throat heavily. His face looked troubled, -and Chip saw that he also found it hard to reconcile the charge with -Randall’s character. - -“You--ah--are presupposing a good deal, gentlemen,” he declared -ponderously. “In the first place, allow me to make the assertion -that--ah--no one has accused Mr. Randall of the theft. Is that not -right, constable?” - -“Yes, sir,” said the perplexed officer. “I didn’t accuse him, exactly. -I only wanted to know how much he knew.” - -“A distinction with a difference,” said the colonel. - -Frank made a grimace of despair. If he was going to get to the bottom -of this before time for mess, he would have to wade in. - -“Excuse me, sir,” he exclaimed, “but I know nothing of the -circumstances referred to. I don’t see how I can help Randall, but if -you’ll be good enough to explain the nature of the difficulty I’ll be -only too glad to tell anything I know, or to do anything I can to help -out matters.” - -“Ah--quite so, quite so, Merriwell!” - -Colonel Gunn swung around in his chair, taking a paper from the desk -before him, and proceeded to elucidate. - -“Putting up at the Dobbs Hotel in the village, Merriwell, is a -gentleman named--ah--Hostetter, Ezra Hostetter. It is his assertion -that at some time last night, some person or persons unknown -did feloniously gain admittance to his room at the hotel, and -did--ah--remove from beneath his pillow a black leather wallet, -containing--ah--certain papers. The wallet also contained a thousand -dollars in hundred-dollar bills.” - -“He must have been pining for adventure, sir, to carry that much around -with him in currency,” observed Frank. The colonel’s mouth twitched -slightly. “But if the thieves are unknown, where does Randall come in? -He was in barracks last night, as would be easy to prove.” - -“That is just the--ah--difficulty,” observed the colonel heavily, -fixing his eye on Randall. “According to the inspector’s report, Mr. -Randall and his roommate were asleep at the proper time. But when I -asked Mr. Randall whether he had been to the village last night, he -admitted it. Is not that correct, sir?” - -“Of course, Colonel Gunn,” said the Southerner proudly. “There was a -dummy in my bed to fool the inspector. But when you asked, of course, I -would not lie about it, sir.” - -“A highly proper--ah--sentiment, Mr. Randall,” said the colonel. -He stopped Merry with uplifted hand. “One moment, sir! Mr. Randall -was seen to enter the hotel in question, and to leave, each time by -the back door, and in a stealthy manner. When I asked him for an -explanation, he--ah--asked that you be sent for.” - -Merry looked at the Southerner in astonishment. Randall stood erect, a -dark flush in his cheeks, his eyes desperate. But he had regained his -self-control. - -“I was frightened, Chip,” he said quietly. “Of course, you know nothing -about it, only the evidence seemed so terribly circumstantial that you -were the first person I thought of.” - -“I’m glad you did think of me, old man,” said Chip, smiling. “But let’s -get this business straightened out. May I ask who observed Randall’s -entry and departure, Colonel Gunn?” - -“Mr. Dobbs himself,” stated the colonel, referring to his paper. “But -allow me to--ah--mention that Mr. Randall makes no denial, and no -explanation.” - -Frank glanced again at Randall, in perplexity. - -“What’s the answer, old man?” - -“I received a letter from my cousin, Edward Carson, the son of Colonel -Carson, of Carsonville,” said Randall. “He asked me to meet him at the -hotel on important business. I was unable to get away before taps, so I -left my room by means of a rope, and entered the hotel quietly, hoping -to avoid observation.” - -“Ah, Mr. Randall,” wheezed the colonel, “and what, may I inquire, -was the nature of the--ah--important business to which your cousin -referred?” - -“I must refuse to answer, sir,” and Randall suddenly went white. “I -give you my word, sir, that it was entirely personal and private. More -than that, I cannot say.” - -A little silence ensued. Frank studied Randall, but could find no -trace of guilt in the dark, handsome features. Nor did he believe the -Southerner guilty. - -“You know nothing of the theft, of course?” - -“Nothing, Chip.” - -“I must say, colonel,” exclaimed Frank, turning to the principal, “that -I do not think Randall at all guilty. He could have easily lied out of -the whole thing, and the inspector’s report would have borne him out. -The fact that he refused to do so must surely count in his favor?” - -“Most certainly, Merriwell. It has just--ah--occurred to me that if -we could locate this Carson, we might thus exonerate Mr. Randall -completely. Such a consummation would be--ah--highly pleasing to me.” - -“He ain’t at the village,” spoke up the constable. “Mr. Hostetter was -lookin’ fer him, sir.” - -“Hostetter knew him, then?” inquired Chip quickly. - -“They was friends,” replied the constable. Frank turned. - -“Carson was at Randall’s room just before I left, Colonel Gunn. He -departed across the campus, and he might be easily located, I think.” - -“Ah--by all means!” - -The principal hastily summoned his orderly and ordered a dozen cadets -dispatched in search of Carson, who could be easily recognized by means -of his black eye and patch. Randall was looking at the floor, a tumult -of emotions in his face. - -How much Merry knew of the attempt to drug him, he could not guess. Yet -Frank was doing his best to help him out of his scrape. The Southerner -was smitten with remorse and self-condemnation, but dared say nothing. - -“We’ll clear you, old man,” said Merry warmly. “This might be a plot -to ruin your character--and knowing Carson, as I do, I would not put it -past him.” - -He briefly recounted to Colonel Gunn his late experiences at -Carsonville. The principal, however, did not agree that there could be -any plot against Randall, and Frank himself had only suggested it as a -forlorn hope. - -“Your anxiety for your friend--ah--does you honor, Merriwell. Yet I -would point out that until Mr. Dobbs volunteered his--ah--information, -Mr. Randall was not thought of in connection with the unfortunate -matter.” - -Poor Randall was miserable enough, and looked it. He could not doubt -Frank’s sincerity in helping him, and his conscience smote him. He -wondered whether Merry had drank that glass of water, but Frank gave no -signs of being drugged. - -Going over the facts once more, Merriwell was forced to admit that -things looked black for Randall. If he should be arrested and brought -before a jury, there was little doubt but that he would be convicted on -circumstantial evidence. And yet it was incredible that he should have -stolen the money! - -One by one the searchers brought back word that there was no sign -of Carson anywhere about the grounds, and on telephoning the hotel, -Colonel Gunn found that he had not returned. Randall’s entire hopes of -vindication rested upon his cousin. - -“I’m sure the constable will be willing that Randall should remain here -in your care, colonel,” suggested Merry. “Carson is sure to turn up at -the game, and he can be brought over at once to clear Randall.” - -“Good!” cried the colonel, the constable nodding assent. “And to -express my--ah--belief and confidence in Mr. Randall, he shall sit in -my box during the game!” - -Randall tried to thank Merry with his eyes, as the bugles rang out for -mess, but Frank departed with an uneasy feeling that something was -certainly weighing on the Southerner’s mind. Could he be guilty by any -chance? - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. A MYSTERY. - - -There was no doubt that the Clippers were a drawing card. - -Although their team was one of the best in the Amateur League, the -rumor had spread abroad that it had been largely reconstructed by -Colonel Carson for this game, and the near-by towns had sent their -contingents of fans, in no little expectation. - -Fardale field was crowded long before the time for the game. Before -two o’clock the grand stand was sold out. There was no overflow crowd, -since the long bleachers were full able to handle every one, but -automobiles were parked by the score at all available points, and it -looked as if ground rules would have to go into effect. - -There had been a big shift in the Fardale team, also. News of this had -leaked out, and consequently both cadets and baseball fans were eager -to see what Captain Merriwell had done in the way of a shake-up. - -Man after man purchased a score card, and then gazed at it in blank -amazement. If he happened to be a Fardale rooter, the amazement was -tinctured with dismay. If he was a Clipper fan, he stared at his card -in perplexity, and began to ask questions of the men around him. - -This was the line-up that caused the crowd so much confusion: - - FARDALE. - Lowe, 3d b. - O’Day, r. f. - Kess, 2d b. - Clancy, 1st b. - Merriwell, p. - Harker, ss. - McQuade, c. - Chester, l. f. - Lang, c. f. - - CLIPPERS. - Ironton, ss. - Murray, 2d b. - Green, p. - Smith, 1st b. - Olcott, c. - Johnson, r. f. - Craven, 3d b. - Runge, l. f. - Merrell, c. f. - -“That’s a queer proposition,” said a Clipper fan, turning to the man -behind him. “Who’s this fellow Green? And Smith?” - -“Search me. All we got left o’ the old Clippers is short and second.” - -Over in the Fardale bleachers there was little short of a sensation, -for Chip’s line-up had not been made public before the game. - -“We’re gone!” groaned one man despairingly. “With Kess on second and -O’Day out in the field, it’s ‘good night’ for us!” - -“Merriwell must be crazy,” exclaimed another. “That blundering Dutchman -can’t hit beans! And Lowe and Harker switched around, and a substitute -in left field! I wish Ted Crockett had remained captain, by thunder!” - -“Oh, pickles!” scoffed a plebe derisively. “Who left the door open for -you to get in? You wait and see what happens to those Clippers!” - -None the less, Fardale was anxious. So were the Clipper sympathizers. -When the time for practice drew near, the crowd was literally on its -toes, watching for the first sight of the players. Both teams were -an unknown quantity, in their present shape, and the only comfort -remaining to Fardale was that Merriwell was slated to pitch. The -umpires were two Yale men, specially obtained for the occasion. - -Frank was forced to dismiss his worry over Bob Randall, as the time for -work drew near. Nothing had been seen of Bully Carson, and Randall was -due to witness the game from the principal’s box--partly as a guest, -partly under surveillance. The village constable was somewhere about -the field, hunting for Carson. - -Colonel Carson himself was in evidence in the grand stand, laying as -many bets as he could find Fardale takers. Most of these latter were -out-of-town men, for there were few among the cadets themselves who -cared to do any gambling. The colonel knew nothing of his son, it -appeared, and had not seen him that day. - -“I’ve heard a lot about this Merriwell guy,” stated a Fardale fan to -the world at large. “Has he got anything?” - -“Has he!” A fat man below him turned around, brandishing a fan in one -hand and a pop bottle in the other. “Say, ever see the old Frank -Merriwell pitch?” - -“Uh-huh, once.” - -“Well, the kid is a chip of the old block, take it from me!” - -“I guess I’ll not let Colonel Carson slide past me, then,” and the -Fardale rooter took out his pocketbook. - -Finally a tremendous burst of cheering started in the bleachers and -gradually spread around the field. The two teams had arrived for -practice work! Every head was craned to look, and a howl of expectation -rose as the Clippers took the field first. - -The howl rose to a roar of applause as the ball began to whip around. -The new Clipper infield was a wonder! Their precision was magnificent, -and the way they put the sphere to the bases made Fardale gasp. - -With Coach Trayne, Merry stood watching them work. Off to one side, -Green was limbering up with his catcher, Olcott. He was a tall, -slender, wiry man with a very brown face and terrific speed to his -practice ball. - -“Chip, that fellow is a tartar!” murmured the coach. “Watch how easily -he puts those sizzlers down, eh? He moves as if every muscle was run by -clockwork!” - -“He certainly is a beautiful pitcher,” Frank said admiringly. “And look -there--see that fellow Craven pick up that hot one! Ironton and Murray -are the only infielders left from their old team, but I guess Colonel -Carson knew his business!” - -Wild cheers went up as Craven picked a sizzler from the ground, darted -to his base, and sent the ball across to third like a bullet. Just then -a bat boy touched Merry’s arm. - -“A man in one of the boxes wants to speak to you, Chip.” - -Frank followed his guide back to the grand stand. A keen-eyed man -with a long black cigar in his mouth was standing by the netting, and -beckoned. - -“You wanted me?” - -“Yes. Say, Merriwell, do you know that fellow Green--the Clippers’ -pitcher?” - -“Why, no,” returned Chip, smiling. “He looks mighty good, though.” - -“Well, I’m a traveling man, but I’m rooting for Fardale. Did you ever -hear of Southpaw Diggs?” - -“Often. He’s one of the best pitchers in the country, if he’d let booze -alone. What’s on your mind?” - -“That fellow Green is a dead ringer for Diggs, Merriwell! He ain’t got -Diggs’ big rainbow mustache, but I’ve seen Diggs work too often not to -recognize that wind-up.” - -Frank looked up at the man, startled. - -“Impossible, my friend! The Clippers are all amateurs----” - -“Oh, rats! I know too much about the game to swallow that talk, -Merriwell, especially when Colonel Carson talks it.” - -Merry looked troubled. He knew Carson was crooked as a corkscrew, but -it was incredible that such a barefaced thing could be attempted. - -“If you can swear that Diggs and Green are one and the same,” suggested -Frank, frowning, “we could protest him.” - -“No,” returned the traveling man regretfully. “I never seen Diggs close -up, but I could recognize that wind-up a mile away. I couldn’t swear to -it very well, though.” - -“Then the game has to go on,” said Frank. - -At this point the man next to his informant, who had been listening, -chipped in the conversation. - -“Old man Carson is betting all kinds of money, Merriwell. If that -fellow is really Diggs, would it queer the bets?” - -“Not exactly,” said Merry. “If we could prove it, of course, the bets -would be off, and so would the game. But I see no chance of proving it.” - -“Well, I’m backin’ your crowd,” went on the man anxiously. “I had a bet -at even money with the colonel’s son, but he must have got cold feet. -He ain’t showed up.” - -“Was it much of a bet?” asked Frank. - -“A thousand even.” - -“You’d better keep your money in your pocket,” advised Chip, turning -away. “Betting is mighty poor business, especially where the Carson -crowd is mixed up in it.” - -He stood looking across the field, suddenly thoughtful. A thousand -dollars--and Bully Carson also had boasted that he had a thousand in -cash to bet--and Hostetter had been robbed of exactly that amount! - -“That’s a mighty queer coincidence,” reflected Merry, worried. -“Hostetter and Bully were friends, according to Colonel Gunn. Could it -be possible that Carson did steal that money? But where is he now?” - -That was a mystery. Evidently Bully had failed to meet the man with -whom he was to bet, yet he had left Randall’s room for that express -purpose. - -“I believe he can explain that theft,” muttered Frank. “And I’ll make -it my business to find him after the game.” - -Returning to Coach Trayne, he repeated the information given him by the -traveling man, and Trayne watched Green closely. - -“He does resemble Diggs in general outline,” admitted the coach. “And -his wind-up and delivery are exactly similar. Chip, I’ve a good notion -to stop this game now!” - -“You’ve no proof, Mr. Trayne. The Clippers are vouched for as amateurs -by their owner, and even if he has put in a few ringers, that can’t -hurt our standing, if we play them. And it would be a bad business to -start something we can’t finish.” - -Trayne saw the justice of this argument, and Merry caught up his glove, -as the bell rang, and ran out. While he was warming up with Billy Mac, -the other Fardale men began to work, and Merry’s judgment was soon -vindicated by the fans, except in the case of Villum Kess. - -The Dutch lad seemed awkward. He committed no glaring errors, but it -seemed to the crowd that any one would have been better at second than -he. However, Fardale was now committed, and every rooter hoped for the -best as the Fardale yell began to ring out: “Ha, ha, ha! ’Rah, ’rah, -’rah! Rigger-boom! Zigger-boom! All hail--Fardale! Fardale! Fardale!” - -The Clipper sympathizers had no regular yell, but they made good -with a thunder of feet stamping, and a roar of shouts and yells. For -an instant these fell silent while the two umpires announced the -batteries, then they rose again into a wild storm as the Fardale nine -trotted out and took the field. - -“Play ball!” cried the strike umpire, adjusting his mask. Ironton -stepped out. - -The game was on. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. THE FIGHT OF HIS LIFE. - - -“Ve vos all pehind you, Chip!” squawked Villum Kess, capering around -second. - -“Take your time, old man,” advised Clancy. - -“Let this boob hit it,” grinned Billy Mac, as Ironton stepped into the -box. - -Frank paused. He had seen clearly that Green was a whirlwind, and -decided to hold his best ball, the jump, in reserve. If Green was -really Diggs, then he had his work cut out for him. - -“Get on to that guy on second!” yelled a fan. - -Villum Kess had come to rest plumb on his bag, and stood waiting. - -“Play off there, you lobster!” shrieked another rooter frantically. - -“Blay off yourselluf,” returned Villum hotly. “Shud oop und say less. -Make a glam of yourselluf if I vas a lopster yes, no! Yaw! You vait -till you show me!” - -Frank nodded to Billy, and put over a low, straight ball. Ironton -waited. - -“Strike--one!” - -The Clipper shortstop was a wicked hitter, as Merry knew. Seeing that -he stood up close to the plate, Chip put over a sharp inshoot, and -again the umpire called a strike, as Ironton swung vainly. - -He refused to bite at two teasers, however, and again Merry used his -in. As if sensing the ball, Ironton pulled back and chopped. - -Crack! - -Merry reached after the hot liner in vain. It went straight toward the -position that Kess should have been playing, while Ironton dug down -toward first, amid wild whoops from the bleachers. Then Villum did a -surprising thing. - -Flinging himself out toward the ball, he lost his balance and slid -forward, whirling around. He came down in a cloud of dust. - -“By glory, he sat on it!” yelled the fans. - -Villum reached beneath himself and pulled out the ball, staring at it -in mild astonishment. - -“Put it over, you boob!” shrieked Clancy. - -Kess looked up, saw the runner nearing first, and scrambled to his -feet. With astonishing precision, he sent the ball to Clancy, and the -umpire motioned Ironton out. - -“It was an accident!” cried Craven, on the coaching line. “He’s an -idiot!” - -“Go avay mit yourselluf!” squawked Villum, brushing the dust from his -shirt. “Vait till I vos shown you how you don’d blay, yes, no!” - -Murray advanced to the plate, and with evident determination to hit. -After trying to connect with three sharp curves, Murray slung away his -bat and yielded up his place to Green. - -Frank saw the wiry pitcher pull down his cap and dust his hands, -and the quiet confidence of the man went far to show that he was no -amateur. Grimly resolving to fan him, Chip wound up for the double -shoot, and the ball hummed down. - -Green did not attempt to strike. Then a swift look of astonishment -overspread his lean brown face. Merry had changed from his right to his -left hand! - -“Great Scott!” gasped Green. “It’s impossible!” - -“Go on and knock it over the fence,” chuckled Billy Mac. - -Green tried to, but the double shoot fooled him completely. With a -smile, Frank delivered a sharp out with his left hand, and Green -reached for it in vain. - -“We’ve got ’em!” whooped Clancy as he ran in. “One, two, three!” - -“Easy money,” cried Billy, and Chip touched his cap to the yelling -grand stand as the Fardale cheer ripped out. - -Fardale’s hopes received an abrupt shock, however. Smiling a little, -but saying nothing, Green put over nine pitched balls, and retired -Lowe, O’Day, and Kess! - -“He can’t pitch anything but strikes!” gasped Clancy. - -“Don’d you see dot sbeed!” muttered Villum. “Dot pall a pullet vos, so -hellup me!” - -“We’re up against something pretty hard, fellows,” said Chip, as they -went out. “Everybody pull together, now, and we’ll win.” - -His confidence had been sorely shaken, however. Smith strode out and -landed on Frank’s first ball for a foul that went up over the grand -stand. Twice more he fouled, but the double shoot retired him finally. - -“They’re all bad actors,” cried Lowe from third. “Let ’em hit it, Chip!” - -Olcott, the new Clipper catcher, was a short man, with tremendously -wide shoulders. Chip tried him with a low fadeaway, but Olcott chortled -with glee and fell on it. The ball rose and began to travel for the -right-field fence. - -O’Day raced back, then stopped short. The crowd hooted, for the ball -seemed certain to go far beyond him. The fans had forgotten the wind, -however, and, when the sphere came down it nestled into O’Day’s glove, -and stuck there. Johnson fanned, and the Fardales went to bat. - -That is, they went to bat technically. Clancy was the first up, and -although usually a slugger, he was retired on three pitched balls. -Merry took his place, with the bleachers screaming for a hit. - -Green studied him a moment, then changed his position abruptly. He used -something that he had hitherto held in reserve--a remarkable spit ball. -Frank guessed it, but could not hit. - -Again Green used the same thing, and again Merry missed it. He touched -the third one for a high foul, however, that cleared the grand stand. -With a new ball thrown out to him, Green deliberately put over three -balls that were wide of the plate. - -“Put it over!” snapped Chip. “You’re scared to put it over, Green!” - -Green looked at him, and grinned tantalizingly. Then he calmly sent -over the ball, ten feet wide of the plate. Frank angrily flung his bat -away, and walked. - -The Fardale rooters went wild, but Chip was not fooled. He knew that -this was a deliberate effort to rattle him, and that Green had meant to -show his contempt. This was proved when Harker was sent down on three -pitched balls, though Green again held his spit ball under cover. - -His curves were wonderful, and would have fooled better men than -Fardale owned. Seeing that he was marooned on first, Chip made a -desperate attempt, and stole second, but only got there safely because -Murray dropped a terrific ball, that Olcott placed perfectly. Billy Mac -immediately struck out, and the inning was over. - -“That man Green is beyond anything I ever saw!” cried Coach Trayne, as -Chip came in to confer with Billy. “Watch out for Craven, Merry!” - -Frank nodded toward the bench. Craven was a slender, lanky fellow with -a large jaw. He was chewing tobacco, and carried his bat easily. - -Using his right hand once more, Merry resorted to the double shoot, -refusing Billy’s agonized plea to use the jump ball. Craven fanned -twice, seeming to be awkward at the plate, but on the third ball he -struck too quickly, whirled, and the ball hit him between the shoulders. - -He went down to first, apparently badly hurt. But Chip caught a quick -grin from him, and realized angrily that the umpire had been “worked” -very neatly. He fanned Merrell, then Runge, but Craven romped down -to second without hindrance, exchanging compliments with the enraged -Villum, as he did so. - -Ironton again was at bat. Chip sent the ball sizzling over for two -strikes, but Ironton had solved the double shoot. He connected with the -next ball and dropped it over second for a neat single--the first hit -of the game. Craven went to third, with the crowd frantic, and Murray -was up. - -Chip switched hands in desperation, and Murray fanned twice. Then -Ironton tried for second, and Billy Mac made a wretched throw that -Villum barely hung on to, a yard from the sack. When Frank put the -ball down again, Murray cracked a liner at Lowe--and Lowe fumbled it, -booting it across the infield to Harker. - -The crowd came to its feet, as Craven raced over the rubber. Harker -lost his head and made a throw ten feet wide of the plate. Billy went -after it, but Ironton came in like a whirlwind. Frank ran in and put -the ball on him as he slid, but the umpire called him safe, and the -Clippers had secured two runs, with Murray on third and Green up. - -“For Heaven’s sake use the jump!” implored Billy desperately, -conferring with Chip. But Merry, grim-lipped, refused. - -“I’ve got to hold it, Billy. This game is only three innings old.” - -He walked back, determined to retrieve the errors that had overwhelmed -his team. Green faced him with a wide grin, the Clipper fans howling -for a hit to bring in Murray. And Green was confident of getting it. -Murray’s lone hit had started things. - -Frank did the very last thing Green expected. With a lengthy -preliminary, he sent in a fast straight ball over the heart of the -plate. Green had watched his fingers, and expected a drop, striking a -foot beneath the ball. - -“That got him!” yelled Clancy. - -“Another of the same,” cried Billy. - -“Sure, give me another,” begged Green. - -Chip smiled. He knew that Green would now be certain of a swift curve. -So, making as if to throw an out, Chip sent down another straight ball. - -“Strike--uh--two!” - -“That’s headwork, old man!” cried Harker. - -“Led him dood it!” cried Villum. “Ve vos all behind you, Frankie!” - -Merry stood quietly. He refused Billy’s signals time after time, -knowing that Green was watching him like a hawk, until the crowd yelled -for action. In desperation Billy tried the signal for another straight -ball, and Merry nodded. - -Again he wound up carefully. This time he cut loose with every ounce of -speed at his command, and the ball went down fairly scorching. Green -hit, but hit too late, and Billy was taken off his feet by the speed of -the ball. None the less, he held on to it; Chip had fanned his rival -with three straight balls! - -Not only those in the grand stand, but the bleachers had also noted the -fact, and there was a deep roar of cheers as Fardale came in. Merry -passed Green, and the latter gave him a quick smile. - -“Merriwell,” he said quietly, “I take off my hat to you! That was -magnificent.” - -Chip looked at him, found sincerity in the wrinkled eyes, and warmed -instinctively. - -“Thanks,” he said significantly. “Coming from you, that means a good -deal, Mr. Diggs!” - -Green started, gave him one keen glance, then passed on with a laugh. -But in that moment Chip knew that he now knew his man. - -“That man is Diggs, right enough,” he said to Coach Trayne, as his next -three men proceeded to fan. “But he’s not beaten us yet.” - -“Yaw!” squawked Villum from behind. “Dot vos right, Chip! Two runs -don’d a pasepall game make, you pet me! Vait till I dood it!” - -For the second time, Green retired Fardale on nine pitched balls. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. THE JUMP BALL. - - -The fourth inning started off badly, Smith beating out a bunt to first, -but he held on while Merry tightened and fanned the next two men with -the double shoot. At this Smith went down to second, where Villum was -standing on the sack as usual. - -Billy Mac sent down a perfect throw from the plate, but Villum appeared -not to see it, for he was staring at Smith. - -“Jump, you chump!” yelled Smith, and flung himself down in a beautiful -fall-away slide. - -For the second time that day, Villum sat down suddenly. The ball -plunged into the cloud of dust, and a groan from the bleachers. -When the dust cleared off, Villum was seen to be smiling blandly at -Smith, holding the ball against the latter’s chest; Smith’s leg was -hooked about Villum’s waist, and the Clipper was staring up with wild -astonishment. - -“You vas oudt,” exclaimed Villum. “You vos hooked me aroundt vhere I -down sit, und you thought it vos der pase, yes, no?” - -“Well, I’m jiggered!” gasped Smith. - -The crowd roared with laughter at this evidence of Villum’s playing, -but it fell into somber silence once more as Fardale came to bat and -O’Day struck out. - -Then Villum came up to the plate, and, in trying to hit the first ball -over, he lost his balance and was hit himself. The umpire hesitated, -then motioned him to first, and Olcott’s protest went unheeded. - -“Yaw!” triumphantly blatted the Dutch lad, as he trotted down. “I toldt -you I’d dood it! Britty soon der ball vill hit Chip a home run vor, you -pet me!” - -“Sacrifice, Clan,” ordered Merry quietly. “You can’t hope for a hit.” - -“Why not?” said Clancy, pausing as he was going forth. - -“Because we’re up against Southpaw Diggs. Bunt it.” - -The red-haired chap tried hard to obey, but failed. Villum went to -second, however. Murray stood square on the base line, trying to block -him off, and Villum arrived at about the same time as the ball. He -flung himself straight at the sack and Murray went down amid a cloud -of dust, from which the ball was seen to roll. Instantly Villum jumped -up and went tearing toward third, regardless of Lowe’s orders to hold -second. Murray pegged the ball down to Craven, but made a poor throw. -It was a close decision, but Villum got the benefit of the doubt. - -“Bring him in, Chip,” said Clancy. - -For the second time, Merry faced his rival, and for the second time -Green resorted to his wonderful spit ball. Once Chip fouled, and once -struck in vain, then at the last instant he choked his bat and met the -third ball for a bunt. - -The slippery ball twisted along toward first, and Merry sped after it -like a deer. Green went for it, but Chip beat out the throw, and Villum -was safe with the first run for Fardale. Harker fanned, and the inning -was ended. - -“Well, that showed that they aren’t invulnerable, fellows,” said Merry -cheerfully. “We’ll even up pretty soon!” - -“You’re the only one of us who has a hit so far,” said Billy Mac. - -“And that was a bad scratch,” chuckled Merry. “Well, go to it!” - -Craven, the dangerous third baseman, was again up. He could not solve -the double shoot, however, and Merrell and Runge went down, also. Merry -had repeated Green’s feat of retiring the side with nine pitched balls. - -As he walked in and met Billy, however, he shook his head doubtfully. - -“I’m using that ball too much,” he said, in a low voice. “I don’t want -to use the jump unless I have to, but I can’t throw the double shoot -all the time, Billy.” - -“Change arms, then.” - -“I have. Well, let’s see what happens.” - -Billy, Chester, and Lange went down in regular order to the smiling -Green, although Lange managed to send up a pop fly that was gathered in -by Murray. The sixth started with the heavy end up, and Ironton came -out confidently. - -Frank tried to avoid using the double shoot, with the result that -Ironton poled a hot liner toward third. Lowe made a beautiful stop that -drew an admiring yell from the bleachers, but dropped the ball, and -Ironton beat it out. - -The next man up was Murray, and Chip handled him carefully, forcing -him to put up an infield fly, that Villum easily absorbed. Then Green -strode out, smiling. - -Chip gathered every energy. He put over the double shoot, reversing -from an in to an out, and Green fanned. Then, using his left hand, he -reversed the shoot, and once more Green struck in vain, Ironton going -down to second. Knowing that it was useless to attempt luring Green, -Frank once more threw every effort into a terrifically swift, straight -ball--and again Green fanned. - -The speed of that ball was too much for Billy, however. It went through -him and rolled back to the grand stand, while Green tore to first and -Ironton to third. Both were safe, and Smith advanced to the plate. -Frank signaled to Billy to come up. - -“It’s no use, old man,” he said quietly. - -“I’m sorry, Chip,” and Billy was almost in tears. “They can’t touch -you, and if you only had a decent catcher----” - -“None of that,” said Merry. “You’re all right, Billy. But I daren’t use -the double shoot again. I’ve pitched nothing else, and I can’t give -away the jump ball just yet. I’m going to try the spit ball, so watch -out for bad ones.” - -The almost constant use of the double shoot had been a tremendous -strain on Frank’s arm, and Billy was forced to assent. Merry did not -half like using the spit ball, as he had not practiced it for some -time, but the need was imperative. - -In fact, his first two balls went wide of the plate, and nearly let -in a run. Then he found himself, and Smith fanned twice, Billy vainly -trying to catch Green at second. By sheer good luck, Smith connected -and walloped out a beauty to the left garden, which Chester gathered. -But Ironton beat the ball to the plate for the third tally. - -“He’s gone!” came a voice from the grand stand that Frank recognized -for that of Colonel Carson. “Knock him out of the lot! He’s gone!” - -“I’ll show you something, you old scoundrel!” muttered Chip angrily, as -Olcott pounded the rubber and begged for a good one. - -He seemed unable to fulfill his prediction, however, for Olcott bunted -the first ball to Harker, the shortstop made a poor throw to first, -and Olcott was safe. Johnson came up, but ended the inning by popping a -foul, that Billy Mac neatly garnered. - -“Four to one,” said Lowe, with a groan, as they came in. “We’re done!” - -“We’re not,” said Clancy warmly. “Chip hasn’t begun to pitch yet.” - -Merry smiled faintly, and stared aghast as Green again put over nine -pitched balls and retired Fardale. The man seemed made of iron! - -In the first half of the seventh it seemed that only luck saved -Fardale. Chester dropped Craven’s fly, and Merrell let the ball hit -him. Runge fanned, and Ironton came up with second and third filled, -and one out. He knocked a hot one to Villum, who promptly dropped it; -while every one yelled at him, the Dutch lad stared at the runners in -astonishment. - -Then he picked up the ball and slammed it to third, catching Merrell, -and Lowe snapped it to Billy for a double play that retired the -Clippers. - -“Get a hit, Clan,” said Merry quietly. “Green’s weakening.” - -Clancy brightened up perceptibly, and though Green showed no sign of -weakening, Clancy was hit by the ball, and went to first. Merry came -up, made a quick guess that Green would give him an in, and swung with -all his strength. He hit the ball on the nose. - -“Wow!” - -A shrill yell went up from every fan as the ball sailed out, cleared -the fence, and was no more seen. As Merry jogged in from third he -grinned. - -“All luck, Green,” he cried. - -Frank had netted two runs with that homer, but the eighth opened with -the score four to three in favor of the Clippers, and Craven at bat. He -grounded out to Clancy, Merrell fanned, and Runge flied to Lowe. Green -again fanned three men, leaving Kess up, and the ninth inning was on. - -“All right, Billy,” said Chip quietly. “Every ball a jump.” - -“Hurray!” yelled Billy, in delight. “Nine balls, Merry!” - -Ironton was up. Merry put the first ball down to him right in the -groove, and he swung viciously at it. The ball seemed to leap over his -bat into Billy’s glove. - -“Hey!” cried Ironton, amazed. “What’s the matter with that ball?” - -“Take another look,” said Chip, with a grin. - -Again he sent it squarely over the plate, and again Ironton failed -utterly to find it. The third ball looked even better, and with -wondering desperation Ironton brought around his bat. - -“Out!” - -“What kind of a ball is that?” demanded Ironton savagely. - -“Plain straight ball,” chuckled Billy. “Couldn’t you see it?” - -The grand stand began to appreciate a change in Merriwell’s pitching as -Johnson came into the box and proceeded to strike out also. - -“He’s using a new ball!” yelled the traveling man who had recognized -Green-Diggs. - -“Look at Johnson swing!” shrieked another fan excitedly. “Where’d he -get that ball? What is it?” - -Johnson watched the third one come, and tried helplessly to find it. He -was motioned out, and flung his bat away heatedly. - -“There’s some crooked work here!” he cried. - -“And it smells like Southpaw Diggs,” chirped Clancy, as Green came out -swinging two bats. He flung one away and stepped into the box. - -The Fardale fans began to pluck up hope. They roared out hoarse -entreaties to fight it out, and as he glanced at the grand stand Merry -saw Colonel Gunn standing up and excitedly waving his hat, dignity -utterly forgotten, while Randall clutched him around the neck and -yelled like a crazy man. - -“Here’s a nice straight one for you, Green,” said Chip. - -Green evidently believed him, for he swung at the ball wickedly. But -the sphere took a queer upward jump into Billy’s mitt, and Green -stepped back with a single gasp of amazement. - -“What you got on that ball?” he queried wonderingly. - -Smiling, Merry sent down another, square in the groove. This time Green -stood back and watched it, then grinned. - -“Let her come!” he cried, and Chip knew that he had solved the jump. - -With that, he sent down a straight ball. Green grinned again, struck a -foot above it--and was out! - -But the Clippers were still one run to the good. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. A DESPERATE FINISH. - - -Fardale field was a pandemonium. - -Grand stand and bleachers alike were crazy with excitement. The band, -unheard, blared forth amid the din. Men shouted and shrieked for the -score to be tied, begged Merry to crack out another homer, hit each -other over the head, and threatened to smash the stands with their -frenzied stamping. - -With suddenness that was almost appalling, the din died away as Villum -Kess was seen walking out to the plate. The rooters held their breath. - -“That settles it,” groaned a man near Colonel Gunn’s box. “That -dunderhead will be the first out--it’s all over.” - -“Confound your impertinence, sir!” roared the irate colonel, -twisting about and threatening the fan with personal violence. “It’s -not--ah--all over till the last man has--ah--gone down!” - -Then he turned and sent another roar at the field. - -“Get a hit! Get a hit!” - -The crowd took up the swinging words. “Get a hit! Get a hit!” rose the -thunder of many voices, pierced by the shrill yells of the Clipper -fans, who implored Green to “Hold ’em down!” - -Then Kess stepped into the box, and instantly the silence fell anew. - -“Yaw!” squawked the Dutch lad, his voice sounding distinctly all over -the field. “Didn’t I toldt you I vos goin’ to dood it! You vos a -skinch, so hellup me!” - -“You’ll get skinned, all right,” yelled Olcott. “Let the Dutchman hit -it, old man! He’s easy!” - -“Shut oop mit your mouth!” retorted Villum, turning angrily. - -As he did so, Green unwound and the sphere came down like a bullet. -Villum tried to strike, but overreached himself and fell forward, -sitting on the plate. - -“Vot der matter vos?” he inquired blankly. “Vhere vos der pall?” - -“Get up or you’ll have another strike called,” said Olcott. - -Villum scrambled to his feet. His actions disgusted the excited crowd, -however, and a storm of objurgation began to rain upon him. - -“Take him out! Send in a ball player!” - -“Get the hook! Get the hook!” - -“By Yimini, you shoot oop!” roared Villum, waving his bat at the grand -stand. “How vos I to hear der pall coming vhen you vos making such a -yelling?” - -Green smiled and once more put the ball across while Villum was glaring -at the crowd. He whirled around as the ball plunked home. - -“Vot vos dot?” - -“Strike--two!” called the umpire. - -“Vell, by shinks!” gasped Villum angrily. “You vos der advantage oof me -dake, yes, no?” - -“Watch out,” advised Olcott, with a wide grin. “Here it comes again.” - -Villum spat on his hands, pounded the plate, and settled down. Even the -nonchalant Green was laughing, but his laugh ended suddenly. - -For, as the ball came glinting down, Villum gathered together, swung -mightily, and connected! - -“He’s done it!” shrieked the fans, coming to their feet with a howl. - -The ball went sizzling along the ground to Craven, while Villum Kess -labored toward first. The third baseman was so astonished at his hit -that when he scooped up the ball he fumbled it. Then he picked it up -again and whipped it to first. - -“Look oudt!” yelled Villum. “I vos coming!” - -He came, too, in an unheralded slide. Smith, the semipro, had probably -never seen any one slide for first before in all his life. He was so -startled at the action that he missed the ball, which went past him. - -Instantly Villum gained his feet and plunged toward second, repeating -his bull-head effort of the fourth inning. While Smith chased the ball -the crowd began to yell encouragement at him, remembering that he had -scored the first tally. - -On reaching second, Villum took a look over his shoulder and started -for third. Smith had gained the ball, and was sending it across the -diamond to Craven, but none the less he pounded on, head down and -elbows working. - -He was only halfway from second when Craven picked up the ball and -started for him with a grin. Villum never slacked up, despite the -frantic yells that were directed at him. Just as Craven reached out to -tag him, however, he stumbled over his own foot and fell like a shot, -headfirst. - -He struck squarely against Craven’s knees. The latter’s hand was -distinctly seen to fly out, while the ball dropped and rolled away. Out -of the whirling arms and legs emerged Villum, bounced to third, and -turned toward home. - -“I toldt you I vos a home run got!” he bellowed. - -This time, however, this amazing luck seemed to have deserted him. -Craven rolled over and got the ball, and quickly snapped it home. -Olcott stepped out to get it, flinging aside his mask, and a groan -swelled out from the crowd. - -“He’s done for!” - -“Nefer!” roared Villum, bouncing along desperately. - -Once more he shot to earth, just as the ball came whizzing along over -him. Olcott took the ball and fetched it down, but Villum had already -come to a stop, hands outstretched before him. - -“Shudgement!” he squawked at the umpire. “You pet me dot I vos safe!” - -He had the tips of his fingers on the plate--and had effected a home -run without making a hit! - -“Yaw!” he shrieked, in delight. “Vot vos I toldt you! You pet me der -score she vos died, yes, no?” - -“Right you are, Villum,” laughed Chip, escorting the Dutch lad to the -bench in mingled wonder and joy. “Take off your hat!” - -Villum did so, then looked at it curiously. His eyes went to Chip’s -face, then to the grand stand, and for the first time he seemed to -realize that the crowds were yelling at him in frantic madness. He -bowed, stumbled, stood on his head, and vanished under the players’ -shed. - -As Clancy walked out, Green seemed to lose his composure for the first -time. - -“Wake up, you boneheads!” he shouted wrathfully at his amazed team, -who were still trying to find out what had happened. “They’ve got four -runs on us, with only two hits. And Merriwell got them both! Wake up -and play the game!” - -“Here’s where we get another hit, Southpaw Diggs,” said Clancy merrily, -as he danced into the box. “Put her over, old sox!” - -Green obeyed, and the ball had so much speed that Clancy merely leaped -backward in actual terror. - -“Hey!” he cried. “You don’t need to kill a fellow!” - -Green smiled, having regained his lost poise, and brought out his spit -ball in this emergency. Clancy swung at it vainly. - -“Strike--two.” - -Once more the ball sped down like a white streak. This time Clancy -connected with a crack that fetched the crowds up standing. But the -roar was followed by a groan, as the ball lifted into deep center field -and Merrell went after it. - -Merrell was more intent on the ball than on the ground, however. Clancy -was running along to first and watching him when Merrell stumbled and -fell. The ball came down a yard beyond him, and O’Day sent Clancy on to -second, while once more the roar swelled out from the bleachers. - -“Green’s blown up! Merry to bat!” - -“A hit, Merriwell! Get a hit! Get a hit!” - -“One run wins the game! Get a hit!” - -That fly, which fell well within Merrell’s territory, and should have -been fielded easily, went as an error instead of a hit. Therefore, -in spite of the fact that Fardale had four runs, Merry was the only -one who had so far been able to hit Green. One of his two hits was -a scratch, and the other was a lucky jab by his own admission. -Therefore, as he came up to the plate, he was anything but confident. - -He had already given Clancy the hit-and-run signal, for he himself had -little hope of making another decent hit. As he stepped in the box and -faced Green, he saw the man’s lean brown face smiling at him, and knew -that the other was even cooler than he himself. - -For the second time, Green read danger in Merry’s eyes and resolved to -take no chances. He sent down a wide one, and Chip lashed out at it in -order to give Clancy a chance. - -The red-haired chap went to third, safe by a narrow margin. After that, -Green sent down no more wide ones, but instead he placed them so high -that Olcott was forced to get on his toes to reach them. Yet they never -went too high for him; Green was a perfect master, and his control was -absolute. - -Three of them sang past, while Merry waited desperately. He knew -perfectly well that Green intended to pass him, in order to strike out -the next three men. - -“I’d sooner die fighting than be left at the post,” he muttered grimly, -taking a firm grip on his bat. - -Again Green smiled, scarcely taking the trouble to wind up for the -throw. He sent the ball down to Olcott, far too high for a good strike, -but Chip was past caring whether it was good or not. - -With an effort, he swung up and reached for it. There was a crack, and -the sphere shot out over second base--for his third hit off Green! - -Merrell made a hard run in for the ball, secured it on the first -bounce, and relayed in a beautiful throw to Olcott. Clancy was tearing -for home, and he ran along as he had never run before. Glancing around, -he saw the ball almost even with him, and as he neared home he went -down in a desperate slide. - -Olcott received the ball perfectly, and there was a moment of suspense -as the dust rose and hid the play. Then the umpire’s figure emerged, -hands down. - -Fardale had won on Merry’s hit--the closest finish ever seen on Fardale -field. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII. CAUGHT WITH THE GOODS. - - -“It’s Merry’s game, all right!” - -“I’m not so sure of that, fellows,” said Merry, as he entered the -dressing room and heard Lowe’s remark; “I’d say that it’s Villum’s -game. Didn’t he get the run that tied, and get it without assistance?” - -A roar of laughter went up. As Merry went to his locker, however, he -was approached by Colonel Gunn’s orderly, who shoved hastily through -the crowd. - -“Come outside, Mr. Merriwell!” cried the cadet. “The constable wants -you!” - -“Tell him I’ll be dressed in a minute,” returned Chip. - -“No, get a move on right now!” insisted the other excitedly. “Colonel -Gunn is waiting, too.” - -“That’s a horse of another color, then,” said Chip, and made haste -outside. - -He found the constable, who greeted him eagerly. - -“Say, Merriwell, come along over to the riding hall. Colonel Gunn’s -gone over, and said to bring you along.” - -“Me? What for?” - -Merry had forgotten all about the affairs of Randall in the excitement. - -“Why, they found that feller Carson, and he seems to be drunk, or hurt, -or something,” explained the constable hurriedly, as they started out. -“One o’ the boys phoned over to the grand stand just before the game -ended.” - -“That’s bad,” commented Merry. “You don’t know any more?” - -The constable did not, except that he had seen Colonel Carson slinking -away from the grounds in woeful plight. It was said that the colonel -had lost a large sum of money on the game. - -With the orderly, they hastened to the riding hall. Grouped in the -rear, they found a small crowd of cadets, in the midst of whom stood -Colonel Gunn and Randall, while a motionless figure could be made out -on the ground. - -“Ha--Merriwell!” cried the principal, who had recovered his momentarily -lost ponderous manner. “Here is the--ah--individual of whom we were in -search. He appears to have been in this posture for some little time.” - -Merry and the constable pushed through, to see Bully Carson lying on -the ground. He was motionless, and was breathing stertorously. Although -his one good eye did not open, he seemed dimly conscious that others -were around him. - -“Go ’way!” he muttered thickly. “Go ’way!” - -“He don’t look drunk, exactly,” observed the constable, “and he ain’t -hurt.” - -“No, he does not--ah--appear to be under the influence of liquor. -Perhaps he is merely--ah--reposing in the arms of Morpheus.” - -“No, Murphy was lookin’ for him to-day,” rejoined the constable, -referring to his assistant. Colonel Gunn’s lips twitched. - -“See if you can resuscitate him, Merriwell. The sooner we -could--ah--relieve Randall of the unfortunate difficulties surrounding -him, the better.” - -Merry knelt over Bully and raised his head, shaking his shoulders in -no very gentle fashion. Bully grunted and opened his eyes in a dazed -manner. At the same instant a small, very much flustered man pushed -through the group. - -“Hello, here’s Hostetter now,” announced the constable. “Colonel Gunn, -this is him.” - -“I heard that Carson had been found,” exclaimed Hostetter. “Nothing has -happened to him, I trust?” - -Bully answered for himself. Sitting up suddenly and pushing Merry away, -he glanced around with dull and yet frightened eyes. - -“Who’s that?” he muttered thickly. “Where’s Hostetter?” - -“Right here, old man,” cried the little laundryman fervently. “Have you -managed to locate my pocketbook? You know you said this morning that -you might be able to get a clew.” - -“Nothin’ doin’,” said Bully thickly. “I must ’a’ been asleep--it was -that there glass o’ water, I’ll bet a dollar!” - -He tried to get to his feet, Chip assisting him, but stumbled and fell -back. As he did so, a long black object fell from his pocket. Hostetter -pounced on it with a shrill yell. - -“My wallet! How----” - -As he examined it feverishly, Bully once more came to life. He clapped -a hand to his pocket, then staggered up. - -“Where’s my wallet!” he growled, clutching for support. - -“Your wallet!” cried Merry. “You mean Hostetter’s wallet. Where’d you -get it, eh? Are you the one that stole it?” - -Bully seemed to shrink suddenly into himself, muttering and mumbling. - -“Who says I stole it?” he grunted defiantly, only half conscious yet. -He gave a lurch and caught at Merriwell for support. “Hostetter--durned -little fool----” - -“What do you mean?” exclaimed Merriwell sharply. Bully tried to rouse -himself. “Here, one of you fellows get a bucket of water, will you?” - -“Lemme go,” grunted Bully, trying to reel away. “I got to place -bet--thousand-dollar bet--little fool Hostetter handed me his money----” - -“That’s a lie!” snapped Hostetter suddenly. “I believe you stole that -money, Carson!” - -“I believe so, too,” said Merry dryly. “Constable, you’d better get -ready to take charge of him when--ah, here’s the water now!” - -One of the grinning cadets arrived with a pail of water. Bully had -already relapsed into slumber, and Merry took the water and soused it -over his head. - -A second later Bully was on his feet, shaking his head and bellowing in -fury. - -“That’s enough out o’ you,” said the constable, tapping him on the -shoulder. “I guess you can come along to the lockup, my man.” - -Bully let out a yell of fear. - -“What fur!” he wailed, as the constable gripped him firmly. “I ain’t -done nothin’! Take your hands off’n me!” - -“For the theft of Mr. Hostetter’s pocketbook,” said Colonel Gunn, in -his most military voice, facing the astounded Bully. “You, sir, have -been--ah--apprehended with the stolen property on your person. While -still in a condition of semi-coma, you made certain admissions which -most undoubtedly will--ah--be put to service in the cause of justice.” - -“I’ll give it back!” wailed Bully. “It was only a joke--I didn’t -mean----” - -“Constable, remove the--ah--prisoner!” - -The constable did so. The last that was seen of Bully Carson, he was -trailing along and tearfully expostulating. Colonel Gunn turned to -Randall. - -“I congratulate you, Mr. Randall, on being thus--ah--exonerated of all -the faint suspicion which--ah--clung to your footsteps, in a manner of -speaking. You will kindly report at my office Monday morning to state -why you should not be punished for leaving your room and the school -grounds without permission last evening. Gentlemen, I bid you good day! -Oh--one moment, Merriwell! That--ah--that was the most remarkable, -I think I may say the most spectacular, game of baseball I ever -witnessed. Sir, I heartily congratulate you on your playing!” - -And with a stiff bow, Colonel Gunn beckoned his orderly and strode away. - -Merry looked after him, then turned to Randall with a smile, his hand -out. - -“It’s all right, old man!” he said. “Come along over to the gym while I -get into my clothes, will you? I’ve got something I want to say.” - -Randall gave him a half-frightened look, but merely nodded assent. The -two walked to the gym together, and more than one cadet looked after -them significantly, with the remark that Randall had been fetched -around, after all. - -“What do you suppose was the trouble with Bully?” queried Chip, as they -entered the gymnasium building. “It looked to me rather as if he had -been drugged, Bob!” - -Randall flushed. - -“Maybe he had,” he said bitterly. “I knew that he was pretty bad, but I -never suspected that he could stoop to being a thief.” - -“I guess there are a whole lot of things about your cousin that you -never suspected,” returned Merry dryly. - -They found the dressing room almost deserted, the members of the team -having disappeared long since. Merry had his shower and rubdown, and -returned to his locker where Randall was waiting. - -“That was a great finish to-day, Chip,” said the Southerner, rather -awkwardly. “And your pitching showed me a whole lot I had never even -guessed. If I had been in your place, they’d have pounded me off the -mound in two innings, Chip.” - -“Not much,” said Chip. “Luck broke with us, that was all. By the way, -their pitcher was Southpaw Diggs, Bob. Some credit in beating him, eh? -I was almost gone in the seventh, for a fact.” - -“Diggs!” Bob gasped. “I guess you had mighty little luck in that game, -Chip, and a whole lot of good playing! I heard a fellow near us saying -that he thought the first baseman was a semipro player from Buffalo.” - -“Likely enough,” said Chip thoughtfully. “I wouldn’t be surprised if -Colonel Carson had got professionals all the way through, because he -expected to clear up a big wad. It must have cost him a lot, even -besides what he lost! Well, that only goes to show that a fellow gets -exactly what he gives, Bob. Your attitude toward the world will be -bound to be reflected back at you from the world.” - -“I suppose that’s about right,” and Randall’s handsome face clouded. - -“By the way,” said Chip suddenly, “I may leave Fardale almost any time -now, old man. I had a notion of having a team meeting to-night or -Monday, and putting it up to them about electing you captain----” - -“Hold on a minute, Chip,” broke in Randall, his eyes fixing those of -Merry in a peculiar fashion. “Did you and Carson drink those glasses of -water I had poured out?” - -“Eh?” Merry’s thoughts went back swiftly to the scene in Bob’s room. -“Why, yes!” - -“Then that’s what’s the matter with Bully,” and Randall faced Merry, -white-faced but firm. “I had doped one glass of water, hoping to -put you out of the game for the afternoon. He got it by mistake. I -pretended to be placated by your words this morning, Chip, and--well, -I began to see differently later, that’s all. Now go ahead and do -anything you want to--I’m glad that I’ve made a clean breast of it.” - -“So am I,” said Chip quietly. “As I was saying, I hope you’ll be -elected the captain, to succeed me when I leave, Bob.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. CONCLUSION. - - -“You what!” gasped Randall, staring. “You’re joking with me!” - -“Not a bit of it,” said Merry. “I suppose Bully persuaded you to dope -me?” - -“Well, he had a little to do with it,” admitted Randall, too proud to -cast the blame where it rightly lay. “I can only apologize, Chip, and -you----” - -“Why, old man, forget all about it!” exclaimed Merry, catching the -other about the shoulders and turning toward the door. “There was -nobody damaged in any way except Bully.” - -He broke off suddenly, and laughed. - -“Look here, Bob! He tried to make you the goat to put me out of the -way, see? He probably figured that Southpaw Diggs could handle either -one of us, but without the double shoot Fardale would get pounded. Then -he got hold of that stuff by accident and it laid him out. Except for -that, you might still be under suspicion of stealing Hostetter’s money! -It was only his being doped that really saved you!” - -“That’s right, Merry!” and Randall’s eyes flashed. “I believe he’d have -let me suffer for it, too, the cowardly cur! Look here, old man, will -you take my hand and accept my apologies?” - -“Great Scott, how often do you want me to tell you so?” returned Chip, -with mock despair. He wrung the Southerner’s hand heartily. - -“Now let’s get out into the open air. I’m about ready for something to -eat, if you want to know it!” - -They left the building behind and started across the campus for the -barracks. It still being some time before assembly and mess. As they -neared the barracks, they were approached by a tall figure neatly clad -in a dark-blue suit. He gave them a keen glance, then stopped them -quietly. - -“This is Mr. Merriwell, isn’t it?” - -Merry flung him a look, and started. - -“Hello! It’s Green--or I should say Diggs!” - -“Yes, Southpaw Diggs,” and the other smiled as he held out his hand. -“I just want to congratulate you on winning a remarkably fine game, -Merriwell--one of the best I ever saw, in fact. If you’d only consider -big-league work and----” - -“No, thanks,” said Merry. “I’ve had a sample of professional ethics -this afternoon, when you and your friends masqueraded as amateurs. -That’s one reason, though I don’t blame you as I do Colonel Carson.” - -“What can a fellow do when he needs the money?” and Diggs shrugged his -shoulders good-naturedly. - -“He can get busy and make it cleanly,” retorted Chip, watching the -other. With a quick impulse he added: “And if he’d cut out the booze, -Diggs.” - -Diggs flushed and his eyes kindled. Then he smiled again and nodded. - -“Right you are, Merriwell, and I know you mean me. Well, I’m only -twenty-four, and if I brace up I’d have a few years ahead of me of -baseball. I’ve been thinking it over, and, to tell you the truth, I’ve -not had a drink for a good while. I was testing my nerves out on you -fellows to-day, for one thing.” - -“I hope they suited you?” said Merry. - -“Oh, mine were all right until you pulled that last bag of tricks. -Well, so long, son, and good luck go with you!” - -“And the same to you, Diggs,” said Merry earnestly. - -He walked on with Randall, neither speaking. At the door of the -barracks they came upon Clancy and Billy Mac, who immediately met them -with wide grins. - -“Buried the hatchet, you two?” queried Clan. - -“I think so,” said Chip. “By the way, I’d like to ask a special favor -of you fellows, sight unseen. Will you grant it?” - -“Surest thing you know,” returned Clancy. - -“Anything you want, old man,” said Billy Mac. - -“Well, I’m thinking of proposing Bob for captain in my place, and I -want you two fellows to second it. How does it strike you?” - -Clancy looked at Randall, and grinned. - -“Sure,” he said. “Only I’ll give you a run for your money, Bob, because -I’m going after that job myself. I’ll second you, just the same.” - -“Same here,” said Billy. “But I guess I can see right now where -Carrot-top Clancy gets snowed under about two miles! Shake, Cap -Randall!” - -Merry smiled. - -THE END. - -No. 233, the next title of the MERRIWELL SERIES, is entitled “The -Merriwell Company.” This story, from the pen of Burt L. Standish, has -to do with several of the most prominent characters in this popular -series of books. - - * * * * * - -NICK CARTER STORIES - -New Magnet Library - -_Not a Dull Book in This List_ - -ALL BY NICHOLAS CARTER - -Nick Carter stands for an interesting detective story. The fact that -the books in this line are so uniformly good is entirely due to the -work of a specialist. The man who wrote these stories produced no -other type of fiction. His mind was concentrated upon the creation of -new plots and situations in which his hero emerged triumphantly from -all sorts of troubles and landed the criminal just where he should -be--behind the bars. - -The author of these stories knew more about writing detective stories -than any other single person. - -Following is a list of the best Nick Carter stories. They have been -selected with extreme care, and we unhesitatingly recommend each of -them as being fully as interesting as any detective story between cloth -covers which sells at ten times the price. - -If you do not know Nick Carter, buy a copy of any of the New Magnet -Library books, and get acquainted. He will surprise and delight you. - -_ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT_ - - 901--A Weird Treasure - 902--The Middle Link - 903--To the Ends of the Earth - 904--When Honors Pall - 905--The Yellow Brand - 906--A New Serpent in Eden - 907--When Brave Men Tremble - 908--A Test of Courage - 909--Where Peril Beckons - 910--The Gargoni Girdle - 911--Rascals & Co. - 912--Too Late to Talk - 913--Satan’s Apt Pupil - 914--The Girl Prisoner - 915--The Danger of Folly - 916--One Shipwreck Too Many - 917--Scourged by Fear - 918--The Red Plague - 919--Scoundrels Rampant - 920--From Clew to Clew - 921--When Rogues Conspire - 922--Twelve in a Grave - 923--The Great Opium Case - 924--A Conspiracy of Rumors - 925--A Klondike Claim - 926--The Evil Formula - 927--The Man of Many Faces - 928--The Great Enigma - 929--The Burden of Proof - 930--The Stolen Brain - 931--A Titled Counterfeiter - 932--The Magic Necklace - 933--’Round the World for a Quarter - 934--Over the Edge of the World - 935--In the Grip of Fate - 936--The Case of Many Clews - 937--The Sealed Door - 938--Nick Carter and the Green Goods Men - 939--The Man Without a Will - 940--Tracked Across the Atlantic - 941--A Clew from the Unknown - 942--The Crime of a Countess - 943--A Mixed-up Mess - 944--The Great Money-order Swindle - 945--The Adder’s Brood - 946--A Wall Street Haul - 947--For a Pawned Crown - 948--Sealed Orders - 949--The Hate that Kills - 950--The American Marquis - 951--The Needy Nine - 952--Fighting Against Millions - 953--Outlaws of the Blue - 954--The Old Detective’s Pupil - 955--Found in the Jungle - 956--The Mysterious Mail Robbery - 957--Broken Bars - 958--A Fair Criminal - 959--Won by Magic - 960--The Piano Box Mystery - 961--The Man They Held Back - 962--A Millionaire Partner - 963--A Pressing Peril - 964--An Australian Klondike - 965--The Sultan’s Pearls - 966--The Double Shuffle Club - 967--Paying the Price - 968--A Woman’s Hand - 969--A Network of Crime - 970--At Thompson’s Ranch - 971--The Crossed Needles - 972--The Diamond Mine Case - 973--Blood Will Tell - 974--An Accidental Password - 975--The Crook’s Double - 976--Two Plus Two - 977--The Yellow Label - 978--The Clever Celestial - 979--The Amphitheater Plot - 980--Gideon Drexel’s Millions - 981--Death in Life - 982--A Stolen Identity - 983--Evidence by Telephone - 984--The Twelve Tin Boxes - 985--Clew Against Clew - 986--Lady Velvet - 987--Playing a Bold Game - 988--A Dead Man’s Grip - 989--Snarled Identities - 990--A Deposit Vault Puzzle - 991--The Crescent Brotherhood - 992--The Stolen Pay Train - 993--The Sea Fox - 994--Wanted by Two Clients - 995--The Van Alstine Case - 996--Check No. 777 - 997--Partners in Peril - 998--Nick Carter’s Clever Protégé - 999--The Sign of the Crossed Knives - 1000--The Man Who Vanished - 1001--A Battle for the Right - 1002--A Game of Craft - 1003--Nick Carter’s Retainer - 1004--Caught in the Toils - 1005--A Broken Bond - 1006--The Crime of the French Café - 1007--The Man Who Stole Millions - 1008--The Twelve Wise Men - 1009--Hidden Foes - 1010--A Gamblers’ Syndicate - 1011--A Chance Discovery - 1012--Among the Counterfeiters - 1013--A Threefold Disappearance - 1014--At Odds with Scotland Yard - 1015--A Princess of Crime - 1016--Found on the Beach - 1017--A Spinner of Death - 1018--The Detective’s Pretty Neighbor - 1019--A Bogus Clew - 1020--The Puzzle of Five Pistols - 1021--The Secret of the Marble Mantel - 1022--A Bite of an Apple - 1023--A Triple Crime - 1024--The Stolen Race Horse - 1025--Wildfire - 1026--A _Herald_ Personal - 1027--The Finger of Suspicion - 1028--The Crimson Clew - 1029--Nick Carter Down East - 1030--The Chain of Clews - 1031--A Victim of Circumstances - 1032--Brought to Bay - 1033--The Dynamite Trap - 1034--A Scrap of Black Lace - 1035--The Woman of Evil - 1036--A Legacy of Hate - 1037--A Trusted Rogue - 1038--Man Against Man - 1039--The Demons of the Night - 1040--The Brotherhood of Death - 1041--At the Knife’s Point - 1042--A Cry for Help - 1043--A Stroke of Policy - 1044--Hounded to Death - 1045--A Bargain in Crime - 1046--The Fatal Prescription - 1047--The Man of Iron - 1048--An Amazing Scoundrel - 1049--The Chain of Evidence - 1050--Paid with Death - 1051--A Fight for a Throne - 1052--The Woman of Steel - 1053--The Seal of Death - 1054--The Human Fiend - 1055--A Desperate Chance - 1056--A Chase in the Dark - 1057--The Snare and the Game - 1058--The Murray Hill Mystery - 1059--Nick Carter’s Close Call - 1060--The Missing Cotton King - 1061--A Game of Plots - 1062--The Prince of Liars - 1063--The Man at the Window - 1064--The Red League - 1065--The Price of a Secret - 1066--The Worst Case on Record - 1067--From Peril to Peril - 1068--The Seal of Silence - 1069--Nick Carter’s Chinese Puzzle - 1070--A Blackmailer’s Bluff - 1071--Heard in the Dark - 1072--A Checkmated Scoundrel - 1073--The Cashier’s Secret - 1074--Behind a Mask - 1075--The Cloak of Guilt - 1076--Two Villains in One - 1077--The Hot Air Clew - 1078--Run to Earth - 1079--The Certified Check - 1080--Weaving the Web - 1081--Beyond Pursuit - 1082--The Claws of the Tiger - 1083--Driven from Cover - 1084--A Deal in Diamonds - 1085--The Wizard of the Cue - 1086--A Race for Ten Thousand - 1087--The Criminal Link - 1088--The Red Signal - 1089--The Secret Panel - 1090--A Bonded Villain - 1091--A Move in the Dark - 1092--Against Desperate Odds - 1093--The Telltale Photographs - 1094--The Ruby Pin - 1095--The Queen of Diamonds - 1096--A Broken Trail - 1097--An Ingenious Stratagem - 1098--A Sharper’s Downfall - 1099--A Race Track Gamble - 1100--Without a Clew - 1101--The Council of Death - 1102--The Hole in the Vault - 1103--In Death’s Grip - 1104--A Great Conspiracy - 1105--The Guilty Governor - 1106--A Ring of Rascals - 1107--A Masterpiece of Crime - 1108--A Blow for Vengeance - 1109--Tangled Threads - 1110--The Crime of the Camera - 1111--The Sign of the Dagger - 1112--Nick Carter’s Promise - 1113--Marked for Death - 1114--The Limited Holdup - 1115--When the Trap Was Sprung - 1116--Through the Cellar Wall - 1117--Under the Tiger’s Claws - 1118--The Girl in the Case - 1119--Behind a Throne - 1120--The Lure of Gold - 1121--Hand to Hand - 1122--From a Prison Cell - 1123--Dr. Quartz, Magician - 1124--Into Nick Carter’s Web - 1125--The Mystic Diagram - 1126--The Hand that Won - 1127--Playing a Lone Hand - 1128--The Master Villain - 1129--The False Claimant - 1130--The Living Mask - 1131--The Crime and the Motive - 1132--A Mysterious Foe - 1133--A Missing Man - 1134--A Game Well Played - 1135--A Cigarette Clew - 1136--The Diamond Trail - 1137--The Silent Guardian - 1138--The Dead Stranger - 1140--The Doctor’s Stratagem - 1141--Following a Chance Clew - 1142--The Bank Draft Puzzle - 1143--The Price of Treachery - 1144--The Silent Partner - 1145--Ahead of the Game - 1146--A Trap of Tangled Wire - 1147--In the Gloom of Night - 1148--The Unaccountable Crook - 1149--A Bundle of Clews - 1150--The Great Diamond Syndicate - 1151--The Death Circle - 1152--The Toss of a Penny - 1153--One Step Too Far - 1154--The Terrible Thirteen - 1155--A Detective’s Theory - 1156--Nick Carter’s Auto Trail - 1157--A Triple Identity - 1158--A Mysterious Graft - 1159--A Carnival of Crime - 1160--The Bloodstone Terror - 1161--Trapped in His Own Net - 1162--The Last Move in the Game - 1163--A Victim of Deceit - 1164--With Links of Steel - 1165--A Plaything of Fate - 1166--The Key Ring Clew - 1167--Playing for a Fortune - 1168--At Mystery’s Threshold - 1169--Trapped by a Woman - 1170--The Four Fingered Glove - 1171--Nabob and Knave - 1172--The Broadway Cross - 1173--The Man Without a Conscience - 1174--A Master of Deviltry - 1175--Nick Carter’s Double Catch - 1176--Doctor Quartz’s Quick Move - 1177--The Vial of Death - 1178--Nick Carter’s Star Pupils - 1179--Nick Carter’s Girl Detective - 1180--A Baffled Oath - 1181--A Royal Thief - 1182--Down and Out - 1183--A Syndicate of Rascals - 1184--Played to a Finish - 1185--A Tangled Case - 1186--In Letters of Fire - 1187--Crossed Wires - 1188--A Plot Uncovered - 1189--The Cab Driver’s Secret - 1190--Nick Carter’s Death Warrant - 1191--The Plot that Failed - 1192--Nick Carter’s Masterpiece - 1193--A Prince of Rogues - 1194--In the Lap of Danger - 1195--The Man from London - 1196--Circumstantial Evidence - 1197--The Pretty Stenographer Mystery - 1198--A Villainous Scheme - 1199--A Plot Within a Plot - 1200--The Elevated Railroad Mystery - 1201--The Blow of a Hammer - 1202--The Twin Mystery - 1203--The Bottle With the Black Label - 1204--Under False Colors - 1205--A Ring of Dust - 1206--The Crown Diamond - 1207--The Blood-red Badge - 1208--The Barrel Mystery - 1209--The Photographer’s Evidence - 1210--Millions at Stake - 1211--The Man and His Price - 1212--A Double-Handed Game - 1213--A Strike for Freedom - 1214--A Disciple of Satan - 1215--The Marked Hand - 1216--A Fight with a Fiend - 1217--When the Wicked Prosper - 1218--A Plunge into Crime - 1219--An Artful Schemer - 1220--Reaping the Whirlwind - 1221--Out of Crime’s Depths - 1222--A Woman at Bay - 1223--The Temple of Vice - 1224--Death at the Feast - 1225--A Double Plot - 1226--In Search of Himself - 1227--A Hunter of Men - 1228--The Boulevard Mutes - 1229--Captain Sparkle, Pirate - 1230--Nick Carter’s Fall - 1231--Out of Death’s Shadow - 1232--A Voice from the Past - 1233--Accident or Murder? - 1234--The Man Who Was Cursed - 1235--Baffled, But Not Beaten - 1236--A Case Without a Clew - 1237--The Demon’s Eye - 1238--A Blindfold Mystery - 1239--Nick Carter’s Swim to Victory - 1240--A Man to Be Feared - 1241--Saved by a Ruse - 1242--Nick Carter’s Wildest Chase - 1243--A Nation’s Peril - 1244--The Rajah’s Ruby - 1245--The Trail of a Human Tiger - 1246--The Disappearing Princess - 1247--The Lost Chittendens - 1248--The Crystal Mystery - 1249--The King’s Prisoner - 1250--Talika, the Geisha Girl - 1251--The Doom of the Reds - 1252--The Lady of Shadows - 1253--The Mysterious Castle - 1254--The Senator’s Plot - 1255--A Submarine Trail - 1256--A War of Brains - 1257--Pauline--A Mystery - 1258--The Confidence King - 1259--A Chase for Millions - 1260--Shown on the Screen - 1261--The Streaked Peril - 1262--The Room of Mirrors - 1263--A Plot for an Empire - 1264--A Call on the Phone - -In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the -books listed below will be issued during the respective months to New -York City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at a distance -promptly, on account of delays in transportation. - -To be published in July, 1929. - - 1265--Nick Carter’s Convict Client - 1266--The House of the Yellow Door - 1267--Nick Carter’s Round-up - -To be published in August, 1929. - - 1268--A Masterly Trick - 1269--For a Madman’s Millions - -To be published in September, 1929. - - 1270--The Four Hoodoo Charms - 1271--The Man in the Auto - -To be published in October, 1929. - - 1272--The Jeweled Mummy - 1273--The Vanishing Emerald - -To be published in November, 1929. - - 1274--A Live Wire Clue - 1275--The Vampire’s Trail - -To be published in December, 1929. - - 1276--The Crimson Flash - 1277--The Vanishing Heiress - - * * * * * - -BOOKS THAT NEVER GROW OLD - -Alger Series - -Clean Adventure Stories for Boys - -The Most Complete List Published - -The following list does not contain all the books that Horatio Alger -wrote, but it contains most of them, and certainly the best. - -Horatio Alger is to boys what Charles Dickens is to grown-ups. His -work is just as popular to-day as it was years ago. The books have a -quality, the value of which is beyond computation. - -There are legions of boys of foreign parents who are being helped -along the road to true Americanism by reading these books which -are so peculiarly American in tone that the reader cannot fail to -absorb some of the spirit of fair play and clean living which is so -characteristically American. - -In this list will be included certain books by Edward Stratemeyer, -Oliver Optic, and other authors who wrote the Alger type of stories, -which are equal in interest and wholesomeness with those written by the -famous author after whom this great line of books for boys is named. - -_ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT_ - -By HORATIO ALGER, Jr. - - 1--Driven from Home - 2--A Cousin’s Conspiracy - 3--Ned Newton - 4--Andy Gordon - 5--Tony, the Tramp - 6--The Five Hundred Dollar Check - 7--Helping Himself - 8--Making His Way - 9--Try and Trust - 10--Only an Irish Boy - 11--Jed, the Poorhouse Boy - 12--Chester Rand - 13--Grit, the Young Boatman of Pine Point - 14--Joe’s Luck - 15--From Farm Boy to Senator - 16--The Young Outlaw - 17--Jack’s Ward - 18--Dean Dunham - 19--In a New World - 20--Both Sides of the Continent - 21--The Store Boy - 22--Brave and Bold - 23--A New York Boy - 24--Bob Burton - 25--The Young Adventurer - 26--Julius, the Street Boy - 27--Adrift in New York - 28--Tom Brace - 29--Struggling Upward - 30--The Adventures of a New York Telegraph Boy - 31--Tom Tracy - 32--The Young Acrobat - 33--Bound to Rise - 34--Hector’s Inheritance - 35--Do and Dare - 36--The Tin Box - -In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the -books listed below 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. - -To be published in July, 1929. - - 37--Tom, the Bootblack - 38--Risen from the Ranks - -To be published in August, 1929. - - 39--Shifting for Himself - 40--Wait and Hope - -To be published in September, 1929. - - 41--Sam’s Chance - 42--Striving for Fortune - -To be published in October, 1929. - - 43--Phil, the Fiddler - 44--Slow and Sure - -To be published in November, 1929. - - 45--Walter Sherwood’s Probation - 46--The Trials and Triumphs of Mark Mason - 47--The Young Salesman - -To be published in December, 1929. - - 48--Andy Grant’s Pluck - 49--Facing the World - - * * * * * - -NOW IN PRINT - -By EDWARD STRATEMEYER - - 98--The Last Cruise of _The Spitfire_ - 99--Reuben Stone’s Discovery - 100--True to Himself - 101--Richard Dare’s Venture - 102--Oliver Bright’s Search - 103--To Alaska for Gold - 104--The Young Auctioneer - 105--Bound to Be an Electrician - 106--Shorthand Tom - 108--Joe, the Surveyor - 109--Larry, the Wanderer - 110--The Young Ranchman - 111--The Young Lumberman - 112--The Young Explorers - 113--Boys of the Wilderness - 114--Boys of the Great Northwest - 115--Boys of the Gold Field - 116--For His Country - 117--Comrades in Peril - 118--The Young Pearl Hunters - 119--The Young Bandmaster - 121--On Fortune’s Trail - 122--Lost in the Land of Ice - 123--Bob, the Photographer - - * * * * * - -By OLIVER OPTIC - - 124--Among the Missing - 125--His Own Helper - 126--Honest Kit Dunstable - 127--Every Inch a Boy - 128--The Young Pilot - 129--Always in Luck - 130--Rich and Humble - 131--In School and Out - 133--Work and Win - 135--Haste and Waste - 136--Royal Tarr’s Pluck - 137--The Prisoners of the Cave - 138--Louis Chiswick’s Mission - 139--The Professor’s Son - 140--The Young Hermit - 141--The Cruise of _The Dandy_ - 142--Building Himself Up - 143--Lyon Hart’s Heroism - 144--Three Young Silver Kings - 145--Making a Man of Himself - 146--Striving for His Own - 147--Through by Daylight - 148--Lightning Express - 149--On Time - 150--Switch Off - 151--Brake Up - 152--Bear and Forbear - 153--The “Starry Flag” - 154--Breaking Away - 155--Seek and Find - 156--Freaks of Fortune - 157--Make or Break - 158--Down the River - 159--The Boat Club - 160--All Aboard - 161--Now or Never - 162--Try Again - 163--Poor and Proud - 164--Little by Little - 165--The Sailor Boy - 166--The Yankee Middy - 167--Brave Old Salt - - * * * * * - - 175--Fighting for Fortune By Roy Franklin - 176--The Young Steel Worker By Frank H. MacDougal - 177--The Go-ahead Boys By Gale Richards - 178--For the Right By Roy Franklin - 179--The Motor Cycle Boys By Donald Grayson - 180--The Wall Street Boy By Allan Montgomery - 181--Stemming the Tide By Roy Franklin - 182--On High Gear By Donald Grayson - 183--A Wall Street Fortune By Allan Montgomery - 184--Winning by Courage By Roy Franklin - 185--From Auto to Airship By Donald Grayson - 186--Camp and Canoe By Remson Douglas - 187--Winning Against Odds By Roy Franklin - 188--The Luck of Vance Sevier By Frederick Gibson - 189--The Island Castaway By Roy Franklin - 190--The Boy Marvel By Frank H. MacDougal - 191--A Boy With a Purpose By Roy Franklin - 192--The River Fugitives By Remson Douglas - - * * * * * - -READ - -When you want real recreation in your leisure hours, read! Read the -STREET & SMITH NOVELS! - -They are the cheapest and the most interesting reading matter published -in America to-day. No jazz--no sex--just big, clean, interesting books. -There are hundreds of different titles, among which you will find a lot -of exactly the sort of reading you want. - -So, when you get tired of rolling around in your Lady Lizzie or -listening to the blah-blah of your radio, hie yourself to the nearest -news dealer, grab off a copy of a good detective, adventure or love -story, and then READ! - -Read the STREET & SMITH NOVELS. Catalog sent upon request. - -Street & Smith Corporation - -79 Seventh Avenue New York City - - * * * * * - -Transcriber’s Notes: - -Burt L. Standish is a pen name for William George “Gilbert” Patten. - -Punctuation has been made consistent. - -Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in -the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors have -been corrected. - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Frank Merriwell's Diamond Foes, by Burt L. 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Standish - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Frank Merriwell's Diamond Foes - Straight Over The Plate - -Author: Burt L. Standish - -Release Date: October 9, 2019 [EBook #60463] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK MERRIWELL'S DIAMOND FOES *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 559px;"> -<img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" width="559" height="800" alt="Cover" /> -</div> - -<div style="padding-top:2em"> -<div class="transnote"> -<h2 style="margin-top: 0em">Transcriber’s Notes:</h2> - -<p>The Table of Contents was created by the transcriber and placed in the public domain.</p> - -<p><a href="#TN_end">Additional Transcriber’s Notes</a> are at the -end.</p> -</div></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<div class="boxcontents"> -<p class="xlargefont center boldfont">CONTENTS</p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">Chapter I. Colonel Carson, of Carsonville.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">Chapter II. Why Billy Left School.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">Chapter III. Like Father, Like Son.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">Chapter IV. Colonel Carson’s Revenge.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">Chapter V. The Village Green.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">Chapter VI. A Challenge.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">Chapter VII. Chip Gets a Letter.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">Chapter VIII. Getting Down to Work.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">Chapter IX. Colonel Carson Makes a Bet.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">Chapter X. How the Game Opened.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">Chapter XI. The Clippings Get Wild.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">Chapter XII. Clipping the Clippers.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">Chapter XIII. Beaten at His Own Game.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">Chapter XIV. “Sour Grapes.”</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">Chapter XV. Three Cheers for Chip!</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">Chapter XVI. A Wily Plotter.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">Chapter XVII. A Night Attack.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">Chapter XVIII. The Initials in the Hat.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">Chapter XIX. Father and Son.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">Chapter XX. Lured Away.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">Chapter XXI. Where is Merry?</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">Chapter XXII. Investigating.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">Chapter XXIII. The Third Degree.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">Chapter XXIV. Quick Work.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">Chapter XXV. Won in the Ninth.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">Chapter XXVI. Captain of the Nine.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">Chapter XXVII. A Challenge.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">Chapter XXVIII. Laying the Wires.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">Chapter XXIX. A Thousand Dollars in Cash.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">Chapter XXX. Criminal Work.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">Chapter XXXI. Before the Game.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">Chapter XXXII. Who Got It?</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">Chapter XXXIII. Accused of Theft.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">Chapter XXXIV. A Mystery.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">Chapter XXXV. The Fight of His Life.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVI">Chapter XXXVI. The Jump Ball.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVII">Chapter XXXVII. A Desperate Finish.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVIII">Chapter XXXVIII. Caught With the Goods.</a><br /></p> -<p class="pcontents"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIX">Chapter XXXIX. Conclusion.</a><br /></p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[21]</span></p> - -<div class="boxtop"> -<p class="center largefont">BOOKS FOR YOUNG MEN</p> - -<p class="center xxlargefont">Merriwell Series</p> - -<p class="center largefont" style="word-spacing:0.25em">ALL BY BURT L. STANDISH</p> - -<p class="ir0">Stories of Frank and Dick Merriwell</p> - -<p class="center">Fascinating Stories of Athletics</p> - -<p>A half million enthusiastic followers of the Merriwell brothers will -attest the unfailing interest and wholesomeness of these adventures -of two lads of high ideals, who play fair with themselves, as well as -with the rest of the world.</p> - -<p>These stories are rich in fun and thrills in all branches of sports -and athletics. They are extremely high in moral tone, and cannot -fail to be of immense benefit to every boy who reads them.</p> - -<p>They have the splendid quality of firing a boy’s ambition to become -a good athlete, in order that he may develop into a strong, vigorous, -right-thinking man.</p> -</div> - -<p class="center"><em>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</em></p> - - -<div class="boxlist"> -<p class="nitem3">101—Frank Merriwell’s Nomads</p> -<p class="nitem3">102—Dick Merriwell on the Gridiron</p> -<p class="nitem3">103—Dick Merriwell’s Disguise</p> -<p class="nitem3">104—Dick Merriwell’s Test</p> -<p class="nitem3">105—Frank Merriwell’s Trump Card</p> -<p class="nitem3">106—Frank Merriwell’s Strategy</p> -<p class="nitem3">107—Frank Merriwell’s Triumph</p> -<p class="nitem3">108—Dick Merriwell’s Grit</p> -<p class="nitem3">109—Dick Merriwell’s Assurance</p> -<p class="nitem3">110—Dick Merriwell’s Long Slide</p> -<p class="nitem3">111—Frank Merriwell’s Rough Deal</p> -<p class="nitem3">112—Dick Merriwell’s Threat</p> -<p class="nitem3">113—Dick Merriwell’s Persistence</p> -<p class="nitem3">114—Dick Merriwell’s Day</p> -<p class="nitem3">115—Frank Merriwell’s Peril</p> -<p class="nitem3">116—Dick Merriwell’s Downfall</p> -<p class="nitem3">117—Frank Merriwell’s Pursuit</p> -<p class="nitem3">118—Dick Merriwell Abroad</p> -<p class="nitem3">119—Frank Merriwell in the Rockies</p> -<p class="nitem3">120—Dick Merriwell’s Pranks</p> -<p class="nitem3">121—Frank Merriwell’s Pride</p> -<p class="nitem3">122—Frank Merriwell’s Challengers</p> -<p class="nitem3">123—Frank Merriwell’s Endurance</p> -<p class="nitem3">124—Dick Merriwell’s Cleverness</p> -<p class="nitem3">125—Frank Merriwell’s Marriage</p> -<p class="nitem3">126—Dick Merriwell, the Wizard</p> -<p class="nitem3">127—Dick Merriwell’s Stroke</p> -<p class="nitem3">128—Dick Merriwell’s Return</p> -<p class="nitem3">129—Dick Merriwell’s Resource</p> -<p class="nitem3">130—Dick Merriwell’s Five</p> -<p class="nitem3">131—Frank Merriwell’s Tigers</p> -<p class="nitem3">132—Dick Merriwell’s Polo Team</p> -<p class="nitem3">133—Frank Merriwell’s Pupils</p> -<p class="nitem3">134—Frank Merriwell’s New Boy</p> -<p class="nitem3">135—Dick Merriwell’s Home Run</p> -<p class="nitem3">136—Dick Merriwell’s Dare</p> -<p class="nitem3">137—Frank Merriwell’s Son</p> -<p class="nitem3">138—Dick Merriwell’s Team Mate</p> -<p class="nitem3">139—Frank Merriwell’s Leaguers</p> -<p class="nitem3">140—Frank Merriwell’s Happy Camp</p> -<p class="nitem3">141—Dick Merriwell’s Influence</p> -<p class="nitem3">142—Dick Merriwell, Freshman</p> -<p class="nitem3">143—Dick Merriwell’s Staying Power</p> -<p class="nitem3">144—Dick Merriwell’s Joke</p> -<p class="nitem3">145—Frank Merriwell’s Talisman</p> -<p class="nitem3">146—Frank Merriwell’s Horse</p> -<p class="nitem3">147—Dick Merriwell’s Regret</p> -<p class="nitem3">148—Dick Merriwell’s Magnetism</p> -<p class="nitem3">149—Dick Merriwell’s Backers</p> -<p class="nitem3">150—Dick Merriwell’s Best Work</p> -<p class="nitem3">151—Dick Merriwell’s Distrust</p> -<p class="nitem3">152—Dick Merriwell’s Debt</p> -<p class="nitem3">153—Dick Merriwell’s Mastery</p> -<p class="nitem3">154—Dick Merriwell Adrift</p> -<p class="nitem3">155—Frank Merriwell’s Worst Boy</p> -<p class="nitem3">156—Dick Merriwell’s Close Call</p> -<p class="nitem3">157—Frank Merriwell’s Air Voyage</p> -<p class="nitem3">158—Dick Merriwell’s Black Star</p> -<p class="nitem3">159—Frank Merriwell in Wall Street</p> -<p class="nitem3">160—Frank Merriwell Facing His Foes</p> -<p class="nitem3">161—Dick Merriwell’s Stanchness</p> -<p class="nitem3">162—Frank Merriwell’s Hard Case</p> -<p class="nitem3">163—Dick Merriwell’s Stand</p> -<p class="nitem3">164—Dick Merriwell Doubted</p> -<p class="nitem3">165—Frank Merriwell’s Steadying Hand</p> -<p class="nitem3">166—Dick Merriwell’s Example</p> -<p class="nitem3">167—Dick Merriwell in the Wilds</p> -<p class="nitem3">168—Frank Merriwell’s Ranch</p> -<p class="nitem3">169—Dick Merriwell’s Way</p> -<p class="nitem3">170—Frank Merriwell’s Lesson</p> -<p class="nitem3">171—Dick Merriwell’s Reputation<span class="pagenum">[22]</span></p> -<p class="nitem3">172—Frank Merriwell’s Encouragement</p> -<p class="nitem3">173—Dick Merriwell’s Honors</p> -<p class="nitem3">174—Frank Merriwell’s Wizard</p> -<p class="nitem3">175—Dick Merriwell’s Race</p> -<p class="nitem3">176—Dick Merriwell’s Star Play</p> -<p class="nitem3">177—Frank Merriwell at Phantom Lake</p> -<p class="nitem3">178—Dick Merriwell a Winner</p> -<p class="nitem3">179—Dick Merriwell at the County Fair</p> -<p class="nitem3">180—Frank Merriwell’s Grit</p> -<p class="nitem3">181—Dick Merriwell’s Power</p> -<p class="nitem3">182—Frank Merriwell in Peru</p> -<p class="nitem3">183—Frank Merriwell’s Long Chance</p> -<p class="nitem3">184—Frank Merriwell’s Old Form</p> -<p class="nitem3">185—Frank Merriwell’s Treasure Hunt</p> -<p class="nitem3">186—Dick Merriwell Game to the Last</p> -<p class="nitem3">187—Dick Merriwell, Motor King</p> -<p class="nitem3">188—Dick Merriwell’s Tussle</p> -<p class="nitem3">189—Dick Merriwell’s Aero Dash</p> -<p class="nitem3">190—Dick Merriwell’s Intuition</p> -<p class="nitem3">191—Dick Merriwell’s Placer Find</p> -<p class="nitem3">192—Dick Merriwell’s Fighting Chance</p> -<p class="nitem3">193—Frank Merriwell’s Tact</p> -<p class="nitem3">194—Frank Merriwell’s Puzzle</p> -<p class="nitem3">195—Frank Merriwell’s Mystery</p> -<p class="nitem3">196—Frank Merriwell, the Lionhearted</p> -<p class="nitem3">197—Frank Merriwell’s Tenacity</p> -<p class="nitem3">198—Dick Merriwell’s Perception</p> -<p class="nitem3">199—Dick Merriwell’s Detective Work</p> -<p class="nitem3">200—Dick Merriwell’s Commencement</p> -<p class="nitem3">201—Dick Merriwell’s Decision</p> -<p class="nitem3">202—Dick Merriwell’s Coolness</p> -<p class="nitem3">203—Dick Merriwell’s Reliance</p> -<p class="nitem3">204—Frank Merriwell’s Young Warriors</p> -<p class="nitem3">205—Frank Merriwell’s Lads</p> -<p class="nitem3">206—Dick Merriwell in Panama</p> -<p class="nitem3">207—Dick Merriwell in South America</p> -<p class="nitem3">208—Dick Merriwell’s Counsel</p> -<p class="nitem3">209—Dick Merriwell, Universal Coach</p> -<p class="nitem3">210—Dick Merriwell’s Varsity Nine</p> -<p class="nitem3">211—Dick Merriwell’s Heroic Players</p> -<p class="nitem3">212—Dick Merriwell at the Olympics</p> -<p class="nitem3">213—Frank Merriwell, Jr., Tested</p> -<p class="nitem3">214—Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Conquests</p> -<p class="nitem3">215—Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Rivals</p> -<p class="nitem3">216—Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Helping Hand</p> -<p class="nitem3">217—Frank Merriwell, Jr., in Arizona</p> -<p class="nitem3">218—Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Mission</p> -<p class="nitem3">219—Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Ice-boat Adventure</p> -<p class="nitem3">220—Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Timely Aid</p> -<p class="nitem3">221—Frank Merriwell, Jr., in the Desert</p> -</div> - -<p class="boxtop">In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the -books listed below 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.</p> - -<p class="center">To be published in July, 1929.</p> - -<div class="boxlist"> -<p class="nitem3">222—Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Fight for Right</p> -<p class="nitem3">223—Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Team Work</p> -</div> - -<p class="center p1">To be published in August, 1929.</p> - -<div class="boxlist"> -<p class="nitem3">224—Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Athletic Team</p> -<p class="nitem3">225—Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Peck of Trouble</p> -<p class="nitem3">226—Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Ordeal</p> -</div> - -<p class="center p1">To be published in September, 1929.</p> - -<div class="boxlist"> -<p class="nitem3">227—Frank Merriwell, Jr., Birdman</p> -<p class="nitem3">228—Frank Merriwell, Jr., at the Old School</p> -</div> - -<p class="center p1">To be published in October, 1929.</p> - -<div class="boxlist"> -<p class="nitem3">229—Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Repentant Enemy</p> -<p class="nitem3">230—Frank Merriwell, Jr.’s, Gridiron Honors</p> -</div> - -<p class="center p1">To be published in November, 1929.</p> - -<div class="boxlist"> -<p class="nitem3">231—Frank Merriwell, Jr., on the Border</p> -<p class="nitem3">232—Frank Merriwell’s Diamond Foes</p> -</div> - -<p class="center p1">To be published in December, 1929.</p> - -<div class="boxlist"> -<p class="nitem3">233—The Merriwell Company</p> -<p class="nitem3">234—Dick Merriwell and June Arlington</p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - - -<h1 style="line-height:1em">Frank Merriwell’s Diamond Foes<br /> -<span class="mediumfont">OR</span><br /> -<span class="xlargefont">STRAIGHT OVER THE PLATE</span></h1> - - -<p class="center p2 xlargefont"><span class="mediumfont">By</span><br /> -BURT L. STANDISH</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-bottom:2em">Author of the famous Merriwell stories</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 124px;"> -<img src="images/logo.jpg" width="124" height="175" alt="Publisher logo." /> -</div> - -<p class="center p2 xlargefont">STREET & SMITH CORPORATION<br /> -<span class="largefont">PUBLISHERS</span><br /> -79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<div class="boxcopyright"> -<p class="center">Copyright, 1914<br /> -By STREET & SMITH</p> - -<p class="center p1">Frank Merriwell’s Diamond Foes</p> -</div> - -<p class="center p2">All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign<br /> -languages, including the Scandinavian.</p> - -<p class="center">Printed in the U. S. A. -</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[5]</span></p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p class="center xxlargefont">FRANK MERRIWELL’S DIAMOND FOES.</p> - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_I" class="no-break">CHAPTER I.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">COLONEL CARSON, OF CARSONVILLE.</span></h2> - - -<p>Chip Merriwell, in running togs, had just taken -a rail fence at a flying leap. As he dropped into -the road beyond the fence, he halted suddenly and -gave vent to a startled exclamation.</p> - -<p>Almost at the same instant, a second figure in -athletic shirt and track pants came hurtling over -the fence, pulled up abruptly, and stood hanging -on to Merry’s shoulder. This second person was -Billy McQuade, with whom Frank Merriwell, -junior, was spending a few days of the spring -vacation.</p> - -<p>The two friends had left home for a cross-country -hike together. It was now the middle -of the forenoon, they were on their way back, -and had still four miles to go before reaching -Carsonville.</p> - -<p>The crisp spring air of morning gave the two -runners new life at every breath. To many a -languid youth it spelled laziness and lack of all -effort, but Merry and his friend knew from experience -that “spring fever” is only a convenient -name for doing nothing. Both of them were -looking forward to a luxurious relaxation in the<span class="pagenum">[6]</span> -long grass by the Carsonville mill pond that afternoon, -but they intended to make it all the more -enjoyable by an honest physical weariness.</p> - -<p>At the point where the two friends struck the -highway, it curved in a wide horseshoe bend in -order to avoid a tongue of undrained swamp land -that struck up from the river. Merriwell had -come to the road on one side of the curve, intending -to follow the highway back to town.</p> - -<p>As he took the hedge bordering the road with a -flying hurdle, he had caught sight of a buggy in -the white stretch directly ahead of him. That -one flashing glimpse had shown him a man in the -buggy, and, as he came to earth, he saw the horse -give a sudden leap, shying frantically at sight of -the flying figure.</p> - -<p>Merriwell regretted instantly that he had not -looked before he had leaped, but it was now too -late. Before Billy McQuade took the leap in -turn, the mettlesome steed hitched to the buggy -was tearing around the bend of road, while the -lone occupant stood up sawing savagely at the -reins.</p> - -<p>“That’s a lesson I should have learned before -this,” Merriwell murmured regretfully. “The -horse shied when I came over the hedge, and he’s -run away.”</p> - -<p>“No doubt about that,” commented Billy, -watching with startled eyes. “He looks as if he -didn’t intend to stop this side of Fardale.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[7]</span></p> - -<p>The course of the runaway was anything but -reassuring. The startled horse was racing madly -around the horseshoe bend, with the buggy leaping -and rocking behind him, threatening at every -instant to go over.</p> - -<p>The driver still stood erect, however. He was -shouting in an angry tone of voice, and trying -vainly to curb the frightened animal. Disaster -was imminent at any moment.</p> - -<p>“My eye!” Billy ejaculated soberly. “We’ve -done it this time, Chip!”</p> - -<p>“Then we’d better undo it,” snapped Merriwell, -rousing himself. He pointed across the marshy -land to the opposite bend of the road.</p> - -<p>“Come along, Billy! We can cut straight -across over there, and beat the horse to it. He’s -forced to go clear around the bend.”</p> - -<p>“Practical lesson in geometry,” murmured -Billy, with a resigned look at the boggy strip. -“The shortest distance between two points is a -straight line. Go ahead, old man, I’m with you. -Hope the buggy will still be with the horse when -it gets there!”</p> - -<p>Chip Merriwell leaped across the road, Billy -close behind him. They vaulted the rail fence on -that side, and set off across the marsh land at the -best possible speed.</p> - -<p>It did not seem that Billy McQuade’s hope -would be fulfilled. The runaway had by this time -reached the central point of the curve, and the<span class="pagenum">[8]</span> -driver’s efforts seemed to have no effect, for the -buggy was careering and bouncing as if ready to -smash up at each wild leap.</p> - -<p>Merriwell took a glance over his shoulder, and -increased his speed. But it was difficult to cover -the ground rapidly; pools of water lay here and -there, the soft grass and soaked soil sucked at -every step, and only by jumping from tussock to -tussock could progress be made.</p> - -<p>The two runners made it, however. They -were nearly across the neck of sunken land when -Merriwell heard a startled cry from his friend, -and glanced around.</p> - -<p>He was just in time to see the driver flung from -the buggy!</p> - -<p>With a thrill of fear that his carelessness had -brought about an irreparable injury, Chip Merriwell -dashed forward. The horse was almost upon -him as he scrambled up and swung himself across -the fence, but the frightened beast had no time -to swerve. Taking a few long running steps, -Merry flung himself sideways and caught at the -bridle.</p> - -<p>Almost directly, the horse stopped, trembling -and heaving. With a breath of relief, Merriwell -began stroking his muzzle, patting his neck, and -uttering soothing words. The animal perceived -that he was a friend, and stood quiet.</p> - -<p>One swift glance showed that the buggy was -uninjured, then Merriwell looked around for the<span class="pagenum">[9]</span> -driver, stepping back from the horse to get a -clear view.</p> - -<p>He saw Billy McQuade meeting the driver, -who had risen to his feet. It was evident at once -that he had suffered from nothing worse than a -severe shock, for, as Merriwell turned and approached -the two, he heard the driver cursing -furiously. With a feeling of distaste, he inspected -the man, whose clothes Billy was hastily -brushing.</p> - -<p>The driver of the rig was a tall, spare, stoop-shouldered -man. He was very well dressed, and -wore a gray mustache and goatee. There was a -hard set to his face, and a pouchiness beneath his -black eyes, that denoted self-indulgence, and a -life that was anything but what it should be.</p> - -<p>“You good-for-nothin’ loafer!” he roared, -turning furiously on Billy, as Chip Merriwell -came up. “You done this a-purpose! You——”</p> - -<p>“It was not Billy’s fault at all,” broke in Merry -warmly. “I was the first one over the fence, and -your horse shied at me.”</p> - -<p>The driver whirled on him, his rage becoming -a cold fury as he met Merriwell’s firm, steady -gaze.</p> - -<p>“What are you doin’ in them duds?” he demanded. -“So it was you, hey?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” and, although Merry’s eyes flashed at -the tone of the man, he kept his voice cool. “Yes,<span class="pagenum">[10]</span> -and I’m very sorry about it. Of course, I’ll be -glad to settle for whatever damage was done.”</p> - -<p>“Lot o’ good that’ll do!” growled the other, -who seemed to be eying him with anything but -liking. “What you chasin’ around in them duds -for?”</p> - -<p>“We were doing a bit of cross-country running,” -Merriwell said quietly. Billy McQuade -was flashing him queer looks which he interpreted -as warnings, but he took no heed of them. “As -I said, I’ll expect to make good any damage, and -I’m very sorry the accident occurred. My name -is Frank Merriwell, junior, and you’ll find me at -the McQuades’ residence, if you want me.”</p> - -<p>The man flung Billy a hard look, then laughed -sneeringly.</p> - -<p>“Mebbe I will and mebbe I won’t,” he jeered. -“They ain’t goin’ to have a residence very long, -I reckon. I s’pose he put you up to scarin’ that -hoss, eh?”</p> - -<p>“He did not!” cried Merry indignantly. The -insinuation made him angry clear through. Billy -flung him an imploring glance, but he was a chip -of the old block, and showed it in his next words.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know who you are, my friend, but -you’ve got a disposition that I wouldn’t like to be -let loose with. We’ve caused an accident, or, -rather, I have, and I’ve apologized and offered to -do all in my power to make it right.</p> - -<p>“Instead of throwing slurs and curses into the<span class="pagenum">[11]</span> -atmosphere, it’d be a whole lot more decent if -you’d try to act white. I don’t blame you for -being mad. I’d probably be mad myself in the -same circumstances. But that’s no reason for -your acting in this way.”</p> - -<p>The stranger gave him a black look, then moved -off.</p> - -<p>“Humph!” he grunted sarcastically. “I guess -you’re like your dad, if all I’ve heard say is correct. -Let’s see what damage was done. I reckon -the buggy was smashed up.”</p> - -<p>Merriwell and Billy McQuade followed him -to where the horse stood. The man went over the -buggy, then examined the horse.</p> - -<p>“Ain’t nothing busted,” he said, almost regretfully, -it seemed. “But you kids are too gay, runnin’ -around the country in them duds. It’s goin’ -to be stopped.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t let our clothes worry you,” retorted -Merry. “You know where to find me if you want -damages. Come along, Billy.”</p> - -<p>He promptly turned his back. Billy threw a -dubious look at the man, then followed slowly. -Once more the deep voice reached Merriwell.</p> - -<p>“You’ll be sorry for this, mind my words! You -ain’t a-going to talk to me that way and get off -with it, you young scoundrel!”</p> - -<p>Chip Merriwell’s cheeks flamed a little, but he -kept a firm grip on himself and walked on. After -a moment he turned to see the man climb into his<span class="pagenum">[12]</span> -buggy and give the horse a savage cut with the -whip.</p> - -<p>“The brute!” he murmured indignantly. -“What that horse needs is a kind word, instead -of the lash. More than likely that fellow had -him whipped into such a temper that he would -have shied at a dead leaf.”</p> - -<p>Billy nodded. To his surprise, Merry saw that -his friend’s usually clear, frank features were -overcast and troubled.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter, old man? You seemed to -know that fellow.”</p> - -<p>“I do.”</p> - -<p>Billy cast a worried look at the rig, now disappearing -around the curve of the road.</p> - -<p>“Here’s a go!” he muttered gloomily. “I guess -we’re all in for it now, Chip.”</p> - -<p>“Why? That man isn’t the sheriff, is he?” -asked Merriwell, with a laugh.</p> - -<p>“No. He’s a whole lot worse. That chap -is Colonel Carson, who owns most of Carsonville, -and he’ll make the old burg plenty hot for -us now, believe me!”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[13]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">WHY BILLY LEFT SCHOOL.</span></h2> - - -<p>Chip Merriwell looked curiously at his friend -and host.</p> - -<p>“Has this Colonel Carson anything to do with -your leaving Fardale—or, rather, with your writing -that you would not be back?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” Billy said, in a low voice. “Let’s walk -along, Chip, and I’ll tell you about it. It might -as well come out now as any time, I s’pose.”</p> - -<p>It was Merry’s second day in Carsonville. -Billy McQuade, or, as he was more generally -known, “Billy Mac,” was a plebe at Fardale -Academy. During the preceding summer he had -shown remarkable ability as backstop on the -scrub nine, and it was reported that he was in line -to catch for the regular team during the coming -season. Billy Mac was also good at first, however, -so that Fardale had been in no little doubt.</p> - -<p>Shortly before the spring vacation began, Billy -had been called home to Carsonville. His father -was dead, and his mother had merely written that -she needed Billy’s presence to settle up some portions -of the estate. Then had come a letter from -Billy himself—a heartbroken letter, stating that -he would be unable to return to Fardale.</p> - -<p>He assigned no definite cause, and the reason -remained pretty much a mystery. It was a most<span class="pagenum">[14]</span> -disconcerting mystery, also. Owen Clancy, Chip -Merriwell’s regular backstop, was somewhere off -in the Southwest. It had been pretty generally -settled that Billy Mac would don the mask this -season, and his sudden withdrawal was a body -blow to Fardale hopes.</p> - -<p>These had been swiftly raised, however, when -on the last day of school before the vacation -Clancy had appeared without warning. He had -retrieved his family fortunes, and was ready to -pitch into work at Fardale once more. This, none -the less, did not throw any light upon the mystery -of Billy Mac’s dropping out.</p> - -<p>Both Merry and his father had been no little -worried. Frank Merriwell, senior, had finally -suggested that Chip drop around to Carsonville -during vacation. Although head over ears in -track and field work, Chip had assented gladly. -Billy Mac sent him a cordial invitation to come -along, and he had promptly arrived.</p> - -<p>The McQuade home was a comfortable, old-fashioned -residence on a hill near the river, just -outside of town. During his first day, Merry -had asked no questions, but his eyes had been -busy. He noted the worried, uneasy air of hospitable -Mrs. McQuade, and the nervousness of -his friend. It was not hard to guess that the -estate of the senior McQuade had fallen into difficulties, -though not a word had been said on the -subject.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[15]</span></p> - -<p>“Let’s have it, old man,” said Merry gravely. -“Nothing helps a fellow so much as being able to -spout out his trouble to some one else.”</p> - -<p>“I know,” sighed Billy Mac hopelessly. “But -this is different. I s’pose you remember about—about -dad dying just before Christmas holidays?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said Chip sympathetically. “And we -were all mighty sorry to hear of it, old fellow.”</p> - -<p>“Well,” went on the other, “things didn’t look -so bad just then. Mother had a thousand dollars -of insurance money, while the house and -orchard was ours. We’ve got some mighty fine -fruit trees there, and they promised to take care -of things pretty well.”</p> - -<p>“I should think they would! Those apples you -dug up yesterday were something fine, Billy -Mac.”</p> - -<p>“They were the last of the ones we buried last -fall, Chip. We shipped off some of them, for -with the apples and other things we get high -prices from the city. They seem to appreciate -getting extra fine fruit.”</p> - -<p>“Of course they do. The trouble with most -farmers is that they don’t take pains enough to -market their crop right, and take care of it on -the way. But go ahead.”</p> - -<p>Billy sighed again, and glanced heavily at the -river.</p> - -<p>“This here Colonel Carson,” he broke out,<span class="pagenum">[16]</span> -“suddenly produced a mortgage on the house and -orchard for two thousand dollars. That was just -before vacation, when mother wrote for me to -come home.”</p> - -<p>“But you knew that he had the mortgage?” -queried Chip, frowning.</p> - -<p>“We thought dad had paid it. You see, dad—well, -dad was kind of careless about money. Just -the same, we <em>knew</em> he had paid that mortgage. -Mother could find no receipt, however, and Carson -vowed that it had never been paid.”</p> - -<p>“Somebody ought to teach him something,” -said Merry warmly. “Hadn’t you any proof -whatever?”</p> - -<p>“Not a scratch, Chip. We couldn’t find a -single thing. Mother pleaded with him, and he -agreed to give us a little time in which to pay it—over -again. It hit us pretty hard, you see. We -knew that dad had paid it, but that villain Carson -only wants to get hold of the place.”</p> - -<p>“Looks as though the scoundrel had you,” said -Merriwell thoughtfully. “Can you pay it, Billy?”</p> - -<p>“Maybe. Mother has that thousand insurance -money, and—well, to tell the truth, I’ve arranged -to get a job as clerk in the Carsonville general -store. If we can hold the colonel off a while, I -guess we can fix it.”</p> - -<p>“Pretty hard lines, just the same,” commented -Merry. “So that’s why you wrote that you -wouldn’t be back to Fardale, eh?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[17]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes,” said Billy Mac miserably. “It’s all off, -Chip. And now, after what’s happened this -morning—well, you can guess that Carson won’t -have much mercy.”</p> - -<p>Merriwell whistled softly. Now he began to -see the possible disaster he had brought upon the -McQuade family through scaring Colonel Carson’s -horse. Recalling the man’s face, he was -forced to admit to himself that he could not see -much hope in it. Every line spelled hardness, cold -unscrupulousness.</p> - -<p>There was good cause for Billy Mac’s worry—yet -he had cast no word of blame on Chip, -whose lack of caution seemed to have brought -wreck upon him. Merry appreciated this fact. It -was only another indication of the sterling qualities -of his friend.</p> - -<p>At the same time, it gave him serious food for -thought. If Colonel Carson did come down upon -Mrs. McQuade, in his rage, Chip knew that he -would be morally responsible for it.</p> - -<p>“I’m mighty sorry about this, old man,” he exclaimed -soberly, “What kind of a fellow is this -Carson? Is he well off?”</p> - -<p>“Got slathers of money,” said Billy Mac, with -added gloom. “The burg was named after his -family, and he owns most of the main street, the -bank, and everything else, even the baseball -team.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[18]</span></p> - -<p>“Baseball team?” inquired Merriwell sharply. -“A professional team?”</p> - -<p>“No, the Clippers are made up of amateurs, -and stand pretty high in the Amateur League. -But it’s like everything else, Chip. The colonel -is said to be mighty careless about methods in -everything he does, so long as he gets what he -wants. The Carsonville Clippers are amateurs, -all right, but I notice most of ’em have jobs in -Colonel Carson’s bank, or on his farms, or somewhere. -And the jobs don’t need much attention.”</p> - -<p>“So that’s it, eh?” Merriwell looked thoughtful. -“Are they a good bunch?”</p> - -<p>There was no doubt that the Clippers could -play ball, and play it well enough to win most of -their games. Carsonville, of course, was not a -large-enough place to support such a team, but, -where his one great hobby was concerned, Colonel -Carson was willing to spend money like water.</p> - -<p>One reason for this was that his own son was -the star pitcher of the Clippers. Another was -that Colonel Carson had a consuming ambition -to make such a showing with his amateur team, -that he could buy into one of the larger professional-league -teams as a well-known follower -of the sport.</p> - -<p>To this end, it was necessary that his team -should win games. The Clippers did so. But—and -this point Merry dragged by sheer force from -the reluctant Billy—it was whispered that Colonel<span class="pagenum">[19]</span> -Carson did not care much how they won, so -long as they did win.</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe in repeating calumnies,” went -on Billy, “whether you like a man, or don’t. I believe -that Colonel Carson is a scoundrel and a liar -where my family is concerned, but I don’t like -to repeat things that have no foundation.”</p> - -<p>“Right you are,” exclaimed Chip. “But in a -case of this kind, rumor is apt to hit pretty close -to the mark, Billy Mac. Is there a good diamond -here?”</p> - -<p>“You bet!” cried Billy enthusiastically. “Almost -as good as the Fardale grounds, Chip. It’s -laid out down below the milldam, by the river, -with concrete stands and all that. Colonel Carson -certainly does things up brown!”</p> - -<p>“That’s what he wants,” agreed Chip. “It’ll -help his reputation with the league magnates. But -if he builds his reputation on secret chicanery and -dirty work, he isn’t going to get very far, and, -judging from your own case, it looks as though -Colonel Carson had a tricky streak right through -him.”</p> - -<p>He could not help feeling sorry for Billy Mac, -even while admiring his sturdy pluck. To throw -up school, athletics, and everything else in order -to take up a hopeless undertaking was a stiff -proposition. And Billy’s task looked hopeless.</p> - -<p>His salary as clerk in the Carsonville general -store would certainly be small. It would take him<span class="pagenum">[20]</span> -a long time to get together a thousand dollars, to -add to the thousand his mother already possessed. -Yet it had been the only chance, and Billy Mac -had plunged desperately at it without a squeal for -help.</p> - -<p>Merriwell knew better than to offer financial -assistance, though he knew that his father would -be glad to help the McQuades. He had seen -enough of Billy’s mother to guess at her pride, -and, as though Billy had read his secret thought, -he turned to Merriwell.</p> - -<p>“Don’t say anything to mother about my telling -you this,” he said quietly. “It may come out -other ways, or she may tell you herself——”</p> - -<p>“I understand,” interrupted Chip. “She -wouldn’t like to think that her guests had been -bothered with family troubles. She’s a mighty -fine mother to have, Billy.”</p> - -<p>“You bet your boots!” and the other’s eyes -lighted up. “She didn’t want me to quit Fardale, -of course. But it was the only chance there was, -and she had to give in at last.”</p> - -<p>“Well, the place isn’t lost yet, so brace up,” advised -Merriwell.</p> - -<p>By the time they had finished this heart-to-heart -talk, they were at the outskirts of the town, -and nearing the McQuade home. Billy pointed -out a large white house set in from the road as -the Carson residence.</p> - -<p>They had just passed this point, when, from a<span class="pagenum">[21]</span> -bend in the road, came a shrill cry in a boyish -voice. An instant later they sighted two figures. -One was that of a rather small young fellow, -crouching; over him stood a tall, heavy-set figure, -striking at the smaller chap, and paying no -attention to his cries for mercy.</p> - -<p>“My eye!” cried Billy Mac hotly. “Trail along, -Chip. I’ll give that brute something else to think -of!”</p> - -<p>And Billy broke into a run, with a yell of anger.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[22]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON.</span></h2> - - -<p>“Hel-l-lup!”</p> - -<p>At sight of Chip Merriwell and Billy Mac, the -smaller of the two figures uttered a shrill appeal. -As the bully straightened up, the little fellow -writhed away and danced over to the side of the -road.</p> - -<p>“Hello, Chub!” cried Billy, pausing. “What’s -the trouble? Were you playing?”</p> - -<p>“Pl-l-laying nothing!” returned Chub shrilly, -dancing about in his rage, and pointing at his tormentor. -“That big stiff said I rooted too much -for the visiting team l-l-l-last Saturday! He -caught me and was l-l-lambasting me!”</p> - -<p>Chip saw that his friend was fully competent -to handle the situation, and stood back. There -was something comical about the helpless rage of -Chub, and about his manner of stumbling speech, -that amused Merriwell.</p> - -<p>“You’re a fine sort of sport, I don’t think!” -exclaimed Billy Mac, addressing the bully. “Just -because a fellow doesn’t root for you, you want -to punish him—and a little chap like Chub, too!”</p> - -<p>The bully glowered at Billy Mac in a threatening -fashion. He was a hulking big fellow, wearing -a sporty necktie of flaming red, and a loud-checked<span class="pagenum">[23]</span> -suit. His features were heavy and overbearing, -with deep-set black eyes, that gleamed -maliciously, and from one corner of his mouth -drooped a burned-out cigarette.</p> - -<p>“What’s it to you, Billy Mac?” he growled -menacingly. “You’d better not try to show off -around here, just because you been to a military -academy fer a few months!”</p> - -<p>“There’s no one showing off around here except -that necktie of yours,” snapped Billy Mac. -“It’s a wonder you couldn’t find a baby to lick, -you coward!”</p> - -<p>It became evident to Merry that the two knew -each other, and that his friend cherished a thorough -dislike for the bully.</p> - -<p>“Give it to him, Bil-l-ly!” chirruped Chub, who -was well out of danger by this time. It seemed -impossible for the little chap to pronounce the -letter “l” without spilling it out by degrees. -“L-l-l-lam him for me!”</p> - -<p>The big fellow sneered.</p> - -<p>“I suppose you think you can run the place, -Billy Mac, now that you’ve been away to school, -hey? You think you are a real athlete, with them -underwear things on, don’t you?”</p> - -<p>Seeing that his friend was speechless with rage, -Merriwell interfered.</p> - -<p>“It’s quite evident that you’re not fitted to pass -on athletes, my friend,” he broke in ironically. -“I’ve always found that the fellow who goes<span class="pagenum">[24]</span> -around with a coffin nail sticking in his face is the -one who sticks in the bleachers. He doesn’t get -out and toss the ball very much.”</p> - -<p>For some reason, this speech seemed to infuriate -the bully. He whirled on Merry with a -snarl of anger.</p> - -<p>“Smart guy, ain’t you? I suppose you’re that -Merriwell kid that Billy’s been blowin’ about so -much?”</p> - -<p>“It seems that you have some brain left, in -spite of cigarettes,” returned Merry dryly. -“You’re supposing a lot of things, my friend. It -might strike you to suppose that your absence is -better than your company.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, is that so?” The big fellow clenched his -fists, glaring. “Say, fer about two cents I’d take -you down a peg, Slim-shanks!”</p> - -<p>Billy Mac turned quickly.</p> - -<p>“Look here, Chip, you butt out of this!” he demanded. -“Chub Newton’s a friend of mine, and -this isn’t your quarrel.”</p> - -<p>“All right, old man,” said Merriwell, waving -his hand. “I’ll gladly turn over our genial friend -to you. He looks as if a dose of McQuade compound -would improve his health a good deal.”</p> - -<p>“Yah!” shrieked Chub Newton, in wild delight. -“That’s the way to talk! L-l-listen to -that, Bul-l-ly! You’re goin’ to hear things, al-l-l -right!”</p> - -<p>Bully favored Chub with a black look.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[25]</span></p> - -<p>“I’ve give you one lesson about closin’ that -jaw of yours, Chub,” he grated. “You’d better -lay mighty low, mind my words!”</p> - -<p>There was something in the tone and aspect of -the fellow that struck a responsive chord in Merriwell’s -memory. What the familiarity was, he -could not fathom. However, he was sure that -there was a familiarity.</p> - -<p>“L-l-light into him, Bil-l-ly!” pleaded Chub, -his shrill voice appearing to irritate Bully like -the buzzing of a mosquito. The latter shook his -fist threateningly.</p> - -<p>“You heard what I said!” he roared. “Shut -that jaw, or I’ll show you what a real lambastin’ -is, you tow-headed little rat!”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think you will, Bully,” said McQuade. -Merriwell had thrown him a warning look, and -he had curbed his temper.</p> - -<p>“Hey? Why not?” The big fellow turned on -Billy, seeming to comprehend for the first time -that he was being actually interfered with. “I -suppose you’ll stop me, hey?”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ve been thinking it over quite a while,” -admitted Billy, with a grin. “Try a fresh cigarette, -Bully. It might help you to get ideas -faster.”</p> - -<p>Chub Newton waved his arms in delight. A -few passers-by were pausing to listen to the altercation, -and the little fellow turned to them -eagerly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[26]</span></p> - -<p>“Watch Bul-l-ly catch it!” he sang out shrilly. -“He’s going to get a fal-l-len on harder than the -Sprucetown batters fel-l-l on him l-l-l-last Saturday!”</p> - -<p>At this the big fellow’s face went positively -black with rage. It was clear that he could think -of no taunts to fling back at his diminutive foe, -so he did the next best thing that occurred to -him. He took a swift step toward Chub, his fists -clenched.</p> - -<p>“No you don’t!”</p> - -<p>Billy Mac leaped forward and caught his -shoulder, twirling him around.</p> - -<p>“Look out!” roared Bully furiously. “I’ll -mash that smart-alec mouth o’ yours, you fool! -Go home an’ dress yourself!”</p> - -<p>“I’d make a better job of it than you’ve done,” -retorted Billy, with contempt.</p> - -<p>Among the gathering array a quick smile -passed, with significant looks at the loud attire -of the big fellow. This only served to infuriate -him the more. It was clear to Chip that Bully -was by no means a favorite, though for some reason -no voice was lifted against him, save that of -Chub Newton.</p> - -<p>“Go for him, ol-l-ld scout!” Chub shrieked. -“You can l-l-lick him easy! He’s got a yel-l-ler -streak!”</p> - -<p>“And you’ve got a yelling streak,” observed -Merry, with a laugh.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[27]</span></p> - -<p>Glaring from his deep-set eyes, Bully stepped -toward McQuade.</p> - -<p>“I guess you need a lesson,” he growled. -“You’re gettin’ too all-fired smart around this -town, for a pauper.”</p> - -<p>Billy went white.</p> - -<p>“I’d sooner be a pauper than the son of a -crook,” he snapped. “And I’d sooner be the son -of a crook, than a crook myself, Bully!”</p> - -<p>A murmur of applause went up from the -crowd. It was cut short by a roar from the big -fellow.</p> - -<p>“Call me a crook, will you!”</p> - -<p>With a quick lunge forward, he aimed a vicious -blow at Billy Mac. The backstop did not -appreciate the compliment, however.</p> - -<p>Catching the blow on his arm, he took a quick -step in, and there was a dull smack. Bully went -staggering back.</p> - -<p>“Yah!” chirruped Chub, in great glee. “I -tol-l-ld you! L-l-lam him again!”</p> - -<p>The big fellow hesitated, with a surprised expression -on his face. Evidently concluding that -an accident had happened, he rushed at Billy with -a shout.</p> - -<p>“Here’s where you get yours, smart alec!”</p> - -<p>Billy Mac did not seem at all disturbed over -the prospect. He waited the rush quietly, and, as -the big fellow drove in another blow, Billy caught<span class="pagenum">[28]</span> -the arm. He turned, jerked the other’s wrist -over his shoulder, and Bully flew over him into -the dust. This brought a shout of applause from -the spectators.</p> - -<p>It was a simple jujutsu trick. Billy Mac had -not learned it very adroitly, but he had learned -it well enough to spill his adversary head over -heels. Bully was unhurt, and was up instantly, -brushing at his gay attire.</p> - -<p>“Got some luck, ain’t you!” he sneered furiously.</p> - -<p>“Better not try my luck again,” said Billy Mac, -with a laugh.</p> - -<p>Chub Newton let out a shrill yell.</p> - -<p>“L-l-look at the l-l-loud guy now! Yah! Why -don’t you cl-l-laim you stubbed your toe, Bul-l-ly -Carson?”</p> - -<p>Merriwell started. Could it be possible that -this fellow was the son of Colonel Carson, of -whom Billy Mac had spoken—the baseball -player? Yes, he placed the chap now. The -features and voice were not unlike those of Colonel -Carson.</p> - -<p>However, he had no time to conjecture further. -Bully went at Billy Mac with a second rush, this -time exercising more caution. McQuade had to -depend entirely on his quickness, and proved that -it was quite dependable.</p> - -<p>He slipped aside, raising a cloud of dust as he<span class="pagenum">[29]</span> -did so, and tried to trip his opponent. Bully staggered -and lost his balance, and, as his arm flew -out wide, Billy Mac stepped in and his fist went -out.</p> - -<p>Again there came a sharp crack as the blow -landed. The big fellow, struck fairly on the -angle of the jaw below the ear, shivered, and then -went reeling across the street. He pulled up at -the fence, clinging to it desperately.</p> - -<p>“Yah! He’s scared out!” cried Chub.</p> - -<p>So, indeed, it seemed. The blow had not been -hard enough to knock him out, yet he made no -offer to return to the fight. Instead, he raised his -fist and shook it menacingly.</p> - -<p>“You’ll suffer for this!” he exclaimed. “You -wait till I see dad!”</p> - -<p>“Yah!” shrilled Chub Newton, dancing wildly. -“Go put a muffl-l-ler on your new cl-l-lothes, Bully -Carson!”</p> - -<p>Bully moved off, evidently sick of the encounter. -Since it was plainly over, the spectators -drifted away, and Chub Newton thanked his -rescuer. Billy Mac introduced him to Frank -Merriwell, junior, but seemed to have little delight -in his victory.</p> - -<p>“Now I am in for it, and no mistake!” he exclaimed, -looking after the big fellow.</p> - -<p>“Why?”</p> - -<p>“Didn’t you notice the resemblance?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[30]</span></p> - -<p>“Well, yes. And I heard Chub call him Bully -Carson——”</p> - -<p>“Yes, that’s his usual nickname. He is Colonel -Carson’s son, Chip. And I guess you can see that -I’ve done a pretty bad morning’s work for the -McQuade family.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[31]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">COLONEL CARSON’S REVENGE.</span></h2> - - -<p>“I’m awful-l-ly gl-l-lad to meet you! Bil-l-ly’s -tol-l-ld me a l-l-lot about Chip Merriwel-l-l!”</p> - -<p>“We seem to have come along just right,” said -Merry, shaking hands with Chub. “But we’d -better get home, Billy Mac. We seem to attract -a good deal of attention in these running togs.”</p> - -<p>Billy Mac nodded.</p> - -<p>“Sure. You’d better come with me, Chub. -We’ll go down to the swimming hole near the -house and have a plunge.”</p> - -<p>Chub looked disappointed.</p> - -<p>“I’m sorry, fel-l-lows, but I can’t. I’m workin’ -at the grocery, you know, and I got to get orders -this morning. I’l-l-l see you l-l-later, though.”</p> - -<p>“You come down to the swimming hole,” offered -Billy quickly, “and I’ll help you make up -for lost time by covering this street and taking -orders.”</p> - -<p>“Wil-l-l you, honest!” cried Chub! “Oh, hurray! -Watch me go!”</p> - -<p>“Well, chase along to the river, then. We’ll -get our duds and be right down.”</p> - -<p>Chub went capering off at full speed, while -Chip and Billy trotted off to the McQuade home.</p> - -<p>Here they secured their clothes and towels,<span class="pagenum">[32]</span> -saying nothing to Mrs. McQuade of what had -happened that morning. Billy was full of fears, -but he forced them down in her presence. He -did not want to worry his mother unnecessarily.</p> - -<p>When they left the house to get to the river, -they passed a corner of the orchard. It was -bright with blossoms, whose scent came sweetly -on the breeze, and Billy jerked his head toward -the gnarled trees.</p> - -<p>“I’d hate to see those trees piling up an income -for Colonel Carson, Merry.”</p> - -<p>Chip Merriwell nodded in comprehension.</p> - -<p>“It would be hard, old chap. But that’s exactly -what they’re doing, right now, since you’ll -have to pay the loan a second time. Even that -will be better than letting the place fall into his -hands.”</p> - -<p>“Can’t help it,” and Billy shook his head -gloomily. “The mortgage is overdue, and he -could foreclose any time he wanted to, you see. -He’s going to be sore as blazes over what happened -this morning, too.”</p> - -<p>“He doesn’t seem to be very fair-minded, for a -fact,” agreed Merry. “But it’s a bad plan to -worry over what hasn’t happened, Billy. Just -forget about financial troubles, and enjoy your -swim.”</p> - -<p>It would have been hard for the most hardened -pessimist <em>not</em> to have enjoyed that plunge into the -cool, quiet old river, whose waters were backed<span class="pagenum">[33]</span> -up for half a mile by the dam below, forming an -ideal swimming pond. The warm air was fresh -with the breath of fruit blossoms, for Carsonville -was in the fruit belt, and surrounded by -orchards.</p> - -<p>After twenty minutes of vigorous exercise, the -three friends pulled themselves out on the grassy -bank and enjoyed a sun bath.</p> - -<p>Somewhat to his surprise, Chip Merriwell -found that Chub Newton was older than he appeared, -and was an expert swimmer. Also, he -had no high opinion of the autocrats of his native -town.</p> - -<p>“I hope the Cl-l-lippers get l-l-lambasted good -and proper this year,” he announced pleasantly. -“Bul-ly Carson has the worst case o’ swel-l-led -bean you ever saw!”</p> - -<p>“He looks like it,” said Chip, stretching out -lazily. “Can he pitch?”</p> - -<p>Chub Newton snorted disgustedly, but Billy -spoke up.</p> - -<p>“Sure he can pitch, Chip. Chub has a private -grouch on, that’s all. Bully isn’t any great -favorite off the diamond, but he has the knack -of tossing the ball, all right.”</p> - -<p>“Yah!” sniffed Chub. “He’s got l-l-luck with -him.”</p> - -<p>“That’s what he said about Billy,” said Merriwell. -“What’s your private grievance against the -colonel’s son?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[34]</span></p> - -<p>“Why, I wanted to pl-l-lay on the Cl-l-lippers,” -bubbled the little chap. Every time he struck the -letter “l” his tongue seemed unwilling to let go -of it. “I tried out with ’em and made good. -Then a bunch o’ city fel-l-lers come out here and -got jobs whil-le they pl-l-layed bal-l-l. They done -me, al-l-l right, and three or four other fel-l-lers, -too. I was too short to pl-l-lay third, and -one o’ them guys was a swel-l-l shortstop. That -l-let me out. L-l-lot o’ folks think that Colonel -Carson ought to ’a’ favored home pl-l-layers.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know about that,” said Merry -thoughtfully. “Of course, sentiment can’t enter -into ball games that way, Chub. If the odds -were about even, though, he might have done -so, I should think. Those city chaps aren’t ringers, -are they?”</p> - -<p>“No, I guess not,” spoke up Billy. “I don’t -think that even Colonel Carson would try that -game, Chip. He made quite a bit of bad feeling -among the young fellows here, just the same.”</p> - -<p>“Time we were gettin’ dressed,” observed -Chub uneasily. “I hate to go, but those orders -have to be in before noon.”</p> - -<p>The three took a last plunge into the cool -water, had a quick rub down, and dressed. Then -Chub and Billy Mac departed to take a short cut -back to town along the river banks, while Merry -returned to the house in order to write a letter<span class="pagenum">[35]</span> -to his father. On the way, however, he reconsidered.</p> - -<p>“I think I’ll let it wait till to-night,” he reflected. -“I’ll have a talk with Mrs. McQuade -first, if I can work it, and see how the idea strikes -her.”</p> - -<p>As he passed the corner of the orchard, and -came to the garden patch that stretched below the -house, he paused suddenly. A sound of vehement -talking drifted down to him, and he recognized -the deep voice, with a thrill of alarm.</p> - -<p>The next moment he made out a horse and -buggy standing in front of the house, in the -drive. An exclamation of dismay burst from -him, for he recognized it at once as the same -which he had encountered at the horseshoe bend -that morning.</p> - -<p>“It isn’t possible!” he murmured. “Colonel -Carson wouldn’t try such a trick!”</p> - -<p>He approached the house, and, as he did so, -his alarm increased. There was no doubt that -the autocrat of Carsonville was present, and that -he was extremely angry. As Merriwell sprang -to the wide veranda, he clearly heard the vibrant -tones.</p> - -<p>“Yes, that graceless son of yours publicly assaulted -my boy in the streets, not half an hour -ago, Mrs. McQuade. It’s the last straw, I tell -you! First he tries to frighten my horse, then -he assaults my son. If it hadn’t been for the<span class="pagenum">[36]</span> -spectators, he might have killed the poor fellow. -Now, you’ve either got to pay that mortgage or -move out.”</p> - -<p>Merry chuckled at this version of the incident. -Then his face became serious.</p> - -<p>“Billy is a good son,” faltered the voice of -Mrs. McQuade. “I’m sure there’s some mistake, -Colonel Carson. He’s going to start to work -Monday at the store, and we hope to pay you that -loan before long.”</p> - -<p>“You’ll pay up inside of five days,” stormed -the angry man. “I’m sick of this fool way of conductin’ -business, mind my words! You’ve got -till Monday mornin’, then out you go, if you don’t -settle.”</p> - -<p>Merriwell stepped to the door, his eyes snapping. -Colonel Carson stood inside, and Mrs. -McQuade was helplessly facing him.</p> - -<p>“I think you’ve made a mistake, sir,” said -Chip quietly. Carson swung around. “I was -present at the encounter in the street, and I assure -you that your son was in no danger. Billy -hit him twice, and he lost his nerve and started -for home.”</p> - -<p>Colonel Carson’s face purpled with fury.</p> - -<p>“So you admit it, hey?” he roared. “You can -be mighty thankful, young man, if I don’t have -both o’ you arrested for this business! Nice -goings on, this is!”</p> - -<p>“I guess you won’t do any arresting in a<span class="pagenum">[37]</span> -hurry,” said Chip calmly. “It wouldn’t make a -very nice story to get out about your son. The -‘poor fellow,’ as you call him, was brutally beating -little Chub Newton, and Billy stepped in to -prevent it, that’s all. If there’s any arresting to -be done, it might be the other way around, for -your son assaulted Billy first.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. McQuade gave Merriwell a grateful -glance. Colonel Carson sputtered.</p> - -<p>“That’s a lie!” he broke out.</p> - -<p>Chip’s eyes flashed.</p> - -<p>“I think we’ve had enough of your brand of -politeness,” he said quickly. “You have given -Mrs. McQuade until next Monday to pay you, -and that settles your business in this house, Colonel -Carson.”</p> - -<p>“What’s that to you?” shouted the enraged -autocrat. “You ain’t got any right here neither——”</p> - -<p>“I think you had better go, Colonel Carson,” -and Mrs. McQuade gestured toward the door, -with quiet dignity. “I have no legal proof of -the mortgage having been paid, although the fact -is morally certain. If we are not able to pay you -before Monday, we cannot resist eviction, of -course.”</p> - -<p>“Fine chance you have of raising two thousand -dollars by then!” sneered Colonel Carson, -grasping his hat. “I’ll be around at eight o’clock -Monday morning, so you’d better be packed up.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[38]</span></p> - -<p>And with that he left, still muttering threats.</p> - -<p>“I’m sorry about this, Mrs. McQuade,” said -Merriwell. “But don’t give up hope yet. Billy -told me about the matter after we met Colonel -Carson this morning.”</p> - -<p>“It’s hard to keep up heart,” and the good -woman looked out the door, her face strained and -hopeless. “You see, we are positive that Mr. -McQuade paid off that loan long ago, but we have -no proof that would stand in law. It seems hard -that such a man as Colonel Carson should drive -us out!”</p> - -<p>“He’s not done it yet,” responded Chip cheerfully. -“I never knew chicanery to get a man anything -lasting, Mrs. McQuade. It may seem to -win out, but there are other things more important -than money, you know.”</p> - -<p>“You’re a good comfort, Mr. Merriwell,” and -she gave him a smile, as she dabbed at her eyes -with her apron. “Well, I’ll have to see about -those cookies——”</p> - -<p>And she went to the kitchen, leaving Chip -in a thoughtful mood. When Billy returned half -an hour later, he was wrathful at hearing of the -colonel’s ultimatum, but could see no hope ahead. -During luncheon, however, Merry made a -proposition.</p> - -<p>“If I could get a thousand dollars to add to -your thousand, Mrs. McQuade, would you let me -lend it to you? You could pay me interest, of<span class="pagenum">[39]</span> -course, and give me a mortgage to that amount, -if you liked, as security.”</p> - -<p>This proposal was argued pro and con., but -Chip had made it in such a way that it was a -straight business proposition, and in the end Mrs. -McQuade assented, providing that Merriwell -could get the money.</p> - -<p>So that night Chip wrote his father at Bloomfield. -He related the situation at Carsonville, -told what had happened that day, and stated that -since he felt responsible in some measure, he -would like to borrow a thousand dollars from his -father in order to help out the McQuades. It -never occurred to him that his father might refuse -the loan.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[40]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE VILLAGE GREEN.</span></h2> - - -<p>“When are them guys coming?”</p> - -<p>“They’ll be along pretty quick, Bully. I hear -there ain’t any game Saturday?”</p> - -<p>“No. There’s been a flood down the valley, -and them Greenville scrubs wired that they -wouldn’t be up. They’re all helpin’ flood sufferers. -Think o’ lettin’ a little thing like that interfere -with our schedule!”</p> - -<p>Bully Carson grunted sarcastically. It was -evident that he had little use for flood sufferers.</p> - -<p>“Come on, Bully, let’s get a little practice right -here,” suggested one of the half dozen fellows -standing around in baseball uniforms. “Bunting -practice.”</p> - -<p>“Might’s well, while we’re waiting, I suppose,” -assented Carson.</p> - -<p>They were waiting by the schoolhouse, lolling -about the village green, and waiting for the remainder -of the Clippers to show up for the morning -work-out. Off at one side stood a group of -young fellows who were watching proceedings -with scowling faces.</p> - -<p>Bully Carson and “Squint” Fletcher, who covered -home plate for the Clippers, stepped out and -began to plunk a ball back and forth. Hendrix, -the shortstop, seized a bat and began to bunt.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[41]</span></p> - -<p>At this juncture; Frank Merriwell, junior, accompanied -by Billy Mac, strolled up. They had -been having a work-out of their own down by -the river, and Billy carried his catcher’s mitt. -They paused not far from the group of discontented-looking -chaps, who nodded to Billy. Merriwell -was introduced, and all watched the Clippers -at work.</p> - -<p>It was the morning after Colonel Carson’s -ultimatum had been delivered. From the comments -which were passed, Chip decided that the -young fellows of Carsonville cherished a distinct -feeling of dislike for the colonel’s son, who was -captain of the Clippers.</p> - -<p>“Bully gives me a pain,” declared one of the -group, Bud Bradley. He proceeded to narrate -Carson’s comment on the action of the Greenville -club.</p> - -<p>“That doesn’t sound extra well,” commented -Merry. “It’d be more to the point if the Clippers -would pile down to Greenville and help out -the flood sufferers.”</p> - -<p>“No chance of that,” exclaimed Dan McCarthy, -a lanky village youth. “Nobody ever -heard o’ Bully Carson helpin’ any one, nor his dad -neither.”</p> - -<p>“Howdy, fel-l-lers,” piped Chub Newton, as he -joined the group. “Any one want to order groceries -this morning? I hear there’s no game -Saturday.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[42]</span></p> - -<p>“Open date,” returned Billy. “Too late now -to rearrange things, too.”</p> - -<p>“Look at that second baseman drop them!” -growled Jim Spaulding.</p> - -<p>“And talkin’ about bushers, watch that feller -who tries to play first,” added McCarthy.</p> - -<p>“Yah!” jeered Chub Newton, prodding Bud -Bradley in the ribs and dancing away. “You -fel-l-lers are jeal-l-lous, that’s what! You’re sore -because you aren’t inside of those uniforms.”</p> - -<p>“And who wouldn’t be sore?” said Bradley -hotly. “When that fellow Carson blacklists his -own townfolks, and drags in city players, it’s -enough to make any one hot!”</p> - -<p>“’Tisn’t as if we wasn’t good ball players, -either,” added McCarthy. “Bully knows he -couldn’t show off around us, that’s all. He wants -to be captain, and he’d stand a fine chance of us -electin’ him!”</p> - -<p>Merriwell moved off a few steps, watching the -Clippers. The foregoing remarks had indicated -clearly the position of things in the town. The -group of disgruntled natives comprised several -of those who, like Billy Mac, had been ousted -from the Clippers by the imported amateurs.</p> - -<p>It was not hard to understand the reason for -this, and Merry found himself in sympathy with -the feeling. Knowing what he did of Bully Carson, -he thought it highly probable that the captain -of the Clippers doubted his ability to hold<span class="pagenum">[43]</span> -that position among the young fellows who had -grown up with him.</p> - -<p>It was much easier to impress a crowd of chaps -who worked for his father. They would be very -likely to toady to him, and allow him to lead them. -This was plainly the sort of thing that Carson -loved.</p> - -<p>“Just the same,” remarked Chip to Billy, who -stood beside him, “I don’t think your friends give -him full credit, old man. He looks like a good -pitcher, and those other chaps know their business.”</p> - -<p>“You’d show him up in two jerks, Chip,” declared -Billy stoutly. Merry smiled, but did not -reply.</p> - -<p>Carson had noted the arrival of the two -friends, for more than once he looked blackly at -the group, and passed remarks to his companions -that drew their eyes also. They grinned at his -words as if they formed great strokes of humor.</p> - -<p>Merry saw at once, however, that Carson knew -his business. So did the rest of the Clippers. -They had spread out over the green, and handled -the bunts in fine shape, moving in perfect harmony -and whipping over the ball with precision.</p> - -<p>Their captain and star pitcher might have a -bad case of “swelled head,” but he showed that -when it came to pitching, he was right there. As -a group of girls passed on the other side of the -street, he proceeded to cut loose.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[44]</span></p> - -<p>And Merry admitted to himself that Bully Carson -was a pitcher. He had speed and good control, -while his curves broke sharply.</p> - -<p>“Aw, cut out the comedy, cap,” growled his -catcher, Squint Fletcher. “This ain’t no stage -performance!”</p> - -<p>Carson scowled, but kept silent. Perhaps he -had already discovered that his husky backstop -had little desire to truckle to him.</p> - -<p>“Say, I got an idea!” chirruped Chub Newton -shrilly. His voice lifted across to the green, and -it caused Bully Carson to throw a vicious glance -in the direction of the group.</p> - -<p>“Be careful of it,” grinned McCarthy. “You -want to set on it an’ hold it gently by the ears, -Chub. Don’t push it too hard.”</p> - -<p>“You l-l-listen to me,” went on the little fellow -eagerly. “We could get a better team right -here in town than those Cl-l-lippers! I’d l-l-like -to form another one, a cl-l-lub of our own, and -l-l-lambaste the spots out o’ them!”</p> - -<p>At this astounding proposal, the members of -the group stared at each other. Carson, who -must have heard the words, looked blacker than -ever, but continued tossing the ball.</p> - -<p>“We couldn’t do it,” and Bud Bradley shook -his head. “We’ve no money for grounds or uniforms -or things, and most of us have to keep -close to work.”</p> - -<p>“I’d like to show that second baseman up, just<span class="pagenum">[45]</span> -the same,” said Spaulding. “But I guess there’s -no chance, Chub.”</p> - -<p>“Why not?” spoke up Billy Mac hastily. -“We’ve got uniforms of one kind and another already, -haven’t we? We don’t need grounds—we -can practice up and beat the Carsonville Clippers -on their own grounds, fellows!”</p> - -<p>“Yah! That’s the stuff!” shrieked Chub, -dancing excitedly. “Wouldn’t that be a scream, -though! A bunch of us l-l-lambastin’ the town -cl-l-lub! Wow!”</p> - -<p>It was plain that Chub’s proposition appealed -strongly to most of those present, but the difficulties -seemed insurmountable.</p> - -<p>“It’d take down Colonel Carson a heap,” muttered -McCarthy. “I’d do a good deal to pay him -back fer the way he gobbled our pasture lots, -when his cussed mortgage come due!”</p> - -<p>“Look here,” exclaimed Billy Mac, with eagerness. -“It isn’t near so bad as it looks, honest! -We got pretty near a full infield right here in this -crowd. We could get to work and practice off -days till the ball season gets going, then light into -that bunch right.”</p> - -<p>“Sounds good,” admitted Spaulding. “But it -won’t work, Billy. Those fellows are sluggers -from Sluggville. We’d have to have a crackajack -pitcher to hold ’em down. And you know -as well as I do that we’d have a hard job hitting -Carson.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[46]</span></p> - -<p>“That’s all right,” retorted Billy Mac. “Mebbe -we could get Chip Merriwell, here, to come down -from Fardale and pitch!”</p> - -<p>At this proposal, every eye went to Merry. McQuade’s -eager seconding sent Chub into spasms -of delight.</p> - -<p>“Yah!” he piped shrilly. “Put Chip in the -box, and watch him l-l-lam Carson! See him -cl-l-lip the Cl-l-lippers! Yah!”</p> - -<p>“What do you think of the plan, Merriwell?” -inquired Bud Bradley doubtfully. “Would you -be willing to come over and pitch?”</p> - -<p>Merry nodded. Before he could speak, however, -his eye was caught by a sudden movement -on the part of Carson’s team.</p> - -<p>Three or four members had just arrived. Bully -Carson, who must have heard the eager cries of -Chub Newton, had immediately ceased practice. -He had gathered the Clippers around him, and -appeared to be talking vigorously, though his -words were lost.</p> - -<p>“You’d better put on the soft pedal, Chub,” -advised Merry. “Seems to me that Bully has it -in for you and Billy Mac.”</p> - -<p>“Let him come!” sniffed Billy. “But what do -you think about the idea, Chip?”</p> - -<p>The group closed in about Merriwell, every -member anxious for his opinion, as Billy had -more than once described the diamond wizard’s -prowess to his home friends.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[47]</span></p> - -<p>Merry hesitated, as he glanced around the -faces. It did not appear likely that the Clippers -could be easily trounced, and, besides this, he -did not like to appear to be stirring up ill feeling.</p> - -<p>He knew that there was a strong current of -dislike against the Carson methods. At the same -time, Colonel Carson controlled the town, and -could possibly make it hot for those who opposed -his son. Merry hesitated to give advice, under -the circumstances, but finally nodded.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I think the idea’s a good one, if you don’t -carry your antagonism to extremes. As to coming -over and pitching for you, I can’t promise -definitely. I’d be glad to do it, of course, if things -shape themselves right.”</p> - -<p>“Hurray!” went up a general shout of delight, -and Billy Mac patted his friend on the back, until -Merry almost choked.</p> - -<p>“Hurray for you, Chip! I knew you wouldn’t -go back on us!” he cried.</p> - -<p>“By gum, we’ll have the first practice this -afternoon!” exclaimed McCarthy, in high excitement. -“Chub can get off o’ the store, I reckon, -and we’ll go down to the river an’ start things! -Jim, can we get enough fellers together?”</p> - -<p>“I guess so,” assented Spaulding, with a nod. -“Merriwell might be able to give us some good -advice, and he could get a line on our work.”</p> - -<p>He was interrupted by a sudden cry from Chub -Newton.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[48]</span></p> - -<p>“Hey! L-l-look out, fel-l-lers! Here they -come!”</p> - -<p>Merry and the others turned quickly. Bearing -down upon them was Bully Carson, a bat in -his hand, and crowding around him were the -members of the Clippers. One and all looked -ugly in the extreme.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[49]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A CHALLENGE.</span></h2> - - -<p>As the Clippers approached, there was no sign -of giving way in the ground around Merriwell. -The Carsonville boys were not equal in numbers, -but they were plainly anxious enough for -battle. Carson paused a few yards distant.</p> - -<p>“Well, what do you want?” snapped Merry.</p> - -<p>“We’re goin’ to run you out o’ town, see?” -retorted Squint Fletcher, his cross eyes glaring -savagely. “You’re here tryin’ to stir up trouble -against us, eh? Well, you don’t get no chance.”</p> - -<p>“I think you’re misinformed,” returned Chip -quietly. “No one’s stirring up a fuss except -you.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, is that so?” Bully Carson pushed forward -aggressively, clutching his bat. “I suppose -you didn’t try to kill dad yesterday, hey? I suppose -you didn’t set Billy Mac on me, hey?”</p> - -<p>“You’re doing a lot of supposing,” said Merry -dryly. “Your thinking apparatus needs oiling, -Bully. Try a cigarette. It may straighten out -things.”</p> - -<p>Merriwell’s calm demeanor, and the resolute -air of the group around him, rather cooled the -ardor of the Clippers. It only angered Carson -and Fletcher the more, however.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[50]</span></p> - -<p>“So you’re the famous Chip Merriwell, hey?” -spluttered Squint, shoving his undershot chin forward. -“I guess we’ve heard enough slush out o’ -you and the rest o’ this gang. Let’s beat ’em up -proper, fellers!”</p> - -<p>“Yah!” chirruped Chub, dancing on the outskirts -of the crowd. “Try it! Ask Bul-l-ly -where he got that bump on his chin. Ask him!”</p> - -<p>This sally scored, for Billy Mac’s fist had left -unmistakable marks on the heavy countenance of -the captain of the Clippers.</p> - -<p>“You’ll get yours, you little runt!” foamed the -angry Carson, brandishing his bat at Chub. -“We’ll make you pretty sick of lettin’ off your -jaw around here!”</p> - -<p>“Well, you’re a mighty slow bunch to git -started,” observed the lanky, bronzed McCarthy, -who worked in the orchards, and looked it. He -spat on his hands. “I allus did want to paste -them lamps of yours, Squint.”</p> - -<p>“You’ll get your wish, all right,” added Bud -Bradley, shoving forward belligerently. “Let’s -take Carson down and throw him in the river, -fellows!”</p> - -<p>This proposal was greeted with high delight -on the part of the town group. The Clippers began -to move forward, and Merriwell saw that a -conflict was imminent.</p> - -<p>“You’d better go slow,” he advised the Carson -crowd. “We’re not forcing any battle, remember.<span class="pagenum">[51]</span> -Keep back there, Bradley. If they start it, -let them take the consequences.”</p> - -<p>“We’ve got ’em scared already,” jeered Squint -Fletcher. “Leave that Merriwell kid to me. I’ll -handle him!”</p> - -<p>“Yes, you won’t!” piped up Chub Newton. -“Yah! L-l-lambaste ’em, Bil-l-ly!”</p> - -<p>Chub’s shrill cry was the last straw. Carson -emitted a furious roar and raised his bat, while -his team began crowding forward. The group -around Merry closed in compactly, and it looked -as if there would surely be a fight.</p> - -<p>At that instant, however, a brawny man shoved -in between the two parties. Squint Fletcher was -just aiming a blow, and the man seized him by -the shoulders and flung him back, sending him -into Carson with a thump.</p> - -<p>“That’s enough o’ this!” roared the town constable, -for the man was no other. “I been keepin’ -my eye on you, Fletcher. Clear out o’ here, the -bunch of you.”</p> - -<p>“What right have you got to interfere?” cried -Carson angrily. “I’ll have my father——”</p> - -<p>“You shut up, or I’ll pinch you!” exclaimed -the constable hotly. “I don’t care for either you -or your dad. I’m constable o’ this town. Git out, -now, and do it lively, or I’ll run the lot o’ you -in! Jump!”</p> - -<p>He pulled forth his club. Seeing that he -meant business, Carson flung a sullen look<span class="pagenum">[52]</span> -around, nodded to his gang, and they melted -away. The constable turned to Merry.</p> - -<p>“Much obliged,” said Chip, smiling. “We -were afraid they meant trouble.”</p> - -<p>“So they did,” growled the constable. “You’d -better let ’em simmer down.”</p> - -<p>“We will,” said Billy. The group was just -breaking up when Merriwell halted them.</p> - -<p>“One minute, everybody. What do you say to -getting a game with the Clippers this Saturday? -I believe it’s an open date; I can pitch, and if -you’re willing to work between now and then, we -can give them a run for their money!”</p> - -<p>“Whoop!” A yell of delight burst from every -throat.</p> - -<p>“Bully for you!” cried Spaulding, grabbing -Merry’s hand and pumping it.</p> - -<p>“No, us fer Bully!” said McCarthy. “You bet -we will!”</p> - -<p>“Can you get a team together?” asked Chip. -“If you can, meet at Billy’s house to-night and -talk things over.”</p> - -<p>“We can get everything but a first baseman,” -said Bud Bradley, thinking quickly.</p> - -<p>“Well, maybe I can take care of that,” said -Merry. He remembered that Owen Clancy -was at Fardale, and his chum could be induced -to come to Carsonville. “So long, then. Billy and -I will get the game, and we’ll expect you right<span class="pagenum">[53]</span> -after supper. Bring all the fellows you can get, -and we’ll start practice work in the morning.”</p> - -<p>This sudden proposal had been simmering in -Merriwell’s brain for some moments. He knew -that it would be hard for him to get away from -Fardale later in the season, and if these local -players had any talent, there might be a chance -of defeating the Clippers at once.</p> - -<p>The group broke up. Merry and Billy set off -together, while the others spread the news -through the town in great excitement.</p> - -<p>“We’ve undertaken a big contract, Billy. Let’s -go up and see the colonel now.”</p> - -<p>“I’m willing,” said Billy Mac. “But he’ll want -to bet on the game, Chip.”</p> - -<p>“He’ll—what?”</p> - -<p>McQuade explained hastily. It seemed that -Colonel Carson was used to plunging heavily on -his own team, in common with a number of other -men who followed the Amateur League. Some -large sums of money changed hands as a result -of the games.</p> - -<p>“If he only knew it,” exclaimed Merry, frowning, -“that will hurt his chance of ever buying into -a big-league team. That sort of a man is not -wanted in baseball to-day. However, we’ll see if -he’s willing to play us.”</p> - -<p>The two friends wended their way to the large -white house occupied by Colonel Carson. They -were met at the door by that gentleman, in person,<span class="pagenum">[54]</span> -who did not ask them inside, but stiffly inquired -their business.</p> - -<p>Merriwell stated it, saying that he understood -the Clippers had an open date on Saturday, and -that he would like to meet them with a pick-up -Carsonville team. The colonel tugged at his -goatee suspiciously.</p> - -<p>“What’s your object?” he snapped. “Want -to play for the gate receipts?”</p> - -<p>“Not at all,” said Chip. “We just want to play -the Clippers off their feet, and we intend to -do it.”</p> - -<p>“Humph!” grunted the other. “Got a mighty -good opinion of yourself, hey?” His face cleared -suddenly. “Mebbe you’d like to make a little -side bet, you or Billy?”</p> - -<p>“No, thanks,” returned Merriwell. “I don’t -gamble, and I don’t think Billy does.”</p> - -<p>“Well, look a-here,” went on Colonel Carson -wheedlingly, addressing Billy. “I know you’ve -got some insurance money, McQuade. You put -it up on this game, and I’ll give you odds, two -to one. How’s that? Ain’t that fair?”</p> - -<p>“Fair enough,” grinned Billy Mac. “Only, -I’m not in your class as a gambler, colonel. No, -we’re in this just to show up that club of yours, -and do it proper. That’ll satisfy us.”</p> - -<p>“But if you won,” persisted the other, taking -no heed of the taunt, “you’d have enough to pay -off that mortgage, and some over!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[55]</span></p> - -<p>Billy wavered, but only for an instant.</p> - -<p>“Nothing doing,” he declared firmly. “If you -want to play us, we’ll make your old team hump -itself. If you’re scared of getting beaten, all -right. Just say so.”</p> - -<p>“What! The Clippers scared o’you!” Colonel -Carson laughed scornfully as he eyed the two. -“Well, I guess not! It’s a go. The reg’lar umpires -will be here, anyway, so I guess we can -use ’em?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly,” said Merriwell. “We may have -the ball park for practice?”</p> - -<p>“Not much,” retorted Colonel Carson. “Get -your own practice ground. Mebbe you had a notion -I’d lend you uniforms!”</p> - -<p>“No, we’d hate to play in Clipper uniforms,” -returned Merry gravely.</p> - -<p>Colonel Carson was not quite sure how to take -that remark, so he let it pass.</p> - -<p>“Too bad you’re scared to bet on yourself,” -he said cuttingly. “Got any battery picked out -yet?”</p> - -<p>“We’ll be it,” said Billy, with a grin. “Merriwell -pitches for Fardale, you know.”</p> - -<p>“Humph! And you’ll do the ketchin’, hey? -Well, I don’t wonder that you fellers don’t want -to bet, then!”</p> - -<p>Merry flushed a trifle.</p> - -<p>“You’re wrong, Colonel Carson. I don’t believe -in betting on principle. And especially<span class="pagenum">[56]</span> -where baseball is concerned. It’s an unhealthy -element to drag into the game, and the big baseball -men have no use for a gambler, any more -than good business men have.”</p> - -<p>This speech caused Colonel Carson to flush. -His hard-lined, unhealthy face took on a most unpleasant -aspect.</p> - -<p>“Oh, you think you’re smart!” he observed -darkly. “Young man, I’ve not forgotten what -took place yesterday morning. You’re goin’ to -regret it. I intend to make you so sick of this -town that you’ll never come back to it.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks,” said Merry easily. “The town looks -pretty good to me, though—all except the name. -Well, you haven’t said whether we’d get that -game or not.”</p> - -<p>“Of course you’ll get it,” said Colonel Carson. -“We’ll run up such a score on you that you’ll quit -before the third inning.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks again,” and Merry chuckled. “Maybe -you’ll change your mind about that. Anyhow, -we’ll make you hump.”</p> - -<p>“Humph!” grunted the colonel, as if to echo -the last word. “Two-thirty this Saturday. I’ll -provide the umpires, and they’ll be our regular -league men.”</p> - -<p>“That suits me,” said Merry, and the two -friends took their departure.</p> - -<p>Billy stated that there need be no worry about<span class="pagenum">[57]</span> -the umpiring, as that end of the league was in -good hands, and the umpires were excellent men.</p> - -<p>“That’ll help a whole lot, then,” said Merry. -“To-day is Wednesday, Billy. We will get -started to-morrow morning. Two days of practice -looks pretty slim, but I guess we can pull -through. Want to get out with your mitt for -signal work this afternoon?”</p> - -<p>“You bet!” cried Billy excitedly. “And I’ll -catch you in a real game—my eye!”</p> - -<p>“Let’s hope we don’t make exhibitions of ourselves,” -said Merry.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[58]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">CHIP GETS A LETTER.</span></h2> - - -<p>That evening, the McQuade homestead -thrummed with eager voices. Six of the best -local players, carefully picked by McCarthy, had -gathered. A good many more had offered their -services, but most of these had more enthusiasm -than baseball knowledge.</p> - -<p>“We sure need a first baseman,” exclaimed -Spaulding. Merry smiled.</p> - -<p>“I wired my chum, Owen Clancy, this afternoon,” -he explained. “He’s at Fardale now, and -has been out West. He’s just getting over a -sprained ankle, but I think he can cover first for -us all right. Now, let’s get down to business and -map things out.”</p> - -<p>Billy Mac, of course, would be backstop. He -had been practicing all afternoon with Merry, -and Chip had found that he could ask no better -partner. The lanky Dan McCarthy would cover -third, and looked as if he would do it efficiently.</p> - -<p>Jim Spaulding made a bid for the central sack. -He was one of the town players who had been -ousted by Bully Carson, and was correspondingly -bitter against the Clippers. Chub Newton -would take care of short.</p> - -<p>“We won’t be a cl-l-lassy-l-l-lookin’ bunch,”<span class="pagenum">[59]</span> -announced the little fellow, as he inspected the -ancient and tattered uniform he had brought -along, “but we’l-l-l be right there when it comes -to bal-l-l pl-l-laying!”</p> - -<p>“You bet!” chuckled McCarthy, eying his own -faded green shirt and baseball pants. “If I don’t -bang out a two-bagger, I’ll quit tryin’ to play ball, -by gum!”</p> - -<p>The outfield would be taken care of by Moore, -also an ex-Clipper; Henderson, who had been a -high-school star two years before, and a tremendously -built young chap named Nippen. This -Nippen was almost a giant in build, possessed -of terrific strength, and apparently had the general -aspect and intelligence of a cow.</p> - -<p>He was the one member of the gathering who -did not impress Merriwell as being especially -adapted for baseball. Billy, however, reassured -his friend in a whispered aside that Nippen -would produce the goods.</p> - -<p>“He doesn’t look up to much, Chip, and he -lumbers around like an overgrown puppy. But -when he lands on the ball, he kills it, and the way -he covers center field is something wonderful -to watch. You wait!”</p> - -<p>So Merry smiled and waited. Every one present -displayed inspiring eagerness to work. There -was one thing, however, which troubled Merriwell. -This was the ill feeling which they displayed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[60]</span></p> - -<p>“You’ve got to watch that, fellows,” he said. -“I noticed to-day that you weren’t a bit anxious -to avoid trouble. Now, if we start in to win that -game, it’s going to make the other crowd sore. -They’ll try to get us into a fight and break up -things. I want you to promise me that whatever -they say or do, you’ll keep your heads and -let the scrapping wait till later. We can’t afford -to get rattled, you know.”</p> - -<p>All save McCarthy recognized this fact and -readily extended their promise. The lanky third -baseman held back, however.</p> - -<p>“If that feller Squint Fletcher gets gay, I’m -goin’ to paste him,” he declared stubbornly. “I -won’t take any talk or any dirty work from him.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” said Merry quietly. “We’ll have -to find another man to cover third, I’m afraid. -We can’t take any chances that way, fellows.”</p> - -<p>McCarthy was taken all aback by this. When -he found that Merriwell was in earnest, he -scratched his head and reconsidered.</p> - -<p>“All right,” he said, “I’ll promise not to start -anything like a scrap, no matter what Squint -does. But I’m goin’ to file my spikes, jest the -same. I reckon we’d better make Merriwell captain, -fellers.”</p> - -<p>There was an instant shout of agreement. -Chip held up his hand.</p> - -<p>“Hold on, everybody! I think that Billy Mac<span class="pagenum">[61]</span> -ought to be your captain. I’m an outsider, and -I’m only butting in here, anyhow——”</p> - -<p>“Not on your life!” yelled Billy.</p> - -<p>“Yeh! You’re it, Merriwell!” chirped Chub -Newton. “I’l-l-l bank on you every time! -L-l-let’s make it unanimous, fel-l-lows!”</p> - -<p>Merry’s protests were voted down amid wild -enthusiasm, and he was elected captain of the -pick-ups. Spaulding suggested that they call -themselves the Carsonville Clippings.</p> - -<p>“That’s it!” cried Chub. “The Cl-l-lippers and -the Cl-l-lippings—wow! Won’t Bul-l-ly Carson -be mad, though!”</p> - -<p>The name was adopted with a yell of delight. -The meeting was just breaking up when there -was a ring at the doorbell, and Billy returned -with a telegram for Chip.</p> - -<p>“It’s from Clancy,” cried Merry, tearing open -the envelope. “Hello! Listen to this, fellows!”</p> - -<p>And, holding up the message, he read as follows:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>Coming on the jump. Ankle fine. Bringing your uniform -and some balls. Arrive to-morrow noon via <em>Hornet</em>.</p> - -<p class="center p-1 shiftright"><span class="smcap">Owen Clancy</span>.</p></div> - -<p>“What’s the <em>Hornet</em>?” inquired Billy, in wonder. -“There’s no noon train in!”</p> - -<p>“That’s Clancy’s car,” laughed Merry. “It’s -an old auto that he took off the scrap heap and -made into a racer, though it doesn’t look up to -much. He brought it with him from the West.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[62]</span></p> - -<p>“I’d like to put him up,” volunteered Spaulding. -“We’ve got lots of room at our place, and -he’d be welcome to stay a month.”</p> - -<p>Billy protested, for he wanted Clancy as a -guest himself, but Merriwell knew that two -guests would sorely tax good Mrs. McQuade’s -resources, so he accepted Spaulding’s offer gratefully. -The meeting broke up with the first practice -set for the following morning, Chub Newton -stating that he would get off work easily enough, -as his employer had no love for the Carsons.</p> - -<p>Merriwell rather expected that he would get a -letter from his father in the morning’s mail, but -none came. Though he said nothing of it, this -worried him slightly. He had explained to Billy -that he had written his father, asking for the -thousand dollars, and he began to wonder if his -letter had miscarried.</p> - -<p>He soon forgot his worry, when the Clippings -assembled on an old diamond used by the high -school. It was in a meadow beside the river. -Three or four old balls were produced, and Merry -at once set to work to get an idea of what his -team could do.</p> - -<p>The results were both encouraging and discouraging. -The diamond was rough and uncared -for, so that the infield had a tough time judging -balls, but the base throws were excellent, and -they showed good form.</p> - -<p>Merry handed up slow ones, and the batting<span class="pagenum">[63]</span> -practice proved that in this quarter his team was -lamentably weak. Chub Newton would bite at -anything. McCarthy faced the plate wickedly, -but his eye was poor on slow ones, and it was said -that Bully Carson did his best work with a fadeaway -ball.</p> - -<p>Spaulding proved to be a fair batsman, while -Nippen landed on Merry’s first ball and knocked -it into the middle of the river. Henderson and -Moore did poorly, and, although the three outfielders -showed up better on gathering in high -ones, Merry was not greatly encouraged when he -and Billy went home for lunch.</p> - -<p>“We’ve got a tough nut to crack here, old -man,” he remarked soberly. “Can the Clippers -hit pretty well?”</p> - -<p>“That’s their strong suit,” gloomily returned -Billy Mac. “They get a pitcher going, and it’s -all off with him. They’re pretty ragged when it -comes to headwork, but they give Carson mighty -good support. Yes, they can certainly hit. -Squint Fletcher leads the league.”</p> - -<p>“Slugging doesn’t always mean hitting,” said -Merry cheerfully. “Brace up, old man! We’ve -a day and a half for practice, and we’re going to -improve a whole lot.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll need to,” muttered Billy. He halted -suddenly, staring up at the house just ahead of -them. “Hello! There’s a machine standing out -in front!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[64]</span></p> - -<p>“Clancy must have come ahead of time!” cried -Merry.</p> - -<p>The two burst into a run. Reaching the -veranda, they found a red-haired young fellow -seated in a rocker. He was talking with Mrs. -McQuade. At sight of Merriwell, he leaped up -and vaulted the railing.</p> - -<p>“Hello, Chip!” he cried, wringing Merry’s -hand. “Wow! I’m glad to see you!”</p> - -<p>“Same here,” returned Chip. “I see you’ve -already met Mrs. McQuade, eh?”</p> - -<p>“We’re old friends by this time,” said Clancy. -“Hello, Billy! I haven’t seen you since last fall. -How’s everything?”</p> - -<p>“Pretty good,” stated Billy, forgetting his -troubles for the moment. “When do we get some -eats, mother?”</p> - -<p>“Lunch is all ready,” said Mrs. McQuade, who -had taken a fancy to the red-haired chap already. -“Do you want to bring your stuff inside, -Mr. Clancy?”</p> - -<p>Merriwell hastily explained that Clan was -going to stop with Jim Spaulding, and they -turned to examine the load heaped in the vacant -seat of the machine.</p> - -<p>This was composed of two Fardale uniforms, -together with a catcher’s mitt, protector, and -mask, and a half dozen balls. On these Billy -pounced with delight.</p> - -<p>“Wait till this afternoon, Chip! We couldn’t<span class="pagenum">[65]</span> -do much with those old balls this morning, but -we’ll show you something this afternoon! Say, -this looks pretty good to me.”</p> - -<p>“Something to eat would look pretty good to -<em>me</em>,” said Clancy. “I’ve been hitting the high -places ever since early this morning. Say, it -certainly did feel good to go out and have your -mother pump water over me, Billy. Reminded -me of days on the farm.”</p> - -<p>The three settled down about the table, and -Merry at once launched into a description of -events at Carsonville. Billy and his mother never -tired of watching the bronzed young fellow, who -had been regaling Mrs. McQuade with tales of -his adventures in Arizona, and Clancy polished -off the good things before him with astonishing -rapidity.</p> - -<p>“It listens good to me,” he commented, with a -sigh, when, at length, he could stow no more -away. “I hear at Fardale that Billy has developed -into quite a backstop, eh?”</p> - -<p>“Sure,” said Merry. “He’s a wonder, and no -mistake, Clan.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, my eye!” sniffed Billy. “Just because I -happen to hold on to your double shoots, you -needn’t raise my modesty like that!”</p> - -<p>“It isn’t every one who can hang on to them,” -said Clancy. “Oh, by the way, Chip, I came -mighty near forgetting! Your father was at -Fardale yesterday on a flying visit.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[66]</span></p> - -<p>And he began to dig excitedly at his pocket, -finally extricating an envelope which he handed -to Merry.</p> - -<p>“Your father asked me to give this to you. He -said it would get to you quicker than if he mailed -it.”</p> - -<p>Merriwell nodded. With a word of apology to -Mrs. McQuade, he tore open the envelope, half -expecting to see an inclosure. None fell out. He -ran his eye quickly over the letter, and his cheeks -paled a trifle, then he refolded it, and put it in -his pocket.</p> - -<p>Five minutes later he stood on the veranda with -Billy. Clancy was down in the drive explaining -the hidden beauty of his car to Mrs. McQuade.</p> - -<p>“What’s the trouble, Chip? Wouldn’t he let -you have the coin?” asked Billy.</p> - -<p>“I’m sorry, old man,” and Merriwell bit his -lip. “He didn’t think it wise.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[67]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">GETTING DOWN TO WORK.</span></h2> - - -<p>Merriwell drew out the letter and sank into a -chair. While Billy listened, he read over that -portion of the letter referring to the request for -a loan. Chip read as follows:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“I sympathize very deeply with both Billy and his -mother, Frank, and I would be glad to have you read this -to Billy, and assure him of my best regards and wishes. -As to lending you the money, however, I do not think that -this would be wise, for several reasons.</p> - -<p>“The first and most important is that it seems to me to -be a poor way in which to checkmate a scoundrel like this -Colonel Carson. I have made inquiries about him, and -find that he had a reputation as a plunger on ball games, -and is wrapped up in the success of his own team.</p> - -<p>“I think you have done well in raising a team to defeat -the Clippers, as intimated in your wire to Clancy. I -was going to suggest that very thing. If you and Billy can -beat his club, it would be an ideal way in which to punish -him. I only wish that more of the Fardale boys were -here, so that they could come down and help, but vacation -has scattered them.”</p></div> - -<p>“That’s all very well,” interrupted Billy -mournfully, “but licking the Clippers isn’t going -to save this house for mother, Chip. I wish—I -wish we’d taken a chance on it, and taken up that -bet he offered!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[68]</span></p> - -<p>“No, you don’t,” exclaimed Merriwell. “Hold -on, Billy. I haven’t finished yet.”</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Go ahead and whip Carson’s team, Frank. You and -Billy and Clancy can do it if you try, and remember that -I’ve every faith in all of you. Do it, and I will see that -Billy and his mother do not lose the roof over their heads.</p> - -<p class="center p-1 shiftright">Your loving father,<br /> -<span class="smcap" style="padding-left:8em">Frank Merriwell, Senior</span>.”</p></div> - -<p>Merry looked up to meet his friend’s startled -gaze.</p> - -<p>“What does he mean by that, Chip?”</p> - -<p>“Search me,” said Merry, as he stowed away -the letter. “But you can be sure that father -means something, all right.”</p> - -<p>“I guess he does,” rejoined Billy, new hope -dawning in his eyes. “My eyes! It’s a promise, -Chip! I’ll bet he means that if we beat the -Clippers he’ll lend you the coin!”</p> - -<p>“No,” and young Merriwell shook his head -decidedly. “He doesn’t think it a good plan, old -man, and that ends it. Father doesn’t have to say -a thing twice. Yes, it’s a promise, I imagine. I’ve -no idea what he means by it, of course, but he -has some kind of plan up his sleeve. You quit -worrying.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll try,” said Billy, with a sigh. “But I wish -he’d said something a little more definite than -that.”</p> - -<p>“So do I, Billy,” confessed Merry. “He didn’t, -so there’s no use wondering. I’m not going to<span class="pagenum">[69]</span> -say anything to Clan about this business, so now -let’s go around to Jim’s house with him, then -we’ll get out to the ball field again.”</p> - -<p>Merriwell decided that the McQuades’ trouble -was a personal affair. He had entered into it -largely through accident, and he did not consider -it a matter to share even with Clancy. So all -three of the friends piled into the <em>Hornet</em>, Billy -standing on the running board, and they made a -triumphal progress to the Spaulding residence.</p> - -<p>Despite his unbounded confidence in his father, -Chip could not help feeling disappointed over that -letter. However, the definite promise at the end -served to relieve his anxiety, to some extent, but -he could see no light upon the subject. How could -his father prevent Colonel Carson from carrying -out his threats?</p> - -<p>As he obtained no answer to this mental -query, Merriwell tried to forget the whole thing, -and trust that his father knew best. But it was -no easy matter.</p> - -<p>That afternoon they met the other Clippings on -the village green, going from there to their practice -ground. Chub Newton had been given a -vacation until Saturday night, and his employer -had promised that if the Clippers were beaten, -Chub would get full pay.</p> - -<p>In fact, the entire town was already plunged -into excitement over the sudden contest. Public -disapproval of Bully Carson had long simmered<span class="pagenum">[70]</span> -beneath the surface, kept under cover by the influence -and general fear of Colonel Carson.</p> - -<p>It was not yet daring enough to show itself -openly, but it peeped forth in minor ways. Every -one knew that Billy McQuade, prompted by his -guest from Fardale, Chip Merriwell, had dared -to defy Colonel Carson. Also, that half a dozen -of the town’s best local baseball talent had joined -the two friends.</p> - -<p>Consequently, the grocer’s son, who was taking -Chub Newton’s place behind the counter temporarily, -ran out with a bag of apples and deposited -them mysteriously on the ground by the -astonished Clippings. A little later, as they -passed the one ice-cream parlor in the place, the -proprietor appeared suddenly and thrust a paper -bucket of ice cream into Spaulding’s hand, then -vanished without a word.</p> - -<p>By such tokens as these, Frank and his friends -soon discovered that they were not without secret -good wishers, though none of the latter dared -come into the open.</p> - -<p>“Talk about a scared town!” laughed Clancy, -munching an apple vigorously. “Looks like your -friend Carson had this place buffaloed for sure, -Chip!”</p> - -<p>“Well, there’s good reason for it,” explained -Spaulding. “The colonel owns the bank here, -and pretty near half the farms and orchards -around. If he said to smash a merchant, that<span class="pagenum">[71]</span> -merchant would be apt to smash. I know, because -he’s done it before this, and he’d do it -again.”</p> - -<p>“It’s a pretty poor kind of influence to hold -over people,” declared Frank. “I’d hate to walk -down the street and know that nine out of ten -people hated me in their hearts.”</p> - -<p>“The colonel doesn’t know it. He’s got too -much vanity. And he wouldn’t care very much -if he did realize it, I guess.”</p> - -<p>“Somebody ought to l-l-lam him good,” piped -Chub. “I’d l-l-like to see him run out of town!”</p> - -<p>“Maybe you will some day,” growled McCarthy -ominously.</p> - -<p>“Don’t forget your promise,” said Frank, in a -low voice.</p> - -<p>“No danger o’ that, Merriwell. I filed them -spikes o’ mine, though.”</p> - -<p>“See here, Dan, I don’t want to have any of -that work——”</p> - -<p>“I ain’t goin’ to start anythin’, I said,” broke -in the lanky youth doggedly. “And I won’t. But -I ain’t goin’ to let trouble hit me over the ear, -you bet. I’ll be jest as meek as a lamb until they -try dirty work on me, only I want to be ready.”</p> - -<p>Frank nodded. After all, he did not greatly -blame McCarthy for distrusting the caliber of -Squint Fletcher, or, for that matter, the rest of -the Carsonville club. He did not believe in fighting<span class="pagenum">[72]</span> -fire with fire, but he saw that it would be -useless to try argument with Dan McCarthy.</p> - -<p>So he let the matter drop, confident that the -lanky third baseman would not be the first to -start any “dirty work.” The general sentiment -of the Clippings was that the Clippers would not -stop at anything to win, but that the umpiring -would be fair.</p> - -<p>“I want you to help me out, Clan,” said Frank, -as he walked along beside his old chum. “These -chaps are just aching for a good chance to start -a scrap with the other team. They’ve all promised -me that they’d go slow during the game, but -I want you to get after ’em during practice.”</p> - -<p>“In what way, Chip?”</p> - -<p>“By showing them how necessary it is that -they keep their heads. That’s our only hope. If -our boys get rattled, the Clippers will walk away -with us. Impress on them, Clan, that, no matter -what provocation they get, they have to keep -quiet while the game is on. What happens later -doesn’t concern me.”</p> - -<p>Clancy grinned. “All right. Count on me, -Chip.”</p> - -<p>Upon reaching the practice grounds, Merry at -once sent the men to their positions. He took the -bat, and for half an hour gave the entire team a -driving practice work-out. The new white balls -seemed, oddly enough, to put new heart into his -team.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[73]</span></p> - -<p>It showed them that Frank and Clancy meant -business. It was a little thing, but it is just such -little things that count tremendously. The red-haired -chap covered first like a demon, scooping -up everything that came his way. His example -fired the others.</p> - -<p>As Billy had foretold, the Clippings seemed -like a different set of players. They went after -the ball with a vim. Spaulding, Chub, and -McCarthy tackled anything, and managed to -smother the stiffest ones Frank drove at them.</p> - -<p>In the outfield, the marvelous fielding of Nippen -astonished Merriwell. The gigantic, overgrown -fruit picker, in his lumbering fashion, -fairly ate up the ground. When he went after a -high one, he seemed never to know where it would -fall, but when it came down, it invariably plunked -into his mitt. He had no science, but he seemed -to have luck.</p> - -<p>“How do they strike you?” inquired Merry, -as he and Clan conferred during a brief rest.</p> - -<p>“Pretty promising bunch, Chip. But when -they get up against those Clippers, it’ll be a whole -lot different. Those fellows can do in their sleep -what this crowd has to break their necks over.”</p> - -<p>“That’s true, but, just the same, they’ll improve -a lot by Saturday.”</p> - -<p>Clancy shook his head doubtfully. It was clear -that he was not greatly impressed by the Clippings.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[74]</span></p> - -<p>The batting practice that followed served to -back up Clancy’s opinions. Calling in the outfielders, -Frank kept putting over nothing but outs -and ins and straight fast ones, yet the batters -could not seem to connect.</p> - -<p>His coaching helped them a good deal, but -nothing wonderful resulted. Nippen seemed to -have spent all his energy on the one ball he had -struck that morning. Chub Newton could hit -nothing. Henderson was afraid to stand up to -the plate, and Billy McQuade seemed to have -lost his batting eye.</p> - -<p>McCarthy, however, fell on the ball, and -pounded it viciously until Frank served him up -slow floaters, when he failed lamentably. Then -Merry put Billy through his paces as backstop, -using everything from the double shoot to the -jump ball; and the work-out was over.</p> - -<p>“It’s a bum lookout,” observed Billy, when they -were walking together past the orchard to the -house. “We did pretty rotten at bat to-day.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, not so bad,” said Frank encouragingly. -“We’ll all be nerved up more on Saturday, for -one thing. Then remember, Bill, it isn’t the sluggers -who win.”</p> - -<p>“That’s right, Chip. Do you honestly think -we’ve got a show?”</p> - -<p>“I do,” replied Frank earnestly. “Our fellows -are fine on base-throwing, and when they get to -work on a decent diamond, the results will be<span class="pagenum">[75]</span> -astonishing. I really think we’ve an excellent -chance, old man.”</p> - -<p>“Then that takes a load off my mind,” said -Billy, with a sigh. “I thought you’d be pretty -disgusted with us.”</p> - -<p>Frank smiled and patted him on the back cheeringly. -But in his heart he felt that, while the -Clippings might have a chance, it was a terribly -slim one.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[76]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">COLONEL CARSON MAKES A BET.</span></h2> - - -<p>On Friday morning, the day before the game, -Colonel Carson was standing in the lobby of the -Carsonville Bank. He appeared extremely discontented.</p> - -<p>“Not a one,” he said disgustedly. “Everybody -in town is scared to bet on them Clippings.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t wonder,” sneered Bully Carson derisively. -“They’re a bunch of pick-ups.”</p> - -<p>Bully Carson wore his most flamboyant attire, -for he would not go to work-out with the Clippers -for another hour. From one corner of his mouth -drooped a limp cigarette.</p> - -<p>“Too bad you can’t place a few dollars,” he -went on. “It’d be easy money.”</p> - -<p>“Is your arm all right?” inquired the colonel.</p> - -<p>“Never better. Hello, who’s that gink?”</p> - -<p>The two turned to gaze at the doorway. The -bank had just been opened for business, and, as -things were not very brisk in Carsonville, this -was the first customer of the day. And he was -evidently a stranger.</p> - -<p>“Must ’a’ come in on the mornin’ train,” observed -Bully.</p> - -<p>He was a well-set-up, quietly dressed man, and -would have attracted little attention save for his -remarkably fine build. A soft crush hat was<span class="pagenum">[77]</span> -pulled down over a pair of very keen but pleasant -eyes, and the lower portion of his face was -hidden by a curly dark beard.</p> - -<p>The stranger gave a single glance at the two, -and walked to the teller’s window. With a nod -and a cheery “Good morning,” he drew out a long -bill book and opened it. Colonel Carson gasped -and clutched at his son’s shoulder, for the bill -book appeared to be crammed with yellowbacks.</p> - -<p>“I have a couple of certified checks I’d like -you to cash for me, if you will.”</p> - -<p>His voice was quiet and self-restrained.</p> - -<p>“Certainly, sir,” replied the teller.</p> - -<p>The stranger shoved the two checks he had -taken out through the window. The teller -glanced at them, and his jaw fell. He excused -himself, then beckoned to Colonel Carson to -come over.</p> - -<p>“These are pretty large checks, colonel,” he -said apologetically.</p> - -<p>“Humph!” grunted Carson, and turned to the -stranger. “Made out to John Smith! Is that -your name?”</p> - -<p>“Aren’t those checks sufficient warrant?” -smiled the stranger. “They’re certified, and -ought to be as good as gold, Colonel Carson.”</p> - -<p>“You know me?” The bank owner looked surprised.</p> - -<p>“I’ve heard of you,” returned John Smith -pleasantly. “You see, I’m quite a follower of<span class="pagenum">[78]</span> -baseball, though I don’t often get away from -home. I’ve heard a good deal of the Carsonville -Clippers, and came over to have a look at -them.”</p> - -<p>Bully Carson swelled visibly. His father -turned to the teller.</p> - -<p>“It’s all right, I guess. Two thousand is a -big sum, but they’re certified. Mr. Smith, meet -my son. He’s the pitcher o’ the Clippers. Goin’ -to stay for the game to-morrow?”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps,” smiled John Smith. “I’ll see what -the chances are for placing a few bets around -here.”</p> - -<p>He winked knowingly, and Colonel Carson -flung Bully a warning glance.</p> - -<p>“We got an awful tough team to go up -against,” he said, tugging at his goatee. “I’d like -to bet on the Clippers myself, but durned if I -don’t think we’ll get beat.”</p> - -<p>Bully had caught that look.</p> - -<p>“Yes, they got a feller named Merriwell,” he -said dolefully. “I dunno’s I’ll be much good -against him, either.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Merriwell! I’ve heard of him often,” exclaimed -the stranger. “By Jove, I’d like to get -a bet down on his team, whatever it is! I suppose -I could see the two teams at work, -couldn’t I?”</p> - -<p>“Sure, I’ll take care o’ you, Mr. Smith,” volunteered -Bully.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[79]</span></p> - -<p>He went off arm in arm with the stranger, and -Colonel Carson turned to his teller.</p> - -<p>“There’s an easy mark! When Bully gets -through with him, he’ll be ready to put up some -real coin on them Clippings, mind my words!”</p> - -<p>Colonel Carson’s confidence in his son was -well placed. Indeed, Bully had no easy task, for -not a soul in Carsonville had any great belief that -the Clippers would be defeated the next day.</p> - -<p>The stranger went out to the park with them, -and was pleasantly astonished by the concrete -stands and excellent diamond.</p> - -<p>“You have quite a place here, eh,” he observed. -“Go ahead, boys, don’t mind me.”</p> - -<p>The Clippers did not appear to mind him in -the least. They went to work, and, after watching -them a little time, the stranger was evidently -well satisfied. Bully Carson seemed to have difficulty -in finding the plate. His infield gave him -wretched support, making wild throws, and letting -the ball tear through them.</p> - -<p>His outfield did little better. On the whole, -the stranger was anything but well impressed by -the Clippers, and did not hesitate to say as much -on the way back to town. Bully Carson agreed -that they were in poor shape, but when the -stranger had left him, he congratulated his team -warmly.</p> - -<p>“I guess that feller’s hooked,” he observed -sagely, and hastened home.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[80]</span></p> - -<p>After casual inquiries about town, John Smith -found his way to where the team captained by -Frank Merriwell, junior, was working out during -the afternoon. As this was their first visitor, -the Clippings displayed no little curiosity, seeing -that he was a stranger to them, but he held aloof -from the diamond.</p> - -<p>“Who is he—one of the umpires?” inquired -Frank.</p> - -<p>“Search me,” returned Billy Mac. “He’s a -new one in this burg.”</p> - -<p>“It’s a scout for the Phil-l-ladel-l-lphia Ath-l-letics,” -chirruped Chub Newton from second. -“He’s l-l-lookin’ for recruits.”</p> - -<p>“What’s that?” cried McCarthy excitedly, taking -Chub seriously.</p> - -<p>“Sure, he’s goin’ to sign you on, Dan,” grinned -Spaulding.</p> - -<p>McCarthy did not see the joke. He advanced -to take his turn at batting, and, when Frank -handed him a stiff inshoot, he fell on it and -knocked the ball through Chub’s hands. Then -Merry began teasing him, but he refused to bite, -until he caught one on the nose and lined it -out.</p> - -<p>“Wow? Mebbe that’ll show him what Dan -McCarthy can do!” he yelled, as the ball zipped.</p> - -<p>When he discovered that he had been victimized, -he turned on Chub.</p> - -<p>“You blamed little yapper!” he said. “You’d<span class="pagenum">[81]</span> -be a whole lot s’prised to find that he <em>was</em> a big-league -scout, wouldn’t you?”</p> - -<p>“Yah!” piped Chub jubilantly. “L-l-line her -out again, Dan!”</p> - -<p>The stranger hung around for an hour, speaking -to no one, but watching the practice intently. -Finally he drifted off in the direction of town.</p> - -<p>Once back in the town, he began inquiries as -to Colonel Carson’s whereabouts. That individual -was not hard to find. In fact, he was -on a still hunt for the stranger, and finally encountered -him near the bank.</p> - -<p>“Well, Mr. Smith, how’d the two teams strike -you?”</p> - -<p>“The Clippers didn’t look up to much, to my -mind,” said the stranger easily. “Of course, I -may be mistaken, but Merriwell’s crowd seemed -to be pretty good. Why, one of those fellows -lammed the ball a mile, Carson!”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” and Colonel Carson fingered his goatee, -“them fellers can hit, Smith. Placed any bets -yet?”</p> - -<p>“Well, no,” replied the stranger. “I rather -thought I might induce you to put up a little -money.”</p> - -<p>“I ain’t very flush right now,” said the colonel -cunningly. It was not the first time that he and -Bully had worked together to good advantage. -“Still, I dunno as I’d mind placin’ a little on the -Clippers, seeing’s they belong to me.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[82]</span></p> - -<p>“Ah, you’re a true sport!” cried Smith heartily. -“Oh, by the way—I have some friends here -by the name of McQuade. Perhaps you know -where Mr. McQuade lives, colonel?”</p> - -<p>“Well, yes. He lives in the cemetery, right -now, Smith. He’s been dead quite a spell.”</p> - -<p>“Dead! You don’t say!” The stranger was -visibly perturbed. “Poor McQuade! He never -had much head for business. I suppose he died -poor?”</p> - -<p>“He died owin’ me two thousand,” said Colonel -Carson grimly. “I got a mortgage on his -place over by the river, right in my safe. I’m -goin’ to foreclose, too.”</p> - -<p>“Well, well! Did he leave any family?”</p> - -<p>“Son an’ widder,” jerked the other. “Son’s -ketchin’ on Merriwell’s team.”</p> - -<p>John Smith glanced around. The town constable -stood at a little distance, and the stranger -pointed at him.</p> - -<p>“That’s the constable, isn’t it, Carson? Well, -let’s bring him into your office, and if we can -make a little bet, he could be stakeholder. Eh?”</p> - -<p>Colonel Carson grinned to himself, and agreed -with some show of hesitation. With the constable -following, they entered the bank and sat -down in the owner’s private room.</p> - -<p>“Look here, Carson,” said the stranger affably. -“I’ve been thinking this thing over. McQuade -used to be an old friend of mine, and I hate to<span class="pagenum">[83]</span> -think of his widow and son being left out in the -cold. I tell you what I’ll do. I’ll set two thousand -dollars against that mortgage you hold.</p> - -<p>“If you win, the money’s yours. If the Clippers -are beaten, then I get the mortgage. How -does that sound?”</p> - -<p>“No good,” stated Carson firmly. “The McQuade -place is worth a heap more’n that sum, -Smith. I got that mortgage cheap.”</p> - -<p>The stranger looked disappointed.</p> - -<p>“Well,” he remarked, replacing the bill book -which he had taken from his inner pocket, “I -don’t know that I’m very anxious to bet against -the Clippers, anyway. I’d risk the sum for the -sake of McQuade’s family, out of pure sentiment, -but—— Well, I’ll hang about town and -see if I can’t get a bit of money down on your -team. After all, it’s safer.”</p> - -<p>He rose, with a gesture of dismissal to the constable.</p> - -<p>“Hold on!” cried Colonel Carson. “You ain’t -in earnest, Smith?”</p> - -<p>“Why, of course!” said the stranger. “Merriwell’s -team is untried and green. After all, I -might be foolish——”</p> - -<p>“Set down, set down,” and the colonel reached -out to his safe. “I’ve got that mortgage right -here. I reckon I’ll take a chance, Smith.”</p> - -<p>And once more he grinned to himself.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[84]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">HOW THE GAME OPENED.</span></h2> - - -<p>Carsonville was emptying itself.</p> - -<p>Every person in town, young and old, was a -baseball enthusiast. The grand stand and bleachers -of the club grounds were invariably crowded -every Saturday. But on this one Saturday it -seemed as though the town had gone crazy over -the game.</p> - -<p>So, after a fashion, it had. Despite its support -of the Clippers, Carsonville turned out to -see baseball, rather than to see the Clippers play. -It loved the game for itself. Down underneath -the surface, however, it cherished a warm dislike -for the Clippers and their captain.</p> - -<p>This dislike had been, perforce, hidden, for -fear of antagonizing the autocrat of Carsonville. -When the home team had been playing, all personalities -had been forgotten in the game itself. -On such occasions, even Bully Carson had become -popular for the moment, if he won a game.</p> - -<p>It was quite different on this Saturday, however. -The Carsons had been defied, and when -the crowd had streamed into the park, it forgot -all about its fear of Colonel Carson’s power.</p> - -<p>“I hope them Clippers get trounced! I hope -Bully Carson gets knocked out of the box!” cried<span class="pagenum">[85]</span> -old Abner Powell, on whose forty acres the colonel -held a heavy mortgage.</p> - -<p>“So do I! Hurray for the Clippings!” yelled -the teller of the Carsonville bank.</p> - -<p>“Here’s where the colonel gets took down!” -shouted the Carsons’ hired man.</p> - -<p>Every one had forgotten their fears, under the -magic influence of the ball park. And every one -had raised the price of a seat. By general consent, -it was the largest crowd that the Carsonville -park had ever held.</p> - -<p>Every man on the two teams was known personally -to the fans, except Merriwell and Clancy. -Even they were known by reputation, though few -of the townsfolk had dared to show support by -watching the Clippings practice.</p> - -<p>The line-up of the two teams was announced -that morning by bulletin:</p> - -<div class="center"> -<p class="displayinline" style="margin-right:2em"> -<span class="smallfont" style="padding-left:1em">CLIPPINGS.</span><br /> -McCarthy, 3d b.<br /> -Nippen, c. f.<br /> -Clancy, 1st b.<br /> -Merriwell, p.<br /> -McQuade, c.<br /> -Spaulding, 2d b.<br /> -Moore, l. f.<br /> -Henderson, r. f.<br /> -Newton, ss. -</p> - -<p class="displayinline" style="margin-left:2em"> -<span class="smallfont" style="padding-left:1em">CLIPPERS.</span><br /> -Fletcher, c.<br /> -Burkett, 1st b.<br /> -Bangs, 3d b.<br /> -Ironton, ss.<br /> -Johnson, r. f.<br /> -Murray, 2d b.<br /> -Carson, p.<br /> -Runge, l. f.<br /> -Merrell, c. f. -</p> -</div> - -<p>The diamond was in perfect condition, its caretaker -having spent all morning getting it in shape.<span class="pagenum">[86]</span> -Every line was freshly marked, every inch carefully -raked free of hindrances. The very sight -of it was a joy to the fans, empty though it stood.</p> - -<p>And it was joy to Merriwell and Clancy, also, -when they arrived at the clubhouse beneath the -grand stand. Both had been too busy to look at -the place, but they were instantly delighted by it. -Meantime, the <em>Hornet</em> proceeded around to the -field with Mrs. McQuade and Jim Spaulding’s -young brother.</p> - -<p>“It’s a peach of a place, Chip!” cried the red-haired -chap.</p> - -<p>“Yes—look at that diamond! I don’t remember -when I’ve seen a better cared-for place.”</p> - -<p>Merry continued his inspection as the rest of -his team poured in to dress. There were bleachers -behind first and third, all well filled, and the -only symptom of neglect was in the high board -fence. Directly behind second, in the center -fielder’s territory, there was a strip of fence ten -feet wide that had been leveled. This, it appeared, -had been cut out to erect a large score -board, but there had been delay in the shipment -of materials, and the gap was unfilled.</p> - -<p>Billy Mac pointed to the river, which ran about -a hundred yards behind the fence.</p> - -<p>“No home runs in this field,” he said, “unless -the ball goes into the river. You see, the diamond -inclosure is a little small, Chip. Outside of -the fence it’s marshy, and it would have cost a<span class="pagenum">[87]</span> -lot to fill in. So they compromised on that ground -rule. If the ball goes into the river, it’s a home -run. It’s never yet gone in, though.”</p> - -<p>“Queer kind of ground rule,” growled Clancy. -“But there’s no accounting for tastes, so let’s -try to put the ball in the water, fellows!”</p> - -<p>“We’l-l-l try,” piped Chub resolutely. “When -do we practice?”</p> - -<p>“Right now,” exclaimed Frank. “We’re a little -early, so we’ll get to work and let the Clippers -howl, if they want to.”</p> - -<p>When the Clippings walked out, they were -greeted by a long yell from the fans. Then there -rose a buzz of voices as the players trotted out -to their places, and Merry began to drive hot -ones along the infield.</p> - -<p>Every one was wondering how the home talent -would show up. No sooner had the ball begun to -snap around the bases than shout after shout -pealed up. Despite their rare and wonderful uniforms, -the Clippings showed form!</p> - -<p>Even Frank was surprised. On the level diamond -his team proved that they could do something, -after all. They went after the ball with -ginger, and the way they snapped it up was -astonishing.</p> - -<p>The Clippers now produced themselves, and -promptly spread out behind the foul lines to inspect -their opponents. They delivered themselves<span class="pagenum">[88]</span> -of comments, which were audible over -most of the field.</p> - -<p>“Look at the uniforms!” yelled Squint Fletcher. -“They used them kind fifty years ago! Pipe the -Irish third baseman! Wow!”</p> - -<p>“Who’s that scrubby runt playin’ short?” cried -Ironton, waving his fists. “Wait till I land on -him!”</p> - -<p>“I’l-l-l show you!” chirped Newton angrily. -“Wait til-l-l——”</p> - -<p>“Listen to him!” cried Ironton. “Wow! He -talks like a washing machine!”</p> - -<p>Even the crowd laughed at that, for every one -knew Chub. The little fellow lost his temper, -and sent the ball far over third.</p> - -<p>“They’re easy,” commented Bully, in contempt. -“We got their goat already. You watch -when that Merriwell gets up to the plate. I’ll lam -him in the head.”</p> - -<p>“You’d better try it!” retorted Clancy heatedly. -Merry signed to him to walk up toward -the box, with Chub.</p> - -<p>“You fellows keep quiet,” he said. “Pass the -word around not to give any back talk unnecessarily. -First thing we know, this will be a free-for-all, -and we have to avoid that if possible.”</p> - -<p>The Clippings tried to restrain themselves, but -it was hard work for them to keep from answering -the taunts that poured in from Bully Carson’s -men. At length, Frank signed to his team,<span class="pagenum">[89]</span> -and they trotted in. The Clippers spread out on -the field, and began to amuse themselves with -threats of what they would do to their opponents, -while they tossed the ball around.</p> - -<p>In Colonel Carson’s private box, square in the -center of the grand stand, sat the colonel and -his new acquaintance, John Smith. The latter -had accepted the proffered seat gratefully, though -he refused the proffered stogies, pleading that -his health did not permit smoking.</p> - -<p>As the Clippings came in to their bench, they -looked up and saw the stranger.</p> - -<p>“There’s your scout, Dan,” chuckled Billy. -“Only it looks like he was friends with the wrong -side.”</p> - -<p>The stranger waved a hand at them.</p> - -<p>“Go in and win!” he cried. “You’ve got ’em -licked, Merriwell!”</p> - -<p>“You bet!” returned Clancy quickly. “Just -watch our smoke, Whiskers!”</p> - -<p>The stranger’s white teeth flashed through his -beard, and he turned his attention to the Clippers -as they fell to work.</p> - -<p>“They seem to do better than they did yesterday,” -he remarked suddenly.</p> - -<p>Colonel Carson leaned back and grinned complacently.</p> - -<p>“I reckon they slept well last night, Smith,” he -drawled. “Any team is liable to an off day, you -know.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[90]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes, I know,” returned Smith sharply. “It -looks to me as if you had let me in for a bit of -sharp practice, Carson.”</p> - -<p>“Sport is sport,” observed the colonel, with a -grin. “You risks your money, and you takes your -chance.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve a good mind to call the bet off!”</p> - -<p>“No, ye don’t! The constable’s down keepin’ -order in the bleachers, and you can’t locate him -’fore the game starts if ye want to. ’Sides, I -reckon you ain’t a welsher.”</p> - -<p>The stranger allowed himself to be soothed -down, and settled himself to watch the progress -of things.</p> - -<p>Frank and Bully Carson met with the two umpires, -and went over the ground rule regarding a -home run.</p> - -<p>“No chance o’ your scrubs gettin’ the ball in -the river,” jeered Carson. “Don’t need to worry -over it. Ain’t never been done, anyhow!”</p> - -<p>“That’s no sign it can’t be done,” said Frank, -with a smile.</p> - -<p>A gong rang out. Merry and Carson quickly -discussed the question of outs and ins, while the -umpires were announcing the batteries.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to git in the box first crack, an’ knock -your block off,” growled Bully. “But I dunno’s -I wouldn’t jest as soon knock you out o’ the box. -Take your choice.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks,” said Merry easily. “Since you’re<span class="pagenum">[91]</span> -so kind, I think we’ll give you a chance to get a -home run, Bully. According to the batting order, -I’m afraid you won’t get a crack till the third -inning, though.”</p> - -<p>Carson, whose name stood seventh on the list, -glowered derisively.</p> - -<p>“Huh! We’ll prob’bly bat around twice in the -first inning, you joke! You’d better get another -pitcher warmin’ up.”</p> - -<p>“Come on, Bully,” cried Squint Fletcher. -“Leave that poor simp alone!”</p> - -<p>No one had any need to hear the umpires’ announcement, -and it was drowned in a roar of -cheers as the Clippings went out to their positions. -Colonel Carson glowered and tugged at -his goatee, then smiled as Squint Fletcher advanced -to the plate amid a mingling of hisses and -cheers. Squint had his backers, who liked him -for his rough-and-ready tactics.</p> - -<p>Indeed, it soon developed that the Clippers -were not without friends. The general sentiment -was against them, but there were plenty of -hoodlums and toadies who were willing to cheer -them. Also, many farmers had come in, who -were used to yelling for the Clippers.</p> - -<p>The umpires took their positions, and Merry -whipped over three balls to Billy. Squint stepped -up to the plate, with a sneer, and balanced himself -aggressively. Billy Mac signed for the double -shoot.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[92]</span></p> - -<p>Frank nodded, took his time, and, amid a wild -shriek of delight from the crowd, delivered the -first pitched ball. Squint Fletcher pulled down -his bat—and there was a crack like a pistol shot.</p> - -<p>Squint had landed square on Frank Merriwell, -junior’s, famous double shoot!</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[93]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE CLIPPINGS GET WILD.</span></h2> - - -<p>The connection, however, was so plainly an -accident, and Squint himself looked so bewildered, -that every one roared with laughter.</p> - -<p>The ball went almost straight up in the air over -first, until it seemed to lose itself in the sky. -Fletcher came pounding down the base line, while -Bully Carson, behind first, sent a roar at Clancy.</p> - -<p>The red-haired first baseman was not rattled, -however. He calmly stepped back, pulled down -his cap, and waited. The ball came down like a -bullet and stuck in his glove.</p> - -<p>“Out!”</p> - -<p>Roar after roar of applause went up. The -Clippings, who had been nervous and unsettled, -instantly regained their poise and confidence.</p> - -<p>“Take your time, Chip!” snapped Spaulding, -from second.</p> - -<p>“That’s the ticket, old man!” cried McCarthy -encouragingly.</p> - -<p>“L-l-lam into ’em!” piped up Chub.</p> - -<p>Frank smiled. Burkett, who covered first for -the Clippers, advanced to the plate, pulled down -his cap, and waited.</p> - -<p>“We’re all behind you, old-timer,” chirped -Clancy.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[94]</span></p> - -<p>“Let him hit it, Chip!” cried Billy. None the -less, he signaled for an inshoot.</p> - -<p>Burkett was plainly anxious to hit. Frank put -over a fast inshoot. The ball fairly smoked with -speed, and Burkett swung too late.</p> - -<p>“Strike—uh—one!”</p> - -<p>“Land on him!” yelled Bully Carson. “All -he’s got is speed!”</p> - -<p>Billy called for another of the same, but Merry -shook his head. He guessed that Burkett wanted -speed, and would be looking for it, so he put over -a fadeaway that drew Burkett for another strike.</p> - -<p>“This fellow’s a cinch!” cried Billy. Burkett -looked determined.</p> - -<p>Studying him for a moment, Frank nodded at -the signal for a jump ball. He sent the sphere -down to the plate waist-high. Burkett brought -down his bat, but the ball seemed to jump over -it, and plunked into Billy’s mitt.</p> - -<p>“Out!”</p> - -<p>Cheer after cheer rolled up, as Burkett sullenly -retreated, and was replaced by Bangs. The -Clipper third baseman was a wiry, alert fellow, -and he chopped down his bat as if ready for anything -that could come along. Merry determined -to let him hit.</p> - -<p>So, without pretending to pitch, he merely -tossed over the ball and waited. Bangs gasped, -then struck viciously. Another crack, and the<span class="pagenum">[95]</span> -ball went on a bee line to McCarthy. And Dan -fumbled it.</p> - -<p>A groan swelled out from the crowd, but it -changed instantly to a cheer. For McCarthy had -picked up the ball and slammed it over to Clancy -a yard ahead of Bangs.</p> - -<p>“One, two, three!” yelled the crowd, confident -now that it would see a real game of ball. A -storm of applause greeted the Clippings as they -walked in.</p> - -<p>“Rotten fumble,” grunted McCarthy.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you believe it!” cried Clancy, slapping -his shoulder. “You retrieved it before it had a -chance to work, Dan. Fine business!”</p> - -<p>“You’re up first, Dan,” said Merry. “Now -go in and repeat!”</p> - -<p>McCarthy grinned happily, and strode out to -the plate. He waited while Carson tossed over -his warmers-up.</p> - -<p>“This pie-eater’s pretty soft, Bully,” snarled -Squint. “Let him hit. He ain’t worth fanning.”</p> - -<p>The lanky chap opened his mouth, then snapped -it shut again, and stepped into the box. Carson -eyed him a moment, and the bleachers fell silent -in suspense.</p> - -<p>“Speed fer him, Bully,” cried Fletcher. “He’s -scared already.”</p> - -<p>Carson nodded and wound up. The ball seemed -to come with startling speed. In reality it was -a slow fader, and it fooled McCarthy completely.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[96]</span></p> - -<p>“Strike—uh—one!”</p> - -<p>Squint returned the ball. Almost without a -pause, Carson snapped over a hot one across the -inside corner. Dan was taken by surprise, and -a second strike was called. It was followed by -a third.</p> - -<p>“This bunch of rubes is soft!” chirruped Bangs -from third.</p> - -<p>“Whoop! Down they go!” cried Ironton, as -the big Nippen stalked out.</p> - -<p>“Who’s the cow?” inquired Murray, from second. -Carson grinned.</p> - -<p>“This is an animal show, Bully,” snapped -Squint. “Watch the elephant fan his ears!”</p> - -<p>The crowd could not help laughing at the awkward -figure of Nippen. Carson burned a hot one -across. Nippen swung, after it had plunked home.</p> - -<p>“Gone to sleep at the switch!” grunted Squint, -while the bleachers roared a storm of advice and -criticism. The big fellow flushed angrily.</p> - -<p>“Hit him in the ribs and wake him up!” cried -Murray.</p> - -<p>Carson grinned again. He sent over a smoking-hot -ball that forced Nippen to leap back. The -huge fruit-picker looked at him furiously.</p> - -<p>“You watch out!” he cried warmly.</p> - -<p>“Shut up, Nippen,” exclaimed Merry. “He -doesn’t dare hit you.”</p> - -<p>As if to disprove this, Carson launched another -in the same place. Nippen jumped back, and, as<span class="pagenum">[97]</span> -his bat fell, the ball struck against it and rolled -out into the diamond.</p> - -<p>The big fellow leaped out toward first. Bangs -darted in to secure the ball, laughing as he did so. -He straightened up with it, and slapped it to -Burkett, but a cry of amazement went up. Nippen -had beaten out the throw!</p> - -<p>“Watch the elephant run!” shrieked the fans.</p> - -<p>Clancy walked out to the plate, while Chub -went down to coach at first.</p> - -<p>“Hello, carrot-top!” growled Squint. “Watch -out you don’t scorch the ball on his thatch, Bully!”</p> - -<p>Carson knew that Clancy was dangerous. He -put over a fast drop, but Clan refused to bite. -Then came a slow fadeaway, and the red-haired -chap took it on the nose.</p> - -<p>There was a groan of dismay. The ball -soared high, and Merrell raced back toward the -fence. Then he stopped, and waited, and the ball -came down into his glove.</p> - -<p>Nippen, showing poor judgment, had dashed -for second as soon as the ball settled softly in -Merrell’s glove. The center fielder did not wait -an instant, however, and threw the ball to Murray, -who made Nippen an easy out.</p> - -<p>The Clippings were retired. The inning was -over, without a run.</p> - -<p>“We’re holding them, fellows,” said Frank -quietly, as they walked out. “Keep up the good -work, and we’ll win, sure.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[98]</span></p> - -<p>“We’ll do it, Chip,” cried Spaulding.</p> - -<p>“L-l-look out for Ironton,” snapped Chub, as -the Clipper shortstop walked out. “He’s l-l-like-l-ly -to start something.”</p> - -<p>Billy Mac evidently thought the same thing, for -he signaled for the double shoot. Merry shook -his head, and compromised on the jump ball. -Ironton struck vainly.</p> - -<p>“Hoop-a-la!” sang out Clancy. “He’s going!”</p> - -<p>“Let him soak it,” pleaded McCarthy. “We’re -all behind you, old scout!”</p> - -<p>Billy called for a fast drop. Although doubtful -of its wisdom, Frank put it across, and Ironton -murdered it. With a clean crack, the ball began -to soar toward center field, and Ironton went racing -toward first.</p> - -<p>“Wake up, Nippen!” roared the fans. “What’s -the matter with the elephant?”</p> - -<p>The huge fruit-picker stood staring up at the -ball. Suddenly he turned and began lumbering -toward the fence. He did not even look over his -shoulder at the ball, but continued through the -ten-foot gap, while the crowd sent a storm of catcalls -after him.</p> - -<p>“He must be going for a swim!” gasped Merry.</p> - -<p>“Whoop!” yelled Dan McCarthy. “Look -there!”</p> - -<p>Nippen had turned abruptly. The ball was seen -to fall squarely into his glove—and stick! A wild -roar rose from the crowd, then it died away into<span class="pagenum">[99]</span> -a groan, as the base umpire motioned Ironton -to hold third.</p> - -<p>“What does this mean?” exclaimed Frank, -walking back. “That ball was caught!”</p> - -<p>“Outside the fence,” said the umpire. “That -gap shouldn’t be there by rights. It went over -the fence, and Ironton is entitled to his three-bagger.”</p> - -<p>“By gum!” yelled McCarthy wrathfully. -“What kind of——”</p> - -<p>“Quiet!” snapped Frank.</p> - -<p>He turned and waved back his angry players, -who were crowding forward.</p> - -<p>“That’s a mighty queer decision,” he said, -forcing himself to calmness. “Does it go for -every ball that drops outside the fence?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said the umpire.</p> - -<p>Frank saw that the umpire regretted his hasty -decision, but would not change it.</p> - -<p>“All right,” he said.</p> - -<p>The crowd looked at it otherwise, however. -One howl of indignant surprise went up as Ironton -was seen to be safe. The mob threatened to -pour out on the field, and only when Frank was -seen to be taking up his position again did the -fans restrain themselves.</p> - -<p>As for the Clippings, they could not understand -the decision. It looked to them like foul play, -though Merry saw that the umpire had not meant -to be unfair. Nippen started to bellow out his rage,<span class="pagenum">[100]</span> -Spaulding managed to quiet him, and the game -proceeded. But the Clippings had been demoralized.</p> - -<p>This became evident when Johnson popped up -a foul. McCarthy went after it, and let it drop. -He made a throw to catch Ironton at the plate, -and sent the ball into the grand-stand wiring. -Ironton scored and Johnson stopped at second.</p> - -<p>Frank saw that the balloon was going up, and -wasted no more time. He struck out Murray -with three pitched balls, and then Carson slouched -up to the plate with a wide grin.</p> - -<p>“Good-by!” he called cheerfully. “Here’s -where we knock the Fardale wonder out!”</p> - -<p>His hopes were not realized, however. Frank -handed him a fadeaway, and Carson swung -vainly. Billy called for the double shoot. Carson -saw the ball break for an in, and brought down -his bat, but the sphere suddenly curved away -from him.</p> - -<p>“Strike—uh—two!”</p> - -<p>Mindful of the fellow’s threats, Frank put all -his speed into the next ball. It was a shoulder-high, -straight one, that nipped the inside corner -of the plate. So fast was it, that Carson instinctively -jumped back, then flung down his bat with -a curse. As he did so, Johnson leaped toward -third.</p> - -<p>Billy whipped off his mask and slapped the ball -to Dan. The lanky chap took it and slammed it<span class="pagenum">[101]</span> -down on Johnson in a cloud of dust. The Clippers -were retired.</p> - -<p>“See here, fellows,” pleaded Merry, as he -picked out his bat, “this has to stop right now! -Cool down, everybody. Billy, you work Carson -for your base. Clan, get down to first and coach. -We’ve got to break their streak.”</p> - -<p>And Merry went out to the plate, with a badly -demoralized crowd on the bench behind him.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[102]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">CLIPPING THE CLIPPERS.</span></h2> - - -<p>“Here’s the boy wonder!” announced Squint -Fletcher. “Soak him in the bean!”</p> - -<p>As Carson began to wind up, a voice pierced -the roar of cheers that startled Frank. It seemed -like a voice that he knew well.</p> - -<p>“Fardale forever! Hurrah for old Fardale!”</p> - -<p>Merry could not tell whence that voice came, -but he gripped his bat hard at the sound of it. -Carson unwound, and a white streak shot toward -the plate.</p> - -<p>Whether he intended it or not, the ball came -straight for Frank, who was forced to step back. -Squint grinned.</p> - -<p>“Look out for your bean!”</p> - -<p>Again Carson sent the ball whizzing down, but -this time Merry connected. There was a crack, -and the sphere went sailing over second, and -Frank went to first.</p> - -<p>“Hold it!” cautioned Clancy, as Billy came up -to the plate.</p> - -<p>“Here’s the champion human mistake, Bully!” -sang out Squint.</p> - -<p>Carson gave Billy a black look and whipped -over the horsehide.</p> - -<p>“Ball—one!” announced the umpire. A storm -of cheers floated across the field.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[103]</span></p> - -<p>The next ball broke sharply. It struck Billy on -the arm, and the backstop at once flung away his -bat and took first. He gave Frank a grin as the -latter advanced.</p> - -<p>Spaulding came up, and Carson fanned him. -The Clippers were evidently waking up.</p> - -<p>Moore managed to pop up a weak fly, which -Ironton gathered in easily. Henderson followed, -and struck out, leaving Billy on first and Frank -marooned on second. Two innings were finished, -and the Clippers were one run to the good.</p> - -<p>In the third, Merry shut out the Clippers, but, -although McCarthy connected for a long drive, -he was caught trying for third. In the fourth the -heavy end of the Clippers was up, but Burkett, -Bangs, and Ironton fanned in beautiful harmony. -Clancy was up for the Clippings.</p> - -<p>“Lay out a soft one, Clan,” said Merry. “This -has been an old-time slugging match so far. Get -to first, and work the hit-and-run.”</p> - -<p>The red-haired chap nodded and stepped to the -plate. Carson sent over a wide one, and Clancy -swung viciously, drawing a chuckle from Squint. -Again he swung at a poor one, then Carson lashed -a fast high one across.</p> - -<p>To the surprise of the Clippers, Clancy choked -his bat and laid a neat bunt down the third-base -line. So astonished was Bangs that Clancy beat -his throw easily, and Frank came up to bat, smiling.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[104]</span></p> - -<p>Carson paused, scowling. He did not like -Merry’s smile, and knew that his speed had not -fooled Frank before. So he wound up as if delivering -a fast one, and his famous slow fadeaway -floated down toward the plate.</p> - -<p>Instantly Clancy was sprinting for second. -Merry was not altogether fooled by that delivery, -and he fell on the ball for a short, choppy stroke -that sent the sphere zipping along the ground to -Carson.</p> - -<p>The pitcher tried to stop it, but it went through -him. Murray was backing him up, but before the -ball reached first, Merry was standing on the -bag, and Clancy was safe. Roar upon roar -swelled out from the fans; but Frank did not -again hear the voice which had startled him.</p> - -<p>Billy McQuade strode out and pounded the -plate with a determined air. Carson fooled him -twice with a slow fader, and, at the second strike, -Merry gave Clancy the signal for a double steal, -doubting whether Billy could connect.</p> - -<p>As Carson unwound, the two sprinted for third -and second. Billy saw the movement, and stepped -forward desperately. He managed to bunt, and, -although he was nailed at first, Clancy and Frank -were safe.</p> - -<p>It seemed as though they would remain safe, -however, for Spaulding put up a foul tip that was -easily smothered by Squint Fletcher. Moore came<span class="pagenum">[105]</span> -up, and as he was a notoriously weak batter, -Frank gave his chum the signal to steal.</p> - -<p>Clancy grinned, ready for anything. Carson -kept him close to third, but, as the big pitcher -wound up again, Clancy went toward home like -a streak. Instantly Carson let the ball fly.</p> - -<p>Moore, however, knew his business. He was -in his box, and, although Squint yelled at him to -get out of the way, he stepped forward and bunted -the ball along the first-base line. Clancy came -sliding to the plate in a cloud of dust, and the umpire -motioned him safe, Moore, in the meantime, -getting to first.</p> - -<p>Squint at once moved for a new trial, but the -umpire denied the motion, and the Clippings and -their admirers sent up a shrill yell as they knew -the score was tied. During the argument Frank -stole third, but an instant later Moore was caught -off first, and the inning was over, with the score -tied.</p> - -<p>The fifth, sixth, and seventh passed without -another run. In the eighth, Runge took third on -a long fly, which Henderson dropped, but he died -there. Henderson made good his error by a hit -in the next half, and Chub Newton astonished -every one by getting another, but the Clippers -woke up and effected a beautiful double play that -retired the side.</p> - -<p>The ninth opened with the heavy end of both -sides at bat. The crowd was now silent and tense,<span class="pagenum">[106]</span> -for the game was apt to jump either way without -warning. Merriwell seemed airtight, and Carson -had superb support behind him.</p> - -<p>Squint Fletcher strode up to the plate, and came -down on the first ball Frank put over. The hit -was a clean one, the sphere flying out between -Moore and Nippen for a Texas leaguer, but -Squint was not content with this. He tore around -first and went on to second like a whirlwind.</p> - -<p>Moore sent the ball in to Spaulding perfectly. -The second baseman stood off the line, and, as -he stooped for the catch, Squint came slamming -into him in a whirl of dust. The ball was seen -to drop, and, when the dust cleared off, Spaulding -was fiercely addressing the grinning Squint, -whose spikes had gone into his leg.</p> - -<p>“Rotten! Murder him!” went up the yell.</p> - -<p>“Dirty work! Smash him, Jim!” cried McCarthy.</p> - -<p>Spaulding was about to obey, when Chip Merriwell -leaped on him and restored him to sanity. -Muttering, the angry Spaulding wiped the blood -from his leg and limped to his place. Frank returned -to his box, glad that trouble had been -avoided.</p> - -<p>Burkett fanned, but Bangs clipped a high one -that Moore misjudged. Squint was halted at -third, while Bangs took second on a close decision, -with one out. Ironton came up and deliberately -stepped into Merry’s double shoot, but did it so<span class="pagenum">[107]</span> -cleverly that the umpire was deceived into giving -him a base. The sacks were filled.</p> - -<p>The next man up was Johnson. Frank fooled -him once, then snapped the ball to Clancy in an -endeavor to catch Ironton. The effort failed, but -Squint Fletcher took a chance on reaching home.</p> - -<p>Clancy sent in the ball far ahead of him, and -Squint turned to get back to third. As he did so, -Billy put the ball into McCarthy’s hand. Squint -gave a yell and flung himself at Dan feet first, in -an undoubted effort to spike.</p> - -<p>A shout of anger burst from every man on the -field. The lanky McCarthy was not so easily -caught, however. As Squint came at him, he -writhed aside and drove down his fist with the -ball into Fletcher’s face.</p> - -<p>Squint was knocked a yard away, and rose -with a yell of wrath, blood streaming from his -nose. McCarthy was only too ready to pitch into -him, but Bully Carson dragged his backstop -away, and Merry caught Dan by the shoulder.</p> - -<p>“You paid him out for spiking Jim,” cried -Frank. “Now simmer down, Dan.”</p> - -<p>Squint was greeted with howls and catcalls as -he came in. But, during the storm, Bangs had -stolen third, and Ironton had taken second. -Frank gave Johnson a fast high one, and Johnson -hammered it for two sacks.</p> - -<p>Murray fanned, but the evil was done. The<span class="pagenum">[108]</span> -score stood three to one, and the Clippings -seemed lost when McCarthy came out to the -plate and went out on a high fly. The crowd began -to stream away from the field.</p> - -<p>Nippen lumbered up to the plate, and, with a -grin, Carson handed him an out. A shriek of -astonishment went up as the huge fruit-picker -connected. The ball went up and up, and the -Clipper outfield raced back. Then they halted in -dismay.</p> - -<p>Silence fell on the crowd—broken by a gasp. -Nippen passed second, rounded third, and held on -home. The ball not only cleared the fence, but—dropped -into the river! The huge outfielder had -knocked a homer!</p> - -<p>When the fans understood what had happened, -they went wild. Amid the confusion, Clancy -came to bat and rapped out a single. The field -became a bedlam. Shrieks and wild yells rose -on every side, and the thump of feet rose into a -dull thunder. When Merry came out to bat, the -entire crowd went crazy all over again.</p> - -<p>As for the Clippers, they were thunderstruck. -Carson tried to gain time, but the umpire commanded -him to play ball, and he threw a vicious -one straight at Frank’s head. Merry calmly -stepped back and bunted it toward first.</p> - -<p>Carson leaped for it and fumbled. Clancy -sprinted down to second, and, before the big -fellow could decide where the ball ought to go,<span class="pagenum">[109]</span> -Merry was safe on first and Clancy was taking -third.</p> - -<p>“Wake up, you bonehead!” growled Squint, as -he walked out and met his captain. “Say, you’re -the limit!”</p> - -<p>“He’s l-l-limited, al-l-l right!” chirruped Chub, -from behind third. “The bal-l-loon’s gone up, -fel-l-lows! Tag al-l-long!”</p> - -<p>Carson scowled as Billy Mac faced him. -Frank seized his chance and went down to second. -Again the crowd lost its head with delight, -yelling and stamping in a frenzied manner.</p> - -<p>“Finish it up, you bonehead,” grated Squint. -“Fan this man and we have ’em.”</p> - -<p>Billy laughed. A moment later the ball came -down, and he cracked it squarely. It shot back at -Carson like a bullet. The big fellow leaped aside -amid a yell of derision, and, before Murray had -fielded it, Clancy and Merriwell had crossed the -plate.</p> - -<p>The Clippings had clipped the Clippers!</p> - -<p>Merry and Billy reached the shelter of the -dressing room first, but the rest of the team was -caught by the frenzied crowd. As the two entered, -they found the black-bearded stranger -waiting for them. He held out a paper to Billy.</p> - -<p>“Here,” he said, with a laugh, “is something -for your mother, Billy. I think you won it pretty -fairly, old man!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[110]</span></p> - -<p>The stranger caught at his beard, and it came -off in his hand. Chip took one glance, then leaped -for him with a yell.</p> - -<p>“Father!”</p> - -<p>And Frank Merriwell, senior, smiled quietly -as he took Chip’s hand.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[111]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">BEATEN AT HIS OWN GAME.</span></h2> - - -<p>“Now, boys, I owe you a word of explanation.”</p> - -<p>Frank Merriwell, senior, faced the victorious -Clippings, who were lined up around Mrs. McQuade’s -extended dinner table.</p> - -<p>“I want you to know why I did this. It wasn’t -to gamble, as most of you know that I don’t -countenance that so-called sport for a minute. It -wasn’t to fight Colonel Carson with his own -weapons. That’s another thing I don’t believe in.</p> - -<p>“But I do enjoy beating a man at his own -game, when I can do it cleanly and make him -learn a lesson. Now, in plain words, I knew -that Colonel Carson was little short of being a -crook. When he gambled, he wanted to gamble -on a sure thing.”</p> - -<p>“That’s right,” went up a murmur.</p> - -<p>“But I did not make this bet with him in the -prospect of winning money. I made it in order -to get that mortgage from him—that mortgage -which my good friend, Mrs. McQuade, had the -pleasure of burning just before dinner. He had -obtained it legally. Then he had been paid for it. -By some mischance, Mr. McQuade had not obtained -it, and had no receipt to show.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[112]</span></p> - -<p>“Colonel Carson produced it after his death, -and claimed that he had never received payment. -He intended to oust Mrs. McQuade from this -house on Monday. If she had borrowed the -money and paid it off the second time, Carson’s -villainy would have triumphed. This I did not -want to see.”</p> - -<p>He paused, his grave eyes sweeping from face -to face.</p> - -<p>“As I wrote you, Frank, that would be a poor -way to defeat him. So I came to Carsonville -myself, in disguise. The worthy colonel tried to -entrap me into betting against his team. I appeared -to fall into the trap, and wagered my -money against his mortgage. He tried to induce -me to bet against his money, but this I -would not do. I want you to get the difference, -and get it clearly.”</p> - -<p>“I do, father,” exclaimed Chip quickly.</p> - -<p>One after another the rest nodded assent.</p> - -<p>“What would you ’a’ done if you’d lost?” -queried McCarthy.</p> - -<p>Frank Merriwell, senior, smiled.</p> - -<p>“I watched you at practice work, Dan, and -felt sure that I couldn’t lose.”</p> - -<p>At this retort a yell of delight went up, and -Dan flushed and wriggled in his chair. The -speaker went on quickly:</p> - -<p>“Are you sure, all of you, that you get my<span class="pagenum">[113]</span> -point? I’m not defending betting, even in a -righteous cause, mind; it is demoralizing, and -every sport in which it is allowed is sure to suffer. -Colonel Carson is doing a great injury to baseball -to-day. But in this case I might plead extenuating -circumstances. I was not betting in -order to win. I would cheerfully have let Mrs. -McQuade borrow the money, except that this -would have been knuckling under to a scoundrel. -I won nothing for myself except the satisfaction -of having been of service to a lady whom I am -proud to number among my friends, and to her -son, whom I am proud to number among my -son’s friends.”</p> - -<p>And he leaned forward, took up his glass of -water, and, with the warm smile which had endeared -him to so many hearts, proposed a toast.</p> - -<p>“To Mrs. McQuade and her hospitable roof-tree!”</p> - -<p>A resounding cheer shook the rafters, and the -good lady herself, between tears and laughter, -was unable to respond. But she could not have -made herself heard.</p> - -<p>“And here’s another to Frank Merriwell, -senior!” shouted Billy McQuade. Another roar -went up.</p> - -<p>“And another to the ‘Chip of the old block’!” -yelled Clancy frantically. Chip held up his hand -for silence.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[114]</span></p> - -<p>“I guess,” he said, looking around with the -smile that was so much like his father’s, “I guess -we’d better call off another to the Carsonville -Clippings—the picked-up nine that clipped the -Clippers!”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[115]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">“SOUR GRAPES.”</span></h2> - - -<p>“Too bad about Ted Crockett,” said Garding, -pulling on the weights.</p> - -<p>“For Fardale, you mean,” returned Lee Chester. -“Fine for Ted.”</p> - -<p>“Uh-huh,” Hunt Garding paused with a sigh. -“Going around the world with his dad, eh?”</p> - -<p>“He’s foolish! I’d sooner be captain of the -Fardale nine than go around the world a dozen -times! When does he leave, Hunt?”</p> - -<p>“Monday night—right after the Franklin -Academy game. Say, Chesty!”</p> - -<p>“Huh?”</p> - -<p>Garding dropped his voice with a glance -around. No one appeared to be in hearing, and -he leaned forward.</p> - -<p>“Do you think Chip will get it?”</p> - -<p>“Get what?”</p> - -<p>“The captainship. Ted’s going away leaves it -vacant, you know.”</p> - -<p>“Holy smoke! That’s right! By golly, we’ve -got to root for Chip!”</p> - -<p>Hunt Garding nodded, but looked doubtful. -He and his brother plebe were among Frank Merriwell, -junior’s, stanchest supporters at Fardale. -In common with many other students, they had -remained at Fardale during the spring vacation.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[116]</span></p> - -<p>It was Saturday morning, the last day of the -vacation. Owing to a conflict in the schedules, a -postponed game with Franklin Academy was to -be played off on the following Monday, a half -holiday having been declared by the two schools. -Franklin was Fardale’s ancient rival, and as it -was the second game of the season, feeling was -running high.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately for the Fardale team, its second -baseman and captain, Ted Crockett, was leaving -school. He had been called away suddenly to -take a long trip with his father, but had managed -to postpone his leaving until after the -Franklin game.</p> - -<p>His abrupt departure would leave vacant an -important office, that of captain of the nine. It -was of this that the two plebes were talking -in the gymnasium. They did not observe a figure -which stood just around the corner, and which -was that of Bob Randall. He had just emerged -from the locker room, had caught their words, -and was listening for the remainder.</p> - -<p>“I’m not so sure, Chesty. Chip isn’t certain to -get the place, you know.”</p> - -<p>“I’d like to know why not!” broke out Lee -Chester indignantly, glaring at his chum. “Why, -he’s the best pitcher Fardale ever had, barring -his father and uncle!”</p> - -<p>“Of course,” said Garding. “Best all-around -athlete, too.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[117]</span></p> - -<p>“Well, what’s the matter with you, then? All -we’ve got to do is to get the fellows on their -toes, and——”</p> - -<p>“There are several things the matter. First, -there’s another chap on the team who’s a mighty -fine tosser.”</p> - -<p>“You mean Bob Randall?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>The silent figure around the corner drew back, -with a little smile playing about his clean-cut -mouth. Randall was a handsome, dark-eyed, -fiery-tempered Southerner, who could play ball -like a fiend, when he wanted to.</p> - -<p>He was full of pride, and his greatest fault -was his temper. Despite this, however, he was -a prime favorite. At Lee Chester’s next words -his face flushed darkly, and his smile changed to -a quick scowl.</p> - -<p>“Randall? Nonsense, Hunt! He’s a dandy -fellow, and is a peach of a pitcher, but he’s not in -Chip’s class.”</p> - -<p>“Naturally not, since Merry is a chip of the old -block,” said Garding, with a chuckle. His face -instantly became serious, however.</p> - -<p>“You’re wrong, Chesty,” he went on. “Bob -Randall is popular.”</p> - -<p>“So’s Chip, according to my notion.”</p> - -<p>“Sure. There’ll prob’ly be an election right -after the game on Monday. But Chip, Clancy, -and Billy Mac are over at Carsonville, and who’ll<span class="pagenum">[118]</span> -look after their interests? You can bet that Chip -will not try to get the captaincy, but he ought to.”</p> - -<p>“I s’pose there will be some campaigning -done,” admitted Chester. “But I don’t think -Randall has much show. He’s too hot-headed to -work as captain. Now, look at Chip Merriwell. -Did you ever see him rattled? Not enough to -notice it. He can pitch rings around Bob Randall, -too. Wait till Monday, and you’ll see.”</p> - -<p>“Well, you wait yourself. Randall doesn’t -think a heap of Chip, I guess——”</p> - -<p>“You’re wrong there, Garding.”</p> - -<p>The two plebes whirled in surprise as Bob -Randall stepped out. With an effort the latter -had wiped the traces of discontent from his dark, -good-looking features.</p> - -<p>“You’re wrong,” he repeated easily. “I do -think a good deal of Chip Merriwell, but since -you seem to be discussing the subject frankly, I’ll -say that he hasn’t any more chance of being -elected captain than you have.”</p> - -<p>The two plebes were inclined to be angry at -being overheard by Randall, of all persons, and -much more so by his words.</p> - -<p>“Who gave you any license to butt in?” -snapped Chester.</p> - -<p>“I happened to overhear what you said, that’s -all. This is a public place, isn’t it?”</p> - -<p>“Generally considered so,” said Hunt Garding, -with a grunt.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[119]</span></p> - -<p>Randall saw that he had hurt himself with -these two plebes, and he quickly tried to regain -lost ground. He was not the kind to do any disguising -of his true sentiments, however, and -stated his ground bluntly.</p> - -<p>“Look here, fellows, you seem to have the idea -that I’m sore on Merriwell. I’m nothing of the -kind. But there’s no use beating about the bush, -after what’s been said, and I’m quite willing to -admit that I want to be captain.”</p> - -<p>“We guessed it,” retorted Chester dryly.</p> - -<p>“Well, there’s no harm in that, is there?” Randall -began to grow warm. “Can’t a fellow contest -an elective office with Chip Merriwell?”</p> - -<p>“Some fellows could, maybe,” said Garding. -“But if you want it straight, Bob, you’re not the -fellow, in this case. He’s out of your class as a -pitcher.”</p> - -<p>Randall’s dark eyes flashed, but he controlled -himself.</p> - -<p>“I don’t acknowledge that. Who’ll go into the -box for Fardale when Chip isn’t around? Tell -me that.”</p> - -<p>“You will, because you’re the next best -pitcher,” retorted Hunt. “You don’t need to get -sore, Randall. I’m not decrying your ability -when I say that you’re not the equal of Merriwell, -because you’re a blamed good pitcher.”</p> - -<p>This only added fuel to the flame, however.</p> - -<p>“Well, that remains to be seen,” declared Randall<span class="pagenum">[120]</span> -hotly. “Chip gets away with it because he -has luck, that’s all. A whole lot depends on this -game with Franklin, Monday, and the fellow -that pitches and wins the game for Fardale will -be the next captain of the regulars!”</p> - -<p>“And that’ll be Chip Merriwell, for he’ll surely -pitch,” said Chester.</p> - -<p>“He won’t!” cried Randall, losing his temper. -“I’m slated for that game, and I’m going to show -you fellows what a real pitcher can do when he -gets started. The trouble with a lot of you -plebes is that you truckle to Merry because his -father and uncle are old-time diamond stars!”</p> - -<p>Lee Chester showed his wrath at this charge.</p> - -<p>“I guess that lets you out,” he exclaimed -angrily. “You’re so blamed jealous that your -brains are twisted, Bob Randall! Nobody gets -truckled to around this school, unless he’s got the -goods, and you’re a long ways from having -them.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I should hope so!” flashed back Randall. -“I’d hate to have a crowd of decent fellows -thinking that I was a little tin god on -wheels! That’s what you seem to think about -Merry.”</p> - -<p>“Better take it easy, Bob,” advised Hunt -Garding, with a frown. “Go out and cool off, -and you’ll see it differently.”</p> - -<p>“I see it well enough, thanks,” snapped Randall -furiously. “It isn’t hard to see that a bunch<span class="pagenum">[121]</span> -of you fellows toady to Chip Merriwell because -you think it’s going to get you something. That -chap is overrated. He’s got ability, but it’s your -crowd that has given him such a case of swelled -head that he thinks he can cop off everything. -He’s going to find that he can’t.”</p> - -<p>“Aw, go away and sneeze! Your brain’s -dusty!” jeered Chester.</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell you two something!” cried Randall, -shaking his fist and advancing a step. “We’re -going to win this game on Monday, and I’m -going to do it! Look at the team—it’s all shot -to pieces! Billy McQuade has left school. Crockett’s -going to quit. Clancy is off with Merry at -Carsonville, instead of being back here practicing -to get into shape to cover first. What kind -of a captain would Chip make, when he allows -this on the eve of an important game, tell me -that?”</p> - -<p>“He’d make a better one than you would, losing -your fool head this way,” retorted Chester. -“He’s at Carsonville trying to persuade Billy Mac -to return, and you know it! Say, if I had that -jealous disposition of yours I’d hang it on the -back fence and throw stones at it! You make me -tired!”</p> - -<p>Randall’s temper lashed out. His face went -white with anger.</p> - -<p>“Yuh impudent little Yankee!” he roared. -Whenever he forgot himself his voice took on a<span class="pagenum">[122]</span> -soft Southern drawl, which it now assumed -abruptly. “I reckon I’ll teach yo’-all somethin’ -right heah! I’ll show yo’-all yo’ cain’t talk to a -Randall like he was a low-down niggah!”</p> - -<p>He started for Chester, and Chester started -for him with great willingness. Before they -could strike a blow, however, Hunt Garding -dashed in between with a quick warning, pointing -across the gym.</p> - -<p>“’Sh-h-h! The athletic instructor’s coming!”</p> - -<p>Randall flung a look toward the door, then -sullenly jammed his hat over his eyes and strode -away.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[123]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THREE CHEERS FOR CHIP!</span></h2> - - -<p>On that Saturday evening there was a momentous -discussion under way at the quarters of -Colonel Gunn, principal of Fardale Academy.</p> - -<p>It was here that Coach Trayne occupied a -room, and in his room was seated Ted Crockett, -the present captain of the Fardale baseball team. -The two were discussing the future destinies of -the nine.</p> - -<p>Crockett was extremely popular among his -teammates. Coach Trayne knew that his influence -would go far toward the selection of a -new captain, and had asked him over for a frank -talk. He had certain information which was -bound to startle Captain Crockett, and which -would startle all Fardale when it was made public. -The coach did not intend that it should be -made public for the present, however.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Villum Kess had seen Crockett -enter Colonel Gunn’s quarters, and the astute -German lad guessed at once that a consultation -was going on regarding the new captain of the -nine. He started off hastily, and bumped into a -dark figure.</p> - -<p>“Who’s that?” demanded the voice of Lee -Chester.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[124]</span></p> - -<p>“Kess,” returned Villum, panting.</p> - -<p>“Guess?” cried Chester. “Get out into the -light, you dub!”</p> - -<p>“Kess!” shouted Villum. “Dot iss vot I——”</p> - -<p>“Oh, it’s you!” said Lee Chester, with a -chuckle. “What’s your hurry?”</p> - -<p>“Vait! You hafe mein vind pumbed avay!”</p> - -<p>Villum hung on to Chester’s arm for a moment, -then straightened up.</p> - -<p>“Grogett hass yust gone into der house, yes, -no,” he cried excitedly. “Dey vos goin’ to elegtion -a gaptain, Jesty!”</p> - -<p>“Whew!” gasped Chester. “Looks like business, -eh? Think they’re going to make a choice -to-night?”</p> - -<p>“Yah, aber ve moost hellup oud Chip. I should -faint fits oof dey bicked any one else. I bet -you’ve moost get der poys togedder und root!”</p> - -<p>“Say, you’re not so far off, old scout!” exclaimed -Chester. “Come along! We’ll settle -Randall’s hash right here!”</p> - -<p>And the two disappeared in hot haste.</p> - -<p>The captain and coach of the Fardale nine -were engaged in animated discussion, while Villum -Kess and Chester were getting to work. -Captain Crockett was learning something that -carried dismay to his heart, for the success of -Fardale was very dear to him, and it looked as -though Fardale’s hopes were going glimmering -for that year.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[125]</span></p> - -<p>“I’m afraid I have bad news for you, Ted,” -said Coach Trayne gravely. “I suppose you -know that Frank Merriwell, senior, ran over from -Bloomfield last Thursday?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir,” said the perplexed Crockett. “I -know he made a hurry visit, and I supposed that -it had something to do with Clancy’s jumping off -for Carsonville.”</p> - -<p>“Not altogether. He came over to make certain -arrangements, and to let me know about -something important that has just turned up. -Mr. Merriwell gave me permission to use the information -at my discretion. I suppose you will -regard it as confidential if I pass it on to you, -Crockett?”</p> - -<p>“Why, certainly, sir!”</p> - -<p>Crockett sat up, his eyes beginning to bulge. -He knew that something serious had come up, -for it was seldom that Coach Trayne used his -“business tone” when off duty.</p> - -<p>“I hope that nothing really grave has happened, -sir?”</p> - -<p>“You can judge for yourself, Ted. We’re -likely to lose the services of Chip Merriwell for -the rest of the season.”</p> - -<p>“Wh-a-a-t!”</p> - -<p>Crockett stared at the trainer as if he thought -the latter’s senses had taken flight. Lose Chip -Merriwell, just when Fardale was counting on -sweeping all her foes before her! Impossible!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[126]</span></p> - -<p>“Are you joking, Mr. Trayne?” he gasped.</p> - -<p>“I’m sorry to say that I’m not,” returned the -worried trainer. He sighed, for he, too, had had -visions of what his team would do with Merry -in the box.</p> - -<p>“No, it’s anything but a joke, Crockett. I am -not at liberty to say very much, and in fact I’m -not aware of the definite reasons myself, but the -fact remains that Chip may leave school before -long.”</p> - -<p>“But why?” queried the astounded captain of -the nine. “He’s not sick or anything, is he?”</p> - -<p>“No. As I understand it, his father and uncle -are going West, and intend to take Chip with -them. Mr. Merriwell did not go into details, but -it’s easy to imagine that it must be something of -importance to necessitate Frank’s leaving school -at this juncture. It’s going to be a hard blow -to the team, for he was the mainstay.”</p> - -<p>Crockett nodded. He was absolutely unselfish, -and realized fully that much of the school’s success -in sports was due to Frank Merriwell, -junior.</p> - -<p>“That’ll be awful news to get out!” he murmured. -“It’s going to jar things on the campus, -all right!”</p> - -<p>“Well, don’t let it out for a while,” went on -the coach. “I’ve told you about it because I -wanted to ask you who you had in mind to fill -your position when you leave. I’d like to have<span class="pagenum">[127]</span> -the election held right after Monday’s game, if -possible.”</p> - -<p>“Well,” replied Crockett gloomily, “if you -hadn’t told me this, I’d have said that Chip himself -was the man. He’d make a better job of it -than I would, in fact. But since he’s going to -drop out also, I’d say Bob Randall.”</p> - -<p>“Randall? Yes, he’s a good man, Ted. But if -Chip does leave, isn’t that the very reason why -he ought to be elected?”</p> - -<p>“Huh! I don’t get you,” said Crockett, his -mind in a whirl.</p> - -<p>“It’s like this,” smiled Coach Trayne: “Frank -has done a whole lot for the school, and for the -baseball team. It’s not settled that he’s to leave, -remember; but I think that whether he does or -not, the school ought to avail itself of the chance -to give him honors while it can.”</p> - -<p>“You’re right,” assented Captain Crockett -quickly. “Yes, I get your angle now, sir. I suppose -he’ll go in the box for us on Monday? -That’ll cinch the game, and it’ll throw everything -his way when I mention to the boys that he -ought to be captain.”</p> - -<p>“I’m glad that such is your opinion,” said the -coach, with a breath of relief. “I happen to -know that Randall is moving heaven and earth -to get the election, and—— Hello! What’s all -this?”</p> - -<p>From in front of the house had risen a sudden<span class="pagenum">[128]</span> -burst of cheering. Coach Trayne went to -the window and flung it open. Instantly a renewed -shout went up.</p> - -<p>“Merry for captain! Whoop-ee!”</p> - -<p>A crowd of students was gathered before the -windows. They had been hastily marshaled by -Chester and others of Merry’s adherents, and -more were assembling at every moment. On the -edge of the crowd, hidden by the darkness, stood -Bob Randall. He was flushed and angry, but he -knew better than to give way to his inclinations -before this gathering.</p> - -<p>“Vot’s der matter mit Randall?” shouted the -voice of Villum Kess.</p> - -<p>A chorus of groans answered, mingled with -jeers and catcalls. The dark-haired lad in the -shadow clenched his fists and muttered wrathfully, -but he kept himself under control. A roar -went up.</p> - -<p>“Chip Merriwell! We want Chip for captain!”</p> - -<p>Coach Trayne slammed down the window and -turned to Crockett with a smile.</p> - -<p>“Hardly representative of the team, Ted, but -they show the trend of public sentiment. But if -Merry wins Monday’s game, and is elected, what -about Randall?”</p> - -<p>“That’s what I was thinking,” said Crockett -uneasily. “He’s a splendid chap, except for his<span class="pagenum">[129]</span> -hot, Southern temper, Mr. Trayne. He really believes -that he’s as good as Chip on the mound, and -I must say that he’s the best we have after Merry -himself.”</p> - -<p>“I understand you,” nodded the coach. “I -think he’s a bit jealous of Merry, and it’s quite -certain that he is anxious to be elected himself. -However, he’s a bit too quick to pick up grievances. -I’d be afraid of him as captain. You -understand, old chap, that I’m not trying to -dictate?”</p> - -<p>“Of course, sir,” smiled the captain. “You’re -dead right, just the same. He has the clear-headed -ability to serve as captain, but he’s apt -to lose it all in a quick flash of temper. A captain -has to be a pretty cool sort—I guess the -only qualification I had for the job was my coolness. -By the way, have you heard from Chip -whether Billy Mac will return or not?”</p> - -<p>“No word yet,” and the coach shook his head. -“Things look bad, Crockett. With Billy gone, -Clancy will have to catch Merry on Monday. -Who’ll go to first in his place I haven’t decided -yet. After you go, the team will be badly disrupted, -I’m afraid. When Merry goes—well -may——”</p> - -<p>And he flung up his hands in hopeless despair. -Ted Crockett stared gloomily at the window, and -listened to a new burst of cheers that came from -the campus.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[130]</span></p> - -<p>As if in answer to these, there came a knock -on the door. Coach Trayne answered it, and -uttered a cry of satisfaction as he received a yellow -envelope.</p> - -<p>“A wire, Crockett! Let’s hope it’s from Chip.” -It was not from Merry, however, but from Owen -Clancy.</p> - -<p>“Read that, Ted!” cried Trayne, and handed -the message to Crockett. It was brief and very -much to the point:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>Chip won great game in Carsonville. Billy McQuade -returning to Fardale with us. On deck bright and early -Monday morning.</p></div> - -<p>“Hurrah!” cried Crockett jubilantly. “Billy’s -coming back! Say, may I read this to the fellows, -Mr. Trayne?”</p> - -<p>The coach nodded a smiling assent. The news -that the backstop was coming back to school after -writing that he would not return, was a great -relief to him.</p> - -<p>Crockett flung up the window and read out the -message. It was greeted with a storm of frantic -cheers. Then he held up his hand for silence, and -after a moment the crowd fell quiet.</p> - -<p>“Three cheers for Captain Chip!” he shouted.</p> - -<p>Another roar of cheers welled up through the -night as the crowd acclaimed this good news. -Then the meeting slowly broke.</p> - -<p>With bitter heart and darkening brow, Bob<span class="pagenum">[131]</span> -Randall had heard the message read, and had -heard the cheers that followed Crockett’s shout. -He slipped away across the campus and toward -the barracks, a fierce anger welling up within -him.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[132]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A WILY PLOTTER.</span></h2> - - -<p>Randall slowly returned home to the barracks. -His heart was hot against Chip Merriwell, and -hotter yet against the crowd who had acclaimed -his rival.</p> - -<p>“Confounded Yankees!” he muttered. “Whatever -did I come to this part of the country for, -anyway! Just because I had an uncle livin’ at -Carsonville, I reckon. I wish I had stayed down -home an’ taken a chance on the Annapolis examinations!”</p> - -<p>The cool night air calmed down his heated -anger a little, and by the time he reached the barracks -it had changed into a dull despair. It -seemed to him that no one had a chance to rival -one of the Merriwells at Fardale.</p> - -<p>Yet Bob was not a bad sort of fellow at heart. -His impulsiveness sometimes led him into hot-headed -errors, which he bitterly repented later. -He had tried to conquer himself, and to some extent -had succeeded. None the less, in this case -he had given way to his bitterness without restraint.</p> - -<p>As he reached the door of the barracks he detected -a figure lurking in the shadow to one side. -A keen glance showed him that the figure was -not in uniform, and was one of the village youths.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[133]</span></p> - -<p>“Here!” cried Randall sharply. “What are -you doing around here?”</p> - -<p>“I’m lookin’ for Bob Randall,” came the surprising -answer.</p> - -<p>Randall started.</p> - -<p>“You’re not looking for him, but at him,” he -answered. “What’s your business?”</p> - -<p>The village youth held out a paper.</p> - -<p>“Here’s a message I was to bring you. And -the feller said that you was to keep it under your -hat.”</p> - -<p>Randall took it in some wonder, and the youth -darted off. When he reached his room, where -his roommate, Harlow Clarke, was busy over his -books, Bob opened the paper, and read the message -it bore:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>Come over to Dobb’s Hotel. Must see you and talk -with you at once. Don’t let any one know you’re meeting -me.</p> - -<p class="center p-1 shiftright"><span class="smcap">Your Uncle.</span></p></div> - -<p>Randall whistled. His uncle! He had had the -pleasure of meeting that gentleman on his arrival -in the North, and he had not been greatly -impressed by Colonel Carson’s rather uncouth -accents and hard features. Still, Colonel Carson -was his uncle, and had come up from Carsonville -to see him, it appeared.</p> - -<p>He turned quickly to his roommate.</p> - -<p>“I’ve got to go over to town, Clarke,” he said. -“Will you fix the rope in the window so I can get -in without running the guard?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[134]</span></p> - -<p>“Surest thing you know, old man,” said Clarke. -“Will you get in before taps?”</p> - -<p>“I can’t tell yet, but probably not.”</p> - -<p>“Well, get along, then. I’ll fix up a dummy -that’ll fool the inspector when he comes to look -at the beds. You’ll find the rope out of the window -as usual.”</p> - -<p>Quickly but quietly, Bob left the barracks and -the academy grounds. It was not the first time -that he and his roommate had wanted to come in -after regulation hours, and by the aid of the rope -and dummy this was invariably effected without -much danger of detection and punishment.</p> - -<p>Randall found his uncle waiting for him at the -hotel, and was quickly taken to a private room.</p> - -<p>“Glad to see ye, Bob, glad to see ye!” he cried -effusively, as he pressed Bob into a chair. “Shall -I send for a drink, eh?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t drink, thanks,” said Randall. “You -must have been in something of a rush to see -me, uncle!”</p> - -<p>“Well, might’s well admit that I was,” and -Colonel Carson fingered his goatee thoughtfully -and eyed his nephew. “I hear there’s to be a -game here on Monday?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” and Randall’s face fell a trifle. “Franklin -Academy is coming over. It ought to be a -pretty good game. Will you stay over?”</p> - -<p>“Mebbe. Hard to say, though, Bob. I know -about them Franklin fellers. I been keepin’ tabs<span class="pagenum">[135]</span> -on their pitcher, thinkin’ to pick him up for the -Clippers next year. I wanted to see ye about that -game, Bob.”</p> - -<p>“I’m glad some one wants to see me about it,” -returned Randall bitterly. “I thought that I was -going to pitch for Fardale. If I pitched and won, -I’d probably get elected captain afterward—our -captain leaves Monday night, you know.”</p> - -<p>For some reason Colonel Carson looked perturbed.</p> - -<p>“Yes?” he prompted.</p> - -<p>“But it seems they’ve slated Merriwell to pitch. -That means he’ll do me out of the captaincy. -Everybody seems to knuckle down to these Merriwells -over here. I can’t understand it!”</p> - -<p>Colonel Carson looked relieved. He eyed his -nephew keenly.</p> - -<p>“I s’pose that if Merriwell pitched, it’d be a -cinch for Fardale, Bob?”</p> - -<p>“It’ll be a cinch, anyhow,” exclaimed Randall. -“If I got in the box I’d draw rings around those -fellows.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’m talkin’ about Merriwell. He’d do -considerable more, wouldn’t he?”</p> - -<p>Randall hesitated.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” he replied unwillingly. “I’m bound to -say that his very name seems to scare Franklin -out of its boots. Why?”</p> - -<p>Colonel Carson tugged at his goatee slowly.</p> - -<p>“Well, I figure on gettin’ you in the box, Bob,”<span class="pagenum">[136]</span> -he said reflectively. “I want to do a little bettin’ -on that game. If it wasn’t for Merriwell, I think -that Franklin pitcher might have a chance to -win.”</p> - -<p>“He couldn’t do it,” exclaimed Randall quickly. -“If I got a chance at him I’d show him up!”</p> - -<p>The older man’s eyes narrowed suddenly.</p> - -<p>“I don’t s’pose you’d throw the game?” he -snapped out.</p> - -<p>Randall flushed and sat up. He looked hard -at his uncle, but the latter was smiling. Bob -sank back, with an uncertain laugh.</p> - -<p>“I pretty nearly thought you were in earnest, -uncle! Of course, I know you’d never think of -such a thing, though. No, if I can win that -game I’m pretty sure to get the election that will -follow it.”</p> - -<p>The colonel tugged at his goatee once more. -He seemed to get all kinds of inspiring thoughts -from that patch of gray hair on his chin. Just -at present his thoughts were anything but inspiring, -however.</p> - -<p>“I’ve got him placed,” he was reflecting inwardly. -“He thinks that Franklin feller is no -good. Now, if I can keep Merriwell out and let -Bob pitch, I can go ahead and place some bets -on Franklin. I hate to see Bob get the spots -licked off him, but business is business.”</p> - -<p>Aloud, however, he expressed himself quite in -an opposite fashion.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[137]</span></p> - -<p>“Well, nephew,” he said pleasantly, “I’d like -to see ye get a fair chance. It don’t seem to me -like that feller Merriwell gives any one else a -show, does he?”</p> - -<p>“You wouldn’t think so if you were here at -Fardale!”</p> - -<p>“I don’t need to be here to tell that. If you -go on the mound Monday afternoon, you’re pretty -sure to win, eh?”</p> - -<p>“Dead certain,” said Randall. “We’ll have a -bang-up team, and we’ll hand it to Franklin pretty -hot, uncle.”</p> - -<p>“Glad to hear it, nephew, glad to hear it. I’ll -see to it that Merriwell does not do ye out o’ -your chance.”</p> - -<p>“You’ll—what? What do you mean?”</p> - -<p>“None o’ your business,” and Colonel Carson, -with a dry chuckle, pulled out his watch. “I got -you placed, Bob. You go right ahead and ’tend to -business. I’m a-goin’ to help out one o’ my kin -when I get the chance, that’s all.”</p> - -<p>“But what influence have you with Captain -Crockett and Coach Trayne?”</p> - -<p>Colonel Carson gave Bob a look of commiseration. -Was it possible that his own nephew was -so green?</p> - -<p>“Not much, I reckon. But I got some influence -with Merriwell. There’s a train out o’ here in -twenty minutes, Bob. It’ll get me to Carsonville<span class="pagenum">[138]</span> -before midnight. I reckon I’d better take it, to -make sure. I got a heap o’ things to see to.”</p> - -<p>Randall looked at him in astonishment.</p> - -<p>“But I thought you’d be here for the game, -uncle!”</p> - -<p>“I reckon I will be,” laughed the colonel -quietly. “Now, you lay mighty low, Bob. Don’t -say nothin’ to any one about seein’ me, or about -what I said. But as sure’s you stand here, -nephew,” he went on impressively, “you’ll be the -one to pitch in that game on Monday, mind my -words!”</p> - -<p>“I’d like to know how you’re going to work it!” -said Randall, in some wonder. “If you do, you’re -a wizard!”</p> - -<p>“Well, some folks have called me worse’n -that,” said Colonel Carson, with a chuckle, as he -reached for his suit case. “You’ll be pitchin’, and -I’ll be here, and I’m a-goin’ to lay some whoppin’ -good bets, let me tell you!”</p> - -<p>After Randall had taken his departure, not -knowing whether to feel delighted or dejected -over his uncle’s promises, Colonel Carson -laughed softly.</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, I’ll lay some bets!” he chuckled -again evilly. “But it’ll be on Franklin, all right! -I guess you’re goin’ to get a pretty bad lickin’, -nephew—but business is business. I see where -I get revenge on that cussed Merriwell kid!”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[139]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A NIGHT ATTACK.</span></h2> - - -<p>“There’s nothing like being square, fellows. -You can’t beat it, I don’t care what any one says. -It’s not so much whether you win or lose, it’s simply -that you feel square inside. That’s what -Davy Crockett meant when he said: ‘Be sure -you’re right, then go ahead!’ Davy didn’t care -a snap about dying—he knew he was right, and -he won out!”</p> - -<p>“Lecture on history by Frank Merriwell, -senior,” laughed Chip. His father smiled as he -watched the lights of the train flashing up the -valley.</p> - -<p>“It’s a fact,” he went on, turning to Chip and -Billy McQuade and Clancy, who had accompanied -him to the train. “I’m not preaching, and you -know it.”</p> - -<p>“But Davy Crockett died in the Alamo,” interjected -Clancy doubtfully.</p> - -<p>“Sure,” flashed back Frank Merriwell, senior. -“That’s why he won, that’s why he’ll live forever, -Clancy. He knew he was right—get that? -Defeat is no sign of failure, not a bit of it. This -Colonel Carson, of Carsonville, has been winning -consistently until you fellows turned the -trick on him. Now he’s started in to reap the -whirlwind.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[140]</span></p> - -<p>“He reaped it, all right, when Chip pitched to-day,” -said Billy Mac. “He reaped a few double -shoots he didn’t expect—or, rather, the Clippers -did.”</p> - -<p>“You’ve got the idea,” said Merriwell, as the -train pulled in. “Well, so long for the present, -everybody. Good luck to you on Monday, Frank! -I’ll try to run down from Bloomfield to see that -game, but I can’t promise. I’ve got some important -affairs on with Dick—you’ll learn about -them later.”</p> - -<p>He handed his grip to the porter and sprang up -the steps. The eleven-o’clock express was already -late, and there was only time for a last -wave of the hand before the train began to move, -then drew away into the night.</p> - -<p>“I wish you fellows wouldn’t go to the hotel,” -said Billy, as the three friends started toward -town. “We’ve all kinds of room at home.”</p> - -<p>Chip flung his arm over the other’s shoulder, -smiling.</p> - -<p>“Cheer up, Billy! Clan and I haven’t had -much chance to get together since he came home -from the West, you know. We’ll have an old-time -gabfest, and will get acquainted again before -we come up to the house to-morrow. By -gracious, these streets are dark!”</p> - -<p>“I’m sorry now we didn’t come down in the -<em>Hornet</em>,” said Clancy regretfully. “We could -have piled into her somehow.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[141]</span></p> - -<p>Late Saturday night in Carsonville was, indeed, -a dark time, especially for the Carsonville -Clippers!</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Quite naturally, Colonel Carson and his son -had not taken their beating with a good grace. -Bully Carson was an excellent pitcher, but so -far did Chip outclass him, that he and his father -were furious over the disgrace of being beaten -by a pick-up nine from their own home town.</p> - -<p>No sooner was the game over, than they put -their heads together in order to concoct a plan -which would assist them both in humiliating the -Merriwells and in winning a few side bets upon -the Franklin game. Colonel Carson was fond of -gambling, but he usually liked to know beforehand -which way the game was going to come out.</p> - -<p>As a result of their conference, the astute colonel -hurriedly caught the late afternoon train for -Fardale, determined to gain revenge on Chip and -his father, and recoup his losses at the same time.</p> - -<p>He needed only a lever in order to get his -machinations into working order, and this lever -he found in the person of Bob Randall. Having -discovered that his nephew was not cut on his -own pattern and merely disliked Chip Merriwell -with an open and manly fervor, he had changed -his tactics. Obtaining the information he was -after, he caught the late train back to Carsonville,<span class="pagenum">[142]</span> -passing that which bore Frank Merriwell, -senior, on the way. Things were shaping themselves -very nicely, indeed, he reflected.</p> - -<p>Meantime, Bully Carson had been busy trying -to obtain his own revenge. During the evening -his team met at the town pool room, which they -frequented the greater part of the time, and -Bully set to work.</p> - -<p>Squint Fletcher, his catcher, could barely walk. -Bully passed him up with a scowl, and turned to -the rest of the assembled Clippers.</p> - -<p>“We hadn’t ought to let them fellers get away -with it,” he declared cunningly. “They put the -spurs to us right, then they beat up Squint here.”</p> - -<p>“If you hadn’t blown up they wouldn’t have -beaten us,” growled Ironton, the Clippers’ shortstop.</p> - -<p>This criticism was quite true. But Bully Carson -was loath to admit it, so he merely frowned -the more.</p> - -<p>“If we’d had a little decent support from you -guys,” he snapped, “I wouldn’t have gone up. -How can a pitcher do anything when he don’t -get any support?”</p> - -<p>“How can he get support when his balls get -knocked a mile outside the grounds?” snapped -back Ironton.</p> - -<p>A general grin went up at Carson’s expense. -It was quite true that when he had started to<span class="pagenum">[143]</span> -lose his head, Chip’s men had fallen on him and -pounded the ball unmercifully, and Bully knew it.</p> - -<p>“Well,” he insisted surlily, “we oughtn’t to let -’em get away with it, just the same. They’d -ought to go back home so’s they’d know what -they’d been up against.”</p> - -<p>A general mutter of assent went up. On this -point, at least, it was evident that the Clippers -thoroughly agreed with their captain.</p> - -<p>“Well, what’s the process?” inquired Murray, -the second baseman.</p> - -<p>Bully gathered them around him, with a wary -glance at the other occupants of the pool room. -He lit a cigarette, got it drooping in approved -fashion from one corner of his mouth, then explained -himself.</p> - -<p>“I happen to know that Merriwell’s old man is -goin’ off by the express. I heard ’em say somethin’ -about it. More’n likely, the kid and that -carrot top who played first will come down to see -the old man off. It’s gettin’ along toward train -time, and if we went down we’d be liable to meet -them two comin’ back. If the whole crowd’s -with ’em, so much the better.”</p> - -<p>“Count me out,” growled Squint Fletcher. “I -got both eyes shut.”</p> - -<p>“It ain’t so bad, Bully,” said Ironton. “We -can beat ’em up proper, eh? Guess there’s enough -of us without Squint.”</p> - -<p>Bully Carson’s proposal was accepted without<span class="pagenum">[144]</span> -any great enthusiasm, but it was decided that -Merriwell and his friends needed a lesson, consequently -they must be given it without delay.</p> - -<p>So, after rolling fresh cigarettes, the party decamped -toward the railroad station. There were -six of them, all told, for two had remained to -help Squint Fletcher home, but it was conceded -that six Clippers would be enough to handle Merriwell -and as many of his “gang” as might be -with him.</p> - -<p>While nearing the station, which was situated -at some little distance from the center of town, -the train was heard pulling out. Ironton had -hastened ahead, and a moment later he returned -with word that Merriwell and two others were -coming. The Clippers hastily disposed themselves -in a dark doorway.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[145]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE INITIALS IN THE HAT.</span></h2> - - -<p>“Why don’t you finish the year at Fardale, -Chip?”</p> - -<p>Billy Mac was distinctly worried. So was -Owen Clancy.</p> - -<p>“I’m sure I don’t know,” returned Frank, with -a frown. “Dad only hinted that he and I might -go West. Looked as though Uncle Dick was -mixed up in it, too, but I couldn’t get him to say -anything definite.”</p> - -<p>“Looks bad for Fardale if you have to leave,” -remarked Clancy. “We’ll lick the spots off -Franklin on Monday, anyhow. With Ted -Crockett going away, too, the team will be all -bust up for sure.”</p> - -<p>“I s’pose there’ll be a new captain elected,” -said Billy slyly.</p> - -<p>“That’s right!” exclaimed Chip.</p> - -<p>“I guess there’s only one fellow going to nab -that honor, Chip.”</p> - -<p>“Who?” inquired Frank. “Randall would be -a mighty good man, and I’d like to see him get -it——”</p> - -<p>“You old humbug!” cried Clancy. “You’re it, -of course! Why, Chip, if you didn’t get it I’d -never set foot on the diamond again!” He broke<span class="pagenum">[146]</span> -off abruptly as he stubbed his toe. “Why don’t -you get some light in your blamed old burg, -Billy?”</p> - -<p>“We’ve got shining lights right now if you’d -only take your hat off,” grinned Billy Mac. “But -Clan is right, Chip. Captain Chip, I should say!”</p> - -<p>“Nonsense!” said Merry. “Of course, I won’t -say that I wouldn’t appreciate the honor, fellows, -but I think that Randall is the one for the place. -Besides, remember, dad talked as if he and I -would go away. I sure hope it won’t come true.”</p> - -<p>He paused suddenly, for he had detected a -dark figure lurking against a wall ahead of them.</p> - -<p>“Do you ever have holdups here, Billy?” he -went on, in a low voice. “Looks as if that fellow -was waiting for a belated traveling man, eh?”</p> - -<p>“No danger,” scoffed Billy Mac, after a glance -at the hulking figure, which remained by the wall -in shadow. “This isn’t a particularly good residence -section, but the constable keeps things -pretty clean around here. No, I sure hope you -won’t leave——”</p> - -<p>He was interrupted as the lurking figure -slouched out and barred their path. Chip took -a keen look, but did not recognize the man at -once, for it was dark, and the fellow’s hat was -pulled down over his eyes. Something about the -figure suggested Bully Carson to him, but he dismissed -the swift suspicion that flashed over him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[147]</span></p> - -<p>“Where ye goin’?” demanded the fellow, in an -obviously disguised voice.</p> - -<p>“That’s our business,” flashed Merry. “Get -out of the way.”</p> - -<p>The figure lunged forward with a swift blow. -So rapidly was it done that before Frank could -dodge he felt the man’s fist strike his breast, -flinging him violently back against Clancy. At -the same instant the eager voice of Carson rose -in a low cry:</p> - -<p>“We got ’em, boys! Come along!”</p> - -<p>Out from an adjacent doorway poured a group -of dark shapes, while Carson flung himself forward -with another blow at Merriwell. Before it -landed, however, Chip had recovered himself, -and he realized the situation in a flash. Darting -under the big fellow’s lunge, he snapped in a -blow that caught Carson full in the mouth and -jarred him to an abrupt stop.</p> - -<p>“Against the wall, fellows!” he cried quickly. -“We’ll have to fight them off!”</p> - -<p>“It’s Carson’s gang,” exclaimed Billy, as he -and Clancy ranged up beside Chip.</p> - -<p>“You bet it is,” responded a voice, and the dark -figures closed in on them.</p> - -<p>It seemed that there was no hope for the three -friends, as the crowd rushed in at them with furious -blows. Chip, however, had hastily pushed -back into an angle formed by the union of two<span class="pagenum">[148]</span> -house walls, where it was difficult for the Clippers -to get at them.</p> - -<p>This fact, together with the darkness, rendered -the odds somewhat more even. Carson’s -followers were confused by Merry’s quick move, -and when they came shoving forward in a mass -Clancy stepped out and let fly with his fists.</p> - -<p>“Look out!” cried Ironton, trying to get back. -“They’ve got clubs, boys! Watch out for ’em!”</p> - -<p>“Quit your crowding,” exclaimed Bully Carson, -to those behind.</p> - -<p>He was flung forward, however, and Merry’s -fist cracked into his right optic. Unable to see -what had hit him, he staggered back with a howl.</p> - -<p>“Look out fer sledge hammers!” he cried. -“They got some bricks—get back, you fellers!”</p> - -<p>Merry was smiling slightly—that old, self-confident -smile which spelled danger had the Clippers -but seen it. Before Carson could retreat, -Chip stepped out and followed up his first blow -with two swift punches from right and left. The -big fellow was sent reeling back headlong into -his own men.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Clancy and Billy Mac had not been -idle. Taking advantage of their opponents’ momentary -confusion, they had immediately carried -the battle into the enemy’s camp. Every head -was that of a foe, and they struck out with amazing -carelessness as to whether they hurt any one.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[149]</span></p> - -<p>Taken by surprise at these bewildering tactics, -the Clippers tried to shove back from the -niche in the wall. Their numbers were against -them, however. Those behind were still trying to -get into the conflict, and the two or three in the -front rank were getting all the benefit of the -three friends’ flying fists.</p> - -<p>A fragment of rock crashed against the wall -behind Frank. Flaming with anger at the whole -cowardly attack, he leaped forward with a cry -to Clancy and Billy. Carson met him with an -angry bellow.</p> - -<p>The big fellow lacked all science, however. Already -smarting under his punishment, his attack -was futile. Merry’s fists beat a tattoo on his -heavy face, while his own vicious blows merely -beat the air. Once again Chip’s knuckles landed -against his puffing eye, and he measured his -length in the dust.</p> - -<p>One of the Clippers had hurled a rock at -Clancy, which had struck the red-haired chap on -the shoulder and staggered him. He recovered -instantly, however, and as Carson went down the -three leaped forward, carrying the fight back into -the street.</p> - -<p>Ironton went reeling away, clasping his stomach -where Billy’s fist had located his solar plexus. -Clancy floored Murray, while Chip sent another -of the assailants staggering. How the battle -would have ended was doubtful, had not Bully<span class="pagenum">[150]</span> -Carson scrambled to his feet at this juncture and -promptly started for home.</p> - -<p>Already demoralized by their failure to carry -the three friends off their feet at the first rush, -the Clippers lost any further desire for combat -on seeing their leader streaking his way into the -darkness.</p> - -<p>Hardly had his flying figure disappeared when -the others broke. They attempted no retaliation -for the blows they had received, but simply melted -off into the night and vanished. Billy McQuade -would have pursued, but Chip seized his arm -and dragged him back.</p> - -<p>“Hold on,” he panted, with a laugh. “We can -be mighty glad they’ve decided to go, Billy. No -use getting after them, or they might change their -minds.”</p> - -<p>“Bring ’em on!” cried Clancy vigorously. -“Hoop-a-la! I’m just getting ready to scrap, -Chip!”</p> - -<p>“Who were they?” asked Frank, getting Billy -calmed down. “Was it Carson and the Clippers?”</p> - -<p>“Didn’t you recognize Bully’s voice? Sure it -was.”</p> - -<p>“Here’s a job for the town constable, then,” -said Clan energetically. “Chip, if this wasn’t a -cowardly, no-account, low-down assault, then I’ll -eat my hat!”</p> - -<p>“Eat this one instead,” laughed Frank. He<span class="pagenum">[151]</span> -picked up a soft felt hat which lay on the ground -at his side.</p> - -<p>Billy struck a match. The hat bore a violent -scarlet band, and on the sweatband inside were -stamped the letters “E. T. C.”</p> - -<p>“Who does that stand for?” asked Chip.</p> - -<p>“Bully Carson,” spoke up Billy promptly. -“Edward T., otherwise Bully. Say, fellows, I -guess we can land that bunch in the lockup, hey? -There must ’a’ been six or eight of ’em, and with -this for evidence we can maybe jail the whole -bunch.”</p> - -<p>“Seemed to be more like a dozen,” said Clancy.</p> - -<p>Merry laughed.</p> - -<p>“Come along, you two fire eaters. Billy’s right, -for I counted six.”</p> - -<p>“You were cooler than I was, then,” commented -Clancy. “Shall we go wake up the constable, -old man? There’s no doubt about our -being able to——”</p> - -<p>Frank shook his head.</p> - -<p>“I think they’ve had enough punishment, to -judge by the way they acted. Let it go, fellows. -You aren’t hurt?”</p> - -<p>“Nary scratch,” said Clancy. “Somebody hit -me with a brick, but it struck my shoulder and -didn’t hurt. Of course, if you think it’s better -not to prosecute ’em, I’m agreeable. But I’d like -to see that cuss Carson do time for this business.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[152]</span></p> - -<p>Frank nodded. He knew exactly how his -chum felt in the matter, but the Clippers had received -fair punishment, and their attack had -failed. When he went on to state that by prosecuting -Carson they would be detained in town, -the others agreed instantly.</p> - -<p>“Sure,” said Billy. “We couldn’t afford to -miss that Franklin game. I wish you two obstinate -mules wouldn’t go to the hotel, though.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll let your mother get a little sleep,” said -Clancy. “She got a bang-up supper after the -game, and it wouldn’t be fair to impose on her, -Billy. I’ll take you back to-morrow in the -<em>Hornet</em>, if you’ll sit on the running board.”</p> - -<p>“You bet I will! Just the same, I wish we -were goin’ back to-night,” added Billy, with a -worried note in his voice. “The Carsons are -down on you because you helped me, Chip, and -they never overlook an injury.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think Bully will overlook anything for -a day or two,” said Frank. “I landed on his right -eye twice, anyhow. Nonsense, Billy! He’s tried -for a cowardly revenge and he’s failed, and that -closes up the incident. We’ll get back to Fardale -to-morrow night if your mother doesn’t kill us -with that chicken dinner she promised for to-morrow.”</p> - -<p>“Yum!” and Clancy smacked his lips. “Billy, -don’t say anything more about our going back -to-night, or I’ll assassinate you! Wow! Your<span class="pagenum">[153]</span> -mother’s chicken dinners certainly do hit me in -the right spot!”</p> - -<p>“All right,” retorted Billy Mac. “But I’d bet -you fifteen thousand dollars and a half that we -hear from that crowd again!”</p> - -<p>Merry flung the initialed hat into the street, -and they went on their way. None of the three -observed a shadowy form that followed them at -a little distance, as if spying on their movements.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[154]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">FATHER AND SON.</span></h2> - - -<p>Bully Carson, long after midnight, was still -sitting over a washbowl in his room at home, -bathing a startlingly black eye. It was a painful -operation.</p> - -<p>He was growling savagely to himself as he -worked. There was a strong smell of arnica in -the air, while his room was decorated with cigarette -stubs and hastily discarded garments. These -latter were calculated to be striking in appearance, -and they were. When attired in all his -glory, Bully Carson, as Billy Mac said, could be -heard coming a full mile away.</p> - -<p>Just at present he was attired only in his underwear, -however, and in several bruises. He -had been adorning these with arnica, but not with -arnica alone, for ranged beside him were all manner -of bottles.</p> - -<p>At intervals of five minutes, Bully would -anxiously pick up a hand mirror and examine his -injured eye. It was something of a job, since -he could only see out of the other one, and he -gained little joy from it.</p> - -<p>“He must ’a’ hit me with a brick!” he muttered -vengefully. His mutter mingled with a groan of -despair as he took another look at his eye.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[155]</span></p> - -<p>“Wow! I guess I’ll get my auto and get out o’ -town fer a while—this is only gettin’ worse every -minute! Yes, sir, that’s what I’ll do, as soon’s -Ironton shows up. He’s watchin’ them fellers, -and if they get the constable I reckon I’ll have -passengers in that car o’ mine.”</p> - -<p>Bully Carson was disheartened, there was no -doubt of that. He was also discolored, and -realized the fact thoroughly. He had counted on -flashing a particularly flamboyant necktie on the -girls the next day, but the colors would not harmonize -very well with his eye. And his eye was -immense, and growing more so. Bathing only -seemed to help it along.</p> - -<p>He began to dress. Late as the hour was, he -was determined to get his car and slink out of -town, rather than display his facial adornments to -Carsonville’s admiring gaze. He realized just -how admiring that gaze would be.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he paused, at the sound of some one -entering the house. He started, then recognized -his father’s step ascending the stairs. This was -strange, for when Colonel Carson had left for -Fardale he had expected to remain over Monday. -A moment later the colonel opened the door of his -son’s room and stepped in.</p> - -<p>“Still up, eh?” he said. Then his eyes took -in the array of bottles, and he sniffed. “Arnica?”</p> - -<p>“Arnica,” repeated Bully sullenly, keeping his -back to the light.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[156]</span></p> - -<p>“What have you been doing?”</p> - -<p>“I been sittin’ on the roof eating scrambled -eggs—what’d you suppose?”</p> - -<p>Being used to Bully’s disrespectful manner, -Colonel Carson took no notice.</p> - -<p>“When I left, you agreed that you would get -Merriwell laid out,” he said. “Did you succeed?”</p> - -<p>“If I had, I wouldn’t be packin’ up,” returned -Bully. He moved around until the light struck -his face. “See that peeper? Well, I’m goin’ to -take that car o’ mine and beat it. I’ll be back -in a few days.”</p> - -<p>“Hold on, son, hold on,” but Colonel Carson -could not help smiling, angry though he was. -“Do you mean to say that kid licked you?”</p> - -<p>“Don’t look that way, does it? He had about -a dozen fellers hid in a doorway, and they jumped -us with clubs. We couldn’t do nothin’.”</p> - -<p>Bully reeled off this astonishing lie with assurance. -His father examined the black eye with -commiseration and rage.</p> - -<p>“My poor boy! We’ll make that fellow rue -the day he ever came to Carsonville, son! So -you were going away, eh?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. I reckon I’ll lay over in Orton fer a -few days.”</p> - -<p>Orton was a small town fifteen miles from -Carsonville, a mere country village, where it -would be easy to remain and pass over the injury<span class="pagenum">[157]</span> -with any excuse. Colonel Carson nodded -thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>“That’s not so bad, son. I dunno’s it won’t fit -in pretty well, too.”</p> - -<p>Bully looked up suddenly.</p> - -<p>“Thought you was goin’ to stay over in Fardale? -You must ’a’ done some tall hustling to get -back on that late train! Did you see Randall?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” and Colonel Carson’s hard face darkened -suddenly. “He’s no good the way we -thought, Bully. He won’t throw the game.”</p> - -<p>“Huh? Why not?”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t get down to reasons—didn’t have to. -He’s one o’ these here goody-goody fellows who -believe in sport for sport’s sake, prob’ly. Anyway, -he shied when I mentioned it, so I changed -my plans around a bit.”</p> - -<p>“You’re a wonder!” and Bully chuckled suddenly, -in unholy admiration. “You got the slickest -brain I ever did see! What’s the idea now?”</p> - -<p>“Well,” and Colonel Carson sank wearily into -a chair, “you know that I want to get down some -bets on this Fardale-Franklin game, Bully. The -only thing is how to know which team will win, -d’you see?”</p> - -<p>“Sure—even with this eye,” said Bully, with -a grin. “Go on.”</p> - -<p>“The Franklin pitcher is a wonder, but they -don’t know it at Fardale. Randall thinks he can -win easily, if he pitches. And he’ll pitch if Merriwell<span class="pagenum">[158]</span> -doesn’t show up, that’s certain. So if Randall -pitches, it’s a dead sure thing that Franklin -wins the game.”</p> - -<p>“And if Merriwell pitches——”</p> - -<p>“Then it’s not so sure. But listen here, Bully! -Randall put me wise to something, something -that made me alter my plans. We want to get -back at Merriwell, at both of ’em, father and son. -The father will get hit if Fardale loses, and the -kid gets hit if he don’t pitch.”</p> - -<p>“How so?”</p> - -<p>“’Cause whoever pitches that game gets ’lected -captain o’ the Fardale team. I don’t understand -it all, but that’s how she lays. If Randall pitches, -Merriwell loses out all around, d’you see?”</p> - -<p>“And if he pitched, then he’d get the ’lection?”</p> - -<p>“That’s it, Bully.”</p> - -<p>The son grimaced, as he knotted a yellow-purple -necktie about his neck.</p> - -<p>“Then he can pitch, fer all o’ me. By thunder, -I know when I got enough, pop. If you can figger -out any way——”</p> - -<p>“Hold on, son, hold on!” and Colonel Carson -tugged at his goatee, smiling craftily. “You ain’t -never seen the old man lose out very long, have -you? He ain’t a-goin’ to this time, either. Merriwell -ain’t goin’ to pitch that game, see?”</p> - -<p>“How you goin’ to keep him out?”</p> - -<p>“That depends. Where is he now?”</p> - -<p>“Gettin’ the constable to arrest me, mebbe,”<span class="pagenum">[159]</span> -returned Bully easily. “I lost my hat, and he -slung it away after seein’ whose it was. Ironton -is watchin’ to see where he goes fer the night.”</p> - -<p>“Well, we can take care of him easily enough,” -announced Colonel Carson, with great complacence. -“Your goin’ to Orton will come in -jest right, too.”</p> - -<p>“Me? Not on your life!” exclaimed Bully fervently. -“You don’t get me mixed in no more -doings with that kid, Merriwell, pop. Not much! -I’m done.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no you’re not!” said the other easily. “I’ll -get over to Fardale for that game, and I’ll get a -good bunch o’ money down on Franklin. That -cussed fool Merriwell done me out o’ the McQuade -mortgage, and I’m goin’ to make him and -his kid sweat for it, you bet!”</p> - -<p>“I guess he wasn’t so much of a fool if he did -you out o’ anything,” muttered Bully, under his -breath.</p> - -<p>“Yep, it’s a good scheme, a mighty good -scheme,” mused his father reflectively. “I’ll give -you a rake-off on them bets, Bully. Ain’t the kid -got an uncle named Dick Merriwell?”</p> - -<p>“Sure. What’s the idea?”</p> - -<p>Bully began to take a keener interest in the -subject. He knew that the wily Colonel Carson -was rarely bested at such an encounter as this, -and hope sprang anew that his father could succeed -where he himself had failed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[160]</span></p> - -<p>“You wait, son. I ain’t got the precise details -figgered out, but they’re a-comin’. Yes, they’re -on the way, all right.”</p> - -<p>Colonel Carson fell to tugging thoughtfully at -his goatee. An instant later there came a soft -whistle below the windows.</p> - -<p>“There’s Ironton now,” exclaimed Bully.</p> - -<p>He crossed to the nearest window, and flung -up the sash.</p> - -<p>“That you, Bully?” came the voice of Ironton.</p> - -<p>“Sure, it’s me. What’d you find out?”</p> - -<p>There was a trace of anxiety in his tones. He -still half feared that Merriwell would arrest him -for that night’s work.</p> - -<p>“It’s all right, Bully. I heard ’em talking. -They ain’t goin’ to do nothin’ about it, but figure -on goin’ home to-morrow.”</p> - -<p>“Ask where Merriwell is,” spoke up Colonel -Carson hastily. Bully repeated the question.</p> - -<p>“He and the red-headed guy went up to the -Morton House,” answered Ironton. “How’s the -eye?”</p> - -<p>“Black,” said Bully, with a curse. “I’m goin’ -to skip out o’ town fer a few days. Much obliged, -Ironton. See you later.”</p> - -<p>He closed the window. Colonel Carson had -risen, and was reflectively fingering a telegraph -blank he had extracted from his pocket.</p> - -<p>“I’m glad to get that information, Bully. I<span class="pagenum">[161]</span> -guess I can fix Mr. Chip Merriwell without much -trouble!”</p> - -<p>“I’d like to know how,” growled Bully.</p> - -<p>“You will, as soon as you get your car out. I -want you to do an errand over at Orton, and I -guess there won’t be any chance to go wrong this -time. Get ready, and when the car’s out come to -my room.”</p> - -<p>And Colonel Carson made his exit, whistling -softly to himself.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[162]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">LURED AWAY.</span></h2> - - -<p>“No use—I can’t sleep a morning like this!”</p> - -<p>Chip Merriwell jumped out of bed and went -to the window. It was early Sunday morning, -and from the room at the hotel which he and -Clancy occupied he had a clear view of the village -green, the streets leading on down toward -the river, and the green opposite slope of the -valley beyond.</p> - -<p>The air was heavy with apple blossoms, warm -with spring richness, and Frank drank it in -eagerly. From somewhere about the place he -heard the pur of a motor car, but could see -nothing of the machine.</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe I can stay indoors,” he sighed -softly, and turned to where his clothes lay on a -chair.</p> - -<p>Indeed, the morning was a perfect one. The -little town lay still, deserted, apparently empty -of all life. Yet its streets were clothed with -freshness, and its feathery-leaved trees were -green with new spring life. From the fruit -orchards that hedged Carsonville there drifted -renewed sweetness on every breeze.</p> - -<p>Chip glanced at his chum, but Clancy was -sleeping the sleep of the just. The red-haired<span class="pagenum">[163]</span> -chap put in his daytime most energetically, and -when he slept he did it with just as much vigor.</p> - -<p>“I’ll let him pound his ear,” smiled Chip, as he -flung on his clothes, impatient to be outdoors. -“Anyway, I’d just as soon have a walk all by -myself for a change. I’ve a good notion to go -down and take a dip in the mill pond, by gracious!”</p> - -<p>At thought of the cool, inviting waters of the -river, which he had explored with the aid of -Billy Mac, he finished his dressing hurriedly. The -hotel was still dead to the world, and Frank -quietly let himself out into the silent corridor.</p> - -<p>Downstairs, however, he found the clerk -sweeping out the office. The clerk looked up with -a cheery greeting and a wide grin, for Chip was -already a popular hero in Carsonville, after the -game of the day before.</p> - -<p>“Up early, ain’t you?”</p> - -<p>“Too fine a morning to sleep,” said Chip. -“What’s that machine I heard buzzing around?”</p> - -<p>“The garage is down the street a ways,” explained -the clerk, leaning on his broom. “They’ve -got one machine there for hire. Want to get it?”</p> - -<p>“No, thanks,” and Frank laughed. “I was -only mildly curious. Clancy’s car is all right?”</p> - -<p>“Sure, I seen it out in the back yard only just -now.”</p> - -<p>Merry nodded and passed on to the veranda. -At sight of the upturned chairs he was attacked<span class="pagenum">[164]</span> -by sudden laziness, and with a yawn turned over -one of the chairs and seated himself, drinking -in the clear air greedily.</p> - -<p>“Mornings like this make life worth living,” -he reflected contentedly. “I’ll wager that if folks -knew how good these early spring mornings were, -they’d go to bed earlier and get up earlier. It’s -worth all the rest of the day!”</p> - -<p>He sprawled out comfortably. He was still -weary with his stiff game of the previous afternoon, -and his long evening following, and soon -realized that if he sat here very long he would -be fast asleep once more. So, after five minutes, -he forced himself to rise.</p> - -<p>“I never thought I’d be getting lazy!” he murmured. -“Well, down to the river and have a -quick dip, then a rest on the long grass, and back -to rout Clan out in time for breakfast.”</p> - -<p>He paused as he reached the steps, for he -caught sight of a solitary figure that seemed to be -approaching the Morton House.</p> - -<p>The figure was that of a farmer, but this signified -nothing in Carsonville, where every one -owned farms or orchards, or else worked in them. -The man was tall, round-shouldered, and his face -was decorated with a yellowish wisp of beard. -He seemed to be a powerful fellow, Chip thought.</p> - -<p>As he approached the hotel, Merry caught sight -of the man’s face. It was not exactly a pleasant -one, for the eyes were very close set, and<span class="pagenum">[165]</span> -there was a general look of shrewd cunning about -the man which was not reassuring.</p> - -<p>Frank would not have noticed him, had the -man not been inspecting him rather closely as he -drew near. It occurred to Merry that the fellow -might be looking for him.</p> - -<p>“Good morning!” he exclaimed. “This is certainly -great spring weather, eh?”</p> - -<p>“Purty good,” and the man looked him over -curiously. “Say, mister, mebbe you kin tell me -if there’s a feller at the hotel by the name o’ Merriwell? -Frank Merriwell, I guess the front part -of it is.”</p> - -<p>Merry wondered. Without any undue self-glorification, -he thought it odd that the man did -not know him, for every soul in town had witnessed -the game of the previous day. He himself -had come in for a good deal of attention.</p> - -<p>“I believe he’s stopping here,” he said. “In -fact, you happen to be talking to him at this moment. -Why?”</p> - -<p>“Well, now!” The man stared up. “Are you -him?”</p> - -<p>“I’m it,” laughed Frank. “Anything I can do -for you?”</p> - -<p>“Why, I was down to the railroad dee-po jest -now, when a tellygram come in fer a feller o’ that -name. The agent, he couldn’t come up very well, -so I said I’d fetch it along and see if you was -here.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[166]</span></p> - -<p>While he spoke, the man began fishing in the -pocket of his overalls, and at last pulled out a -yellow envelope. Merry took it with a nod. He -knew that there was no regular telegraph office -in the little town, messages being handled from -the railroad station, so he thought little of the -matter.</p> - -<p>“Well, I’m much obliged to you for your trouble,” -he said, taking out a quarter as the man -handed him the message. “If you’ll take——”</p> - -<p>“No, thanks, mister,” and the man turned away -without taking the money. “I couldn’t take -nothin’, thanks. So long.”</p> - -<p>“So long,” said Frank.</p> - -<p>He tore open the message, as the man slouched -away down the street. It was a typewritten message, -and had evidently been received at Carsonville -some ten minutes previously.</p> - -<p>“By gracious!” he said. “What the deuce has -struck Uncle Dick, anyhow? And where or what -is Orton?”</p> - -<p>This was the message that caused him so much -wonder:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p><span class="smcap">Frank Merriwell, Junior</span>, Carsonville: Have your -father meet me not later than nine, Sunday morning, Orton. -Very important. Keep destination secret.</p> - -<p class="center p-1 shiftright"><span class="smcap">Uncle Dick.</span></p></div> - -<p>Merry stared down at it, frowning. There -must be a place named Orton, though he knew<span class="pagenum">[167]</span> -of none in the vicinity. But what was Dick Merriwell -doing there?</p> - -<p>He turned at a step, to find the clerk sweeping -out the refuse through the doorway of the hotel. -Chip knew that he would be able to get information -at once, and spoke.</p> - -<p>“Where is Orton? Is that any place near -here?”</p> - -<p>“Orton? Sure, Mr. Merriwell!” The clerk -jerked his thumb over across the valley. “It ain’t -what you might call a metropolis, nohow, but it’s -got a smithy and a couple o’ stores and a schoolhouse. -Thinkin’ o’ goin’ over there?”</p> - -<p>Frank started. Going over there! Why, of -course!</p> - -<p>“How far is it from here?” he queried.</p> - -<p>“About fifteen mile by road, I take it. ’Bout -ten, as the crow flies.”</p> - -<p>While the clerk paused to stare at him curiously, -Merry considered. If his uncle was at -Orton, he must be expecting his father to meet -him there. But Frank Merriwell, senior, had returned -home on the late train! And Dick had -stated that it was very important, so there was -but one thing to do.</p> - -<p>“Clan hasn’t waked up yet,” thought Chip, “so -I guess I won’t disturb him. I’ll go down and -see if I can get that garage machine, and if it’s -taken then I can rouse up Clancy and get the -<em>Hornet</em> buzzing.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[168]</span></p> - -<p>He turned to the clerk, with quick decision, -shoving the telegram into his pocket.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I just received a telegram——” he -stopped, remembering the admonition in that -telegram. “But, by the way, I’d rather you -wouldn’t say anything to any one about my going -to Orton, will you?”</p> - -<p>“Sure not,” assented the clerk at once.</p> - -<p>“Tell Clancy that I’ll be back before noon,” -went on Merry, turning. “I’ll get a car if I can, -and be back by then, easily. Much obliged to -you!”</p> - -<p>“You got a good morning for the trip,” called -the clerk after him. “Good luck!”</p> - -<p>Chip waved his hand in return, and walked -down the street toward the garage. He glanced -about for the messenger, but doubtless the man -had returned to the station, and he sighed.</p> - -<p>“I see where I don’t get that early swim this -morning! Well, that’s what comes of a fellow -having a family!”</p> - -<p>And with a whimsical grimace he saw the -garage ahead of him. In front was an old-fashioned -but comfortable-looking car, with a young -fellow busily engaged in washing it off.</p> - -<p>“Must be expecting Sunday traffic,” thought -Frank. “That looks a whole lot better than -Clan’s bumpy old scrap heap, just the same. Six-cylinder, -too, so probably she can go some.”</p> - -<p>Approaching the washer, he inquired if the car<span class="pagenum">[169]</span> -was for rent. The young fellow hailed the proprietor -of the garage, inside, and the latter came -out and nodded to Chip at once.</p> - -<p>“You’re young Merriwell, ain’t you? I seen -that game yesterday, by thunder! Is it you who -wants to get a car?”</p> - -<p>“I want to go over to Orton and back,” said -Merry, “if your car’s for rent.”</p> - -<p>“For rent? To you?” A wide grin came -over the man’s face. “Say, Merriwell, you -couldn’t rent no car off’n me, not if you was to -offer me a cold million dollars!”</p> - -<p>“Eh!” Merry looked at him in astonishment. -“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p>“Anybody that lays over Colonel Carson like -you did yesterday, son, can have my car when -he wants it, see? No, don’t do any hollering. I -won’t take no pay, except for gas and the chauffeur. -Just expenses. You’ll have to get back -by noon, though. I only got the one car, and -it’s engaged for the afternoon.”</p> - -<p>Finding that the man was absolutely earnest -in his refusal to take money, Chip assented.</p> - -<p>“We’ll be back as soon as we can reach Orton -and turn around,” he said, getting into the car. -“And I’m much obliged to you, sir!”</p> - -<p>“Pleasure’s all mine, son,” returned the other, -with a grand air.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[170]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">WHERE IS MERRY?</span></h2> - - -<p>“Great morning, Chip!”</p> - -<p>Clancy was drowsily looking out of the window. -His eyes had just opened, and he had not -yet observed the absence of his chum.</p> - -<p>“Wake up and take a look at things, you -lazy——”</p> - -<p>Clan turned over to give Merry a punch, then -suddenly sat up.</p> - -<p>“Well, by Jupiter!” he gasped.</p> - -<p>He noticed for the first time that his chum’s -clothes had disappeared, as well as Chip himself. -Then he turned toward the window, hearing a -church bell ringing sweetly across the valley, and -noticed the maturity of the morning.</p> - -<p>“Jumping whippoorwills! I must have overslept -a whole lot——”</p> - -<p>At that moment there came a sudden, furious -knocking on the door. Clancy paused, half out -of bed, and poised a pillow to fling as the door -opened.</p> - -<p>“Come in!” he yelled. “I’m not deaf. Come -in, you imitation of a real man! You don’t fool -me, Chip Merriwell——Wow! Get out o’ -here!”</p> - -<p>Clancy had thought that it was his chum, but<span class="pagenum">[171]</span> -as the door opened wide his voice shot up to a -shrill yell. For there, looking in with rolling -eyes, was one of the two negresses who acted -as waitresses and bell boys at the hotel.</p> - -<p>“Get out o’ here!” shrilled Clan, pulling the -bedclothes around him. “Can’t you hear? Shut -that door! What d’you think I am, a moving-picture -show?”</p> - -<p>The door shut. From the outside came the -voice of the startled negress:</p> - -<p>“Ah thought yo’ said to come in, suh. Ah -suttinly did!”</p> - -<p>“I was wrong,” retorted Clancy, grinning in -spite of himself. “I meant to say go climb up -the flagpole and kill flies. What do you want?”</p> - -<p>“Why, suh, dar’s a gem’man downsta’rs askin’ -foh yo’ an Mistuh Merriwell.”</p> - -<p>“What’s his name, and what time is it?”</p> - -<p>“It’s dat ar McQuade boy. It’s ten o’clock, -suh.”</p> - -<p>“Send him up,” and Clancy leaped for his -clothes. “Great Scott! Ten o’clock! Say, there -must be something in this Carsonville air! I -haven’t slept as late as this for a month of Sundays.”</p> - -<p>He tore open his suit case, and went into -dressing with such furious energy that the room -was filled with baseball uniforms and sections of -underwear and clean shirts when Billy flung -open the door.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[172]</span></p> - -<p>“What’s goin’ on here?” demanded the astonished -Billy Mac.</p> - -<p>“Me, mostly,” said Clancy. “Where’s Chip?”</p> - -<p>“How do I know? Say, are you just getting -up?”</p> - -<p>“No!” roared Clancy, half into a clean shirt. -“I’m sitting on Brooklyn Bridge making mince -pie, you bonehead!”</p> - -<p>“Oh, don’t let me disturb you,” said Billy sarcastically. -“If you haven’t got your beauty -sleep, old sorrel top, go right back to bed. It’s -only ten o’clock, and I thought maybe you’d like -to take a sunrise swim down in the mill pond.”</p> - -<p>Clancy cut these remarks short by seizing a -pillow and letting fly. Billy was sent back into -the corner, and came up grinning.</p> - -<p>“Where’s Chip?”</p> - -<p>“Look under the bed,” retorted Clancy. “I -just woke up. I suppose he’s dug out for the -river himself. There’s no sign of a bathroom -around this jay hotel.”</p> - -<p>“What d’you expect for three dollars a week? -There, leave off that white shirt, Clan! We’ll go -down to the crick and meet Chip, then come back -here and dress.”</p> - -<p>This program suited Clancy to perfection. On -their way down to the street, however, he -stopped and asked the clerk whether Chip had -left any message for him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[173]</span></p> - -<p>“Sure, Mr. Clancy. Said he’d be back before -noon.”</p> - -<p>“Huh? And when was that?”</p> - -<p>“A little before seven this morning.”</p> - -<p>“Holy smoke!” cried Clancy. “Before seven! -Then Merry’s been gone for three hours, Billy! -He isn’t down at the river, you boob!”</p> - -<p>“Quit calling names,” retorted Billy, a trace -of anxiety in his clear eyes. “It didn’t improve -your manners to go West, I reckon. Sure, we’ll -go down and see, anyhow. He might be asleep -in the sun down there.”</p> - -<p>Clancy asked the clerk if he knew where Merry -had gone. The clerk, mindful of Chip’s injunction, -said that he “couldn’t say,” and the two -friends went off toward the river in helpless wonderment.</p> - -<p>Billy said nothing, but he was not a little worried. -Clancy suspected nothing wrong, though -he knew that it was not Chip’s usual custom to -disappear without leaving any word of where he -had gone.</p> - -<p>Upon reaching the mill pond they found no -sign of Merry. Clancy scoffed at the fears of -his friend, so they stripped and took a hasty dip, -then dressed and made their way back to the -hotel.</p> - -<p>“If he don’t show up pretty soon,” said Billy, -“mother will be all balled up with her chicken -dinner, Clan.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[174]</span></p> - -<p>“Well, we aren’t going to wait for him,” said -Clancy firmly. “I want that chicken dinner, believe -me! We’ll give him half an hour, then -we’ll load into the <em>Hornet</em> and go up to your -house. Maybe he’s there now.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. McQuade had been requested to prepare -an early dinner, as the three friends intended returning -to Fardale in the <em>Hornet</em> that afternoon. -So promptly at eleven-thirty Clancy got out his -car and ordered the reluctant Billy to climb in. -Since there was a strong possibility that Merriwell -was at the McQuade house, Billy finally -obeyed.</p> - -<p>“Nothing could happen to him,” scoffed -Clancy, as they climbed the hill. “He’s off on a -walk, that’s all, and probably has gone to sleep on -the shady side of a tree.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. McQuade had seen nothing of Merry, -and since her dinner was all ready and waiting, -she put aside a generous portion to keep warm -for Chip and insisted on Clancy and Billy pitching -in at once.</p> - -<p>They did so, but as the meal progressed Clancy -began to feel the same anxiety that was worrying -his friend. Finally he asked Mrs. McQuade -to hold her pies in the oven for a little.</p> - -<p>“Billy and I will run back to the hotel. He -might be there, or on the way.”</p> - -<p>The two jumped into the <em>Hornet</em>, and Clancy -hit only the high spots until they drew up before<span class="pagenum">[175]</span> -the hotel. A man came down the steps, and -Clancy recognized him as the garage proprietor.</p> - -<p>“Say, Mr. Clancy, where’s Mr. Merriwell?”</p> - -<p>“Isn’t he here?”</p> - -<p>“No,” returned the man, in a worried voice. -“I got that auto rented this afternoon, and——”</p> - -<p>“Auto!” yelled Billy. “Did he rent your -auto?”</p> - -<p>“Why, sure! Didn’t you know that?”</p> - -<p>“Not yet, I didn’t!” snapped Clancy. He -wakened abruptly to the fact that there must be -something seriously wrong. “When was this?”</p> - -<p>“About seven o’clock.”</p> - -<p>“Where did he go to?”</p> - -<p>The garage proprietor hesitated.</p> - -<p>“Well, last thing he says was not to say anything. -But mebbe you boys could go and see if -anything’s wrong. Anyhow, you’re his pals, so -I reckon he wouldn’t mind me tellin’ you so much. -He went over to Orton, or said he was goin’ -there.”</p> - -<p>“What the deuce was he going to Orton for?” -queried Billy, in astonishment. “Why, there’s -nothing there but a schoolhouse and a smithy!”</p> - -<p>Clancy frowned. He looked to see the clerk -coming down toward them in a hesitant way, -having heard the conversation.</p> - -<p>“There ain’t nothin’ wrong, is there?” inquired -the clerk.</p> - -<p>“Seems to be,” and Clancy gave him a sharp<span class="pagenum">[176]</span> -look. “Didn’t Merry say he was going to Orton?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, you know about it, then?” said the clerk, -looking relieved. “Why, yes, the telegram come -from Orton, I think he said——”</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter with you?” sang out Billy. -“There’s no telegraph station at Orton, and you -know it! Did he tell you that?”</p> - -<p>“Well, he got a telegram, then he started askin’ -me about Orton,” returned the clerk. “I didn’t -ask no questions, so I don’t know where it come -from. He seemed rather fussed, though.”</p> - -<p>“There’s something wrong, Clancy,” murmured -Billy, leaning over and speaking in a low -voice. “It isn’t like Chip to go off like that.”</p> - -<p>“No,” agreed Clancy, “that’s not his regular -trail at all.”</p> - -<p>He turned to the garage proprietor.</p> - -<p>“Don’t worry about the car, sir. We’ll do a -little inquiring around here, and then start out -after it. But whatever loss you incur will be -made good.”</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t give a whoop,” explained the man, -“only I’d promised the car for this afternoon -to another party. Far’s I’m concerned, Merriwell -could have the car out all day without payin’ -a cent. But I hate to disappoint folks.”</p> - -<p>“Well, we’ll see what can be done,” said -Clancy. “How far to this place?”</p> - -<p>“Fifteen miles or less. The roads ain’t none<span class="pagenum">[177]</span> -too good, but it ain’t a long ride at all. The car -was in good shape, too.”</p> - -<p>“H’m!” grunted Clan. “Mighty funny if it’d -take a car five hours for that! But he might -have had a breakdown somewhere. It’d be a -good play to run out and take a look at Orton, -Billy.”</p> - -<p>“Better look at that telegram first, Clan.”</p> - -<p>“Huh? Why?”</p> - -<p>“Because we might learn something.”</p> - -<p>“Where’s the office here?”</p> - -<p>“At the depot. But I’d bet you thirteen thousand -dollars and fifty cents that we’ll find there -hasn’t been any message for Chip received.”</p> - -<p>“Say, what’s got into you?” queried Clancy. -“Too much chicken pie?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, you know same’s I do, only you won’t -say it,” sniffed Billy forebodingly. “It’s foul -play, Clan. Merry has helped me, and those -Carsons are getting even with him, that’s what -it is!”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’m beginning to think so myself, all -right,” said Clan soberly. “Only I didn’t want -to scare you out.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[178]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">INVESTIGATING.</span></h2> - - -<p>Once more assuring the garage proprietor that -any losses he might incur would be made good, -Clancy opened up the <em>Hornet</em> and started for the -railroad station.</p> - -<p>“Colonel Carson owns a lot of land over -toward Orton,” stated Billy gloomily. “He’s -mixed up in this somewhere, you can believe -me!”</p> - -<p>Clancy grunted, but made no reply. When they -reached the railroad station they had no difficulty -in finding the combination agent and telegraph -operator.</p> - -<p>“Morning, Mr. Martin!” sang out Billy. “Did -you get a wire for Mr. Merriwell about seven -this morning?”</p> - -<p>“Not me, Billy,” returned the agent. “Was he -expecting one?”</p> - -<p>“Not that we know of, but he got one,” exclaimed -Clancy. “Are you sure that none came -in this morning or last night?”</p> - -<p>“Nobody here last night, and nothing has come -this morning.”</p> - -<p>The operator regarded them with curiosity.</p> - -<p>“Did you say Merriwell got a telegram, Billy?” -he asked.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[179]</span></p> - -<p>“No, I said so,” snapped Clancy. “He certainly -got a telegram this morning, and if it -didn’t come through you, it’s a mighty queer -thing!”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I reckon it is,” returned the agent -calmly. This merely exasperated the red-headed -chap.</p> - -<p>“Well it’s a darned funny thing,” he exclaimed, -“that telegrams can be received here without the -telegraph operator knowing it!”</p> - -<p>“Ain’t no message come this morning,” declared -the agent again, and with a nod to Billy, -he turned and went back into his place of business.</p> - -<p>For a moment the two friends were at a loss -what to do. It was quite evident that Chip Merriwell -had been called away to Orton by some -important affair, yet this agent declared that no -message had arrived for him!</p> - -<p>“I guess we’ll go back and grill those fellows -over again,” said Clancy, starting the <em>Hornet</em>. -“We want to make sure about this telegram business.”</p> - -<p>“It’s easy enough to send a fake message,” suggested -Billy Mac.</p> - -<p>“We’ll soon see, then.”</p> - -<p>Returning to the hotel, they questioned the -clerk anew. By this time he was in enough -anxiety to speak out fully, and stated emphatically<span class="pagenum">[180]</span> -that he had seen the telegram, and that -Merriwell had mentioned it.</p> - -<p>“I guess that settles it, Clan,” exclaimed Billy, -with a gloomy countenance. “He got a message, -all right, but it didn’t come through the station -agent.”</p> - -<p>“Do you suppose that Colonel Carson or his -son had a hand in it?”</p> - -<p>“Sure I do! Only, what’s their reason? Do -you think they tried to get Merry where they -could beat him up?”</p> - -<p>“From what I saw of the colonel,” said Clancy -thoughtfully, “he wouldn’t go into anything so -raw as that, old man. Bully tried it and got all -that was coming to him last night. Granted that -Chip was lured away, there are some folks who -would have a decidedly good reason to keep him -out of sight for a day or two.”</p> - -<p>“Who?”</p> - -<p>“Some of the Franklin Academy crowd. I -may be doing him an injustice, but I’d be more -apt to blame Bob Randall than the Carsons, -Billy.”</p> - -<p>Billy Mac stared in open disbelief.</p> - -<p>“Randall? But why should he try to keep -Chip away from Fardale?”</p> - -<p>“Because he wants to pitch in Monday’s game -against Franklin. It looks to me as if Randall -was trying for the place Ted Crockett will leave<span class="pagenum">[181]</span> -vacant. If he won the Franklin game he’d be a -popular hero——”</p> - -<p>“Cut out this foolishness, Clan!”</p> - -<p>Billy Mac leaned forward earnestly. He was -a staunch friend of Merriwell’s, but he had seen -Bob Randall at his best, and both liked and admired -the fiery, handsome Southerner.</p> - -<p>“You’re away off. Bob Randall isn’t that sort, -not by a good deal. He doesn’t like Chip particularly, -but it’s an honorable, open-faced dislike, -and it won’t last. If he knew anything like -this was going on, he would be the first one to -warn Chip. No, if there’s any one to blame, -Clancy, it’s the Carsons.”</p> - -<p>The red-haired chap nodded. He was quick -to recognize that his words might have been an -injustice to Randall, whom he did not know at -all well. Moreover, if anything was wrong it -was no doubt inspired by Bully Carson or his -father.</p> - -<p>“Yes, Billy, I got a bit out of perspective there, -I reckon. Randall or the Franklin crowd -wouldn’t be down here. Well, our best plan will -be to hit for Orton and see if Merry’s car got disabled.”</p> - -<p>By dint of inquiries they soon found that there -was but one road to Orton, and that if they took -it there was no chance that they could miss -Merry. Clancy was for going to call on Colonel -Carson and putting it up to him straight, but<span class="pagenum">[182]</span> -Billy Mac persuaded him to adopt the more sensible -course of taking the road to Orton and tracing -up Merriwell.</p> - -<p>“Let’s go up to your house, then,” said Clancy, -“and load up with some rations. Chip may be -pretty hungry when we find him, and there’s no -knowing how long we’ll be gone. Besides, we’d -better tell your mother nothing of what we -suspect. No use worrying her, Billy.”</p> - -<p>This was sound argument, and when they arrived -at the McQuade home they said nothing of -their uneasiness. Clancy stated that Chip had -been called over to Orton very unexpectedly, and -that they were going over to meet him, and might -possibly proceed on to Fardale without returning.</p> - -<p>So, loading the <em>Hornet</em> with their belongings -and a generous amount of Mrs. McQuade’s toothsome -edibles, the two started out on the trail of -Frank Merriwell, junior. Once outside of town, -Clancy opened up the <em>Hornet</em> and showed what -she could do.</p> - -<p>“I took her off the scrap heap,” he declared -proudly, “and while she doesn’t look up to much, -she can certainly go some!”</p> - -<p>Billy’s interest was only perfunctory, however. -He was still thinking about Chip and the Carson -family.</p> - -<p>“Funny we didn’t see Bully around town, Clan. -He usually sports around in his gay duds on<span class="pagenum">[183]</span> -Sunday, and runs an old car he bought second-hand. -The colonel sticks to horses, but Bully -likes to make an impression with his car.”</p> - -<p>“I guess Merry gave him a black eye last -night,” said Clancy. “That may account for his -failure to sport around. I guess the whole crowd -is laying low and keeping quiet for the present.”</p> - -<p>Billy grunted, but relapsed into silence.</p> - -<p>The Orton road was a rough one, and after -the first mile Clancy had to slow down a bit. -They were going directly away from the railroad, -and as they proceeded without seeing any trace -of the garage car, they found that the country -lost its prosperous aspect, and became a good deal -rougher and wilder.</p> - -<p>More than once they passed rocky farms that -had been abandoned years before, although the -flowering orchards around Carsonville had -proved that, with industry and skill, the country -could be made productive.</p> - -<p>Mile after mile reeled off without any token -of their quarry, other than tracks of auto tires in -the road, which might have been left by any one -of a dozen machines. At length they topped a -rise and saw Orton itself, two miles farther on. -It was a miserably small place, and Clancy’s -heart sank.</p> - -<p>“There’d be an elegant place to hold Merry -prisoner,” said Billy, pointing to a deserted farmhouse -that stood back from the road to one side.<span class="pagenum">[184]</span> -It was the fifth place he had pointed out with -the same idea, and Clancy grunted.</p> - -<p>“You’re off, Billy. I don’t believe Merry was -ever in this jay town. There’s nothing to it but a -blacksmith shop and a couple of stores.”</p> - -<p>“But don’t you think that’s what’s happened?” -persisted Billy Mac.</p> - -<p>“No, I don’t. Chip may have been lured away, -all right, but Colonel Carson has too much gumption -to work that kind of a racket, according to -my notion. No hotel here, is there?”</p> - -<p>“No,” said Billy anxiously. “We can find out -if Merry was here by going to the smithy. The -blacksmith lives just behind it.”</p> - -<p>Orton was not even large enough to be possessed -of a church, it appeared. The little place -seemed absolutely desolate in the Sunday afternoon -quiet, but as the <em>Hornet</em> drew up in front -of the smithy, Clancy saw that the blacksmith -was standing under an apple tree, watching them.</p> - -<p>Leaping out, the two hastened into the orchard -behind the smithy, and proceeded to question the -burly smith.</p> - -<p>“I couldn’t say,” he responded to their inquiries. -“I’ve seen two or three machines go -past, but didn’t pay much attention. Mebbe my -wife did. Hold on a minute.”</p> - -<p>He turned and lifted a shout at the house in -the rear. A tired-looking woman came forth, -and made response that she had seen Bully Carson’s<span class="pagenum">[185]</span> -machine early that morning, but had not -noticed the others.</p> - -<p>“Bully Carson!” exclaimed Billy, in a low -voice. “We’re on the trail, Clancy!”</p> - -<p>Clancy considered. If they were to make inquiries -through the place, it might be best to -leave the <em>Hornet</em> here. Turning to the smith, he -found that the latter sold gasoline to the few -cars coming through the place, and arranged to -leave the <em>Hornet</em> in his care.</p> - -<p>Returning to the car, he brought it around behind -the smithy, and with Billy made his way to -the tree-bordered street. An instant later, Billy -clutched his arm.</p> - -<p>“I hear a car, Clan! It’s coming this way!”</p> - -<p>The two friends stopped, the slow exhaust of -a motor car coming clearly from ahead of them. -The car came into sight, running slowly toward -them. There was a single figure at the wheel.</p> - -<p>“By gracious, it’s Bully!” cried McQuade excitedly.</p> - -<p>The car rolled toward them at a slow pace.</p> - -<p>“Get ready to jump her,” ordered Clancy, in a -tense voice.</p> - -<p>“What you going to do?”</p> - -<p>“We’ll do a little kidnaping on our own hook, -Billy. Watch out, now!”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[186]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE THIRD DEGREE.</span></h2> - - -<p>Carson was evidently quite unsuspecting. Possibly -he did not see the two figures that waited -at the roadside. At all events his car rolled -slowly past the smithy, and, as it came opposite -to their waiting place, Clancy nudged Billy and -leaped forth.</p> - -<p>He believed in doing a thing thoroughly, when -he <em>was</em> doing it. Consequently, as he saw Bully -twist around in his seat with a start of alarm, -Clancy gave him no chance to increase his speed, -but put all his energies into a flying leap.</p> - -<p>A cry broke from Carson, but he was too late. -Clancy rose in the air like a bird and struck full -against him, driving him down at once. The -two fell in a confused tangle under the steering -wheel, while the car went slowly along the road.</p> - -<p>Meantime, Billy Mac jumped to the running -board and piled into the tonneau. He leaned over -the back of the front seat. Before he could -lend assistance, the two figures came erect, and -Clancy shoved Carson bodily over into the -tonneau.</p> - -<p>“Keep him there, Mac,” he ordered.</p> - -<p>“What you going to do?” gasped Billy.</p> - -<p>“No time to talk,” said Clancy, jumping to the<span class="pagenum">[187]</span> -steering wheel. “Throw a robe over that fellow’s -head! Sit on him, you chump!”</p> - -<p>Carson, indeed, was rising to the occasion. He -had landed in the tonneau on his head and shoulders, -and was squirming upright, letting out wild -yells as he did so. The peace of the Sabbath was -being terribly shattered.</p> - -<p>Billy Mac saved the day by adopting Clan’s -suggestion. Seizing the heavy blanket that did -duty for an auto robe, he threw it over Carson’s -head, managed to evade the waving fists, and -plumped himself on top of the big fellow.</p> - -<p>Carson was forced to the floor of the car, -which had leaped into speed under Clancy’s -touch. Billy McQuade being a chunky fellow for -his age, made no light weight, and Carson’s bellows -for help were stifled.</p> - -<p>So quickly had it all occurred, that, while Bully -Carson must have recognized his assailants, he -had been too startled to propound any questions. -In fact, he had been hustled about so rapidly that -when Billy came down on him he had no more -breath left with which to shout.</p> - -<p>After a moment Clancy stopped the car on a -lonely stretch of road, and told Billy to shove -their prisoner out. Billy did not stand on ceremony, -but opened one of the side doors and sent -Carson tumbling out like a bag of flour.</p> - -<p>The big fellow landed in the dust, came to his<span class="pagenum">[188]</span> -feet, flung off the robe, and emerged, spluttering -with rage.</p> - -<p>“What’s this mean!” he exclaimed hotly. “I’ll -have you dubs pinched fer this!”</p> - -<p>Clancy grinned.</p> - -<p>“No, you won’t, Bully. You’re liable to get -pinched yourself for what took place last night. -Where’s Chip Merriwell?”</p> - -<p>“How do I know?” demanded Carson, working -himself up into a rage. “You’d better clear -out, and do it quick, or I’ll smash your carrot -head in about——”</p> - -<p>“No more of that talk,” said Clancy. “You’re -a coward, my friend. If you try fighting, you’ll -get the worst of it by a good deal. Where’s Chip -Merriwell?”</p> - -<p>Clancy gave no sign of his inward perturbation. -He had conducted this assault absolutely -without evidence, and on a momentary impulse. -If he failed to extract any information, he was -apt to find himself up against the law.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know anythin’ about him,” said Carson -sullenly.</p> - -<p>“Don’t lie,” said Clancy angrily. “You sent -him a fake telegram that got him over to Orton -this morning. Where is he?”</p> - -<p>Carson went white.</p> - -<p>“How’d you know that——” he began, then -checked himself and tried to bluster it off.<span class="pagenum">[189]</span> -“You’re crazy, you boobs! I ain’t seen the feller——”</p> - -<p>“You make me sick,” said Clancy, with renewed -self-confidence. “You gave yourself away -right there, Bully. Now come across, or take the -consequences.”</p> - -<p>Carson glared at him out of his one good -optic.</p> - -<p>“I’ll show you!” he bellowed. “You ain’t -a-goin’ to get clear with this kind o’ doin’s around -here——”</p> - -<p>And turning swiftly, he shoved Billy Mac -aside and made a break down the road. Clancy -grinned inwardly. Carson was not only scared, -but he was extremely anxious to get away.</p> - -<p>Clancy caught the big fellow within fifty feet. -Carson showed fight, but the red-haired chap -decided to waste no further time. Catching the -arm of Carson, he twisted it behind the other’s -back, and had him at his mercy.</p> - -<p>“Take his arm, Billy,” he commanded. “Put -him into the machine and keep him quiet. If he -yells for help, twist his arm and it’ll break just -below the elbow.”</p> - -<p>Carson went green.</p> - -<p>“Hey, what you fellers tryin’ to do?” he whimpered. -“Ouch! I’ll go along—don’t twist that -arm, Billy! We allus been friends, ain’t we?”</p> - -<p>“Not much,” retorted Billy Mac, with unconcealed -contempt. “I always knew you were a<span class="pagenum">[190]</span> -coward, Bully, but I thought you’d show a little -fight! Get along with you.”</p> - -<p>Clancy climbed into the driver’s seat, feeling -highly satisfied with himself. He had forced a -practical admission from Carson that his suspicions -were correct, and he grimly made up his -mind to force a good deal more from the fellow.</p> - -<p>“Where you goin’, Clan?” inquired Billy, with -some anxiety.</p> - -<p>He had shoved Carson into the tonneau and -followed him, still grasping his arm.</p> - -<p>“Well,” said Clancy, with a wink that Bully -did not catch, “I think we’d better take him to -that deserted house you pointed out, as we came -into town. Then we can torture him until he -confesses.”</p> - -<p>“Fine!” grinned Billy. “We’ll do some fancy -branding on him, and if that don’t work, we can -hang him up by the thumbs and roast his feet, -eh?”</p> - -<p>Unfortunately, perhaps, he overdid the matter. -Carson’s evil conscience had turned him into -an arrant coward, but it had not destroyed his -judgment by any means. He perceived that the -two were trying to frighten him, and he relapsed -into a sullen silence.</p> - -<p>“You’d better tell us where Merry is,” stated -Clancy, turning to look into the heavy, surly -features. “I’ll warn you, Bully, that we’re not -inclined to show you any mercy.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[191]</span></p> - -<p>“Go to thunder!” growled the captive, and followed -it with a string of curses. Clancy flushed -angrily and threw in the clutch.</p> - -<p>“All right, my friend,” he grated. “You’ll get -yours!”</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later they drew up at the deserted -house outside town. Clancy drove around to the -side, installed the machine in the half-ruined -barn, and reconnoitered the house. A door was -swinging on its hinges, but the place in general -was in tolerable condition. He returned to the -barn and took out his handkerchief.</p> - -<p>“Put his wrists together,” he ordered.</p> - -<p>“Give him a chance to talk,” pleaded Billy. -Clancy nodded.</p> - -<p>Carson, however, merely poured out a string -of curses and began to plunge in a furious attempt -to escape. His twisted arm soon made -him quiet.</p> - -<p>“Take him up to the house,” said Clancy, when -he had been bound. “I’ll get some stuff to make -a fire with.”</p> - -<p>Billy obeyed. He deposited Carson in an -empty room, tied his ankles securely, then returned -to Clancy with an anxious face.</p> - -<p>“See here, Clan, how far are you goin’? You -don’t mean to torture him?”</p> - -<p>“I should hope not,” said Clancy, with a grin. -“I feel like it, but I don’t believe I’d go that far. -I’m goin’ to walk back and get the <em>Hornet</em>. We’ll<span class="pagenum">[192]</span> -have something to eat, and maybe you can scare -him into talking before I get back.”</p> - -<p>Clancy’s hope was vain. When he returned -with the <em>Hornet</em> and their provisions, he found -that Carson had absolutely refused to say a word -on the subject. Billy was not a little anxious, -but Clancy stood firm.</p> - -<p>“Billy, I’m goin’ to make that fellow talk if I -have to bust every law on earth. Just stop to -think—he’s done something to Chip, and knows -where he is. He seems to have a notion that -we’re throwing a bluff into him about torture -and——”</p> - -<p>“So we are,” interjected Billy. “You know it -blamed well.”</p> - -<p>“Sure,” admitted Clancy, with a grimace. -“But I’m goin’ to make him think he’s wrong, if I -can.”</p> - -<p>There ensued a series of bluffs at torture on -Clancy’s part, but they had not the slightest effect -on Carson.</p> - -<p>But Bully Carson stood pat. The first shock -of alarm over, he resisted all of Clancy’s efforts -with a grim silence that could not be broken. He -knew that he was helpless, but he also knew that -despite Clancy’s talk the red-haired chap would -not dare to proceed to extremities. And as long -as he could hold silence, he intended to do so. -Merriwell must be kept out of that Franklin -game. He knew that his father had gone to<span class="pagenum">[193]</span> -Fardale and would doubtless plunge heavily on -the result of the game. Since money meant -more than anything else to the Carson family, -Bully intended making a hard fight of it.</p> - -<p>He did so. Clancy and Billy built a roaring -fire in the old fireplace when darkness came on. -This took the damp from the main room of the -farmhouse, and rendered it habitable. They ate -some of their provisions, refusing to give Carson -anything to eat or drink. Finally Clancy -gave up in disgust.</p> - -<p>“All right,” he said grimly to the prisoner. -“You’ll stay here a month if you don’t loosen up, -old scout. Billy, we’ll take turns keeping him -awake to-night. He must have been on the go -most of last night and to-day, and that’ll bring -him to terms.”</p> - -<p>When morning dawned, Bully Carson was -haggard and drawn, but still refused to open his -lips. Clancy was desperate. Thirsty and hungry -though their captive was, nothing seemed to have -any effect. Yet their only hope of rescuing Chip -Merriwell lay in making him talk.</p> - -<p>“I’ve had enough of this,” said Clancy, when -the morning was half gone. “Billy, we’re up -against it. Right or wrong, that fellow’s going -to talk.”</p> - -<p>“You’re not going to really torture him?” -asked the white-lipped Billy.</p> - -<p>“I am.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[194]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">QUICK WORK.</span></h2> - - -<p>Carson was worn out with lack of sleep and -exhaustion. When Clancy dragged him to the -fireplace, took a burning brand from the fire, and -approached him, he let out one frightened yell.</p> - -<p>The red-haired chap knew that he could not -carry out his bluff, but he held so desperate a -countenance that Carson was overborne. Even -Billy himself half thought that Clancy meant to -put his bluff into effect.</p> - -<p>“I give in!” yelled Carson wildly.</p> - -<p>Clancy drew a long breath of relief, but did -not let Carson see it.</p> - -<p>“Where’s Chip Merriwell?” he demanded -grimly.</p> - -<p>“Don’t burn me!” yelled Carson frantically. -“Give me a drink!”</p> - -<p>“You’ll drink when I get ready, and not before,” -roared Clancy. “Where’s Chip Merriwell? -Hurry up, you galoot!”</p> - -<p>“He’s at the Brundage Farm, on the other side -of Orton,” gasped Bully. “For Heaven’s sake, -give me a drink!”</p> - -<p>The bully had given in completely and absolutely. -None the less, he knew that since it was -getting on toward noon, all hope of getting to -Fardale for the game must now be over.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[195]</span></p> - -<p>“Get up,” and Clancy kicked him to his feet. -“Billy, take him out to the car and you take the -wheel. I’ll come along in the <em>Hornet</em>. Make him -guide us to this Brundage place, and do it quick!”</p> - -<p>“Give me a drink first,” pleaded Carson.</p> - -<p>“You’ll drink when you get there, not before. -Jump lively!”</p> - -<p>With a groan, Carson followed Billy. The fellow -was in a pitiable plight, but at thought of -Chip, Clancy lost all pity.</p> - -<p>He soon ascertained from Billy Mac that -Brundage was a farmer living on one of the Carson -farms, just outside Orton, but on the opposite -side of the town from where they were at -present. Also, Carson loosened up with the -story.</p> - -<p>He confessed to having lured Chip away, and -stated that both he and the driver of his machine -were being held at the farm in question, in order -that Chip should be detained from the Franklin -game. At this Clancy climbed into the <em>Hornet</em> -with a groan of despair.</p> - -<p>“The harm’s done, now!” he reflected bitterly. -“Billy, Chip, and I will be out of the game for -certain. That means that Franklin will have a -walk-away, unless old Fardale comes up to the -scratch, or a miracle happens.”</p> - -<p>Billy, driving Carson’s car with the owner -huddled in the tonneau, shot out on the road, -while Clancy followed in the <em>Hornet</em>. Poor Carson<span class="pagenum">[196]</span> -was almost in a state of collapse, but Billy -allowed him no sleep.</p> - -<p>The two cars shot through Orton like a streak, -giving Carson no chance to call for assistance. -On the other side of town they came in sight of -their goal—a large white farmhouse, set back -from the road.</p> - -<p>Billy turned in at the drive and whizzed up to -the side of the house. As Clancy followed him, -two men appeared, one carrying a shotgun. -Clancy instantly perceived that their troubles had -just begun, and took charge of the situation.</p> - -<p>“Get a drink of water for Mr. Carson,” he -cried, and the man with the shotgun leaned the -weapon against the side of the house and hurried -toward the well. The other came forward.</p> - -<p>“This Mr. Brundage?” inquired Clancy.</p> - -<p>“It is. What ye want? What’s the matter -with Bully?”</p> - -<p>Clancy turned and drew a breath of relief at -sight of Bully, who had fallen sound asleep from -utter weariness.</p> - -<p>“We came after Merriwell,” he stated, turning -to the farmer. “Get him out here in a hurry. -Bully is tired out, that’s all.”</p> - -<p>This statement was perfectly true. At Clancy’s -air of haste, Brundage clawed his whiskers for -an instant, then turned and hurriedly stamped -into the house. Before the other man returned,<span class="pagenum">[197]</span> -Clancy caught up the shotgun and thrust it into -Billy’s hands.</p> - -<p>“Climb into the <em>Hornet</em> and be ready to light -out,” he exclaimed. “Keep that fellow covered.”</p> - -<p>As the man approached, Billy ordered him to -put up his hands. Clancy was already examining -the barnyard. In one corner appeared an automobile, -which beyond a doubt was that of the -Carsonville garage.</p> - -<p>The astonished farm hand obeyed Billy’s -abrupt order. Bully Carson was in no danger -of awakening for the present, and Clancy made -ready to depart as soon as Chip was produced.</p> - -<p>“We’ve got to hit her up for Fardale, Billy. -When Chip comes, you give him that seat and -climb out to the running board——”</p> - -<p>“Take Carson’s car,” suggested Billy.</p> - -<p>“No. We’ll do it in the <em>Hornet</em>. That old bone -wagon of Bully’s couldn’t keep up with us for a -mile.”</p> - -<p>At this moment Brundage appeared at the -door.</p> - -<p>“Shall I let the other feller out——” he began, -then stopped abruptly at sight of Billy covering -the farm hand with the shotgun. “Hey! What -you fellers up to?”</p> - -<p>“You send Merriwell out here and do it in a -hurry,” said Clancy, striding toward the door.</p> - -<p>“All right, Brundage!” sang out the farm<span class="pagenum">[198]</span> -hand, with a grin. “I’ll ’tend to these fellers—that -old gun ain’t loaded!”</p> - -<p>He started for Billy on the jump. Brundage -slammed the door and vanished.</p> - -<p>At the man’s shout, Billy hastily examined the -shotgun. He found that it was unloaded, and -flung it to the ground. Clancy, flaming with anger -and despair, returned hastily to the machine -just as the farm hand leaped at Billy.</p> - -<p>The red-haired chap was in no mood for argument. -His fist shot out and caught the farm -hand underneath the ear. The fellow gave a -grunt, then slumped weakly to the dust, and lay -quiet.</p> - -<p>“We’re up against it, Clancy,” exclaimed Billy, -looking at the house. “He would have fallen for -it if he hadn’t seen me holding that chap up, or -trying to.”</p> - -<p>“It’s all my fault,” said Clancy, with a groan. -“But we know that he’s got Merry in there, and -that’s some comfort. We’ll have to get him out.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t see how——” began Billy, but at that -instant he was interrupted.</p> - -<p>A shrill yell arose from inside the house. Then -there followed a wild commotion.</p> - -<p>Without warning, there was a crash of glass, -as a china plate came through one of the lower -windows. Another followed, and another, then -a chair burst through the window.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[199]</span></p> - -<p>“Wow! Lemme out o’ here!” came a shrill -yell. “I want to go home!”</p> - -<p>Through the window protruded a frightened -countenance.</p> - -<p>“It’s the garage driver from Carsonville!” -yelled Billy. “Come on, old scout!”</p> - -<p>“Wow! Lemme out o’ here!”</p> - -<p>It was evident that the young fellow was -scared almost out of his head. He took a flying -leap through the window and landed in a rose-bush. -In his hand he held two more plates, and -as he scrambled to his feet he hurled them against -the house.</p> - -<p>Then, paying no attention to Clancy and Billy, -he rushed across the barnyard and cranked up -his machine. It was evident that he had broken -loose, and was too frightened to do anything but -hit it up for home.</p> - -<p>“Let him go,” said Clancy. “We’ll get in that -window, Billy!”</p> - -<p>He started for the house. The chauffeur, wild-eyed -and reckless, got his machine slewed around -and went shooting down the drive like a crazy -man.</p> - -<p>“Wow!” he yelled, as he passed. “Git the constable! -Wow!”</p> - -<p>Renewed sounds of commotion came from -within the house. Clancy dashed at the window. -Billy gave him a boost to the sill, and the red-haired<span class="pagenum">[200]</span> -chap shot over the edge headfirst and -tumbled to the floor inside.</p> - -<p>He found himself in a darkened room, evidently -the dining room of the farmhouse. It was -in wild confusion. Chairs were flung around, -the floor was littered with smashed crockery, and -over in the corner Clancy made out two figures -in furious combat.</p> - -<p>As he rushed up, he saw that Chip Merriwell -was being gripped by the enraged Brundage, and -that the young athlete was fighting furiously for -his freedom, despite the handicap of handcuffs -on his wrists.</p> - -<p>“Whoop-ee!” yelled Clancy, charging across -the room. “Here we are, pard!”</p> - -<p>Merry managed to break loose, and, raising -his handcuffed wrists, he brought them down -across the brow of the farmer, who toppled forward. -Clancy caught his chum in his arms as -the man fell senseless.</p> - -<p>“Come along, Chip——” he cried, but Merry -broke in.</p> - -<p>“Get the key for these irons, Clancy! He’s got -it in his vest pocket.”</p> - -<p>Clancy leaned over, and, after a short search, -found the key of the handcuffs in the farmer’s -pocket. Straightening up, he inserted it in the -lock, and Merry’s hands fell free.</p> - -<p>“Bully for you, Clan! I thought you were -never coming!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[201]</span></p> - -<p>“We’ll put these fellows over the road,” cried -Billy, who had also entered. “This will land the -Carsons in jail, all right.”</p> - -<p>“I guess they’re all right,” said Merry. “They -got me over here on the pretext that Uncle Dick -was here. This man Brundage slipped the irons -on me, and they imprisoned me and the chauffeur. -Where’d he go?”</p> - -<p>“Went home on the jump,” said Clancy. -“What happened?”</p> - -<p>“Brundage came in and released him. Then -he went to the door a moment. The chauffeur -was almost wild with rage and fright, and he -started to smash his way out. I guess he did it, -all right!”</p> - -<p>“Looks that way, Chip! Say, do you know -it’s ’most noon Monday? Let’s get out of this!”</p> - -<p>The three hastily left by the window and ran -to the <em>Hornet</em>.</p> - -<p>“We’re off for Fardale and the big game,” -cried Clancy exuberantly.</p> - -<p>“You can’t get us there in time, can you?” -asked Merry anxiously.</p> - -<p>“By thunder, I can try!” returned Clancy. -“Hang on, Billy! We’re off!”</p> - -<p>And the <em>Hornet</em> darted away.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[202]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">WON IN THE NINTH.</span></h2> - - -<p>Fardale field was clothed in gloom. The only -bright spot was the stand occupied by the -Franklin rooters, and they were certainly making -things lively in that quarter.</p> - -<p>The great game was on, but as far as Fardale’s -chances were concerned, it seemed to be all -off. Inning after inning had run along, and time -after time Fardale had been saved from disgrace -only by mere good luck.</p> - -<p>As it was, the eighth inning had started with -the score four to one in favor of Franklin. And -Peters, the Franklin pitcher, had tightened up -after the first inning, and was invincible.</p> - -<p>Randall, pitching for Fardale, had started out -strong. In the fifth he had let in a run, and in -the sixth his poor support had sent him up in -the air. For Fardale had certainly put a poor -team in the field, with substitutes behind the bat, -on first, and in the pitcher’s box.</p> - -<p>Even so, Randall might have held Franklin -had his own men been able to hit the swift curves -of Peters. Once he loosened up, however, -Franklin romped away with the game, and the -slaughter was on. All Fardale could now hope -for was to hold down the score, and she was -fighting desperately to that end.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[203]</span></p> - -<p>Coach Trayne and Captain Ted Crockett were -talking anxiously together while the Fardale batters -were being mowed down in the final half of -the eighth.</p> - -<p>“We’re gone completely now,” announced -Crockett gloomily. “We’ll get another chance -next inning, but the game’s over.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t understand it,” said the coach, in perplexity. -“I’ve had no answers to any of my telegrams -from Chip or Billy or Clancy. At noon I -wired the hotel there, and they said that all three -had left yesterday. Nobody knows where they -are.”</p> - -<p>“Something’s happened to ’em, all right,” said -Ted, as a storm of cheers swept out from the -Franklin bleachers, announcing that Peters had -fanned a second man. “Maybe that car of -Clancy’s has blown up. Did you wire Mr. Merriwell?”</p> - -<p>“I’ve wired everybody in the country!” cried -the coach desperately. “Nobody knows anything -about it. Merry left Carsonville yesterday -morning, with Clan and Billy. That’s all. -They’ve dropped completely out of sight.”</p> - -<p>“It’s a rotten shame,” muttered Crockett. “We -had to put Randall in, and they have simply murdered -him. The boys are all up in the air, too.”</p> - -<p>“Well, hold the score down,” said Coach -Trayne, in desperation. “That’s all we can hope -for now.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[204]</span></p> - -<p>Another roar went up from Franklin as Peters -fanned the third man. Villum Kess trotted out -to right field in gloomy fashion.</p> - -<p>“Ve vos complexicated now,” he said, as -Crockett joined him. “Ve make a losings ven -Chip vos gone, yah! Ve vos our feet viped off -der earth of, Ted!”</p> - -<p>“We’ll have to hold ’em,” said the captain -glumly. “We get one more chance.”</p> - -<p>Randall went into the pitcher’s box amid a -storm of cheers from the Fardale bleachers. The -Southerner realized that he had been outclassed, -but he was resolutely trying to hold his self-control.</p> - -<p>“All right, Randall!” cried Crockett. “We’re -all with you, old man!”</p> - -<p>“Yah, ve vos all mit you,” piped up Villum. -“But I vish dot Merry vos mit us, like plazes!”</p> - -<p>As the first Franklin man came up, Fardale -redoubled its cheers. It was the first of the ninth. -If Franklin could be held to its four runs, there -was still a slim chance that Peters might be -pounded in the next half. But every one admitted -that the chance was too slim to be hoped for. -Peters had everything.</p> - -<p>The batter fell on Randall’s first ball, and -cracked out a neat single. The next batter tried -for a sacrifice, but he was unable even to put -himself out. The ball rolled down to third, and -the third baseman made a wild throw to first.<span class="pagenum">[205]</span> -Both men were safe, and the Franklin cheers redoubled.</p> - -<p>It was too much for Randall. In his anger he -sent a fast one at the plate, and Peters himself -landed on it. The ball streaked down toward -first, but the unhappy substitute, playing Clancy’s -position, muffed it. By the time he got through -booting it around, the bases were filled, not a man -was out, and Franklin seemed fated to run up -a tremendous score.</p> - -<p>The next man advanced to the plate with a -wide grin at Randall. The heavy end of Franklin’s -batting order was up. At this instant, however, -a shrill yell ascended from the gate.</p> - -<p>“Merriwell! Merriwell! Stop the game!”</p> - -<p>The yell rose to a roar. Men rose in the -bleachers, stamping and waving their hats. -Every one knew of Merriwell’s unexplained absence. -Randall went white, and would have delivered -the ball had not the umpire stopped him.</p> - -<p>Across the field careered a dust-white <em>Hornet</em>, -with three uniformed figures clinging to it. Ted -Crockett turned with a wild yell as Clancy drew -up behind third.</p> - -<p>“Get in the game!” he shouted. “Merry, -pitch! Take first, Clan! Catch, Billy!”</p> - -<p>A renewed storm of yells swept the field as -the sudden shift of players was comprehended. -Randall, white-faced, tried to protest, but -Crockett waved him off the field. The three<span class="pagenum">[206]</span> -friends had made shift to don their uniforms as -they rode into town, not without difficulty. Coming -through the village they had heard how the -game was going, and had hastened on to the -field.</p> - -<p>While they took their positions, and Merry was -given a moment to warm up, the crowd fell silent. -Even the Franklin rooters had cheered, for they -were clean sportsmen, but the Fardale fans began -to realize that Merry had arrived too late.</p> - -<p>“They can’t do anything now except hold ’em -down,” declared Coach Trayne.</p> - -<p>New life had been infused into the team, however. -Villum Kess was capering around in right -field trying to stand on his head, and almost succeeding. -The ball was being snapped around the -bases in wonderful fashion. One and all, the -team were leaping into action as if the coming -of Merry and his friends had turned the tide.</p> - -<p>Yet the score stood four to one, and the bases -were filled, there were none out.</p> - -<p>“Play ball!” called the umpire.</p> - -<p>The Franklin batter stepped into his box. -Merry poised himself on the mound and nodded -at Billy’s eager signal.</p> - -<p>Then Merry did a strange thing:</p> - -<p>He knew that the men behind him had regained -confidence, and he proceeded to show his confidence -in them by lobbing over a slow, straight<span class="pagenum">[207]</span> -ball. The batter almost gasped with astonishment, -but swung and took it on the nose.</p> - -<p>“Wow!”</p> - -<p>The crowd came up on its toes. The ball drove -across the field like a bullet, so quickly that it -could hardly be seen what had happened. The -shortstop put out his glove, and the ball struck. -Instantly he leaped to second.</p> - -<p>The runners had leaped at the crack of the -bat. Touching second, the shortstop whipped the -ball to Clancy. It came straight and true, and -the man on first tried to get back, but too late. -Three men had been retired, in less than twenty -seconds from the time the ball was hit!</p> - -<p>“Great Scott!” gasped Trayne, watching with -bulging eyes. “It’s incredible!”</p> - -<p>The crowd went mad with excitement. Such -playing had rarely been seen on Fardale field -since the time of Frank Merriwell, senior. The -Fardale players had moved like clockwork, with -such absolute precision that they had accomplished -a triple play before they themselves realized -the fact!</p> - -<p>Small wonder that the fans went crazy as the -team trotted in. The grand stand was in bedlam, -screaming and shouting and stamping. The -bleachers shrieked that the game was not lost yet, -and implored Crockett to send Merry to bat.</p> - -<p>Crockett did not lose his head in the excitement, -however. He himself was up, and he was<span class="pagenum">[208]</span> -fairly confident of a hit. As he strode out to the -plate, the uproar died away. After all, Franklin -was three runs to the good, and the case for -Fardale looked hopeless.</p> - -<p>As it happened, Clancy, Billy Mac, and Chip -would come to bat in the order named.</p> - -<p>Crockett fell on the first ball for a clean safety, -Clancy walked out and the Fardale followers -greeted him with a storm of yells.</p> - -<p>These died into a groan, as Clancy swung twice -without result. Peters was a cool pitcher, and he -tried to tease Clancy into a third strike, but in -vain. With three balls, Clancy settled himself -for a good one.</p> - -<p>It came over—a sharp drop. Clancy chopped at -it, and the ball went sizzling toward third. Instantly -Crockett was speeding toward second, and -managed to beat out the ball by an inch. Once -more the crowd went wild with excitement.</p> - -<p>“A hit, Billy Mac!”</p> - -<p>“Billy Mac to bat!”</p> - -<p>“Win the game, Billy!”</p> - -<p>Yell after yell pealed across the field, as Billy -Mac went forth. Peters conferred with his -catcher, and steadied down his rather demoralized -team, then went back to the box.</p> - -<p>Billy looked like easy money. He swung widely -at two teasers, and Franklin began to grin. With -the next ball down, however, Billy suddenly -changed his tactics and met it on the nose. The<span class="pagenum">[209]</span> -ball sailed up over second, continued its course -beyond reach of the center fielder, and, before it -was retrieved, two men had come in and Billy -was grinning happily from third.</p> - -<p>“Four to three! Hurray!”</p> - -<p>The band struck into “Fair Fardale” and hundreds -of voices picked up the song and thundered -it forth as Merry was seen to step toward the -plate, bat in hand. The chorus rose and shrilled -up into a wild scream, drowning out the Franklin -cries. Peters waited, then shot the ball down.</p> - -<p>Frank struck—and missed.</p> - -<p>Again Peters poised himself. Again he uncurled -his slim length and sent the white sphere -sizzling down. Again Merry swung wickedly at -it, and missed.</p> - -<p>The song died away and settled into silence. -Peters grinned easily, glanced at Billy at third, -and sent another hot one over the plate.</p> - -<p>Merry struck. A sharp crack, and the ball -began to rise. But the Franklin outfielders took -one look at it, then flung up their gloves and ran -in. It was a home run, and Fardale had won by -one run!</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[210]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">CAPTAIN OF THE NINE.</span></h2> - - -<p>“Hey, Chip! We got him!”</p> - -<p>The players grouped about Coach Trayne in -the clubhouse turned. They had been waiting -for the arrival of Clancy and Billy Mac, who was -still to vote on the new captain, as the coach had -demanded a written ballot.</p> - -<p>“By gracious!”</p> - -<p>The exclamation burst from Merry. Between -Clancy and Billy was a drooping figure which he -recognized as that of Colonel Carson. The man’s -clothes were torn, and by the fierce glances he -cast around it was clear that he had not been captured -without a struggle.</p> - -<p>“We knew he was somewhere,” explained the -panting Clancy. “So we went to the gate and -grabbed him. Let’s tar and feather him, fellows!”</p> - -<p>“Stop!”</p> - -<p>Merry stepped out as the yell went up. He -flung Billy and Clancy aside, and faced the -frightened Colonel Carson.</p> - -<p>“Colonel,” he said quietly, “I think you’d better -get out of town at once. You tried dirty work, -and I fancy that you’ve paid up for it, since you -intended betting on Franklin. Fade away, and -do it lively.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[211]</span></p> - -<p>Colonel Carson faded.</p> - -<p>“He plunged pretty heavily, I hear,” said -Trayne, holding back the indignant Fardale men. -“Let him go, boys. Merry’s right. Get in here -with your ballots, you fellows, and quit delaying -things!”</p> - -<p>“Hold on a minute, please,” said Chip. “I only -want to say that the fellow to be elected is Owen -Clancy——”</p> - -<p>“Pho! Shut up, you rube!”</p> - -<p>“Yah! Listen to der peesness! Go vay und -talk mit yourselluf, Frankie!”</p> - -<p>“Clan didn’t knock the home run!”</p> - -<p>Coach Trayne quieted down the yelling mob, -and roared for ballots. When he had written out -his, Merry turned to the silent and unhappy figure -of Bob Randall and held out his hand.</p> - -<p>“Bob,” he said, smiling, “I want to congratulate -you on your game to-day! That Franklin -chap, Peters, seems to have been a general surprise, -and with a smashed-up infield behind you, I -think you did remarkably well to keep them -down!”</p> - -<p>Randall hesitated, then accepted Frank’s hand. -There was a quick glitter in his dark eyes as he -searched Merry’s face.</p> - -<p>“Do you mean it?” he faltered. “You—you’re -not sarcastic?”</p> - -<p>“Well, I should say not!” cried Merry warmly. -“Old man, if you’d had Clan and Billy in their<span class="pagenum">[212]</span> -regular positions to steady things down, you’d -have won in a hand down!”</p> - -<p>“Thanks,” said Randall, and turned away. -“It’s—it’s mighty good of you, Chip.”</p> - -<p>There were fifteen men present, counting the -substitutes, who, of course, each had a vote. -When the last ballot had been handed in, Coach -Trayne read them one by one. Then he held up -his hand.</p> - -<p>“Men,” he said, “I received fifteen ballots in -the vote for a captain of the regular team to succeed -Captain Ted Crockett, who leaves Fardale -to-night. The results are as follows: One vote -for Randall, the other fourteen votes are all for -Merriwell, so I guess we can claim that the new -captain has been unanimously elected.”</p> - -<p>A shouting mob surrounded Chip, who had, in -truth, been surprised. His thoughts had all been -with Colonel Carson, and he had failed utterly -to consider the captaincy. Through the crowd -pushed Randall, his eyes shining.</p> - -<p>“And I want to congratulate you, Merry,” he -said simply, holding out his hand to Frank. -“You’re the man for the job!”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, old man,” said Merry, as he met -Randall’s eyes. “I’m proud to have you behind -me!”</p> - -<p>And their hands met, amid a renewed storm of -cheers.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[213]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A CHALLENGE.</span></h2> - - -<p>“Where’s Bob Randall?”</p> - -<p>“Search me, Chip. He didn’t turn up for -practice. Bet a dollar he’s still sore over not -getting elected captain.”</p> - -<p>“Nonsense, Clan! He came around finely, -congratulated me——”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I know all about that. But the galoot got -hot all over again, when he got to thinking it -over! I know his kind. He goes on impulse.”</p> - -<p>Merry turned away. Despite his efforts to -convince himself to the contrary, he knew that -Clancy was right. Randall “went on impulse.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll do the best I can,” thought Merry -anxiously. “Bob is too fine a fellow to do this. -If I leave Fardale he ought to be captain, I -think.”</p> - -<p>The first and second teams were at practice -on the Fardale ball field. There was an hour -left before the drums would sound assembly for -supper formation, and Merry was putting his -men through their paces.</p> - -<p>“I hear there’s no game for Saturday,” said -Billy McQuade, joining Merry.</p> - -<p>“Right. Had to be canceled. I’m sorry, because -I may have to leave next week, and I’d like -to play one more game——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[214]</span></p> - -<p>Frank broke off abruptly as the cadet orderly -from Colonel Gunn’s office came up and saluted.</p> - -<p>“Telegram, just arrived.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you.”</p> - -<p>Merry took the message and tore it open. A -cry of amazement broke from him, followed by -an incredulous laugh. Then he turned.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Trayne! Clan! Come over here!”</p> - -<p>Coach Trayne and Clancy joined him, and -Merry proceeded to read the message aloud:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Frank Merriwell, Junior</span>, Captain Fardale Baseball -Team: The Carsonville Clippers challenge you to a game -next Saturday, at Fardale. Anxious to meet regular Fardale -team. Wire my expense.</p> - -<p class="center p-1 shiftright">“<span class="smcap">Colonel Carson</span>, Owner.”</p></div> - -<p>Frank looked up, his eyes twinkling.</p> - -<p>“Say, fellows, talk about nerve!”</p> - -<p>“Nerve!” cried Clancy. “After you went over -to Carsonville, picked up a team, and beat them! -After Colonel Carson and his son tried to keep -you out of the Franklin game last Saturday by -kidnaping you! Nerve’s no name for it, Chip. -Tell ’em to go to thunder.”</p> - -<p>“That fellow’s a pirate!” cried Billy Mac excitedly. -“Wire him a hundred words collect with -a kick at the end, Chip!”</p> - -<p>“There’s something crooked behind this,” declared -Clancy hotly. “The Clippers are crooked -clear through, Chip, and we’d better not mix up -with them.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[215]</span></p> - -<p>“They’re an amateur team, though,” said Coach -Trayne doubtfully. “It’d be a good game, boys.”</p> - -<p>“Sure it would,” added Billy Mac scornfully. -“Colonel Carson wants to recoup for his losses, -Mr. Trayne. He has the reputation of being a -dirty gambler, and there’s something behind the -challenge, you can be sure of that!”</p> - -<p>Frank smiled.</p> - -<p>“His crooked work doesn’t seem to have won -for him, just the same! Look here, fellows, -there’s no game Saturday, so we might accept -this. It will be lots of fun to pound Bully Carson -out of the lot.”</p> - -<p>“I guess Bully won’t pitch,” declared Clancy, -with a grin. “It’d take him more than a week -to get over what I did to him, Chip.</p> - -<p>“That’s one thing that looks queer to me,” continued -the red-haired chap. “You can bet a fistful -that Colonel Carson isn’t out for sport, Chip. -He’s out for revenge and boodle, and he doesn’t -care how he gets either, so long as he gets it.”</p> - -<p>“Let him come after it,” said Coach Trayne. -“There’s no prospect of getting another game -for Saturday, and the athletic association can -use the money. That game would draw a big -crowd, Clancy.”</p> - -<p>“We don’t want to let him yell that we had -cold feet,” said Frank.</p> - -<p>Billy Mac grunted.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[216]</span></p> - -<p>“But what’s the sense in playing him, Chip? -We ought to have that shyster put in jail for -kidnaping you, and we could do it, and his son, -too. Everybody knows his crowd is crooked -and——”</p> - -<p>“So much the more glory in beating them -squarely,” said Frank. “What do you think about -it, Mr. Trayne?”</p> - -<p>“It looks all right to me,” returned the coach. -“I’d say to take the game, and then lick the stuffing -out of those fellows. We’re playing the Clippers, -you know, not Colonel Carson himself. -They could certainty raise a holler if we refused, -for they’re the crack team of the Amateur -League. We’ve no good reason for turning them -down, except on the score of crookedness, which -we can’t raise against the team as a whole. Carson’s -private dirty work doesn’t blanket his whole -team, remember.”</p> - -<p>“That’s true,” said Clancy, “but the team is a -bad lot, too. They tried to beat up Chip, Billy, -and me down at Carsonville, after our pick-ups -licked them. But you suit yourself, Merry. I’ll -stand back of you.”</p> - -<p>“Same here, Chip,” said Billy. “I’d just as -soon help to do the bunch up brown, anyhow.”</p> - -<p>“All right, then,” said Frank. “I see the practice -game is over, so I’ll trot across to the office -and phone down a telegram of acceptance.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, by the way, Merriwell,” said Coach<span class="pagenum">[217]</span> -Trayne, stopping him, “who are you working out -to fill Crockett’s place?”</p> - -<p>“Well, Mr. Trayne, my choice happens to be -holding down second right now,” and Frank -looked across the diamond with a twinkle. “What -do you think of him?”</p> - -<p>The party turned. Standing awkwardly on -second and waiting for a grounder from the batter -was Villum Kess. He stood full on the sack -itself, as though firmly determined not to let it -get away from him. A burst of laughter went -up, though Trayne kept silent.</p> - -<p>“Him!” cried Clancy derisively. “He’s done -nothing but right field up to now, Chip! Why, -he’ll fall all over the infield!”</p> - -<p>“He’s a joke,” said Billy Mac. “Oh, my eye! -Look at that!”</p> - -<p>Clancy gasped. As the batter sent a twisting -grounder at the place Kess should have been -standing, the German youth appeared to lose his -balance and topple from the bag. He stumbled -over his own foot, tried to recover in vain, and -went headlong to the ground in front of the ball. -By some weird chance it seemed to hit his glove, -and as he sat up he grinned and tossed it to -first.</p> - -<p>“Dot vos der pusiness!” he squawked, as every -one roared with laughter. “Yaw! Didn’t you -toldt me so? You pet!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[218]</span></p> - -<p>“Talk about luck!” gasped Clancy. “Surely -you’re not in earnest, Chip?”</p> - -<p>“I am,” said Merry. “Maybe it’s luck, but I’ve -noticed that Villum always makes the luck break -his way, Clan. Get out to first and see if you -can make him miss your pegs. If you can, I’ll -reverse my decision.”</p> - -<p>Clancy trotted off with a whoop, and Coach -Trayne smiled.</p> - -<p>“I wish you were going to stay at Fardale as -captain, Chip! You’d either smash up the team -or else it would be a wonder to behold!”</p> - -<p>“Thanks for them kind words,” said Frank, -with a chuckle, moving away. “You can announce -that game for Saturday, Mr. Trayne!”</p> - -<p>And he departed for Colonel Gunn’s office, in -order to telephone his wire to the village.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[219]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">LAYING THE WIRES.</span></h2> - - -<p>It was commonly reported around Carsonville -that the estimable Colonel Carson could tug more -Satanic inspiration out of his yellow-gray goatee -than Satan himself. At the present moment he -seemed to be highly satisfied with himself.</p> - -<p>He was sitting in his study at Carsonville, and -with him was his son. Bully Carson’s face was -decorated with a large black eye, over which he -wore an eye patch.</p> - -<p>He was clad in a loud checked suit, flaming-red -necktie, and green waistcoat. From one corner -of his mouth drooped a negligent cigarette. His -face looked pasty and unwholesome, and reflected -the same hard, unscrupulous look that shone in -his father’s eyes.</p> - -<p>“Son, here’s where we even up with them Merriwells -for good and all.”</p> - -<p>Colonel Carson tugged at his goatee again, and -glanced down at Merry’s telegram of acceptance. -He used the Clippers as a means to win money -by gambling. And when he did gamble, it was -usually a sure thing. This he proceeded to prove -in his next words.</p> - -<p>“Bully, I’m going to clean up a lot on this here -Fardale game,” he stated reflectively. “I got -word to-night that Southpaw Diggs will come.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[220]</span></p> - -<p>“Whew!” Bully peered at his father in admiration. -“Pop, you’re a slick one! Ain’t you afraid -they’ll recognize him?”</p> - -<p>“Not at Fardale. He’ll take a fictitious name -and shave off his mustache. I’m going to pay him -well for it. Also, I’ve got a semipro catcher to -take the place of Squint Fletcher, whom some of -the town boys trounced. Squint was always insolent, -anyhow.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said Bully, with a scowl. “He didn’t -have no respect for me at all. Then you’ve got -two other fellers from that outlaw league, ain’t -you?”</p> - -<p>“For first and third,” replied his father. “Our -own second baseman is excellent, and with Southpaw -Diggs we’ll have a walk-away, son.”</p> - -<p>Bully nodded. Diggs was a famous professional -pitcher. In his good days he was one of -the best in the country, but he had been let out -by the last team he had been with for drunkenness.</p> - -<p>“Sure Diggs won’t get boozed up, pop?”</p> - -<p>“Quite sure. He has agreed to let me bet half -the amount I am to pay him on our team. He’s -also agreed not to touch a drop meantime, and, -as he needs the money, we can depend on him -fully.”</p> - -<p>Carson, junior, looked down at the floor, then -lifted his one good eye suddenly.</p> - -<p>“Pop, I want some money,” he blurted out. “I<span class="pagenum">[221]</span> -want to get down some bets on this game for myself, -and I’m busted.”</p> - -<p>“Nothing doing,” and his father’s eyes narrowed. -“I’ll make a clean-up for the family, -son.”</p> - -<p>“Aw, loosen up!” exclaimed Bully disgustedly. -“You durned old tightwad, you got more dollars -in the bank than I have cents! Why, you own the -bank, yet you won’t come over with a hundred!”</p> - -<p>“I should say not!” cried Colonel Carson, horrified -at the mere idea. “Ain’t I brought you up -all your life? Ain’t I paid for them clothes you -got on?”</p> - -<p>“Well, you needn’t holler so about it,” retorted -his son. “I want some coin, hear that? I’m tired -o’ lollin’ around without any money to go on, and -I’m goin’ to have some.”</p> - -<p>“Get out and rustle for it, then, like I did,” retorted -his father grimly.</p> - -<p>Bully grunted with contempt. He had the same -keen love for dollars that his father had, but he -did not possess the elder Carson’s aptitude to pick -up cents. However, he fully intended to get hold -of some money to bet on the Fardale game.</p> - -<p>There was no doubt that the Clippers would -win, none at all. With Diggs on the mound the -academy team would be helpless, to say nothing -of the other professionals who would masquerade -as amateurs for the occasion. It was a “raw -deal,” but Colonel Carson was famed in sporting<span class="pagenum">[222]</span> -circles for his ability to put raw deals over successfully.</p> - -<p>“This is the surest kind of a good thing,” he -mused reflectively. “If Diggs shows up in good -shape, Bully, I’ll get down about a thousand that -we shut them out without a run.”</p> - -<p>“You’d better go easy on them fancy bets,” -growled Bully. “That Merriwell kid is liable to -connect with a streak of luck and jab out a homer, -like he done against Franklin. You thought that -was a sure thing, too.”</p> - -<p>Colonel Carson winced. Merriwell’s homer on -that occasion had cost him more money than he -liked to think about.</p> - -<p>“You may be right, Bully,” he said slowly. “But -he would be helpless before Southpaw Diggs.”</p> - -<p>“He’s got the durndest luck you ever seen,” insisted -Bully doggedly.</p> - -<p>Colonel Carson began to pull at his goatee once -more, frowning at the floor. He knew that Merriwell’s -success was not so much due to good luck -as it was to pluck, skill, and honesty. He could -not blind himself to this, but the knowledge only -swerved his mind toward vindictiveness.</p> - -<p>“No,” he replied slowly, “it isn’t all luck, son. -Just the same, I’ve no fears that he’ll be able to -buck Diggs. There’s no harm in making sure -against all chance, however. If we could get him -out of the way, Randall would pitch. That’d cinch -the whole thing.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[223]</span></p> - -<p>“Huh!” sniffed Bully. “You said that once before——”</p> - -<p>“Shut up!” snapped his father violently. “I’ve -had enough of your insolence! We’ll fix that kid -this time, and no mistake.”</p> - -<p>“You will, you mean. Count me out right here, -pop! I’ve had all I want o’ that kid, and if there’s -any ‘fixing’ to do, I ain’t goin’ to mix in it. No, -I’m cured, I am, and I reckon I’ll stay cured quite -a spell.”</p> - -<p>He felt his injured eye tenderly. His father -continued to pull at his goatee, and suddenly he -nodded in decision and rose.</p> - -<p>Going to a cabinet that stood against the wall, -he opened a small drawer and extracted a tiny -folded paper. With this in his hand, he returned -to Bully.</p> - -<p>“All right, son, we’ll let your goody-goody -Cousin Bob Randall handle this for us. You go -over to Fardale to-morrow and see him. Give him -this”—and he held up the folded paper—“and tell -him to get Merriwell to drink it any time in the -forenoon next Saturday. It’s a powder, and all -Randall will have to do is to shake it into a glass -of water. It’ll fix him.”</p> - -<p>Colonel Carson’s eyes were malevolent as he -spoke. Bully hung back, however.</p> - -<p>“No, you don’t, pop,” he cried, with something -like fear, “I ain’t goin’ to mix up in no poisoning——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[224]</span></p> - -<p>“Shut up, you fool!” snarled his father, glancing -around. “This ain’t poison, but a powder -that’ll send him off into a sound sleep for a while. -It won’t hurt him in any fashion, but it’ll put him -out o’ the game for sure.”</p> - -<p>“But what about Randall?” Bully queried -weakly. “You tried to get him to throw the game -with Franklin, and he got sore. He ain’t the -kind to do this, pop.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I sized him up pretty well,” chuckled the -elder Carson wickedly. “Now listen, Bully: You -work this right, and I’ll give you ten per cent of -all I win on the game, see? This part of it depends -on you, and you can do it fine.</p> - -<p>“Go to Fardale and get hold of Randall. Talk -to him slow and easy, and get him madder and -madder. He’ll be sore about not getting elected -captain, anyhow. Work on that string. Play -him good and strong, and get him to promise that -he’ll give the stuff to Merriwell. Then we’ve got -him. He’s one o’ them fellers who’ll stick to a -promise, no matter what comes. But you’ll have -to handle it right.”</p> - -<p>“You can trust me for that,” said Bully, with -a growl, as he took the paper.</p> - -<p>His eyes shone with vindictive cunning. He -had tried to injure Merriwell, but vainly. Therefore, -it was quite natural that he should bear bitter -hatred toward the fellow he had tried to injure.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[225]</span></p> - -<p>He saw that by working through Randall he -would be freed of all personal responsibility, and -this thought cheered on his little soul. He was -willing enough to do anything for which another -could be made to suffer, and this sort of chicanery -was precisely what he could do well.</p> - -<p>None the less, he did not forget that he wanted -money. He saw that his father’s scheme depended -upon him, and grinned evilly.</p> - -<p>“Now, come across, pop!”</p> - -<p>“Hey?” Colonel Carson glared. “What do -you mean?”</p> - -<p>“Come across, I said!” Bully lolled back negligently -in his chair, and eyed his father coolly. -“I ain’t workin’ for my health.”</p> - -<p>“Confound your insolence!” sputtered the other -angrily. “You’re working for me! I’ll give you -no money to squander, you reprobate!”</p> - -<p>“Nothin’ doing, then, old tightwad,” and Bully -made as if to hand back the folded paper. He -carelessly took his cigarette from his mouth and -exhaled a cloud of vile-smelling smoke.</p> - -<p>“Why—do you mean—do you refuse to go to -Fardale?” Colonel Carson was almost speechless -with rage.</p> - -<p>“Surest thing you know!”</p> - -<p>Colonel Carson reached into his pocket and -drew out two five-dollar bills.</p> - -<p>“Here’s ten dollars—take it or leave it. Go to<span class="pagenum">[226]</span> -Fardale and stay over Saturday. Use this as expense -money.”</p> - -<p>Bully sniffed, and his father exploded:</p> - -<p>“You’ll do what I say! Take this expense -money and work this business, and you get ten -per cent of the winnings. Refuse, and you can -go to the dickens for all o’ me! I’ll not have a -worthless thing like you loafin’ around here any -longer, understand?”</p> - -<p>It was the first time Bully had ever seen his -father aroused against him, and he was cowed. -Reaching out, he took the money and put it in his -pocket with the paper.</p> - -<p>“All right,” he said, “I’ll do it.” But to himself -he muttered sullenly: “And I’ll have a wad -to bet on that game—somehow!”</p> - -<p>“Ah, I thought you’d come around, son!”</p> - -<p>And once more Colonel Carson complacently -tugged at his goatee.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[227]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A THOUSAND DOLLARS IN CASH.</span></h2> - - -<p>With eight dollars in his pocket, after purchasing -his railroad ticket, Bully Carson climbed -aboard the express.</p> - -<p>He did not go into a Pullman, for that would -cost more money. Instead, he sauntered up to -the smoking car, rolling a cigarette as he went. -For this occasion he had abandoned his “swellest” -clothes, being simply clad in a black-and-white, -shiny-buttoned suit that shrieked aloud, a plain -orange-and-white necktie, and a pair of patent-leather -shoes with green uppers. Bully desired to -avoid all prominence during his stay in Fardale, -and so had picked out his meekest raiment for -the trip.</p> - -<p>He found the smoking car fairly well filled, and -with his mind still occupied with the subject of -raising some money with which to bet for himself, -he dropped into a seat beside a small, dried-up -little man.</p> - -<p>Now, there are many people who gauge other -people’s importance by their clothes, and who do -so without any regard for taste. Ezra Hostetter -had run a laundry all his life, and he was the -simplest-hearted person that ever ironed a collar. -Being of extremely dull taste as regarded his own<span class="pagenum">[228]</span> -attire, he entertained an unlimited admiration for -those fortunate men who could afford and carry -off gorgeous apparel with perfect ease.</p> - -<p>Consequently, he directed one startled glance at -Bully’s glorious harmony of colors, and was lost. -With honest longing stamped on his face, he directed -sly but highly admiring side looks that -feasted on everything from the green-topped -shoes to the scarlet-and-blue hatband incasing -Bully’s purple felt hat.</p> - -<p>To be sure, the eye patch slightly detracted -from Bully’s appearance. Ezra Hostetter began -to swell with importance at sitting next this ornate -personage. Possibly it was a prize fighter, -or, at the very least, a follower of sports!</p> - -<p>Not being a judge of character, the little man -stole further worshiping glances as Bully grandly -lighted his cigarette and snapped the match away. -Being an excellent judge of character and delighting -in posing, Bully was not slow to detect -the point-blank admiration of his seatmate, and -to delight in it.</p> - -<p>“Fine weather, ain’t it?” he remarked condescendingly. -“Goin’ to Fardale?”</p> - -<p>Ezra Hostetter jumped, then stammered out -an overjoyed assent:</p> - -<p>“Yes, I’m going to buy a laundry there, Mr.—— Mr.——”</p> - -<p>“Carson,” prompted Bully, settling his thumbs<span class="pagenum">[229]</span> -in his vest and leaning back. “Ed Carson, of -Carsonville. I’m glad to meet you, Mr.——”</p> - -<p>“Hostetter, Ezra Hostetter,” said the dried-up -little laundryman.</p> - -<p>Bully positively basked during the next few -moments. He had had little opportunity to do any -basking around home, of late, and the chance was -too good to be missed. And since he could also -be very genial when he chose, he soon fell into -a conversation with Hostetter which was extremely -pleasant on both sides.</p> - -<p>He did not uncase his splendor all at once, however. -Having seen the simplicity of his companion’s -heart, he began to take a keen delight in -letting him discover his grandeur by degrees.</p> - -<p>It seemed that Hostetter had heard of Colonel -Carson, and, upon discovering that he was talking -with that famous man’s son, his admiration -eclipsed all bounds. After a little he ventured a -timid query as to Bully’s profession.</p> - -<p>“I’m a ball player,” announced Bully, with quiet -dignity. “Not a professional, y’ understand, -though I may consider an offer from the Giants -this summer.”</p> - -<p>This was the final straw. Poor Hostetter, -blinded by the limitations of his own experience, -carried away by the glamour of Bully’s wondrous -raiment, positively groveled. And Bully continued -to bask in open-mouthed admiration of<span class="pagenum">[230]</span> -the other, until it occurred to him that he had -better account for his black eye.</p> - -<p>“I got this in my last game,” and he lightly -touched the patch. “I was pitching, and the batter -hit out a liner at me. I tried to stop it, but the -ball broke through my hands and struck my eye. -Even so, I caught it before it reached the ground, -and so won the game.”</p> - -<p>He reeled off this fabrication with amazing -ease. Across the aisle was seated a man who -had got on at Carsonville, and who knew nothing -of how Bully had really obtained that injured -optic. He grinned, and nudged the man beside -him. Bully did not notice it, however.</p> - -<p>Presently the conversation became even more -personal. Bully discovered that his companion -was proceeding to Fardale to invest in a laundry -there, which was for sale. After a cautious -glance around, Hostetter pulled forth a long black -wallet and opened it out.</p> - -<p>“Look at this!” he exclaimed proudly, anxious -to prove to the great man that he, too, had symptoms -of nobility. “There’s a thousand dollars in -cash—in cash, mind you! I’m going to buy that -laundry with it.”</p> - -<p>Bully leaned over. At sight of the ten hundred-dollar -bills his senses reeled, and sparks -danced before his eyes. A thousand dollars in -cash!</p> - -<p>“By glory!” he gasped inwardly. “If I only<span class="pagenum">[231]</span> -had that much, what a clean-up I’d make on this -Fardale game!”</p> - -<p>He was more cautious in expressing his -thoughts aloud, however.</p> - -<p>“Why didn’t you get a draft? You could ’a’ -cashed it at Fardale in the morning. Ain’t you -afraid some one will hold you up?”</p> - -<p>“It’s kind o’ risky,” admitted the little man, replacing -the wallet. “But I don’t like to trust to -banks, Carson. I had a bank bust on me once, -in Chicago, and I ain’t never going to trust ’em -again. I guess no one’s going to hold me up, -though.”</p> - -<p>Bully pulled down his hat over his eyes. He -knew that they were glittering covetously, and -he desired to hide the glitter from his companion.</p> - -<p>A thousand dollars in cash! The words drove -through his brain over and over, and fitted themselves -into a refrain that chimed with the click -and clatter of the wheels underneath him.</p> - -<p>He had visions of himself nonchalantly sauntering -through the grand stand, waving those -hundred-dollar bills and petrifying the Fardale -fans with his grandeur. The more he thought it -over, the more the idea appealed to him, and the -more he mentally condemned his father for a -tightwad.</p> - -<p>“He’s just rolling in money,” he thought sullenly, -“and here I am almost without a cent! I’ll -have to run close to the wind to make this eight<span class="pagenum">[232]</span> -dollars last me, at that. If I only had that thousand -in cash, I guess I’d cut a swath in Fardale!”</p> - -<p>Bitter and black thoughts filled his mind during -the remainder of the journey. Little by little his -mind edged to the conviction that he was a badly -injured person, and that he was quite justified in -resenting the injury in any manner possible. After -all, he had warned his father quite fairly that he -intended to raise some money, and if his father -refused to take the warning—so much the worse -for him!</p> - -<p>“What hotel do you patronize here, Mr. Carson?” -asked Hostetter, as the train was pulling -into Fardale.</p> - -<p>“Me?” responded Bully, with careless magnificence. -“Oh, I usually frequent the Dobbs Hotel. -Are you going there?”</p> - -<p>“Well—well, to tell the truth, I—I think I -will,” said Hostetter. “It ain’t expensive?”</p> - -<p>Bully grinned to himself, fingering his eight -dollars.</p> - -<p>“Not ’specially so. I’d be glad to have your -company, old man.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you!” and the other glanced about -nervously. “You see, Carson, I’d feel a little bit -safer if I had a friend in the vicinity. Of course -there’s no danger, only I can’t transact my business -till the morning, and——”</p> - -<p>“Give your money to the hotel proprietor,” suggested -Bully.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[233]</span></p> - -<p>“Not me! I’ll keep it right on me all the time, -and if I lose it, it’s my own fault. I wouldn’t trust -any hotel man that ever lived!”</p> - -<p>“Well, I dunno’s you’re wrong,” said Bully, -nodding sagely. “Come along—we’ll get supper -at a restaurant, if you like, then go up to the -hotel.”</p> - -<p>At this proposal the little man fluttered with -conscious pride. They left the train and entered -a restaurant together. Here, Bully found that -his raiment created a sensation, that was highly -soothing to his spirits. After supper they went -to the Dobbs Hotel and registered, being given -rooms directly across the hall from each other.</p> - -<p>Bully Carson had already sent a message to -Randall, informing him of his arrival and -stating that he wanted to see him that evening -at the hotel. He knew that his cousin would -have little difficulty in evading the academy regulations -about being out of the grounds after -taps.</p> - -<p>However, Bully’s thoughts were still running -on that thousand dollars in cash. Reaching his -room before Hostetter arrived, for the latter had -paused to telephone the men with whom he was -to do business, Bully covertly took the key from -his own door and tried it in that across the hall.</p> - -<p>The key worked both locks!</p> - -<p>A few moments later the little man arrived at -the room which had been assigned to him. He<span class="pagenum">[234]</span> -soon came over and knocked on Carson’s door, -entering with a worried expression on his face.</p> - -<p>“The bolt on my door is broken,” he exclaimed. -“Do you think it’ll be quite safe there, or had I -better get another room?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, you’re all right,” Bully said carelessly. -“Lock the door and put the key in your pocket—don’t -leave it in the door, or it can be turned from -outside. Then shove that wallet under your pillow, -and you’re safer’n if you was locked up in -a vault. It’s a cinch, old man!”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll take your advice,” said Hostetter, -with a relieved air. “Much obliged to you, I’m -sure!”</p> - -<p>Saying good night, he vanished. Bully could -hear him lock his door and withdraw the key.</p> - -<p>Carson sat smoking until the room was so full -of smoke that he was forced to open the window, -much against his will. A thousand dollars in -cash! The words seemed to burn into his brain. -He walked up and down, trying to fling off the -black thoughts that filled him, but finally he -paused and brought down one fist on the table.</p> - -<p>“I’ll do it!”</p> - -<p>At that instant there came a soft knock at the -door. Bully started, and swung around. The -door opened.</p> - -<p>“Oh, it’s you!” he cried, and laughed a little. -“Come in, Bob. I was waiting for you.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[235]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">CRIMINAL WORK.</span></h2> - - -<p>Bob Randall slipped quickly inside, shut the -door swiftly behind him, and stood as if listening.</p> - -<p>On his high, dark, and undeniably handsome -face there was a look of mingled worry and -anger. His eyes seemed haggard, and Bully Carson -chuckled to himself as he recalled what his -father had said about Randall brooding over a -fancied injury. It was quite plain that Randall -was in good shape to be worked on.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter?” inquired Bully. “What -you listenin’ for?”</p> - -<p>Randall dropped into a chair, wiping his brow.</p> - -<p>“I thought old man Dobbs had seen me come -in,” he explained nervously. “You see, I got -held up at school, couldn’t get away earlier, and -had to sneak past the guards. I came in the hotel -by the back entrance.”</p> - -<p>“How’ll you get back to your room?”</p> - -<p>“Easy,” said the Southerner. “Rope to the -window. I won’t want to be seen around here, -though, or I might get reported. Old Dobbs -knows me by sight.”</p> - -<p>Carson nodded, and flung himself into a chair.</p> - -<p>“I hear you got beaten to the captaincy of the -nine,” he observed. “That kid Merriwell seems -to cop out everything.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[236]</span></p> - -<p>Randall’s face flushed.</p> - -<p>“What did you want to see me about?” he said, -with a scowl.</p> - -<p>“About Merriwell,” Bully stated calmly. “Of -course, he’s got you slated to pitch against the -Clippers Saturday?”</p> - -<p>“Yes he has—not!” Randall lost his temper, -and slipped into his Southern dialect as usual -when he became excited.</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t pitch if he did! I’ve had enough -of these heah Yankee ways! I’m goin’ to leave -Fahdale, Cahson, for wheah a man doesn’t hog -it all because his fatheh is a big athlete! I cain’t -swallow it and I won’t!”</p> - -<p>“Good for you!” said Bully approvingly. “He -has certainly treated you mis’ably, old hoss. You -ought to be captain of the Fardale team right -now! It ain’t fair treatment, I say.”</p> - -<p>“I reckon not! These low-down Yankees -truckle to him abjectly, Cahson. You-all haven’t -any idea of what goes on heah! When we played -Franklin last Satuhday, that fellow held out the -best men on the team until I was beaten. Then -he showed up, put ’em in, and managed to win -with luck.”</p> - -<p>Randall leaned back, trying to collect himself. -Bully chuckled quietly. It was evident that his -cousin had worked himself up into a riotous state -of mind.</p> - -<p>Randall was honestly convinced that his version<span class="pagenum">[237]</span> -of the Franklin game was the true one. Had -he pitched and won, he would have been elected -captain. He pitched, and was being knocked out -of the box when Merry arrived in the ninth inning -and saved the game.</p> - -<p>All Fardale knew that Merriwell had been held -prisoner, and that Clancy and Billy Mac had rescued -him, all three appearing in the nick of time. -Yet Randall only accepted that as a story put -forth by Merry.</p> - -<p>He had brooded by himself, had pointedly -avoided Chip on the baseball field, and gradually -managed to get himself into a badly overwrought -condition. Twisting every little incident, seeing -everything in the light of his jealousy and bitterness, -it was not hard for him to convince himself -that he was the victim of a cleverly executed -plot.</p> - -<p>His state of mind was a bad one, and would -require some severe and sharp correction before -his angle of vision could be straightened. Fortunately -for himself, he had not attempted to convince -any one else on the subject.</p> - -<p>“That’s right,” Bully encouraged him, playing -his cards cunningly. “He’s done you dirt, Bob, -for a fact. You ought to get even with him.”</p> - -<p>“What chance have I?” Randall asked bitterly. -“I’m all alone here.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I dunno about that. Pop and me, we figure -to stand by our kin, Bob. Didn’t he try to<span class="pagenum">[238]</span> -help you by keepin’ Merriwell out o’ that Franklin -game?”</p> - -<p>Randall nodded, forcing himself into a strained -calmness.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and I want you to thank him for me, old -man. It was no use, though.”</p> - -<p>“Virtue is its own reward,” quoted Bully. “We -done our best. Now, pop would like to see you -pitch against the Clippers on Saturday, Bob. O’ -course, we mean to beat you, but I ain’t goin’ to -be in the game, and pop would like to——”</p> - -<p>“No chance,” broke in Randall, with renewed -bitterness. Then he glanced up, half suspiciously. -“Why is your father so interested?”</p> - -<p>“Because he likes you, Bob.”</p> - -<p>Bully was too wise to persuade Randall along -crooked lines. He sneered at his cousin, in his -own mind, for being a “goody-goody” fellow.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to even up with Merriwell, Bob,” he -went on cautiously. “We’d like to have you pitch -Saturday ’cause you’re a better pitcher than Merriwell. -We’ve got a new pitcher for the Clippers, -and if we beat Fardale at its best, there’ll be all -the more glory in it.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose Colonel Carson intends to do some -betting?” Bob queried keenly.</p> - -<p>“Oh, a little, mebbe. Not much. Now see here, -Bob: This guy Merriwell ain’t used you right, -to my notion. He’s played dirty against you, and -he’s got all Fardale persuaded that he’s a little<span class="pagenum">[239]</span> -tin god on wheels, with a bell to his neck. There -ain’t no use tryin’ to hit back at him fair and -square. We got to use his own methods.”</p> - -<p>Bully worked himself into a virtuous glow. He -almost believed his own words.</p> - -<p>“You tried ’em last Sunday,” retorted Bob -gloomily. “They didn’t work.”</p> - -<p>“We didn’t know just how slick he was, Bob. -He could ’a’ got away from us sooner, only he -wanted to come in at the last minute for a grand-stand -play. He thinks that if he pitches against -the Clippers he’s sure to win. But we’d sooner -have you pitch, ’cause you ain’t crooked. We -want to play a clean game; get me?”</p> - -<p>Randall nodded. Wrapped up in his own -thoughts, he did not even attempt to penetrate -Bully’s sudden show of conscious virtue.</p> - -<p>“That’s right, Carson. And I’d sure like to -hand him one hot one before I leave school!”</p> - -<p>“You’d hand it to him if you pitched against -the Clippers, Bob. I’ll pass it to you on the quiet -that we don’t know much about our new pitcher, -and he might pan out wrong. If he does, you -stand a chance o’ winning the game. Of course, -I want to see the Clippers win, but if you could -beat us square, I’d be satisfied. It’d make this -Merriwell kid squirm ten ways from election.”</p> - -<p>Randall could readily understand that, according -to his notions of Merry’s character.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” he assented, growing excited as the<span class="pagenum">[240]</span> -golden vision arose before him. “Yes, I reckon -yo’ ce’tainly have it doped out. If that could come -about, he’d sho’ learn a bitteh lesson, the low-down -scoundrel!”</p> - -<p>Bully grinned to himself. He could read his -cousin like a book, and was playing on the other -with beautiful precision.</p> - -<p>“Well, Bob, pop and I figgered up a plan. It -ain’t a nice plan, but this is our last chance to -slip one over on Merriwell. He ain’t played the -gentleman in his dealings with you, and we don’t -mind fightin’ fire with fire for once.”</p> - -<p>This amazing display of innocence did not astonish -Randall. He knew little of his precious -relatives, and Bully’s assumed hesitation seemed -quite natural to him.</p> - -<p>“Neither do I!” he growled, in return. “Where -he is concerned, Carson, I’d feel justified in doing -anything!”</p> - -<p>“Then do this, Cousin Bob.”</p> - -<p>While he spoke, Bully took from his pocket the -carefully folded paper that had been given him -by his father. Randall looked at it.</p> - -<p>“Here’s the plan we figgered out, Bob: To get -Merriwell out o’ this here game, we got to keep -him out by force. It ain’t no use appealing to -his fairness. He ain’t got any such thing!”</p> - -<p>“Force won’t work, here at Fardale,” muttered -Bob.</p> - -<p>“But this powder will,” said Bully, leaning forward<span class="pagenum">[241]</span> -and dropping his voice. “Hold on!” he -cried, as Randall gave a quick start. “It ain’t -only a sleepin’ potion, Bob. If you could get -Merriwell to drink it any time Saturday mornin’, -which is to-morrow, he’d sleep clear through till -supper time. They couldn’t wake him up, and if -they did he wouldn’t be no good.”</p> - -<p>Randall flushed, drawing back.</p> - -<p>“It’s a bad business,” he faltered.</p> - -<p>“So’s your losing out for captain, Bob. Go -in and win this game. What if Merriwell does -know you doped him? He can’t prove it. If you -win the game, you’ll show him up for fair. If you -get beat, they’ll say he got cold feet. You win -comin’ and goin’, and we’ll even things up with -him once and for all. What say?”</p> - -<p>Randall still hesitated. Looking at the folded -paper which his cousin held out to him, the criminality -of the thing appalled him. His chivalrous -nature rebelled at the very thought.</p> - -<p>But Bully’s cunning words worked on his mind. -His fancied wrongs loomed up large on his mental -horizon. Once more a flood of bitterness swept -over him, and he felt himself justified in doing -anything.</p> - -<p>“I’ll do it,” he said thickly, and took the paper.</p> - -<p>“Promise?”</p> - -<p>“My word is my promise,” cried Randall, half -angrily. Then he glanced around with sudden -alarm. “Say, I’ve been here too long. See if any<span class="pagenum">[242]</span> -one’s in the hall, so I can get out the back way -to the side street.”</p> - -<p>Bully opened the door and announced that the -coast was clear. On this Randall silently shook -hands with him, then stole off down the corridor -on tiptoe.</p> - -<p>For a moment Bully watched, then his eyes -went to the opposite door. In the silence he could -plainly hear a gentle, regular snore. Still watching -that door, he drew the key from his own -lock.</p> - -<p>Then he snapped off his own light, and in two -quick steps was across the hall. For an instant -he fumbled at the door, with deft fingers that -turned back the lock in perfect silence. Slowly -and cautiously he pressed the knob and opened the -door.</p> - -<p>Half a moment later he reappeared and locked -the door as silently as he had unlocked it. Darting -swiftly into his room, he switched on the light -and drew something from his pocket, examining -it swiftly. His eyes glittered, and he again -snapped off his light and undressed in the darkness, -carefully stowing away the object in his -coat pocket.</p> - -<p>“A thousand dollars in cash!” he murmured, as -he crept into bed. “Pop, if you could only see -me now!”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[243]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXI">CHAPTER XXXI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">BEFORE THE GAME.</span></h2> - - -<p>“How’s everything, Chip?”</p> - -<p>“Great, Mr. Trayne! We’re going to do some -topside playing this afternoon!”</p> - -<p>“Glad to hear it,” said the coach, with a smile. -“Have you decided to keep Kess at second?”</p> - -<p>“If you approve, sir. Lowe at third, Harker -at short, and O’Day in Villum’s place in right. -It’s a new line-up, but I think it’s tremendously -strengthened.”</p> - -<p>Coach Trayne nodded quick assent.</p> - -<p>“You’ve done wonders with those chaps already, -Chip! Crockett was a dandy captain, but -he seemed content to keep the men in their old -positions. This change of yours is going to give -the fans a big surprise.”</p> - -<p>“And a pleasant one, I hope.” Merry’s smile -suddenly died away. “Only I’m not quite certain -about the pitching end.”</p> - -<p>“What!” Coach Trayne’s face expressed sudden -concern. “Aren’t you going in?”</p> - -<p>“I hope so. But I was thinking what would -happen if anything went wrong with me, or if I -got pounded badly. You see, Randall is our best -substitute man, and he’s been acting badly lately. -He refused to come out to practice the last two<span class="pagenum">[244]</span> -days, and virtually announced that he was -through with baseball.”</p> - -<p>“I know,” and the coach looked worried. “Personally, -I’d like to kick him around the block, -Chip! But for the school’s sake we ought to try -to placate him.”</p> - -<p>It was late Saturday morning, the day of the -game with the Carsonville Clippers. Everything -looked bright for Fardale. The Clippers were due -to arrive on the noon train, and, as their reputation -was great, a record crowd was expected. -Word had spread around that this might be Chip -Merriwell’s last game for the season, and excitement -was intense.</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t worry, though,” advised the coach. -“You’re all right, old man, and those Clippers -will never get to you. We won’t need Randall.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know, Mr. Trayne. The Clippers are -amateurs, but they’re crack players. Still, I -wasn’t thinking of the game alone. I may go -away next week, and if Randall can only be -brought into a right frame of mind, he’d make a -great captain.”</p> - -<p>Trayne flung him a keen look.</p> - -<p>“Do you mean it? After the way he’s acted -toward you——”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said Chip soberly, “I think that he’s -merely viewed things wrongly, and I feel now -that he’d make the best captain of any one on -the team. I think I’ll run up to his room right<span class="pagenum">[245]</span> -now, Mr. Trayne. I’ll have a frank talk with him, -and it may be that I can win him around.”</p> - -<p>“That’s not a bad idea, Merriwell. If you can -do so, it’ll surely be a great good thing for Fardale. -We can’t afford to have a man of his caliber -brooding over his imagined wrongs. Good luck -to you, and let me know how he shows up.”</p> - -<p>“I will,” said Chip, and he turned away toward -the barracks.</p> - -<p>As regarded his leaving Fardale, Chip himself -knew very little. He had heard from his father -that they were going West, together with Dick -Merriwell, and that he must hold himself in readiness -to leave when his father sent for him at a -moment’s notice. Therefore, it was possible that -this was his last diamond work for Fardale.</p> - -<p>The cause of this summons was a mystery to -him, but he knew that he would find out in due -course. In fact, he was looking forward to the -trip with no little anticipation. Frank Merriwell, -junior, was a chip of the old block in nickname -and in fact, and he knew that with his father and -his Uncle Dick he was apt to experience a lively -time.</p> - -<p>He quickly made his way to the room in barracks -occupied by Bob Randall. At his knock, -the Southerner’s voice called “Come in!” and -Frank entered.</p> - -<p>“You!”</p> - -<p>Randall came to his feet, fists clenched and eyes<span class="pagenum">[246]</span> -flashing. He had been sitting beside a table, on -which lay a pitcher of water and some books. -Evidently he had been trying to get through some -study.</p> - -<p>“I’d like a talk with you, Bob,” said Merry -quietly. He took no heed of the other’s constrained -attitude.</p> - -<p>“Sit down,” said Randall, his innate hospitality -showing through his anger. “I’m rather surprised -to find you coming here, Merriwell.”</p> - -<p>“I thought you would be,” and Frank coolly -plunged into the discussion, without any false -premises. “I’ve observed that you’re worked up -over something, Randall. More than one fellow -has told me that you’re sore at me over my getting -elected captain, and I wanted to straighten -things out with you if I could.”</p> - -<p>Randall trembled with anger, and seemed on -the point of a violent outburst. Then he made an -effort and curbed himself. Forcing his voice -down, he spoke slowly and with apparent calmness, -which did not deceive Frank.</p> - -<p>“That’s quite right, Merriwell. You fooled me -at the time, but I’ve been thinking it over since -then, and I’ve seen how you jockeyed me out of -that election. Naturally, it looked like anything -but gentleman’s work.”</p> - -<p>Chip flushed a little.</p> - -<p>“I think you’ve made a big mistake, old man,” -he returned. “I thought you understood me better<span class="pagenum">[247]</span> -than that, and I can’t see how you imagine that -I didn’t play fair.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps you did, from your viewpoint. You -kept Clancy and Billy Mac out of the game and -smashed up the team. Then, when I was beaten, -you sailed on the field, slapped the team together, -and won out. That’s why you got elected. I’d -have won with the whole team behind me, and -you know it!”</p> - -<p>“Keep your temper,” Chip said crisply. -“You’re away off, Bob. I was kidnaped, and -those two fellows pulled me out. If you’d won -the game I’d have been the first to congratulate -you. As it was, I had already proposed you for -captain, if you’ll believe it.”</p> - -<p>“You had?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. Ask Coach Trayne or any of the fellows. -I don’t think you’ve given me a square deal -in this, Bob, and yet I can see how you look at -it. I’m sorry that I didn’t come to you before and -have it out frankly, but I’ve been pretty busy, -and didn’t understand just what was behind it -all.”</p> - -<p>Randall was not at all convinced. He stared -down at the table, and his eye fell on a tiny -folded paper inserted in his Cicero. His cheeks -flushed a trifle, and he gave an imperceptible -start.</p> - -<p>“In that case,” he said slowly, his clenched -hands at his sides in self-repression, “I—I may<span class="pagenum">[248]</span> -have been wrong. But it seemed to me that you -hadn’t been the one to hand out a square deal, -Merry. I was helpless in trying to fight you for -an elective office. Everybody around here seems -to toady to the Merriwells——”</p> - -<p>“Hold on, right there, Bob,” Chip interrupted -quickly, his eyes flashing with a hint of anger.</p> - -<p>“You know that’s not the case. If there’s any -one who hates to be truckled to and toadied to, -I’m the one. I didn’t go after the captaincy, in -this particular instance, and it was handed to me -before I knew it. As to toadying, you ought to -know the fellows too well to lay that charge, -Bob.”</p> - -<p>“Haven’t you everything your own way?” demanded -Randall. His eyes still held to that -folded scrap of paper, and his face looked troubled. -“You run everything around here, and nobody -else gets a look-in——”</p> - -<p>“Old man, for Heaven’s sake get your brain -untangled!” Chip leaned forward earnestly, setting -aside his own irritation. “I don’t want to -run anything. Whatever I have done has been -done for Fardale, and I’ve had nothing further -in view than the best good of the school. Let me -prove this by something which I ought not to tell -you.”</p> - -<p>He found Randall staring at him with a peculiar -look, and fancied that his words were bearing -fruit.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[249]</span></p> - -<p>“I was just talking to Coach Trayne about who -will be elected captain if I have to leave school—which -may be at any minute now. I urged you -for the place, since I honestly believe that you’re -the man for it. He could not understand why I -overlooked the way you have acted lately, until I -explained that I hoped to talk it over with you -and straighten things out for the good of Fardale. -I don’t care a whoop about myself, Randall. -I’m only thinking of the school, and I want -you to do the same. Now, slip into your things -and come over to the gym with me. The fellows -will know that the hatchet’s been buried, and you -will leap up at a bound in their estimation, and -everybody will be happy. Will you do it, old fellow?”</p> - -<p>Randall had turned, and was gazing out of the -window. Merriwell could not see the dark flush -of anger that flitted across his face, but after a -moment he heard the low and tense voice of Randall.</p> - -<p>“I’ll do it, Chip. I’m sorry.”</p> - -<p>Randall turned quickly to the closet and pulled -out his shoes, for he had been at work in bath -robe and slippers.</p> - -<p>“Good!” Frank cried, in delight. “Get on your -duds, and we’ll forget it all!”</p> - -<p>He walked over to the window, looking out on -the campus, and stood watching the flitting crowd -below. Randall had come around all right, he<span class="pagenum">[250]</span> -thought, and, with a little careful handling, would -soon be his old self.</p> - -<p>Meantime, however, Randall had given a quick -glance at his back. A crafty smile leaped to his -face, and, while still watching Merriwell’s motionless -figure, he reached out and seized the -folded paper.</p> - -<p>Tearing off one end with a quick motion, he -emptied a flickering white powder into the glass -that stood beside the pitcher. Still covertly eying -Chip, he deftly obtained a second glass from the -closet shelf and placed it on the opposite side of -the pitcher. Then he poured water into both -glasses.</p> - -<p>The white powder dissolved instantly. At the -sound of the pouring water, Merry turned, and -Randall straightened up with a smile that set -queerly on his features.</p> - -<p>“I say, Merry,” he called, with seeming candor, -“let’s drink a toast to the success of the -team to-day, and the continuance of our friendship—a -toast in aqua pura!”</p> - -<p>“Bully!”</p> - -<p>Merriwell stepped forward, with a smile. At -this instant there was a sudden interruption, however.</p> - -<p>The door was flung open, and a panting cadet -orderly appeared as the startled Randall swung -round.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[251]</span></p> - -<p>“Mr. Randall! Colonel Gunn wants to see you -at once in his office.”</p> - -<p>This summons could mean only one thing—trouble. -Randall had already slipped into his -clothes, and he seized his hat, instantly forgetting -everything else. Was it possible that his -visit to the village of the previous night had been -discovered?</p> - -<p>“Wait for me, Merry,” he said hastily. “I’ll -probably be right back!”</p> - -<p>“I’ll be here, old man,” Chip assured him, and -Randall left hurriedly with the orderly.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[252]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXII">CHAPTER XXXII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">WHO GOT IT?</span></h2> - - -<p>“Too bad we didn’t drink that toast!” murmured -Merriwell, as the echoing steps of the orderly -and Randall died away down the corridor. -“Still, I’m mighty glad that Bob saw fit to come -around. It’ll clear things up wonderfully.”</p> - -<p>He crossed the room and sank into a chair. -Picking up a magazine, he began to turn over its -pages. As he did so, his hand went out to the -nearer of the two glasses, and he brought it to -his lips, sipping slowly.</p> - -<p>With a sigh, he emptied the glass and replaced -it on the table. Five minutes passed, and Merry -flung the magazine back to its place, rising.</p> - -<p>“Wonder what kind of a row Randall has got -himself into now?” he mused, going to the window -and looking down on the campus, with a -frown.</p> - -<p>Colonel Gunn was the principal of Fardale, and -if Randall had been in some kind of a scrape, it -might injure his chances on the diamond. However, -there was a chance that the Southerner had -been guilty of some infraction of the military routine -of the school which would merely get him a -“call-down” and a few black marks.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Chip turned, as a sharp knock -sounded at the door.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[253]</span></p> - -<p>“Come in!”</p> - -<p>The door opened. Merry gave a gasp of astonishment, -for framed in the doorway, stood Bully -Carson. The latter turned and shut the door, -not observing him.</p> - -<p>“You came over to see the game?” Merry -asked pleasantly.</p> - -<p>Bully whirled with a swift cry, his face black.</p> - -<p>“You! Why—why—where’s Bob Randall? -Isn’t this his room?”</p> - -<p>The startled surprise of Colonel Carson’s son -was quite evident. In fact, he was wildly disconcerted. -He had expected to see his cousin, and instead -he found Merriwell.</p> - -<p>“Don’t get scared out, Bully,” said Chip. “Bob -will be right back. I was waiting for him myself, -so I hope you won’t mind my company.”</p> - -<p>Merry thoroughly enjoyed the confusion of the -other. He bore Carson no malice, for he knew -that the other had been thoroughly punished for -his wrongdoings. He fancied that Bully’s confusion -sprang from fear at being found in Fardale—fear -of new retribution for the past.</p> - -<p>“Sit down,” he urged pleasantly. “Sit down -and rest your eye, Bully. One of ’em looks pretty -tired. Hot day, isn’t it?”</p> - -<p>Bully growled out something inarticulate and -sank into a chair with a scowl at Merry. Since -he had blundered into it, he was determined to -stick.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[254]</span></p> - -<p>As Chip remarked, it was a warm day for that -time of year, and no mistake. Bully Carson was -heated by his walk from the village, and he was -perspiring profusely. He pulled out a handkerchief -of purple silk with red bars, and mopped -at his face, eying Merry furtively. Seeming to -conclude that he was safe for the present, he regained -his composure slowly.</p> - -<p>Chip knew that Carson was a thorough bully -and coward. In fact, he had himself presented -Bully with that black eye, when the other had attempted -to “beat him up” in Carsonville the previous -Saturday. He scanned Bully’s attire with -a humorous twinkle in his eyes.</p> - -<p>“You ought to be more careful, Bully,” he remarked, -with mock solicitude. “If you were seen -on the Fardale streets in those duds, you’d be in -danger of arrest.”</p> - -<p>“Huh? What for?” Bully growled suspiciously. -He looked down at himself.</p> - -<p>“For disturbing the peace,” said Chip, with a -laugh, dropping on the window seat.</p> - -<p>“Think you’re cussed smart, don’t you?”</p> - -<p>“Not a bit of it,” Chip gravely assured him. -He found Bully capital amusement. “I only wonder -at your nerve in coming here!”</p> - -<p>“You should worry,” retorted Bully, with a -scowl. “Ain’t I got a right to visit my cousin?”</p> - -<p>“Sure. Only, if you had another cousin in jail,<span class="pagenum">[255]</span> -you’d have a better right to visit him, seems to -me.”</p> - -<p>“Huh?” Carson turned pale and mopped at -his face again. “What you goin’ to do about it?”</p> - -<p>Chip knew that he could have both Bully and -his father arrested for what had taken place at -Carsonville. This, however, was far from his -thoughts.</p> - -<p>“Nothing. Make yourself right at home, old -man. Only I wouldn’t advise you to light up that -cigarette in here.”</p> - -<p>Bully had started to roll a cigarette. He -paused, looking up quickly.</p> - -<p>“Why not?”</p> - -<p>“It’s not allowed. Go ahead and suck it all you -want to, but don’t light it. We don’t approve of -coffin nails at Fardale, and if the guards smelled -smoke they’d throw you out of here in a hurry.”</p> - -<p>Carson grunted. Nevertheless, he apparently -decided to take Chip’s warning in good part. -There was an undernote to Merry’s voice that -told him the other was not joking this time.</p> - -<p>He finished rolling the cigarette, licked it, and -carefully inserted it into one corner of his mouth. -Then he lolled back in his chair, glanced around, -and favored Chip with a black look.</p> - -<p>“You fellers are goin’ to get the hide licked -off you to-day,” he announced. His confidence -was returning, as Merry made no hostile move.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[256]</span></p> - -<p>“Thanks for the news,” said Chip easily. “Are -you going to pitch?”</p> - -<p>“No. We got a new feller named Green. He’ll -show you dubs what real pitchin’ is, and I’m goin’ -to back him to the limit.”</p> - -<p>“I hope he’ll show us more than you did,” and -Frank settled himself among the pillows in the -window seat. “We’re always willing to be -shown, Bully.”</p> - -<p>Bully grunted.</p> - -<p>“You get yours to-day, all right.”</p> - -<p>“Who’s Green?” asked Chip curiously. “Is he -an amateur?”</p> - -<p>“Sure!”</p> - -<p>“And I suppose your father is going to bet on -him, as usual?”</p> - -<p>Bully grinned, and patted his pocket knowingly.</p> - -<p>“Pop’s goin’ to do a little betting, I reckon. -So’m I.”</p> - -<p>“Why don’t you bet on Fardale, for a change?” -Merry queried pleasantly. “It might get you -something, old man!”</p> - -<p>“I suppose you think I’m a piker, hey?” scowled -Bully. “I suppose you think I ain’t got money -myself?”</p> - -<p>“You always were good at supposing,” said -Chip. “This time you hit it dead right.”</p> - -<p>“That shows how much you know! I got a -thousand dollars in cash, right here in my pocket,<span class="pagenum">[257]</span> -and I’m goin’ to meet a feller now and bet on the -Clippers, see?”</p> - -<p>Chip was somewhat amazed at this intelligence, -though he gave no sign of it. He knew that Colonel -Carson himself was a heavy plunger, but from -what he had seen of Bully he had not thought -that the latter was exactly flush with money.</p> - -<p>“You must have bet on Fardale during that -Franklin game,” he murmured gently. “Or has -your respected father become generous?”</p> - -<p>“None o’ your business,” said Bully, with a -growl, finding the subject abruptly distasteful. -“Whew! I’m certainly het up. I guess I’ll run -along and place that bet, then come back here -and find Bob.”</p> - -<p>“Suit yourself,” chirped Merry. “If you’re -warm, take a glass of water. When you get outside, -light that cigarette. Then you’ll get nice and -warm again, and it’ll fur up your tongue.”</p> - -<p>Bully merely grunted at this sarcasm. He -seemed to decide that part of the advice was good, -however, for he caught up the other glass that -Randall had filled and carried it across the table -to his lips.</p> - -<p>“I suppose you’ll pitch to-day?” he inquired, -pausing.</p> - -<p>“Once more your suppositions are correct,” returned -Chip ironically.</p> - -<p>Bully grunted and gulped down the water, replacing<span class="pagenum">[258]</span> -the glass on the table with a deep sigh, -then threw his sleeve across his lips.</p> - -<p>“That certainly tastes good! Well, I hope -you’ll get pounded out of the box, Merriwell. -Green will shut you fellers out without a hit.”</p> - -<p>With this pleasant wish Bully came to his feet -and moved toward the door, inspecting a few pictures -and pennants as he went.</p> - -<p>“Don’t hurry,” pleaded Chip, with mock anxiety. -“You’re not going to tear yourself away so -soon, I trust?”</p> - -<p>“Tell Bob I’ll be back later,” said Bully, with -a grunt.</p> - -<p>“With pleasure. Maybe you’d like to have me -throw the game for you to-day?”</p> - -<p>Carson merely scowled and passed outside, -slamming the door viciously after him. From -the window Frank could see him start across the -campus in the direction of the riding hall, stopping -to light his cigarette.</p> - -<p>“Big brute!” he thought, disgusted. “I wonder -how Randall ever got a cousin like that? But—what -on earth is he doing here? If he and -Bob are getting thick, I feel sorry for Bob.”</p> - -<p>This thought was disquieting to Merry. Could -it be possible that Carson was back of Randall’s -queer actions?</p> - -<p>It seemed improbable, for Randall had been -keeping to himself, and Carson had not been seen -at Fardale previous to this. Yet Frank knew that<span class="pagenum">[259]</span> -Bully possessed a crafty and cunning mind. He -felt disturbed over Carson’s impudence in daring -to show himself about the place.</p> - -<p>“Oh, well, I guess Randall can take care of -himself,” he mused, and dismissed the subject -lightly, and settled himself among the pillows -again.</p> - -<p>He had been up early that morning, and it was -a warm spring day. Consequently, it was only -natural that he should feel drowsy. Taking advantage -of the moment to relax utterly, Merry -put back his head and closed his eyes. Almost -before he knew it, he had dropped off into a light -doze.</p> - -<p>He was roused by a sharp knock at the door, -and sprang up instantly with a shout to enter. -The door swung back and disclosed Colonel -Gunn’s orderly.</p> - -<p>“You’re wanted at the office, Mr. Merriwell,” -said the cadet, with symptoms of flurried haste. -“Colonel Gunn sent me after you on the run.”</p> - -<p>“What’s up?” queried Frank, in surprise. “Is -Randall in trouble?”</p> - -<p>“In up to his neck,” said the cadet. “But I’d -better not say anything about it, I guess.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” and Merry seized his hat. “Come -along!”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[260]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXIII">CHAPTER XXXIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">ACCUSED OF THEFT.</span></h2> - - -<p>Colonel Gunn was fat, ponderous, and highly -dignified. He owned his military title by virtue -of having been an aid on the governor’s staff, but -none the less he was an extremely capable man.</p> - -<p>Merry had no inkling of what trouble Randall -was mixed up in, for the orderly had wisely refrained -from discussing it. Upon entering the -office of the principal, Chip found Colonel Gunn -seated at his desk. Before him was Randall, -white-faced and evidently badly frightened, -while at one side stood the constable from Fardale -village.</p> - -<p>To judge by the general air of things, the situation -was anything but pleasant for Bob Randall. -Merry came to attention.</p> - -<p>“Ah, Mr. Merriwell,” exclaimed the colonel, in -his ponderous style, “I sent for you at—ah—Mr. -Randall’s request. There is a considerable—ah—difficulty, -and Mr. Randall seems to think that -you can—ah—help matters out. I’m sure I hope -so.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir,” returned Frank, quite in the dark -as yet. “I didn’t know that Randall was in any -trouble, sir.”</p> - -<p>“I did not intend to convey that—ah—intelligence,<span class="pagenum">[261]</span> -Merriwell. I merely ventured the—ah—statement -that there was a difficulty. You will -please note that there is not only a technical, but -a moral, difference—I might say a tremendous -difference—between leveling an accusation of—ah—guilt, -or presupposing such a conclusion, and -making a statement of bare and unvarnished -fact.”</p> - -<p>Merry was tempted to smile, but knew better.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir,” he gravely answered. “I beg your -pardon, Colonel Gunn, for having unintentionally -miscomprehended your prior remark. If I may -be allowed a word with Randall, sir, it might -serve to——”</p> - -<p>“Ah—certainly, certainly!” wheezed the -colonel.</p> - -<p>Merry turned. Until then, Randall had not -dared to break silence, knowing that the principal -was a stickler for discipline. Now he -leaned over the table toward Frank, his face -white and tense.</p> - -<p>“Chip, I swear that I didn’t do it!” he cried -passionately. “I never dreamed of such a thing!”</p> - -<p>“I hope not,” returned Frank, his eyes twinkling. -Then, noting the terrible strain that Randall -labored under, he became serious. “What -is it, old man? What kind of trouble are you -in?”</p> - -<p>“This heah officeh says that I stole a thousand<span class="pagenum">[262]</span> -dollahs last night!” cried out Randall, indicating -the constable.</p> - -<p>Merry smiled. To any one who knew Bob -Randall, the preposterous absurdity of such a -charge was evident. Randall might be a murderer, -but never a thief.</p> - -<p>“Why, old man,” said Frank, “surely there’s -no evidence for such a charge? You have plenty -of money, for one thing. For another, any one -who knows you must believe you incapable of -such a thing.”</p> - -<p>“Yo’ sho’ ahe true blue, Chip!” Randall cried -eagerly. “Of co’se, no one would accuse a Randall -of theft, except a low-down Yankee——”</p> - -<p>Colonel Gunn cleared his throat heavily. His -face looked troubled, and Chip saw that he also -found it hard to reconcile the charge with Randall’s -character.</p> - -<p>“You—ah—are presupposing a good deal, gentlemen,” -he declared ponderously. “In the first -place, allow me to make the assertion that—ah—no -one has accused Mr. Randall of the theft. Is -that not right, constable?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir,” said the perplexed officer. “I didn’t -accuse him, exactly. I only wanted to know how -much he knew.”</p> - -<p>“A distinction with a difference,” said the -colonel.</p> - -<p>Frank made a grimace of despair. If he was<span class="pagenum">[263]</span> -going to get to the bottom of this before time -for mess, he would have to wade in.</p> - -<p>“Excuse me, sir,” he exclaimed, “but I know -nothing of the circumstances referred to. I don’t -see how I can help Randall, but if you’ll be good -enough to explain the nature of the difficulty I’ll -be only too glad to tell anything I know, or to do -anything I can to help out matters.”</p> - -<p>“Ah—quite so, quite so, Merriwell!”</p> - -<p>Colonel Gunn swung around in his chair, taking -a paper from the desk before him, and proceeded -to elucidate.</p> - -<p>“Putting up at the Dobbs Hotel in the village, -Merriwell, is a gentleman named—ah—Hostetter, -Ezra Hostetter. It is his assertion that at -some time last night, some person or persons unknown -did feloniously gain admittance to his -room at the hotel, and did—ah—remove from -beneath his pillow a black leather wallet, containing—ah—certain -papers. The wallet also contained -a thousand dollars in hundred-dollar bills.”</p> - -<p>“He must have been pining for adventure, sir, -to carry that much around with him in currency,” -observed Frank. The colonel’s mouth twitched -slightly. “But if the thieves are unknown, where -does Randall come in? He was in barracks last -night, as would be easy to prove.”</p> - -<p>“That is just the—ah—difficulty,” observed -the colonel heavily, fixing his eye on Randall. -“According to the inspector’s report, Mr. Randall<span class="pagenum">[264]</span> -and his roommate were asleep at the proper -time. But when I asked Mr. Randall whether -he had been to the village last night, he admitted -it. Is not that correct, sir?”</p> - -<p>“Of course, Colonel Gunn,” said the Southerner -proudly. “There was a dummy in my bed -to fool the inspector. But when you asked, of -course, I would not lie about it, sir.”</p> - -<p>“A highly proper—ah—sentiment, Mr. Randall,” -said the colonel. He stopped Merry with -uplifted hand. “One moment, sir! Mr. Randall -was seen to enter the hotel in question, and to -leave, each time by the back door, and in a -stealthy manner. When I asked him for an explanation, -he—ah—asked that you be sent for.”</p> - -<p>Merry looked at the Southerner in astonishment. -Randall stood erect, a dark flush in his -cheeks, his eyes desperate. But he had regained -his self-control.</p> - -<p>“I was frightened, Chip,” he said quietly. “Of -course, you know nothing about it, only the evidence -seemed so terribly circumstantial that you -were the first person I thought of.”</p> - -<p>“I’m glad you did think of me, old man,” said -Chip, smiling. “But let’s get this business -straightened out. May I ask who observed Randall’s -entry and departure, Colonel Gunn?”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Dobbs himself,” stated the colonel, referring -to his paper. “But allow me to—ah—mention<span class="pagenum">[265]</span> -that Mr. Randall makes no denial, and -no explanation.”</p> - -<p>Frank glanced again at Randall, in perplexity.</p> - -<p>“What’s the answer, old man?”</p> - -<p>“I received a letter from my cousin, Edward -Carson, the son of Colonel Carson, of Carsonville,” -said Randall. “He asked me to meet him -at the hotel on important business. I was unable -to get away before taps, so I left my room by -means of a rope, and entered the hotel quietly, -hoping to avoid observation.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, Mr. Randall,” wheezed the colonel, “and -what, may I inquire, was the nature of the—ah—important -business to which your cousin referred?”</p> - -<p>“I must refuse to answer, sir,” and Randall -suddenly went white. “I give you my word, sir, -that it was entirely personal and private. More -than that, I cannot say.”</p> - -<p>A little silence ensued. Frank studied Randall, -but could find no trace of guilt in the dark, -handsome features. Nor did he believe the -Southerner guilty.</p> - -<p>“You know nothing of the theft, of course?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing, Chip.”</p> - -<p>“I must say, colonel,” exclaimed Frank, turning -to the principal, “that I do not think Randall -at all guilty. He could have easily lied out of -the whole thing, and the inspector’s report would<span class="pagenum">[266]</span> -have borne him out. The fact that he refused to -do so must surely count in his favor?”</p> - -<p>“Most certainly, Merriwell. It has just—ah—occurred -to me that if we could locate this Carson, -we might thus exonerate Mr. Randall completely. -Such a consummation would be—ah—highly -pleasing to me.”</p> - -<p>“He ain’t at the village,” spoke up the constable. -“Mr. Hostetter was lookin’ fer him, -sir.”</p> - -<p>“Hostetter knew him, then?” inquired Chip -quickly.</p> - -<p>“They was friends,” replied the constable. -Frank turned.</p> - -<p>“Carson was at Randall’s room just before I -left, Colonel Gunn. He departed across the -campus, and he might be easily located, I think.”</p> - -<p>“Ah—by all means!”</p> - -<p>The principal hastily summoned his orderly -and ordered a dozen cadets dispatched in search -of Carson, who could be easily recognized by -means of his black eye and patch. Randall was -looking at the floor, a tumult of emotions in his -face.</p> - -<p>How much Merry knew of the attempt to drug -him, he could not guess. Yet Frank was doing -his best to help him out of his scrape. The -Southerner was smitten with remorse and self-condemnation, -but dared say nothing.</p> - -<p>“We’ll clear you, old man,” said Merry<span class="pagenum">[267]</span> -warmly. “This might be a plot to ruin your character—and -knowing Carson, as I do, I would not -put it past him.”</p> - -<p>He briefly recounted to Colonel Gunn his late -experiences at Carsonville. The principal, however, -did not agree that there could be any plot -against Randall, and Frank himself had only -suggested it as a forlorn hope.</p> - -<p>“Your anxiety for your friend—ah—does you -honor, Merriwell. Yet I would point out that -until Mr. Dobbs volunteered his—ah—information, -Mr. Randall was not thought of in connection -with the unfortunate matter.”</p> - -<p>Poor Randall was miserable enough, and -looked it. He could not doubt Frank’s sincerity -in helping him, and his conscience smote him. -He wondered whether Merry had drank that -glass of water, but Frank gave no signs of being -drugged.</p> - -<p>Going over the facts once more, Merriwell was -forced to admit that things looked black for Randall. -If he should be arrested and brought before -a jury, there was little doubt but that he -would be convicted on circumstantial evidence. -And yet it was incredible that he should have -stolen the money!</p> - -<p>One by one the searchers brought back word -that there was no sign of Carson anywhere about -the grounds, and on telephoning the hotel, Colonel -Gunn found that he had not returned. Randall’s<span class="pagenum">[268]</span> -entire hopes of vindication rested upon his -cousin.</p> - -<p>“I’m sure the constable will be willing that -Randall should remain here in your care, colonel,” -suggested Merry. “Carson is sure to turn -up at the game, and he can be brought over at -once to clear Randall.”</p> - -<p>“Good!” cried the colonel, the constable nodding -assent. “And to express my—ah—belief -and confidence in Mr. Randall, he shall sit in my -box during the game!”</p> - -<p>Randall tried to thank Merry with his eyes, as -the bugles rang out for mess, but Frank departed -with an uneasy feeling that something was certainly -weighing on the Southerner’s mind. Could -he be guilty by any chance?</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[269]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXIV">CHAPTER XXXIV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A MYSTERY.</span></h2> - - -<p>There was no doubt that the Clippers were a -drawing card.</p> - -<p>Although their team was one of the best in the -Amateur League, the rumor had spread abroad -that it had been largely reconstructed by Colonel -Carson for this game, and the near-by towns -had sent their contingents of fans, in no little expectation.</p> - -<p>Fardale field was crowded long before the time -for the game. Before two o’clock the grand -stand was sold out. There was no overflow -crowd, since the long bleachers were full able to -handle every one, but automobiles were parked -by the score at all available points, and it looked -as if ground rules would have to go into effect.</p> - -<p>There had been a big shift in the Fardale team, -also. News of this had leaked out, and consequently -both cadets and baseball fans were eager -to see what Captain Merriwell had done in the -way of a shake-up.</p> - -<p>Man after man purchased a score card, and -then gazed at it in blank amazement. If he happened -to be a Fardale rooter, the amazement was -tinctured with dismay. If he was a Clipper fan, -he stared at his card in perplexity, and began to -ask questions of the men around him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[270]</span></p> - -<p>This was the line-up that caused the crowd so -much confusion:</p> - -<div class="center"> -<p class="displayinline" style="margin-right:2em"> -<span class="smallfont" style="padding-left:1em">FARDALE.</span><br /> -Lowe, 3d b.<br /> -O’Day, r. f.<br /> -Kess, 2d b.<br /> -Clancy, 1st b.<br /> -Merriwell, p.<br /> -Harker, ss.<br /> -McQuade, c.<br /> -Chester, l. f.<br /> -Lang, c. f. -</p> - -<p class="displayinline" style="margin-left:2em"> -<span class="smallfont" style="padding-left:1em">CLIPPERS.</span><br /> -Ironton, ss.<br /> -Murray, 2d b.<br /> -Green, p.<br /> -Smith, 1st b.<br /> -Olcott, c.<br /> -Johnson, r. f.<br /> -Craven, 3d b.<br /> -Runge, l. f.<br /> -Merrell, c. f. -</p> -</div> - -<p>“That’s a queer proposition,” said a Clipper -fan, turning to the man behind him. “Who’s this -fellow Green? And Smith?”</p> - -<p>“Search me. All we got left o’ the old Clippers -is short and second.”</p> - -<p>Over in the Fardale bleachers there was little -short of a sensation, for Chip’s line-up had not -been made public before the game.</p> - -<p>“We’re gone!” groaned one man despairingly. -“With Kess on second and O’Day out in the -field, it’s ‘good night’ for us!”</p> - -<p>“Merriwell must be crazy,” exclaimed another. -“That blundering Dutchman can’t hit beans! -And Lowe and Harker switched around, and a -substitute in left field! I wish Ted Crockett had -remained captain, by thunder!”</p> - -<p>“Oh, pickles!” scoffed a plebe derisively. “Who<span class="pagenum">[271]</span> -left the door open for you to get in? You wait -and see what happens to those Clippers!”</p> - -<p>None the less, Fardale was anxious. So were -the Clipper sympathizers. When the time for -practice drew near, the crowd was literally on -its toes, watching for the first sight of the players. -Both teams were an unknown quantity, in -their present shape, and the only comfort remaining -to Fardale was that Merriwell was slated -to pitch. The umpires were two Yale men, specially -obtained for the occasion.</p> - -<p>Frank was forced to dismiss his worry over -Bob Randall, as the time for work drew near. -Nothing had been seen of Bully Carson, and -Randall was due to witness the game from the -principal’s box—partly as a guest, partly under -surveillance. The village constable was somewhere -about the field, hunting for Carson.</p> - -<p>Colonel Carson himself was in evidence in the -grand stand, laying as many bets as he could -find Fardale takers. Most of these latter were -out-of-town men, for there were few among the -cadets themselves who cared to do any gambling. -The colonel knew nothing of his son, it appeared, -and had not seen him that day.</p> - -<p>“I’ve heard a lot about this Merriwell guy,” -stated a Fardale fan to the world at large. “Has -he got anything?”</p> - -<p>“Has he!” A fat man below him turned -around, brandishing a fan in one hand and a pop<span class="pagenum">[272]</span> -bottle in the other. “Say, ever see the old Frank -Merriwell pitch?”</p> - -<p>“Uh-huh, once.”</p> - -<p>“Well, the kid is a chip of the old block, take -it from me!”</p> - -<p>“I guess I’ll not let Colonel Carson slide past -me, then,” and the Fardale rooter took out his -pocketbook.</p> - -<p>Finally a tremendous burst of cheering started -in the bleachers and gradually spread around the -field. The two teams had arrived for practice -work! Every head was craned to look, and a -howl of expectation rose as the Clippers took the -field first.</p> - -<p>The howl rose to a roar of applause as the ball -began to whip around. The new Clipper infield -was a wonder! Their precision was magnificent, -and the way they put the sphere to the bases made -Fardale gasp.</p> - -<p>With Coach Trayne, Merry stood watching -them work. Off to one side, Green was limbering -up with his catcher, Olcott. He was a tall, slender, -wiry man with a very brown face and terrific -speed to his practice ball.</p> - -<p>“Chip, that fellow is a tartar!” murmured the -coach. “Watch how easily he puts those sizzlers -down, eh? He moves as if every muscle was run -by clockwork!”</p> - -<p>“He certainly is a beautiful pitcher,” Frank -said admiringly. “And look there—see that fellow<span class="pagenum">[273]</span> -Craven pick up that hot one! Ironton and -Murray are the only infielders left from their old -team, but I guess Colonel Carson knew his business!”</p> - -<p>Wild cheers went up as Craven picked a sizzler -from the ground, darted to his base, and sent the -ball across to third like a bullet. Just then a bat -boy touched Merry’s arm.</p> - -<p>“A man in one of the boxes wants to speak to -you, Chip.”</p> - -<p>Frank followed his guide back to the grand -stand. A keen-eyed man with a long black cigar -in his mouth was standing by the netting, and -beckoned.</p> - -<p>“You wanted me?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. Say, Merriwell, do you know that fellow -Green—the Clippers’ pitcher?”</p> - -<p>“Why, no,” returned Chip, smiling. “He looks -mighty good, though.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’m a traveling man, but I’m rooting for -Fardale. Did you ever hear of Southpaw -Diggs?”</p> - -<p>“Often. He’s one of the best pitchers in the -country, if he’d let booze alone. What’s on your -mind?”</p> - -<p>“That fellow Green is a dead ringer for Diggs, -Merriwell! He ain’t got Diggs’ big rainbow -mustache, but I’ve seen Diggs work too often not -to recognize that wind-up.”</p> - -<p>Frank looked up at the man, startled.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[274]</span></p> - -<p>“Impossible, my friend! The Clippers are all -amateurs——”</p> - -<p>“Oh, rats! I know too much about the game -to swallow that talk, Merriwell, especially when -Colonel Carson talks it.”</p> - -<p>Merry looked troubled. He knew Carson was -crooked as a corkscrew, but it was incredible that -such a barefaced thing could be attempted.</p> - -<p>“If you can swear that Diggs and Green are -one and the same,” suggested Frank, frowning, -“we could protest him.”</p> - -<p>“No,” returned the traveling man regretfully. -“I never seen Diggs close up, but I could recognize -that wind-up a mile away. I couldn’t swear -to it very well, though.”</p> - -<p>“Then the game has to go on,” said Frank.</p> - -<p>At this point the man next to his informant, -who had been listening, chipped in the conversation.</p> - -<p>“Old man Carson is betting all kinds of money, -Merriwell. If that fellow is really Diggs, would -it queer the bets?”</p> - -<p>“Not exactly,” said Merry. “If we could prove -it, of course, the bets would be off, and so would -the game. But I see no chance of proving it.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’m backin’ your crowd,” went on the -man anxiously. “I had a bet at even money with -the colonel’s son, but he must have got cold feet. -He ain’t showed up.”</p> - -<p>“Was it much of a bet?” asked Frank.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[275]</span></p> - -<p>“A thousand even.”</p> - -<p>“You’d better keep your money in your pocket,” -advised Chip, turning away. “Betting is mighty -poor business, especially where the Carson crowd -is mixed up in it.”</p> - -<p>He stood looking across the field, suddenly -thoughtful. A thousand dollars—and Bully Carson -also had boasted that he had a thousand in -cash to bet—and Hostetter had been robbed of -exactly that amount!</p> - -<p>“That’s a mighty queer coincidence,” reflected -Merry, worried. “Hostetter and Bully were -friends, according to Colonel Gunn. Could it be -possible that Carson did steal that money? But -where is he now?”</p> - -<p>That was a mystery. Evidently Bully had -failed to meet the man with whom he was to bet, -yet he had left Randall’s room for that express -purpose.</p> - -<p>“I believe he can explain that theft,” muttered -Frank. “And I’ll make it my business to find -him after the game.”</p> - -<p>Returning to Coach Trayne, he repeated the -information given him by the traveling man, and -Trayne watched Green closely.</p> - -<p>“He does resemble Diggs in general outline,” -admitted the coach. “And his wind-up and delivery -are exactly similar. Chip, I’ve a good notion -to stop this game now!”</p> - -<p>“You’ve no proof, Mr. Trayne. The Clippers<span class="pagenum">[276]</span> -are vouched for as amateurs by their owner, and -even if he has put in a few ringers, that can’t hurt -our standing, if we play them. And it would be -a bad business to start something we can’t finish.”</p> - -<p>Trayne saw the justice of this argument, and -Merry caught up his glove, as the bell rang, and -ran out. While he was warming up with Billy -Mac, the other Fardale men began to work, and -Merry’s judgment was soon vindicated by the -fans, except in the case of Villum Kess.</p> - -<p>The Dutch lad seemed awkward. He committed -no glaring errors, but it seemed to the crowd -that any one would have been better at second -than he. However, Fardale was now committed, -and every rooter hoped for the best as -the Fardale yell began to ring out: “Ha, ha, ha! -’Rah, ’rah, ’rah! Rigger-boom! Zigger-boom! -All hail—Fardale! Fardale! Fardale!”</p> - -<p>The Clipper sympathizers had no regular yell, -but they made good with a thunder of feet stamping, -and a roar of shouts and yells. For an instant -these fell silent while the two umpires announced -the batteries, then they rose again into -a wild storm as the Fardale nine trotted out and -took the field.</p> - -<p>“Play ball!” cried the strike umpire, adjusting -his mask. Ironton stepped out.</p> - -<p>The game was on.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[277]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXV">CHAPTER XXXV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE FIGHT OF HIS LIFE.</span></h2> - - -<p>“Ve vos all pehind you, Chip!” squawked Villum -Kess, capering around second.</p> - -<p>“Take your time, old man,” advised Clancy.</p> - -<p>“Let this boob hit it,” grinned Billy Mac, as -Ironton stepped into the box.</p> - -<p>Frank paused. He had seen clearly that Green -was a whirlwind, and decided to hold his best -ball, the jump, in reserve. If Green was really -Diggs, then he had his work cut out for him.</p> - -<p>“Get on to that guy on second!” yelled a fan.</p> - -<p>Villum Kess had come to rest plumb on his -bag, and stood waiting.</p> - -<p>“Play off there, you lobster!” shrieked another -rooter frantically.</p> - -<p>“Blay off yourselluf,” returned Villum hotly. -“Shud oop und say less. Make a glam of yourselluf -if I vas a lopster yes, no! Yaw! You vait -till you show me!”</p> - -<p>Frank nodded to Billy, and put over a low, -straight ball. Ironton waited.</p> - -<p>“Strike—one!”</p> - -<p>The Clipper shortstop was a wicked hitter, as -Merry knew. Seeing that he stood up close to the -plate, Chip put over a sharp inshoot, and again -the umpire called a strike, as Ironton swung -vainly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[278]</span></p> - -<p>He refused to bite at two teasers, however, -and again Merry used his in. As if sensing the -ball, Ironton pulled back and chopped.</p> - -<p>Crack!</p> - -<p>Merry reached after the hot liner in vain. It -went straight toward the position that Kess -should have been playing, while Ironton dug -down toward first, amid wild whoops from the -bleachers. Then Villum did a surprising thing.</p> - -<p>Flinging himself out toward the ball, he lost -his balance and slid forward, whirling around. -He came down in a cloud of dust.</p> - -<p>“By glory, he sat on it!” yelled the fans.</p> - -<p>Villum reached beneath himself and pulled out -the ball, staring at it in mild astonishment.</p> - -<p>“Put it over, you boob!” shrieked Clancy.</p> - -<p>Kess looked up, saw the runner nearing first, -and scrambled to his feet. With astonishing precision, -he sent the ball to Clancy, and the umpire -motioned Ironton out.</p> - -<p>“It was an accident!” cried Craven, on the -coaching line. “He’s an idiot!”</p> - -<p>“Go avay mit yourselluf!” squawked Villum, -brushing the dust from his shirt. “Vait till I vos -shown you how you don’d blay, yes, no!”</p> - -<p>Murray advanced to the plate, and with evident -determination to hit. After trying to connect -with three sharp curves, Murray slung away -his bat and yielded up his place to Green.</p> - -<p>Frank saw the wiry pitcher pull down his cap<span class="pagenum">[279]</span> -and dust his hands, and the quiet confidence of -the man went far to show that he was no amateur. -Grimly resolving to fan him, Chip wound -up for the double shoot, and the ball hummed -down.</p> - -<p>Green did not attempt to strike. Then a swift -look of astonishment overspread his lean brown -face. Merry had changed from his right to his -left hand!</p> - -<p>“Great Scott!” gasped Green. “It’s impossible!”</p> - -<p>“Go on and knock it over the fence,” chuckled -Billy Mac.</p> - -<p>Green tried to, but the double shoot fooled him -completely. With a smile, Frank delivered a -sharp out with his left hand, and Green reached -for it in vain.</p> - -<p>“We’ve got ’em!” whooped Clancy as he ran -in. “One, two, three!”</p> - -<p>“Easy money,” cried Billy, and Chip touched -his cap to the yelling grand stand as the Fardale -cheer ripped out.</p> - -<p>Fardale’s hopes received an abrupt shock, however. -Smiling a little, but saying nothing, Green -put over nine pitched balls, and retired Lowe, -O’Day, and Kess!</p> - -<p>“He can’t pitch anything but strikes!” gasped -Clancy.</p> - -<p>“Don’d you see dot sbeed!” muttered Villum. -“Dot pall a pullet vos, so hellup me!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[280]</span></p> - -<p>“We’re up against something pretty hard, fellows,” -said Chip, as they went out. “Everybody -pull together, now, and we’ll win.”</p> - -<p>His confidence had been sorely shaken, however. -Smith strode out and landed on Frank’s -first ball for a foul that went up over the grand -stand. Twice more he fouled, but the double -shoot retired him finally.</p> - -<p>“They’re all bad actors,” cried Lowe from -third. “Let ’em hit it, Chip!”</p> - -<p>Olcott, the new Clipper catcher, was a short -man, with tremendously wide shoulders. Chip -tried him with a low fadeaway, but Olcott chortled -with glee and fell on it. The ball rose and -began to travel for the right-field fence.</p> - -<p>O’Day raced back, then stopped short. The -crowd hooted, for the ball seemed certain to go -far beyond him. The fans had forgotten the -wind, however, and, when the sphere came down -it nestled into O’Day’s glove, and stuck there. -Johnson fanned, and the Fardales went to bat.</p> - -<p>That is, they went to bat technically. Clancy -was the first up, and although usually a slugger, -he was retired on three pitched balls. Merry -took his place, with the bleachers screaming for -a hit.</p> - -<p>Green studied him a moment, then changed his -position abruptly. He used something that he -had hitherto held in reserve—a remarkable spit -ball. Frank guessed it, but could not hit.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[281]</span></p> - -<p>Again Green used the same thing, and again -Merry missed it. He touched the third one for a -high foul, however, that cleared the grand stand. -With a new ball thrown out to him, Green deliberately -put over three balls that were wide of -the plate.</p> - -<p>“Put it over!” snapped Chip. “You’re scared -to put it over, Green!”</p> - -<p>Green looked at him, and grinned tantalizingly. -Then he calmly sent over the ball, ten feet wide -of the plate. Frank angrily flung his bat away, -and walked.</p> - -<p>The Fardale rooters went wild, but Chip was -not fooled. He knew that this was a deliberate -effort to rattle him, and that Green had meant to -show his contempt. This was proved when Harker -was sent down on three pitched balls, though -Green again held his spit ball under cover.</p> - -<p>His curves were wonderful, and would have -fooled better men than Fardale owned. Seeing -that he was marooned on first, Chip made a -desperate attempt, and stole second, but only got -there safely because Murray dropped a terrific -ball, that Olcott placed perfectly. Billy Mac immediately -struck out, and the inning was over.</p> - -<p>“That man Green is beyond anything I ever -saw!” cried Coach Trayne, as Chip came in to -confer with Billy. “Watch out for Craven, -Merry!”</p> - -<p>Frank nodded toward the bench. Craven was<span class="pagenum">[282]</span> -a slender, lanky fellow with a large jaw. He -was chewing tobacco, and carried his bat easily.</p> - -<p>Using his right hand once more, Merry resorted -to the double shoot, refusing Billy’s -agonized plea to use the jump ball. Craven -fanned twice, seeming to be awkward at the plate, -but on the third ball he struck too quickly, -whirled, and the ball hit him between the shoulders.</p> - -<p>He went down to first, apparently badly hurt. -But Chip caught a quick grin from him, and -realized angrily that the umpire had been -“worked” very neatly. He fanned Merrell, then -Runge, but Craven romped down to second without -hindrance, exchanging compliments with the -enraged Villum, as he did so.</p> - -<p>Ironton again was at bat. Chip sent the ball -sizzling over for two strikes, but Ironton had -solved the double shoot. He connected with the -next ball and dropped it over second for a neat -single—the first hit of the game. Craven went -to third, with the crowd frantic, and Murray -was up.</p> - -<p>Chip switched hands in desperation, and Murray -fanned twice. Then Ironton tried for second, -and Billy Mac made a wretched throw that Villum -barely hung on to, a yard from the sack. -When Frank put the ball down again, Murray -cracked a liner at Lowe—and Lowe fumbled it, -booting it across the infield to Harker.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[283]</span></p> - -<p>The crowd came to its feet, as Craven raced -over the rubber. Harker lost his head and made -a throw ten feet wide of the plate. Billy went -after it, but Ironton came in like a whirlwind. -Frank ran in and put the ball on him as he slid, -but the umpire called him safe, and the Clippers -had secured two runs, with Murray on third -and Green up.</p> - -<p>“For Heaven’s sake use the jump!” implored -Billy desperately, conferring with Chip. But -Merry, grim-lipped, refused.</p> - -<p>“I’ve got to hold it, Billy. This game is only -three innings old.”</p> - -<p>He walked back, determined to retrieve the -errors that had overwhelmed his team. Green -faced him with a wide grin, the Clipper fans -howling for a hit to bring in Murray. And -Green was confident of getting it. Murray’s lone -hit had started things.</p> - -<p>Frank did the very last thing Green expected. -With a lengthy preliminary, he sent in a fast -straight ball over the heart of the plate. Green -had watched his fingers, and expected a drop, -striking a foot beneath the ball.</p> - -<p>“That got him!” yelled Clancy.</p> - -<p>“Another of the same,” cried Billy.</p> - -<p>“Sure, give me another,” begged Green.</p> - -<p>Chip smiled. He knew that Green would now -be certain of a swift curve. So, making as if<span class="pagenum">[284]</span> -to throw an out, Chip sent down another straight -ball.</p> - -<p>“Strike—uh—two!”</p> - -<p>“That’s headwork, old man!” cried Harker.</p> - -<p>“Led him dood it!” cried Villum. “Ve vos all -behind you, Frankie!”</p> - -<p>Merry stood quietly. He refused Billy’s signals -time after time, knowing that Green was -watching him like a hawk, until the crowd yelled -for action. In desperation Billy tried the signal -for another straight ball, and Merry nodded.</p> - -<p>Again he wound up carefully. This time he -cut loose with every ounce of speed at his command, -and the ball went down fairly scorching. -Green hit, but hit too late, and Billy was taken off -his feet by the speed of the ball. None the less, -he held on to it; Chip had fanned his rival with -three straight balls!</p> - -<p>Not only those in the grand stand, but the -bleachers had also noted the fact, and there was -a deep roar of cheers as Fardale came in. Merry -passed Green, and the latter gave him a quick -smile.</p> - -<p>“Merriwell,” he said quietly, “I take off my hat -to you! That was magnificent.”</p> - -<p>Chip looked at him, found sincerity in the wrinkled -eyes, and warmed instinctively.</p> - -<p>“Thanks,” he said significantly. “Coming -from you, that means a good deal, Mr. Diggs!”</p> - -<p>Green started, gave him one keen glance, then<span class="pagenum">[285]</span> -passed on with a laugh. But in that moment -Chip knew that he now knew his man.</p> - -<p>“That man is Diggs, right enough,” he said to -Coach Trayne, as his next three men proceeded -to fan. “But he’s not beaten us yet.”</p> - -<p>“Yaw!” squawked Villum from behind. “Dot -vos right, Chip! Two runs don’d a pasepall game -make, you pet me! Vait till I dood it!”</p> - -<p>For the second time, Green retired Fardale on -nine pitched balls.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[286]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXVI">CHAPTER XXXVI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE JUMP BALL.</span></h2> - - -<p>The fourth inning started off badly, Smith -beating out a bunt to first, but he held on while -Merry tightened and fanned the next two men -with the double shoot. At this Smith went down -to second, where Villum was standing on the sack -as usual.</p> - -<p>Billy Mac sent down a perfect throw from the -plate, but Villum appeared not to see it, for he -was staring at Smith.</p> - -<p>“Jump, you chump!” yelled Smith, and flung -himself down in a beautiful fall-away slide.</p> - -<p>For the second time that day, Villum sat down -suddenly. The ball plunged into the cloud of -dust, and a groan from the bleachers. When the -dust cleared off, Villum was seen to be smiling -blandly at Smith, holding the ball against the latter’s -chest; Smith’s leg was hooked about Villum’s -waist, and the Clipper was staring up with -wild astonishment.</p> - -<p>“You vas oudt,” exclaimed Villum. “You vos -hooked me aroundt vhere I down sit, und you -thought it vos der pase, yes, no?”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’m jiggered!” gasped Smith.</p> - -<p>The crowd roared with laughter at this evidence -of Villum’s playing, but it fell into somber<span class="pagenum">[287]</span> -silence once more as Fardale came to bat -and O’Day struck out.</p> - -<p>Then Villum came up to the plate, and, in trying -to hit the first ball over, he lost his balance -and was hit himself. The umpire hesitated, then -motioned him to first, and Olcott’s protest went -unheeded.</p> - -<p>“Yaw!” triumphantly blatted the Dutch lad, as -he trotted down. “I toldt you I’d dood it! Britty -soon der ball vill hit Chip a home run vor, you -pet me!”</p> - -<p>“Sacrifice, Clan,” ordered Merry quietly. “You -can’t hope for a hit.”</p> - -<p>“Why not?” said Clancy, pausing as he was -going forth.</p> - -<p>“Because we’re up against Southpaw Diggs. -Bunt it.”</p> - -<p>The red-haired chap tried hard to obey, but -failed. Villum went to second, however. Murray -stood square on the base line, trying to block -him off, and Villum arrived at about the same -time as the ball. He flung himself straight at the -sack and Murray went down amid a cloud of -dust, from which the ball was seen to roll. Instantly -Villum jumped up and went tearing -toward third, regardless of Lowe’s orders to hold -second. Murray pegged the ball down to Craven, -but made a poor throw. It was a close decision, -but Villum got the benefit of the doubt.</p> - -<p>“Bring him in, Chip,” said Clancy.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[288]</span></p> - -<p>For the second time, Merry faced his rival, and -for the second time Green resorted to his wonderful -spit ball. Once Chip fouled, and once -struck in vain, then at the last instant he choked -his bat and met the third ball for a bunt.</p> - -<p>The slippery ball twisted along toward first, -and Merry sped after it like a deer. Green went -for it, but Chip beat out the throw, and Villum -was safe with the first run for Fardale. Harker -fanned, and the inning was ended.</p> - -<p>“Well, that showed that they aren’t invulnerable, -fellows,” said Merry cheerfully. “We’ll even -up pretty soon!”</p> - -<p>“You’re the only one of us who has a hit so -far,” said Billy Mac.</p> - -<p>“And that was a bad scratch,” chuckled Merry. -“Well, go to it!”</p> - -<p>Craven, the dangerous third baseman, was -again up. He could not solve the double shoot, -however, and Merrell and Runge went down, -also. Merry had repeated Green’s feat of retiring -the side with nine pitched balls.</p> - -<p>As he walked in and met Billy, however, he -shook his head doubtfully.</p> - -<p>“I’m using that ball too much,” he said, in a -low voice. “I don’t want to use the jump unless -I have to, but I can’t throw the double shoot all -the time, Billy.”</p> - -<p>“Change arms, then.”</p> - -<p>“I have. Well, let’s see what happens.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[289]</span></p> - -<p>Billy, Chester, and Lange went down in regular -order to the smiling Green, although Lange -managed to send up a pop fly that was gathered -in by Murray. The sixth started with the heavy -end up, and Ironton came out confidently.</p> - -<p>Frank tried to avoid using the double shoot, -with the result that Ironton poled a hot liner -toward third. Lowe made a beautiful stop that -drew an admiring yell from the bleachers, but -dropped the ball, and Ironton beat it out.</p> - -<p>The next man up was Murray, and Chip handled -him carefully, forcing him to put up an infield -fly, that Villum easily absorbed. Then -Green strode out, smiling.</p> - -<p>Chip gathered every energy. He put over the -double shoot, reversing from an in to an out, -and Green fanned. Then, using his left hand, he -reversed the shoot, and once more Green struck -in vain, Ironton going down to second. Knowing -that it was useless to attempt luring Green, Frank -once more threw every effort into a terrifically -swift, straight ball—and again Green fanned.</p> - -<p>The speed of that ball was too much for Billy, -however. It went through him and rolled back -to the grand stand, while Green tore to first and -Ironton to third. Both were safe, and Smith -advanced to the plate. Frank signaled to Billy to -come up.</p> - -<p>“It’s no use, old man,” he said quietly.</p> - -<p>“I’m sorry, Chip,” and Billy was almost in<span class="pagenum">[290]</span> -tears. “They can’t touch you, and if you only -had a decent catcher——”</p> - -<p>“None of that,” said Merry. “You’re all right, -Billy. But I daren’t use the double shoot again. -I’ve pitched nothing else, and I can’t give away -the jump ball just yet. I’m going to try the spit -ball, so watch out for bad ones.”</p> - -<p>The almost constant use of the double shoot -had been a tremendous strain on Frank’s arm, -and Billy was forced to assent. Merry did not -half like using the spit ball, as he had not practiced -it for some time, but the need was imperative.</p> - -<p>In fact, his first two balls went wide of the -plate, and nearly let in a run. Then he found -himself, and Smith fanned twice, Billy vainly -trying to catch Green at second. By sheer good -luck, Smith connected and walloped out a beauty -to the left garden, which Chester gathered. But -Ironton beat the ball to the plate for the third -tally.</p> - -<p>“He’s gone!” came a voice from the grand -stand that Frank recognized for that of Colonel -Carson. “Knock him out of the lot! He’s -gone!”</p> - -<p>“I’ll show you something, you old scoundrel!” -muttered Chip angrily, as Olcott pounded the -rubber and begged for a good one.</p> - -<p>He seemed unable to fulfill his prediction, however, -for Olcott bunted the first ball to Harker,<span class="pagenum">[291]</span> -the shortstop made a poor throw to first, and Olcott -was safe. Johnson came up, but ended the -inning by popping a foul, that Billy Mac neatly -garnered.</p> - -<p>“Four to one,” said Lowe, with a groan, as -they came in. “We’re done!”</p> - -<p>“We’re not,” said Clancy warmly. “Chip -hasn’t begun to pitch yet.”</p> - -<p>Merry smiled faintly, and stared aghast as -Green again put over nine pitched balls and retired -Fardale. The man seemed made of iron!</p> - -<p>In the first half of the seventh it seemed that -only luck saved Fardale. Chester dropped Craven’s -fly, and Merrell let the ball hit him. Runge -fanned, and Ironton came up with second and -third filled, and one out. He knocked a hot one -to Villum, who promptly dropped it; while every -one yelled at him, the Dutch lad stared at the -runners in astonishment.</p> - -<p>Then he picked up the ball and slammed it to -third, catching Merrell, and Lowe snapped it to -Billy for a double play that retired the Clippers.</p> - -<p>“Get a hit, Clan,” said Merry quietly. “Green’s -weakening.”</p> - -<p>Clancy brightened up perceptibly, and though -Green showed no sign of weakening, Clancy was -hit by the ball, and went to first. Merry came up, -made a quick guess that Green would give him an -in, and swung with all his strength. He hit the -ball on the nose.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[292]</span></p> - -<p>“Wow!”</p> - -<p>A shrill yell went up from every fan as the ball -sailed out, cleared the fence, and was no more -seen. As Merry jogged in from third he grinned.</p> - -<p>“All luck, Green,” he cried.</p> - -<p>Frank had netted two runs with that homer, -but the eighth opened with the score four to -three in favor of the Clippers, and Craven at -bat. He grounded out to Clancy, Merrell fanned, -and Runge flied to Lowe. Green again fanned -three men, leaving Kess up, and the ninth inning -was on.</p> - -<p>“All right, Billy,” said Chip quietly. “Every -ball a jump.”</p> - -<p>“Hurray!” yelled Billy, in delight. “Nine -balls, Merry!”</p> - -<p>Ironton was up. Merry put the first ball down -to him right in the groove, and he swung viciously -at it. The ball seemed to leap over his -bat into Billy’s glove.</p> - -<p>“Hey!” cried Ironton, amazed. “What’s the -matter with that ball?”</p> - -<p>“Take another look,” said Chip, with a grin.</p> - -<p>Again he sent it squarely over the plate, and -again Ironton failed utterly to find it. The -third ball looked even better, and with wondering -desperation Ironton brought around his bat.</p> - -<p>“Out!”</p> - -<p>“What kind of a ball is that?” demanded Ironton -savagely.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[293]</span></p> - -<p>“Plain straight ball,” chuckled Billy. “Couldn’t -you see it?”</p> - -<p>The grand stand began to appreciate a change -in Merriwell’s pitching as Johnson came into the -box and proceeded to strike out also.</p> - -<p>“He’s using a new ball!” yelled the traveling -man who had recognized Green-Diggs.</p> - -<p>“Look at Johnson swing!” shrieked another -fan excitedly. “Where’d he get that ball? What -is it?”</p> - -<p>Johnson watched the third one come, and tried -helplessly to find it. He was motioned out, and -flung his bat away heatedly.</p> - -<p>“There’s some crooked work here!” he cried.</p> - -<p>“And it smells like Southpaw Diggs,” chirped -Clancy, as Green came out swinging two bats. -He flung one away and stepped into the box.</p> - -<p>The Fardale fans began to pluck up hope. -They roared out hoarse entreaties to fight it out, -and as he glanced at the grand stand Merry saw -Colonel Gunn standing up and excitedly waving -his hat, dignity utterly forgotten, while Randall -clutched him around the neck and yelled like a -crazy man.</p> - -<p>“Here’s a nice straight one for you, Green,” -said Chip.</p> - -<p>Green evidently believed him, for he swung at -the ball wickedly. But the sphere took a queer -upward jump into Billy’s mitt, and Green stepped -back with a single gasp of amazement.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[294]</span></p> - -<p>“What you got on that ball?” he queried wonderingly.</p> - -<p>Smiling, Merry sent down another, square in -the groove. This time Green stood back and -watched it, then grinned.</p> - -<p>“Let her come!” he cried, and Chip knew that -he had solved the jump.</p> - -<p>With that, he sent down a straight ball. Green -grinned again, struck a foot above it—and was -out!</p> - -<p>But the Clippers were still one run to the good.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[295]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXVII">CHAPTER XXXVII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A DESPERATE FINISH.</span></h2> - - -<p>Fardale field was a pandemonium.</p> - -<p>Grand stand and bleachers alike were crazy -with excitement. The band, unheard, blared -forth amid the din. Men shouted and shrieked -for the score to be tied, begged Merry to crack -out another homer, hit each other over the head, -and threatened to smash the stands with their -frenzied stamping.</p> - -<p>With suddenness that was almost appalling, -the din died away as Villum Kess was seen walking -out to the plate. The rooters held their -breath.</p> - -<p>“That settles it,” groaned a man near Colonel -Gunn’s box. “That dunderhead will be the first -out—it’s all over.”</p> - -<p>“Confound your impertinence, sir!” roared the -irate colonel, twisting about and threatening the -fan with personal violence. “It’s not—ah—all -over till the last man has—ah—gone down!”</p> - -<p>Then he turned and sent another roar at the -field.</p> - -<p>“Get a hit! Get a hit!”</p> - -<p>The crowd took up the swinging words. “Get -a hit! Get a hit!” rose the thunder of many -voices, pierced by the shrill yells of the Clipper -fans, who implored Green to “Hold ’em down!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[296]</span></p> - -<p>Then Kess stepped into the box, and instantly -the silence fell anew.</p> - -<p>“Yaw!” squawked the Dutch lad, his voice -sounding distinctly all over the field. “Didn’t I -toldt you I vos goin’ to dood it! You vos a -skinch, so hellup me!”</p> - -<p>“You’ll get skinned, all right,” yelled Olcott. -“Let the Dutchman hit it, old man! He’s easy!”</p> - -<p>“Shut oop mit your mouth!” retorted Villum, -turning angrily.</p> - -<p>As he did so, Green unwound and the sphere -came down like a bullet. Villum tried to strike, -but overreached himself and fell forward, sitting -on the plate.</p> - -<p>“Vot der matter vos?” he inquired blankly. -“Vhere vos der pall?”</p> - -<p>“Get up or you’ll have another strike called,” -said Olcott.</p> - -<p>Villum scrambled to his feet. His actions disgusted -the excited crowd, however, and a storm -of objurgation began to rain upon him.</p> - -<p>“Take him out! Send in a ball player!”</p> - -<p>“Get the hook! Get the hook!”</p> - -<p>“By Yimini, you shoot oop!” roared Villum, -waving his bat at the grand stand. “How vos I -to hear der pall coming vhen you vos making such -a yelling?”</p> - -<p>Green smiled and once more put the ball across -while Villum was glaring at the crowd. He -whirled around as the ball plunked home.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[297]</span></p> - -<p>“Vot vos dot?”</p> - -<p>“Strike—two!” called the umpire.</p> - -<p>“Vell, by shinks!” gasped Villum angrily. -“You vos der advantage oof me dake, yes, no?”</p> - -<p>“Watch out,” advised Olcott, with a wide grin. -“Here it comes again.”</p> - -<p>Villum spat on his hands, pounded the plate, -and settled down. Even the nonchalant Green -was laughing, but his laugh ended suddenly.</p> - -<p>For, as the ball came glinting down, Villum -gathered together, swung mightily, and connected!</p> - -<p>“He’s done it!” shrieked the fans, coming to -their feet with a howl.</p> - -<p>The ball went sizzling along the ground to Craven, -while Villum Kess labored toward first. The -third baseman was so astonished at his hit that -when he scooped up the ball he fumbled it. Then -he picked it up again and whipped it to first.</p> - -<p>“Look oudt!” yelled Villum. “I vos coming!”</p> - -<p>He came, too, in an unheralded slide. Smith, -the semipro, had probably never seen any one -slide for first before in all his life. He was so -startled at the action that he missed the ball, -which went past him.</p> - -<p>Instantly Villum gained his feet and plunged -toward second, repeating his bull-head effort of -the fourth inning. While Smith chased the ball -the crowd began to yell encouragement at him, -remembering that he had scored the first tally.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[298]</span></p> - -<p>On reaching second, Villum took a look over -his shoulder and started for third. Smith had -gained the ball, and was sending it across the diamond -to Craven, but none the less he pounded -on, head down and elbows working.</p> - -<p>He was only halfway from second when Craven -picked up the ball and started for him with -a grin. Villum never slacked up, despite the -frantic yells that were directed at him. Just as -Craven reached out to tag him, however, he -stumbled over his own foot and fell like a shot, -headfirst.</p> - -<p>He struck squarely against Craven’s knees. -The latter’s hand was distinctly seen to fly out, -while the ball dropped and rolled away. Out of -the whirling arms and legs emerged Villum, -bounced to third, and turned toward home.</p> - -<p>“I toldt you I vos a home run got!” he bellowed.</p> - -<p>This time, however, this amazing luck seemed -to have deserted him. Craven rolled over and -got the ball, and quickly snapped it home. Olcott -stepped out to get it, flinging aside his mask, and -a groan swelled out from the crowd.</p> - -<p>“He’s done for!”</p> - -<p>“Nefer!” roared Villum, bouncing along desperately.</p> - -<p>Once more he shot to earth, just as the ball -came whizzing along over him. Olcott took the<span class="pagenum">[299]</span> -ball and fetched it down, but Villum had already -come to a stop, hands outstretched before him.</p> - -<p>“Shudgement!” he squawked at the umpire. -“You pet me dot I vos safe!”</p> - -<p>He had the tips of his fingers on the plate—and -had effected a home run without making a hit!</p> - -<p>“Yaw!” he shrieked, in delight. “Vot vos I -toldt you! You pet me der score she vos died, -yes, no?”</p> - -<p>“Right you are, Villum,” laughed Chip, escorting -the Dutch lad to the bench in mingled wonder -and joy. “Take off your hat!”</p> - -<p>Villum did so, then looked at it curiously. His -eyes went to Chip’s face, then to the grand stand, -and for the first time he seemed to realize that -the crowds were yelling at him in frantic madness. -He bowed, stumbled, stood on his head, -and vanished under the players’ shed.</p> - -<p>As Clancy walked out, Green seemed to lose -his composure for the first time.</p> - -<p>“Wake up, you boneheads!” he shouted -wrathfully at his amazed team, who were still -trying to find out what had happened. “They’ve -got four runs on us, with only two hits. And -Merriwell got them both! Wake up and play -the game!”</p> - -<p>“Here’s where we get another hit, Southpaw -Diggs,” said Clancy merrily, as he danced into -the box. “Put her over, old sox!”</p> - -<p>Green obeyed, and the ball had so much speed<span class="pagenum">[300]</span> -that Clancy merely leaped backward in actual -terror.</p> - -<p>“Hey!” he cried. “You don’t need to kill a -fellow!”</p> - -<p>Green smiled, having regained his lost poise, -and brought out his spit ball in this emergency. -Clancy swung at it vainly.</p> - -<p>“Strike—two.”</p> - -<p>Once more the ball sped down like a white -streak. This time Clancy connected with a crack -that fetched the crowds up standing. But the -roar was followed by a groan, as the ball lifted -into deep center field and Merrell went after it.</p> - -<p>Merrell was more intent on the ball than on -the ground, however. Clancy was running along -to first and watching him when Merrell stumbled -and fell. The ball came down a yard beyond -him, and O’Day sent Clancy on to second, while -once more the roar swelled out from the -bleachers.</p> - -<p>“Green’s blown up! Merry to bat!”</p> - -<p>“A hit, Merriwell! Get a hit! Get a hit!”</p> - -<p>“One run wins the game! Get a hit!”</p> - -<p>That fly, which fell well within Merrell’s territory, -and should have been fielded easily, went -as an error instead of a hit. Therefore, in spite -of the fact that Fardale had four runs, Merry -was the only one who had so far been able to hit -Green. One of his two hits was a scratch, and -the other was a lucky jab by his own admission.<span class="pagenum">[301]</span> -Therefore, as he came up to the plate, he was -anything but confident.</p> - -<p>He had already given Clancy the hit-and-run -signal, for he himself had little hope of making -another decent hit. As he stepped in the box and -faced Green, he saw the man’s lean brown face -smiling at him, and knew that the other was even -cooler than he himself.</p> - -<p>For the second time, Green read danger in -Merry’s eyes and resolved to take no chances. -He sent down a wide one, and Chip lashed out -at it in order to give Clancy a chance.</p> - -<p>The red-haired chap went to third, safe by a -narrow margin. After that, Green sent down -no more wide ones, but instead he placed them -so high that Olcott was forced to get on his toes -to reach them. Yet they never went too high -for him; Green was a perfect master, and his control -was absolute.</p> - -<p>Three of them sang past, while Merry waited -desperately. He knew perfectly well that Green -intended to pass him, in order to strike out the -next three men.</p> - -<p>“I’d sooner die fighting than be left at the -post,” he muttered grimly, taking a firm grip on -his bat.</p> - -<p>Again Green smiled, scarcely taking the trouble -to wind up for the throw. He sent the ball -down to Olcott, far too high for a good strike, but<span class="pagenum">[302]</span> -Chip was past caring whether it was good or -not.</p> - -<p>With an effort, he swung up and reached for -it. There was a crack, and the sphere shot out -over second base—for his third hit off Green!</p> - -<p>Merrell made a hard run in for the ball, secured -it on the first bounce, and relayed in a beautiful -throw to Olcott. Clancy was tearing for -home, and he ran along as he had never run before. -Glancing around, he saw the ball almost -even with him, and as he neared home he went -down in a desperate slide.</p> - -<p>Olcott received the ball perfectly, and there -was a moment of suspense as the dust rose and -hid the play. Then the umpire’s figure emerged, -hands down.</p> - -<p>Fardale had won on Merry’s hit—the closest -finish ever seen on Fardale field.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[303]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXVIII">CHAPTER XXXVIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">CAUGHT WITH THE GOODS.</span></h2> - - -<p>“It’s Merry’s game, all right!”</p> - -<p>“I’m not so sure of that, fellows,” said Merry, -as he entered the dressing room and heard Lowe’s -remark; “I’d say that it’s Villum’s game. Didn’t -he get the run that tied, and get it without assistance?”</p> - -<p>A roar of laughter went up. As Merry went -to his locker, however, he was approached by -Colonel Gunn’s orderly, who shoved hastily -through the crowd.</p> - -<p>“Come outside, Mr. Merriwell!” cried the -cadet. “The constable wants you!”</p> - -<p>“Tell him I’ll be dressed in a minute,” returned -Chip.</p> - -<p>“No, get a move on right now!” insisted the -other excitedly. “Colonel Gunn is waiting, too.”</p> - -<p>“That’s a horse of another color, then,” said -Chip, and made haste outside.</p> - -<p>He found the constable, who greeted him -eagerly.</p> - -<p>“Say, Merriwell, come along over to the riding -hall. Colonel Gunn’s gone over, and said to bring -you along.”</p> - -<p>“Me? What for?”</p> - -<p>Merry had forgotten all about the affairs of -Randall in the excitement.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[304]</span></p> - -<p>“Why, they found that feller Carson, and he -seems to be drunk, or hurt, or something,” explained -the constable hurriedly, as they started -out. “One o’ the boys phoned over to the grand -stand just before the game ended.”</p> - -<p>“That’s bad,” commented Merry. “You don’t -know any more?”</p> - -<p>The constable did not, except that he had seen -Colonel Carson slinking away from the grounds -in woeful plight. It was said that the colonel had -lost a large sum of money on the game.</p> - -<p>With the orderly, they hastened to the riding -hall. Grouped in the rear, they found a small -crowd of cadets, in the midst of whom stood -Colonel Gunn and Randall, while a motionless -figure could be made out on the ground.</p> - -<p>“Ha—Merriwell!” cried the principal, who had -recovered his momentarily lost ponderous manner. -“Here is the—ah—individual of whom we -were in search. He appears to have been in this -posture for some little time.”</p> - -<p>Merry and the constable pushed through, to -see Bully Carson lying on the ground. He was -motionless, and was breathing stertorously. Although -his one good eye did not open, he seemed -dimly conscious that others were around him.</p> - -<p>“Go ’way!” he muttered thickly. “Go ’way!”</p> - -<p>“He don’t look drunk, exactly,” observed the -constable, “and he ain’t hurt.”</p> - -<p>“No, he does not—ah—appear to be under the<span class="pagenum">[305]</span> -influence of liquor. Perhaps he is merely—ah—reposing -in the arms of Morpheus.”</p> - -<p>“No, Murphy was lookin’ for him to-day,” rejoined -the constable, referring to his assistant. -Colonel Gunn’s lips twitched.</p> - -<p>“See if you can resuscitate him, Merriwell. -The sooner we could—ah—relieve Randall of the -unfortunate difficulties surrounding him, the -better.”</p> - -<p>Merry knelt over Bully and raised his head, -shaking his shoulders in no very gentle fashion. -Bully grunted and opened his eyes in a dazed -manner. At the same instant a small, very much -flustered man pushed through the group.</p> - -<p>“Hello, here’s Hostetter now,” announced the -constable. “Colonel Gunn, this is him.”</p> - -<p>“I heard that Carson had been found,” exclaimed -Hostetter. “Nothing has happened to -him, I trust?”</p> - -<p>Bully answered for himself. Sitting up suddenly -and pushing Merry away, he glanced -around with dull and yet frightened eyes.</p> - -<p>“Who’s that?” he muttered thickly. “Where’s -Hostetter?”</p> - -<p>“Right here, old man,” cried the little laundryman -fervently. “Have you managed to locate -my pocketbook? You know you said this morning -that you might be able to get a clew.”</p> - -<p>“Nothin’ doin’,” said Bully thickly. “I must<span class="pagenum">[306]</span> -’a’ been asleep—it was that there glass o’ water, -I’ll bet a dollar!”</p> - -<p>He tried to get to his feet, Chip assisting him, -but stumbled and fell back. As he did so, a long -black object fell from his pocket. Hostetter -pounced on it with a shrill yell.</p> - -<p>“My wallet! How——”</p> - -<p>As he examined it feverishly, Bully once more -came to life. He clapped a hand to his pocket, -then staggered up.</p> - -<p>“Where’s my wallet!” he growled, clutching -for support.</p> - -<p>“Your wallet!” cried Merry. “You mean Hostetter’s -wallet. Where’d you get it, eh? Are you -the one that stole it?”</p> - -<p>Bully seemed to shrink suddenly into himself, -muttering and mumbling.</p> - -<p>“Who says I stole it?” he grunted defiantly, -only half conscious yet. He gave a lurch and -caught at Merriwell for support. “Hostetter—durned -little fool——”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?” exclaimed Merriwell -sharply. Bully tried to rouse himself. “Here, -one of you fellows get a bucket of water, will -you?”</p> - -<p>“Lemme go,” grunted Bully, trying to reel -away. “I got to place bet—thousand-dollar bet—little -fool Hostetter handed me his money——”</p> - -<p>“That’s a lie!” snapped Hostetter suddenly. “I -believe you stole that money, Carson!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[307]</span></p> - -<p>“I believe so, too,” said Merry dryly. “Constable, -you’d better get ready to take charge of -him when—ah, here’s the water now!”</p> - -<p>One of the grinning cadets arrived with a pail -of water. Bully had already relapsed into slumber, -and Merry took the water and soused it over -his head.</p> - -<p>A second later Bully was on his feet, shaking -his head and bellowing in fury.</p> - -<p>“That’s enough out o’ you,” said the constable, -tapping him on the shoulder. “I guess you can -come along to the lockup, my man.”</p> - -<p>Bully let out a yell of fear.</p> - -<p>“What fur!” he wailed, as the constable -gripped him firmly. “I ain’t done nothin’! Take -your hands off’n me!”</p> - -<p>“For the theft of Mr. Hostetter’s pocketbook,” -said Colonel Gunn, in his most military voice, -facing the astounded Bully. “You, sir, have been—ah—apprehended -with the stolen property on -your person. While still in a condition of semi-coma, -you made certain admissions which most -undoubtedly will—ah—be put to service in the -cause of justice.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll give it back!” wailed Bully. “It was only -a joke—I didn’t mean——”</p> - -<p>“Constable, remove the—ah—prisoner!”</p> - -<p>The constable did so. The last that was seen -of Bully Carson, he was trailing along and tearfully<span class="pagenum">[308]</span> -expostulating. Colonel Gunn turned to -Randall.</p> - -<p>“I congratulate you, Mr. Randall, on being thus—ah—exonerated -of all the faint suspicion which—ah—clung -to your footsteps, in a manner of -speaking. You will kindly report at my office -Monday morning to state why you should not be -punished for leaving your room and the school -grounds without permission last evening. Gentlemen, -I bid you good day! Oh—one moment, -Merriwell! That—ah—that was the most remarkable, -I think I may say the most spectacular, -game of baseball I ever witnessed. Sir, I heartily -congratulate you on your playing!”</p> - -<p>And with a stiff bow, Colonel Gunn beckoned -his orderly and strode away.</p> - -<p>Merry looked after him, then turned to Randall -with a smile, his hand out.</p> - -<p>“It’s all right, old man!” he said. “Come along -over to the gym while I get into my clothes, will -you? I’ve got something I want to say.”</p> - -<p>Randall gave him a half-frightened look, but -merely nodded assent. The two walked to the -gym together, and more than one cadet looked -after them significantly, with the remark that -Randall had been fetched around, after all.</p> - -<p>“What do you suppose was the trouble with -Bully?” queried Chip, as they entered the gymnasium -building. “It looked to me rather as if -he had been drugged, Bob!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[309]</span></p> - -<p>Randall flushed.</p> - -<p>“Maybe he had,” he said bitterly. “I knew -that he was pretty bad, but I never suspected that -he could stoop to being a thief.”</p> - -<p>“I guess there are a whole lot of things about -your cousin that you never suspected,” returned -Merry dryly.</p> - -<p>They found the dressing room almost deserted, -the members of the team having disappeared long -since. Merry had his shower and rubdown, and -returned to his locker where Randall was waiting.</p> - -<p>“That was a great finish to-day, Chip,” said -the Southerner, rather awkwardly. “And your -pitching showed me a whole lot I had never even -guessed. If I had been in your place, they’d have -pounded me off the mound in two innings, Chip.”</p> - -<p>“Not much,” said Chip. “Luck broke with us, -that was all. By the way, their pitcher was -Southpaw Diggs, Bob. Some credit in beating -him, eh? I was almost gone in the seventh, for -a fact.”</p> - -<p>“Diggs!” Bob gasped. “I guess you had -mighty little luck in that game, Chip, and a whole -lot of good playing! I heard a fellow near us -saying that he thought the first baseman was a -semipro player from Buffalo.”</p> - -<p>“Likely enough,” said Chip thoughtfully. “I -wouldn’t be surprised if Colonel Carson had got -professionals all the way through, because he expected -to clear up a big wad. It must have cost<span class="pagenum">[310]</span> -him a lot, even besides what he lost! Well, that -only goes to show that a fellow gets exactly what -he gives, Bob. Your attitude toward the world -will be bound to be reflected back at you from -the world.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose that’s about right,” and Randall’s -handsome face clouded.</p> - -<p>“By the way,” said Chip suddenly, “I may -leave Fardale almost any time now, old man. I -had a notion of having a team meeting to-night -or Monday, and putting it up to them about electing -you captain——”</p> - -<p>“Hold on a minute, Chip,” broke in Randall, -his eyes fixing those of Merry in a peculiar fashion. -“Did you and Carson drink those glasses of -water I had poured out?”</p> - -<p>“Eh?” Merry’s thoughts went back swiftly -to the scene in Bob’s room. “Why, yes!”</p> - -<p>“Then that’s what’s the matter with Bully,” -and Randall faced Merry, white-faced but firm. -“I had doped one glass of water, hoping to put -you out of the game for the afternoon. He got -it by mistake. I pretended to be placated by your -words this morning, Chip, and—well, I began to -see differently later, that’s all. Now go ahead -and do anything you want to—I’m glad that I’ve -made a clean breast of it.”</p> - -<p>“So am I,” said Chip quietly. “As I was saying, -I hope you’ll be elected the captain, to succeed -me when I leave, Bob.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[311]</span></p> - - - - -<h2 id="CHAPTER_XXXIX">CHAPTER XXXIX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">CONCLUSION.</span></h2> - - -<p>“You what!” gasped Randall, staring. “You’re -joking with me!”</p> - -<p>“Not a bit of it,” said Merry. “I suppose Bully -persuaded you to dope me?”</p> - -<p>“Well, he had a little to do with it,” admitted -Randall, too proud to cast the blame where it -rightly lay. “I can only apologize, Chip, and -you——”</p> - -<p>“Why, old man, forget all about it!” exclaimed -Merry, catching the other about the shoulders -and turning toward the door. “There was nobody -damaged in any way except Bully.”</p> - -<p>He broke off suddenly, and laughed.</p> - -<p>“Look here, Bob! He tried to make you the -goat to put me out of the way, see? He probably -figured that Southpaw Diggs could handle -either one of us, but without the double shoot -Fardale would get pounded. Then he got hold of -that stuff by accident and it laid him out. Except -for that, you might still be under suspicion of -stealing Hostetter’s money! It was only his -being doped that really saved you!”</p> - -<p>“That’s right, Merry!” and Randall’s eyes -flashed. “I believe he’d have let me suffer for -it, too, the cowardly cur! Look here, old man, -will you take my hand and accept my apologies?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[312]</span></p> - -<p>“Great Scott, how often do you want me to -tell you so?” returned Chip, with mock despair. -He wrung the Southerner’s hand heartily.</p> - -<p>“Now let’s get out into the open air. I’m about -ready for something to eat, if you want to know -it!”</p> - -<p>They left the building behind and started -across the campus for the barracks. It still being -some time before assembly and mess. As they -neared the barracks, they were approached by a -tall figure neatly clad in a dark-blue suit. He -gave them a keen glance, then stopped them -quietly.</p> - -<p>“This is Mr. Merriwell, isn’t it?”</p> - -<p>Merry flung him a look, and started.</p> - -<p>“Hello! It’s Green—or I should say Diggs!”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Southpaw Diggs,” and the other smiled -as he held out his hand. “I just want to congratulate -you on winning a remarkably fine -game, Merriwell—one of the best I ever saw, in -fact. If you’d only consider big-league work -and——”</p> - -<p>“No, thanks,” said Merry. “I’ve had a sample -of professional ethics this afternoon, when you -and your friends masqueraded as amateurs. -That’s one reason, though I don’t blame you as I -do Colonel Carson.”</p> - -<p>“What can a fellow do when he needs the -money?” and Diggs shrugged his shoulders good-naturedly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[313]</span></p> - -<p>“He can get busy and make it cleanly,” retorted -Chip, watching the other. With a quick -impulse he added: “And if he’d cut out the booze, -Diggs.”</p> - -<p>Diggs flushed and his eyes kindled. Then he -smiled again and nodded.</p> - -<p>“Right you are, Merriwell, and I know you -mean me. Well, I’m only twenty-four, and if I -brace up I’d have a few years ahead of me of -baseball. I’ve been thinking it over, and, to tell -you the truth, I’ve not had a drink for a good -while. I was testing my nerves out on you fellows -to-day, for one thing.”</p> - -<p>“I hope they suited you?” said Merry.</p> - -<p>“Oh, mine were all right until you pulled that -last bag of tricks. Well, so long, son, and good -luck go with you!”</p> - -<p>“And the same to you, Diggs,” said Merry -earnestly.</p> - -<p>He walked on with Randall, neither speaking. -At the door of the barracks they came upon -Clancy and Billy Mac, who immediately met them -with wide grins.</p> - -<p>“Buried the hatchet, you two?” queried Clan.</p> - -<p>“I think so,” said Chip. “By the way, I’d like -to ask a special favor of you fellows, sight unseen. -Will you grant it?”</p> - -<p>“Surest thing you know,” returned Clancy.</p> - -<p>“Anything you want, old man,” said Billy -Mac.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[314]</span></p> - -<p>“Well, I’m thinking of proposing Bob for captain -in my place, and I want you two fellows to -second it. How does it strike you?”</p> - -<p>Clancy looked at Randall, and grinned.</p> - -<p>“Sure,” he said. “Only I’ll give you a run for -your money, Bob, because I’m going after that -job myself. I’ll second you, just the same.”</p> - -<p>“Same here,” said Billy. “But I guess I can -see right now where Carrot-top Clancy gets -snowed under about two miles! Shake, Cap -Randall!”</p> - -<p>Merry smiled.</p> - -<p class="center">THE END.</p> - -<p class="p1">No. 233, the next title of the <span class="smcap">Merriwell -Series</span>, is entitled “The Merriwell Company.” -This story, from the pen of Burt L. Standish, has -to do with several of the most prominent characters -in this popular series of books.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[15]</span></p> - -<p class="center largefont">NICK CARTER STORIES</p> - -<p class="xxlargefont center" style="margin-top:-0.15em">New Magnet Library</p> - -<p class="largefont center" style="margin-top:-0.3em"><em>Not a Dull Book in This List</em></p> - -<p class="center largefont">ALL BY NICHOLAS CARTER</p> - -<div class="boxtop"> - -<p class="p-1">Nick Carter stands for an interesting detective story. The fact -that the books in this line are so uniformly good is entirely due to -the work of a specialist. The man who wrote these stories produced -no other type of fiction. His mind was concentrated upon the creation -of new plots and situations in which his hero emerged triumphantly -from all sorts of troubles and landed the criminal just where -he should be—behind the bars.</p> - -<p>The author of these stories knew more about writing detective stories -than any other single person.</p> - -<p>Following is a list of the best Nick Carter stories. They have been -selected with extreme care, and we unhesitatingly recommend each of -them as being fully as interesting as any detective story between cloth -covers which sells at ten times the price.</p> - -<p>If you do not know Nick Carter, buy a copy of any of the New -Magnet Library books, and get acquainted. He will surprise and delight -you.</p> -</div> - -<p class="center"><em>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</em></p> - -<div class="boxlist"> -<p class="nitem3">901—A Weird Treasure</p> -<p class="nitem3">902—The Middle Link</p> -<p class="nitem3">903—To the Ends of the Earth</p> -<p class="nitem3">904—When Honors Pall</p> -<p class="nitem3">905—The Yellow Brand</p> -<p class="nitem3">906—A New Serpent in Eden</p> -<p class="nitem3">907—When Brave Men Tremble</p> -<p class="nitem3">908—A Test of Courage</p> -<p class="nitem3">909—Where Peril Beckons</p> -<p class="nitem3">910—The Gargoni Girdle</p> -<p class="nitem3">911—Rascals & Co.</p> -<p class="nitem3">912—Too Late to Talk</p> -<p class="nitem3">913—Satan’s Apt Pupil</p> -<p class="nitem3">914—The Girl Prisoner</p> -<p class="nitem3">915—The Danger of Folly</p> -<p class="nitem3">916—One Shipwreck Too Many</p> -<p class="nitem3">917—Scourged by Fear</p> -<p class="nitem3">918—The Red Plague</p> -<p class="nitem3">919—Scoundrels Rampant</p> -<p class="nitem3">920—From Clew to Clew</p> -<p class="nitem3">921—When Rogues Conspire</p> -<p class="nitem3">922—Twelve in a Grave</p> -<p class="nitem3">923—The Great Opium Case</p> -<p class="nitem3">924—A Conspiracy of Rumors</p> -<p class="nitem3">925—A Klondike Claim</p> -<p class="nitem3">926—The Evil Formula</p> -<p class="nitem3">927—The Man of Many Faces</p> -<p class="nitem3">928—The Great Enigma</p> -<p class="nitem3">929—The Burden of Proof</p> -<p class="nitem3">930—The Stolen Brain</p> -<p class="nitem3">931—A Titled Counterfeiter</p> -<p class="nitem3">932—The Magic Necklace</p> -<p class="nitem3">933—’Round the World for a Quarter</p> -<p class="nitem3">934—Over the Edge of the World</p> -<p class="nitem3">935—In the Grip of Fate</p> -<p class="nitem3">936—The Case of Many Clews</p> -<p class="nitem3">937—The Sealed Door</p> -<p class="nitem3">938—Nick Carter and the Green Goods Men</p> -<p class="nitem3">939—The Man Without a Will</p> -<p class="nitem3">940—Tracked Across the Atlantic</p> -<p class="nitem3">941—A Clew from the Unknown</p> -<p class="nitem3">942—The Crime of a Countess</p> -<p class="nitem3">943—A Mixed-up Mess</p> -<p class="nitem3">944—The Great Money-order Swindle</p> -<p class="nitem3">945—The Adder’s Brood</p> -<p class="nitem3">946—A Wall Street Haul</p> -<p class="nitem3">947—For a Pawned Crown</p> -<p class="nitem3">948—Sealed Orders</p> -<p class="nitem3">949—The Hate that Kills</p> -<p class="nitem3">950—The American Marquis</p> -<p class="nitem3">951—The Needy Nine</p> -<p class="nitem3">952—Fighting Against Millions</p> -<p class="nitem3">953—Outlaws of the Blue</p> -<p class="nitem3">954—The Old Detective’s Pupil</p> -<p class="nitem3">955—Found in the Jungle</p> -<p class="nitem3">956—The Mysterious Mail Robbery</p> -<p class="nitem3">957—Broken Bars</p> -<p class="nitem3">958—A Fair Criminal</p> -<p class="nitem3">959—Won by Magic</p> -<p class="nitem3">960—The Piano Box Mystery<span class="pagenum">[16]</span></p> -<p class="nitem3">961—The Man They Held Back</p> -<p class="nitem3">962—A Millionaire Partner</p> -<p class="nitem3">963—A Pressing Peril</p> -<p class="nitem3">964—An Australian Klondike</p> -<p class="nitem3">965—The Sultan’s Pearls</p> -<p class="nitem3">966—The Double Shuffle Club</p> -<p class="nitem3">967—Paying the Price</p> -<p class="nitem3">968—A Woman’s Hand</p> -<p class="nitem3">969—A Network of Crime</p> -<p class="nitem3">970—At Thompson’s Ranch</p> -<p class="nitem3">971—The Crossed Needles</p> -<p class="nitem3">972—The Diamond Mine Case</p> -<p class="nitem3">973—Blood Will Tell</p> -<p class="nitem3">974—An Accidental Password</p> -<p class="nitem3">975—The Crook’s Double</p> -<p class="nitem3">976—Two Plus Two</p> -<p class="nitem3">977—The Yellow Label</p> -<p class="nitem3">978—The Clever Celestial</p> -<p class="nitem3">979—The Amphitheater Plot</p> -<p class="nitem3">980—Gideon Drexel’s Millions</p> -<p class="nitem3">981—Death in Life</p> -<p class="nitem3">982—A Stolen Identity</p> -<p class="nitem3">983—Evidence by Telephone</p> -<p class="nitem3">984—The Twelve Tin Boxes</p> -<p class="nitem3">985—Clew Against Clew</p> -<p class="nitem3">986—Lady Velvet</p> -<p class="nitem3">987—Playing a Bold Game</p> -<p class="nitem3">988—A Dead Man’s Grip</p> -<p class="nitem3">989—Snarled Identities</p> -<p class="nitem3">990—A Deposit Vault Puzzle</p> -<p class="nitem3">991—The Crescent Brotherhood</p> -<p class="nitem3">992—The Stolen Pay Train</p> -<p class="nitem3">993—The Sea Fox</p> -<p class="nitem3">994—Wanted by Two Clients</p> -<p class="nitem3">995—The Van Alstine Case</p> -<p class="nitem3">996—Check No. 777</p> -<p class="nitem3">997—Partners in Peril</p> -<p class="nitem3">998—Nick Carter’s Clever Protégé</p> -<p class="nitem3">999—The Sign of the Crossed Knives</p> -<p class="nitem4">1000—The Man Who Vanished</p> -<p class="nitem4">1001—A Battle for the Right</p> -<p class="nitem4">1002—A Game of Craft</p> -<p class="nitem4">1003—Nick Carter’s Retainer</p> -<p class="nitem4">1004—Caught in the Toils</p> -<p class="nitem4">1005—A Broken Bond</p> -<p class="nitem4">1006—The Crime of the French Café</p> -<p class="nitem4">1007—The Man Who Stole Millions</p> -<p class="nitem4">1008—The Twelve Wise Men</p> -<p class="nitem4">1009—Hidden Foes</p> -<p class="nitem4">1010—A Gamblers’ Syndicate</p> -<p class="nitem4">1011—A Chance Discovery</p> -<p class="nitem4">1012—Among the Counterfeiters</p> -<p class="nitem4">1013—A Threefold Disappearance</p> -<p class="nitem4">1014—At Odds with Scotland Yard</p> -<p class="nitem4">1015—A Princess of Crime</p> -<p class="nitem4">1016—Found on the Beach</p> -<p class="nitem4">1017—A Spinner of Death</p> -<p class="nitem4">1018—The Detective’s Pretty Neighbor</p> -<p class="nitem4">1019—A Bogus Clew</p> -<p class="nitem4">1020—The Puzzle of Five Pistols</p> -<p class="nitem4">1021—The Secret of the Marble Mantel</p> -<p class="nitem4">1022—A Bite of an Apple</p> -<p class="nitem4">1023—A Triple Crime</p> -<p class="nitem4">1024—The Stolen Race Horse</p> -<p class="nitem4">1025—Wildfire</p> -<p class="nitem4">1026—A <cite>Herald</cite> Personal</p> -<p class="nitem4">1027—The Finger of Suspicion</p> -<p class="nitem4">1028—The Crimson Clew</p> -<p class="nitem4">1029—Nick Carter Down East</p> -<p class="nitem4">1030—The Chain of Clews</p> -<p class="nitem4">1031—A Victim of Circumstances</p> -<p class="nitem4">1032—Brought to Bay</p> -<p class="nitem4">1033—The Dynamite Trap</p> -<p class="nitem4">1034—A Scrap of Black Lace</p> -<p class="nitem4">1035—The Woman of Evil</p> -<p class="nitem4">1036—A Legacy of Hate</p> -<p class="nitem4">1037—A Trusted Rogue</p> -<p class="nitem4">1038—Man Against Man</p> -<p class="nitem4">1039—The Demons of the Night</p> -<p class="nitem4">1040—The Brotherhood of Death</p> -<p class="nitem4">1041—At the Knife’s Point</p> -<p class="nitem4">1042—A Cry for Help</p> -<p class="nitem4">1043—A Stroke of Policy</p> -<p class="nitem4">1044—Hounded to Death</p> -<p class="nitem4">1045—A Bargain in Crime</p> -<p class="nitem4">1046—The Fatal Prescription</p> -<p class="nitem4">1047—The Man of Iron</p> -<p class="nitem4">1048—An Amazing Scoundrel</p> -<p class="nitem4">1049—The Chain of Evidence</p> -<p class="nitem4">1050—Paid with Death</p> -<p class="nitem4">1051—A Fight for a Throne</p> -<p class="nitem4">1052—The Woman of Steel</p> -<p class="nitem4">1053—The Seal of Death</p> -<p class="nitem4">1054—The Human Fiend</p> -<p class="nitem4">1055—A Desperate Chance</p> -<p class="nitem4">1056—A Chase in the Dark</p> -<p class="nitem4">1057—The Snare and the Game</p> -<p class="nitem4">1058—The Murray Hill Mystery</p> -<p class="nitem4">1059—Nick Carter’s Close Call</p> -<p class="nitem4">1060—The Missing Cotton King</p> -<p class="nitem4">1061—A Game of Plots</p> -<p class="nitem4">1062—The Prince of Liars</p> -<p class="nitem4">1063—The Man at the Window</p> -<p class="nitem4">1064—The Red League</p> -<p class="nitem4">1065—The Price of a Secret</p> -<p class="nitem4">1066—The Worst Case on Record</p> -<p class="nitem4">1067—From Peril to Peril</p> -<p class="nitem4">1068—The Seal of Silence</p> -<p class="nitem4">1069—Nick Carter’s Chinese Puzzle</p> -<p class="nitem4">1070—A Blackmailer’s Bluff</p> -<p class="nitem4">1071—Heard in the Dark</p> -<p class="nitem4">1072—A Checkmated Scoundrel</p> -<p class="nitem4">1073—The Cashier’s Secret</p> -<p class="nitem4">1074—Behind a Mask<span class="pagenum">[17]</span></p> -<p class="nitem4">1075—The Cloak of Guilt</p> -<p class="nitem4">1076—Two Villains in One</p> -<p class="nitem4">1077—The Hot Air Clew</p> -<p class="nitem4">1078—Run to Earth</p> -<p class="nitem4">1079—The Certified Check</p> -<p class="nitem4">1080—Weaving the Web</p> -<p class="nitem4">1081—Beyond Pursuit</p> -<p class="nitem4">1082—The Claws of the Tiger</p> -<p class="nitem4">1083—Driven from Cover</p> -<p class="nitem4">1084—A Deal in Diamonds</p> -<p class="nitem4">1085—The Wizard of the Cue</p> -<p class="nitem4">1086—A Race for Ten Thousand</p> -<p class="nitem4">1087—The Criminal Link</p> -<p class="nitem4">1088—The Red Signal</p> -<p class="nitem4">1089—The Secret Panel</p> -<p class="nitem4">1090—A Bonded Villain</p> -<p class="nitem4">1091—A Move in the Dark</p> -<p class="nitem4">1092—Against Desperate Odds</p> -<p class="nitem4">1093—The Telltale Photographs</p> -<p class="nitem4">1094—The Ruby Pin</p> -<p class="nitem4">1095—The Queen of Diamonds</p> -<p class="nitem4">1096—A Broken Trail</p> -<p class="nitem4">1097—An Ingenious Stratagem</p> -<p class="nitem4">1098—A Sharper’s Downfall</p> -<p class="nitem4">1099—A Race Track Gamble</p> -<p class="nitem4">1100—Without a Clew</p> -<p class="nitem4">1101—The Council of Death</p> -<p class="nitem4">1102—The Hole in the Vault</p> -<p class="nitem4">1103—In Death’s Grip</p> -<p class="nitem4">1104—A Great Conspiracy</p> -<p class="nitem4">1105—The Guilty Governor</p> -<p class="nitem4">1106—A Ring of Rascals</p> -<p class="nitem4">1107—A Masterpiece of Crime</p> -<p class="nitem4">1108—A Blow for Vengeance</p> -<p class="nitem4">1109—Tangled Threads</p> -<p class="nitem4">1110—The Crime of the Camera</p> -<p class="nitem4">1111—The Sign of the Dagger</p> -<p class="nitem4">1112—Nick Carter’s Promise</p> -<p class="nitem4">1113—Marked for Death</p> -<p class="nitem4">1114—The Limited Holdup</p> -<p class="nitem4">1115—When the Trap Was Sprung</p> -<p class="nitem4">1116—Through the Cellar Wall</p> -<p class="nitem4">1117—Under the Tiger’s Claws</p> -<p class="nitem4">1118—The Girl in the Case</p> -<p class="nitem4">1119—Behind a Throne</p> -<p class="nitem4">1120—The Lure of Gold</p> -<p class="nitem4">1121—Hand to Hand</p> -<p class="nitem4">1122—From a Prison Cell</p> -<p class="nitem4">1123—Dr. Quartz, Magician</p> -<p class="nitem4">1124—Into Nick Carter’s Web</p> -<p class="nitem4">1125—The Mystic Diagram</p> -<p class="nitem4">1126—The Hand that Won</p> -<p class="nitem4">1127—Playing a Lone Hand</p> -<p class="nitem4">1128—The Master Villain</p> -<p class="nitem4">1129—The False Claimant</p> -<p class="nitem4">1130—The Living Mask</p> -<p class="nitem4">1131—The Crime and the Motive</p> -<p class="nitem4">1132—A Mysterious Foe</p> -<p class="nitem4">1133—A Missing Man</p> -<p class="nitem4">1134—A Game Well Played</p> -<p class="nitem4">1135—A Cigarette Clew</p> -<p class="nitem4">1136—The Diamond Trail</p> -<p class="nitem4">1137—The Silent Guardian</p> -<p class="nitem4">1138—The Dead Stranger</p> -<p class="nitem4">1140—The Doctor’s Stratagem</p> -<p class="nitem4">1141—Following a Chance Clew</p> -<p class="nitem4">1142—The Bank Draft Puzzle</p> -<p class="nitem4">1143—The Price of Treachery</p> -<p class="nitem4">1144—The Silent Partner</p> -<p class="nitem4">1145—Ahead of the Game</p> -<p class="nitem4">1146—A Trap of Tangled Wire</p> -<p class="nitem4">1147—In the Gloom of Night</p> -<p class="nitem4">1148—The Unaccountable Crook</p> -<p class="nitem4">1149—A Bundle of Clews</p> -<p class="nitem4">1150—The Great Diamond Syndicate</p> -<p class="nitem4">1151—The Death Circle</p> -<p class="nitem4">1152—The Toss of a Penny</p> -<p class="nitem4">1153—One Step Too Far</p> -<p class="nitem4">1154—The Terrible Thirteen</p> -<p class="nitem4">1155—A Detective’s Theory</p> -<p class="nitem4">1156—Nick Carter’s Auto Trail</p> -<p class="nitem4">1157—A Triple Identity</p> -<p class="nitem4">1158—A Mysterious Graft</p> -<p class="nitem4">1159—A Carnival of Crime</p> -<p class="nitem4">1160—The Bloodstone Terror</p> -<p class="nitem4">1161—Trapped in His Own Net</p> -<p class="nitem4">1162—The Last Move in the Game</p> -<p class="nitem4">1163—A Victim of Deceit</p> -<p class="nitem4">1164—With Links of Steel</p> -<p class="nitem4">1165—A Plaything of Fate</p> -<p class="nitem4">1166—The Key Ring Clew</p> -<p class="nitem4">1167—Playing for a Fortune</p> -<p class="nitem4">1168—At Mystery’s Threshold</p> -<p class="nitem4">1169—Trapped by a Woman</p> -<p class="nitem4">1170—The Four Fingered Glove</p> -<p class="nitem4">1171—Nabob and Knave</p> -<p class="nitem4">1172—The Broadway Cross</p> -<p class="nitem4">1173—The Man Without a Conscience</p> -<p class="nitem4">1174—A Master of Deviltry</p> -<p class="nitem4">1175—Nick Carter’s Double Catch</p> -<p class="nitem4">1176—Doctor Quartz’s Quick Move</p> -<p class="nitem4">1177—The Vial of Death</p> -<p class="nitem4">1178—Nick Carter’s Star Pupils</p> -<p class="nitem4">1179—Nick Carter’s Girl Detective</p> -<p class="nitem4">1180—A Baffled Oath</p> -<p class="nitem4">1181—A Royal Thief</p> -<p class="nitem4">1182—Down and Out</p> -<p class="nitem4">1183—A Syndicate of Rascals</p> -<p class="nitem4">1184—Played to a Finish</p> -<p class="nitem4">1185—A Tangled Case</p> -<p class="nitem4">1186—In Letters of Fire</p> -<p class="nitem4">1187—Crossed Wires</p> -<p class="nitem4">1188—A Plot Uncovered</p> -<p class="nitem4">1189—The Cab Driver’s Secret<span class="pagenum">[18]</span></p> -<p class="nitem4">1190—Nick Carter’s Death Warrant</p> -<p class="nitem4">1191—The Plot that Failed</p> -<p class="nitem4">1192—Nick Carter’s Masterpiece</p> -<p class="nitem4">1193—A Prince of Rogues</p> -<p class="nitem4">1194—In the Lap of Danger</p> -<p class="nitem4">1195—The Man from London</p> -<p class="nitem4">1196—Circumstantial Evidence</p> -<p class="nitem4">1197—The Pretty Stenographer Mystery</p> -<p class="nitem4">1198—A Villainous Scheme</p> -<p class="nitem4">1199—A Plot Within a Plot</p> -<p class="nitem4">1200—The Elevated Railroad Mystery</p> -<p class="nitem4">1201—The Blow of a Hammer</p> -<p class="nitem4">1202—The Twin Mystery</p> -<p class="nitem4">1203—The Bottle With the Black Label</p> -<p class="nitem4">1204—Under False Colors</p> -<p class="nitem4">1205—A Ring of Dust</p> -<p class="nitem4">1206—The Crown Diamond</p> -<p class="nitem4">1207—The Blood-red Badge</p> -<p class="nitem4">1208—The Barrel Mystery</p> -<p class="nitem4">1209—The Photographer’s Evidence</p> -<p class="nitem4">1210—Millions at Stake</p> -<p class="nitem4">1211—The Man and His Price</p> -<p class="nitem4">1212—A Double-Handed Game</p> -<p class="nitem4">1213—A Strike for Freedom</p> -<p class="nitem4">1214—A Disciple of Satan</p> -<p class="nitem4">1215—The Marked Hand</p> -<p class="nitem4">1216—A Fight with a Fiend</p> -<p class="nitem4">1217—When the Wicked Prosper</p> -<p class="nitem4">1218—A Plunge into Crime</p> -<p class="nitem4">1219—An Artful Schemer</p> -<p class="nitem4">1220—Reaping the Whirlwind</p> -<p class="nitem4">1221—Out of Crime’s Depths</p> -<p class="nitem4">1222—A Woman at Bay</p> -<p class="nitem4">1223—The Temple of Vice</p> -<p class="nitem4">1224—Death at the Feast</p> -<p class="nitem4">1225—A Double Plot</p> -<p class="nitem4">1226—In Search of Himself</p> -<p class="nitem4">1227—A Hunter of Men</p> -<p class="nitem4">1228—The Boulevard Mutes</p> -<p class="nitem4">1229—Captain Sparkle, Pirate</p> -<p class="nitem4">1230—Nick Carter’s Fall</p> -<p class="nitem4">1231—Out of Death’s Shadow</p> -<p class="nitem4">1232—A Voice from the Past</p> -<p class="nitem4">1233—Accident or Murder?</p> -<p class="nitem4">1234—The Man Who Was Cursed</p> -<p class="nitem4">1235—Baffled, But Not Beaten</p> -<p class="nitem4">1236—A Case Without a Clew</p> -<p class="nitem4">1237—The Demon’s Eye</p> -<p class="nitem4">1238—A Blindfold Mystery</p> -<p class="nitem4">1239—Nick Carter’s Swim to Victory</p> -<p class="nitem4">1240—A Man to Be Feared</p> -<p class="nitem4">1241—Saved by a Ruse</p> -<p class="nitem4">1242—Nick Carter’s Wildest Chase</p> -<p class="nitem4">1243—A Nation’s Peril</p> -<p class="nitem4">1244—The Rajah’s Ruby</p> -<p class="nitem4">1245—The Trail of a Human Tiger</p> -<p class="nitem4">1246—The Disappearing Princess</p> -<p class="nitem4">1247—The Lost Chittendens</p> -<p class="nitem4">1248—The Crystal Mystery</p> -<p class="nitem4">1249—The King’s Prisoner</p> -<p class="nitem4">1250—Talika, the Geisha Girl</p> -<p class="nitem4">1251—The Doom of the Reds</p> -<p class="nitem4">1252—The Lady of Shadows</p> -<p class="nitem4">1253—The Mysterious Castle</p> -<p class="nitem4">1254—The Senator’s Plot</p> -<p class="nitem4">1255—A Submarine Trail</p> -<p class="nitem4">1256—A War of Brains</p> -<p class="nitem4">1257—Pauline—A Mystery</p> -<p class="nitem4">1258—The Confidence King</p> -<p class="nitem4">1259—A Chase for Millions</p> -<p class="nitem4">1260—Shown on the Screen</p> -<p class="nitem4">1261—The Streaked Peril</p> -<p class="nitem4">1262—The Room of Mirrors</p> -<p class="nitem4">1263—A Plot for an Empire</p> -<p class="nitem4">1264—A Call on the Phone</p> -</div> - -<div class="boxtop"> -<p>In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the -books listed below will be issued during the respective months to -New York City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at a -distance promptly, on account of delays in transportation.</p> -</div> - -<div class="boxlist"> -<p class="center">To be published in July, 1929.</p> - -<p class="nitem4">1265—Nick Carter’s Convict Client</p> -<p class="nitem4">1266—The House of the Yellow Door</p> -<p class="nitem4">1267—Nick Carter’s Round-up</p> - -<p class="center p1">To be published in August, 1929.</p> - -<p class="nitem4">1268—A Masterly Trick</p> -<p class="nitem4">1269—For a Madman’s Millions</p> - -<p class="center p1">To be published in September, 1929.</p> - -<p class="nitem4">1270—The Four Hoodoo Charms</p> -<p class="nitem4">1271—The Man in the Auto</p> - -<p class="center p1">To be published in October, 1929.</p> - -<p class="nitem4">1272—The Jeweled Mummy</p> -<p class="nitem4">1273—The Vanishing Emerald</p> - -<p class="center p1">To be published in November, 1929.</p> - -<p class="nitem4">1274—A Live Wire Clue</p> -<p class="nitem4">1275—The Vampire’s Trail</p> - -<p class="center p1">To be published in December, 1929.</p> - -<p class="nitem4">1276—The Crimson Flash</p> -<p class="nitem4">1277—The Vanishing Heiress</p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[26]</span></p> - -<div class="boxtop"> - -<p class="center largefont">BOOKS THAT NEVER GROW OLD</p> - -<p class="center xxlargefont" style="margin-top:-0.15em">Alger Series</p> - -<p class="ir0 largefont" style="margin-top:-0.75em">Clean Adventure Stories for Boys</p> - -<p class="center largefont">The Most Complete List Published</p> - -<p>The following list does not contain all the books that Horatio Alger -wrote, but it contains most of them, and certainly the best.</p> - -<p>Horatio Alger is to boys what Charles Dickens is to grown-ups. His -work is just as popular to-day as it was years ago. The books have -a quality, the value of which is beyond computation.</p> - -<p>There are legions of boys of foreign parents who are being helped -along the road to true Americanism by reading these books which are -so peculiarly American in tone that the reader cannot fail to absorb -some of the spirit of fair play and clean living which is so characteristically -American.</p> - -<p>In this list will be included certain books by Edward Stratemeyer, -Oliver Optic, and other authors who wrote the Alger type of stories, -which are equal in interest and wholesomeness with those written by -the famous author after whom this great line of books for boys is -named.</p> -</div> - -<p class="center"><em>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</em></p> - -<p class="center largefont">By HORATIO ALGER, Jr.</p> - -<div class="boxlist"> -<p class="nitem1">1—Driven from Home</p> -<p class="nitem1">2—A Cousin’s Conspiracy</p> -<p class="nitem1">3—Ned Newton</p> -<p class="nitem1">4—Andy Gordon</p> -<p class="nitem1">5—Tony, the Tramp</p> -<p class="nitem1">6—The Five Hundred Dollar Check</p> -<p class="nitem1">7—Helping Himself</p> -<p class="nitem1">8—Making His Way</p> -<p class="nitem1">9—Try and Trust</p> -<p class="nitem2">10—Only an Irish Boy</p> -<p class="nitem2">11—Jed, the Poorhouse Boy</p> -<p class="nitem2">12—Chester Rand</p> -<p class="nitem2">13—Grit, the Young Boatman of Pine Point</p> -<p class="nitem2">14—Joe’s Luck</p> -<p class="nitem2">15—From Farm Boy to Senator</p> -<p class="nitem2">16—The Young Outlaw</p> -<p class="nitem2">17—Jack’s Ward</p> -<p class="nitem2">18—Dean Dunham</p> -<p class="nitem2">19—In a New World</p> -<p class="nitem2">20—Both Sides of the Continent</p> -<p class="nitem2">21—The Store Boy</p> -<p class="nitem2">22—Brave and Bold</p> -<p class="nitem2">23—A New York Boy</p> -<p class="nitem2">24—Bob Burton</p> -<p class="nitem2">25—The Young Adventurer</p> -<p class="nitem2">26—Julius, the Street Boy</p> -<p class="nitem2">27—Adrift in New York</p> -<p class="nitem2">28—Tom Brace</p> -<p class="nitem2">29—Struggling Upward</p> -<p class="nitem2">30—The Adventures of a New York Telegraph Boy</p> -<p class="nitem2">31—Tom Tracy</p> -<p class="nitem2">32—The Young Acrobat</p> -<p class="nitem2">33—Bound to Rise</p> -<p class="nitem2">34—Hector’s Inheritance</p> -<p class="nitem2">35—Do and Dare</p> -<p class="nitem2">36—The Tin Box</p> -</div> - -<div class="boxtop"> -<p>In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the -books listed below 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.</p> -</div> - -<div class="boxlist"> -<p class="center">To be published in July, 1929.</p> - -<p class="nitem2">37—Tom, the Bootblack</p> -<p class="nitem2">38—Risen from the Ranks</p> - -<p class="center p1">To be published in August, 1929.</p> - -<p class="nitem2">39—Shifting for Himself</p> -<p class="nitem2">40—Wait and Hope</p> - -<p class="center p1">To be published in September, 1929.</p> - -<p class="nitem2">41—Sam’s Chance</p> -<p class="nitem2">42—Striving for Fortune</p> - -<p class="center p1">To be published in October, 1929.</p> - -<p class="nitem2">43—Phil, the Fiddler</p> -<p class="nitem2">44—Slow and Sure</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum">[27]</span></p> - -<p class="center p1">To be published in November, 1929.</p> - -<p class="nitem2">45—Walter Sherwood’s Probation</p> -<p class="nitem2">46—The Trials and Triumphs of Mark Mason</p> -<p class="nitem2">47—The Young Salesman</p> - -<p class="center p1">To be published in December, 1929.</p> - -<p class="nitem2">48—Andy Grant’s Pluck</p> -<p class="nitem2">49—Facing the World</p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p class="center">NOW IN PRINT</p> - -<p class="center largefont">By EDWARD STRATEMEYER</p> - -<div class="boxlist"> -<p class="nitem2">98—The Last Cruise of <em>The Spitfire</em></p> -<p class="nitem2">99—Reuben Stone’s Discovery</p> -<p class="nitem3">100—True to Himself</p> -<p class="nitem3">101—Richard Dare’s Venture</p> -<p class="nitem3">102—Oliver Bright’s Search</p> -<p class="nitem3">103—To Alaska for Gold</p> -<p class="nitem3">104—The Young Auctioneer</p> -<p class="nitem3">105—Bound to Be an Electrician</p> -<p class="nitem3">106—Shorthand Tom</p> -<p class="nitem3">108—Joe, the Surveyor</p> -<p class="nitem3">109—Larry, the Wanderer</p> -<p class="nitem3">110—The Young Ranchman</p> -<p class="nitem3">111—The Young Lumberman</p> -<p class="nitem3">112—The Young Explorers</p> -<p class="nitem3">113—Boys of the Wilderness</p> -<p class="nitem3">114—Boys of the Great Northwest</p> -<p class="nitem3">115—Boys of the Gold Field</p> -<p class="nitem3">116—For His Country</p> -<p class="nitem3">117—Comrades in Peril</p> -<p class="nitem3">118—The Young Pearl Hunters</p> -<p class="nitem3">119—The Young Bandmaster</p> -<p class="nitem3">121—On Fortune’s Trail</p> -<p class="nitem3">122—Lost in the Land of Ice</p> -<p class="nitem3">123—Bob, the Photographer</p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p class="center largefont">By OLIVER OPTIC</p> - -<div class="boxlist"> -<p class="nitem3">124—Among the Missing</p> -<p class="nitem3">125—His Own Helper</p> -<p class="nitem3">126—Honest Kit Dunstable</p> -<p class="nitem3">127—Every Inch a Boy</p> -<p class="nitem3">128—The Young Pilot</p> -<p class="nitem3">129—Always in Luck</p> -<p class="nitem3">130—Rich and Humble</p> -<p class="nitem3">131—In School and Out</p> -<p class="nitem3">133—Work and Win</p> -<p class="nitem3">135—Haste and Waste</p> -<p class="nitem3">136—Royal Tarr’s Pluck</p> -<p class="nitem3">137—The Prisoners of the Cave</p> -<p class="nitem3">138—Louis Chiswick’s Mission</p> -<p class="nitem3">139—The Professor’s Son</p> -<p class="nitem3">140—The Young Hermit</p> -<p class="nitem3">141—The Cruise of <em>The Dandy</em></p> -<p class="nitem3">142—Building Himself Up</p> -<p class="nitem3">143—Lyon Hart’s Heroism</p> -<p class="nitem3">144—Three Young Silver Kings</p> -<p class="nitem3">145—Making a Man of Himself</p> -<p class="nitem3">146—Striving for His Own</p> -<p class="nitem3">147—Through by Daylight</p> -<p class="nitem3">148—Lightning Express</p> -<p class="nitem3">149—On Time</p> -<p class="nitem3">150—Switch Off</p> -<p class="nitem3">151—Brake Up</p> -<p class="nitem3">152—Bear and Forbear</p> -<p class="nitem3">153—The “Starry Flag”</p> -<p class="nitem3">154—Breaking Away</p> -<p class="nitem3">155—Seek and Find</p> -<p class="nitem3">156—Freaks of Fortune</p> -<p class="nitem3">157—Make or Break</p> -<p class="nitem3">158—Down the River</p> -<p class="nitem3">159—The Boat Club</p> -<p class="nitem3">160—All Aboard</p> -<p class="nitem3">161—Now or Never</p> -<p class="nitem3">162—Try Again</p> -<p class="nitem3">163—Poor and Proud</p> -<p class="nitem3">164—Little by Little</p> -<p class="nitem3">165—The Sailor Boy</p> -<p class="nitem3">166—The Yankee Middy</p> -<p class="nitem3">167—Brave Old Salt</p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<div class="center"> -<table class="toc" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="Books and authors."> -<tr><td class="tableft">175—Fighting for Fortune</td><td class="tableft">By Roy Franklin</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">176—The Young Steel Worker</td><td class="tableft">By Frank H. MacDougal</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">177—The Go-ahead Boys</td><td class="tableft">By Gale Richards</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">178—For the Right</td><td class="tableft">By Roy Franklin</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">179—The Motor Cycle Boys</td><td class="tableft">By Donald Grayson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">180—The Wall Street Boy</td><td class="tableft">By Allan Montgomery</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">181—Stemming the Tide</td><td class="tableft">By Roy Franklin</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">182—On High Gear</td><td class="tableft">By Donald Grayson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">183—A Wall Street Fortune</td><td class="tableft">By Allan Montgomery</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">184—Winning by Courage</td><td class="tableft">By Roy Franklin</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">185—From Auto to Airship</td><td class="tableft">By Donald Grayson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">186—Camp and Canoe</td><td class="tableft">By Remson Douglas</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">187—Winning Against Odds</td><td class="tableft">By Roy Franklin</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft"><span style="padding-right:2em">188—The Luck of Vance Sevier</span></td><td class="tableft">By Frederick Gibson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">189—The Island Castaway</td><td class="tableft">By Roy Franklin</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">190—The Boy Marvel</td><td class="tableft">By Frank H. MacDougal</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">191—A Boy With a Purpose</td><td class="tableft">By Roy Franklin</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tableft">192—The River Fugitives</td><td class="tableft">By Remson Douglas</td></tr> -</table></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<div class="boxtop"> -<p class="center xxlargefont boldfont">READ</p> - -<p>When you want real recreation in your leisure hours, read! Read -the <span class="smcap">Street <span style="font-size:1.5em">&</span> Smith Novels</span>!</p> - -<p>They are the cheapest and the most interesting reading matter published -in America to-day. No jazz—no sex—just big, clean, -interesting books. There are hundreds of different titles, among which -you will find a lot of exactly the sort of reading you want.</p> - -<p>So, when you get tired of rolling around in your Lady Lizzie or -listening to the blah-blah of your radio, hie yourself to the nearest -news dealer, grab off a copy of a good detective, adventure or love -story, and then READ!</p> - -<p>Read the <span class="smcap">Street <span style="font-size:1.5em">&</span> Smith Novels</span>. Catalog sent upon request.</p> - -<p class="xlargefont boldfont center">Street & Smith Corporation</p> - -<p class="largefont boldfont center"><span style="padding-right:2em">79 Seventh Avenue</span> -<span style="padding-left:2em">New York City</span></p></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<div class="transnote"> -<h2 id="TN_end" style="margin-top: 0em">Transcriber’s Notes:</h2> - -<p>Burt L. Standish is a pen name for William George “Gilbert” Patten.</p> - -<p>Punctuation has been made consistent.</p> - -<p>Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in -the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors -have been corrected.</p></div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Frank Merriwell's Diamond Foes, by Burt L. Standish - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK MERRIWELL'S DIAMOND FOES *** - -***** This file should be named 60463-h.htm or 60463-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/4/6/60463/ - -Produced by David Edwards, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. 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