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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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