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Standish - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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/license - - -Title: Frank Merriwell's False Friend - An Investment in Human Nature - -Author: Burt L. Standish - -Release Date: April 17, 2020 [EBook #61853] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK MERRIWELL'S FALSE FRIEND *** - - - - -Produced by KD Weeks, David Edwards and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Transcriber’s Note:</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c001'>Minor errors, attributable to the printer, have been corrected. Please -see the transcriber’s <a href='#endnote'>note</a> at the end of this text -for details regarding the handling of any textual issues encountered -during its preparation.</p> - -<div class='htmlonly'> - -<p class='c001'>Any corrections are indicated using an <ins class='correction' title='original'>underline</ins> -highlight. Placing the cursor over the correction will produce the -original text in a small popup.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -</div> -<div class='epubonly'> - -<p class='c001'>Any corrections are indicated as hyperlinks, which will navigate the -reader to the corresponding entry in the corrections table in the -note at the end of the text.</p> - -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'>BOOKS FOR YOUNG MEN</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='xxlarge'><b>MERRIWELL SERIES</b></span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'>Stories of Frank and Dick Merriwell</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'><b>PRICE, FIFTEEN CENTS</b></span></div> - <div class='c000'><i><b>Fascinating Stories of Athletics</b></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c001'>A half million enthusiastic followers of the Merriwell brothers -will attest the unfailing interest and wholesomeness of these -adventures of two lads of high ideals, who play fair with themselves, -as well as with the rest of the world.</p> - -<p class='c001'>These stories are rich in fun and thrills in all branches of -sports and athletics. They are extremely high in moral tone, -and cannot fail to be of immense benefit to every boy who reads -them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>They have the splendid quality of firing a boy’s ambition to -become a good athlete, in order that he may develop into a -strong, vigorous right-thinking man.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='69%' /> -<col width='30%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 1—Frank Merriwell’s School Days</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 2—Frank Merriwell’s Chums</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 3—Frank Merriwell’s Foes</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 4—Frank Merriwell’s Trip West</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 5—Frank Merriwell Down South</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 6—Frank Merriwell’s Bravery</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 7—Frank Merriwell’s Hunting Tour</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 8—Frank Merriwell in Europe</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 9—Frank Merriwell at Yale</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 10—Frank Merriwell’s Sports Afield</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 11—Frank Merriwell’s Races</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 12—Frank Merriwell’s Party</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 13—Frank Merriwell’s Bicycle Tour</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 14—Frank Merriwell’s Courage</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 15—Frank Merriwell’s Daring</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 16—Frank Merriwell’s Alarm</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 17—Frank Merriwell’s Athletes</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 18—Frank Merriwell’s Skill</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 19—Frank Merriwell’s Champions</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 20—Frank Merriwell’s Return to Yale</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 21—Frank Merriwell’s Secret</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 22—Frank Merriwell’s Danger</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 23—Frank Merriwell’s Loyalty</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 24—Frank Merriwell in Camp</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 25—Frank Merriwell’s Vacation</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 26—Frank Merriwell’s Cruise</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 27—Frank Merriwell’s Chase</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 28—Frank Merriwell in Maine</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 29—Frank Merriwell’s Struggle</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 30—Frank Merriwell’s First Job</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 31—Frank Merriwell’s Opportunity</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 32—Frank Merriwell’s Hard Luck</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 33—Frank Merriwell’s Protégé</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 34—Frank Merriwell on the Road</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 35—Frank Merriwell’s Own Company</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 36—Frank Merriwell’s Fame</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 37—Frank Merriwell’s College Chums</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 38—Frank Merriwell’s Problem</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 39—Frank Merriwell’s Fortune</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 40—Frank Merriwell’s New Comedian</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 41—Frank Merriwell’s Prosperity</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 42—Frank Merriwell’s Stage Hit</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 43—Frank Merriwell’s Great Scheme</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 44—Frank Merriwell in England</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 45—Frank Merriwell on the Boulevards</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 46—Frank Merriwell’s Duel</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 47—Frank Merriwell’s Double Shot</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 48—Frank Merriwell’s Baseball Victories</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 49—Frank Merriwell’s Confidence</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 50—Frank Merriwell’s Auto</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 51—Frank Merriwell’s Fun</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 52—Frank Merriwell’s Generosity</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 53—Frank Merriwell’s Tricks</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 54—Frank Merriwell’s Temptation</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 55—Frank Merriwell on Top</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 56—Frank Merriwell’s Luck</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 57—Frank Merriwell’s Mascot</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 58—Frank Merriwell’s Reward</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 59—Frank Merriwell’s Phantom</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 60—Frank Merriwell’s Faith</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 61—Frank Merriwell’s Victories</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 62—Frank Merriwell’s Iron Nerve</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 63—Frank Merriwell in Kentucky</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 64—Frank Merriwell’s Power</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 65—Frank Merriwell’s Shrewdness</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c001'>In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say -that the books listed below will be issued during the respective -months in New York City and vicinity. They may not reach -the readers at a distance promptly, on account of delays in -transportation.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>To Be Published in July, 1923.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='69%' /> -<col width='30%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 66—Frank Merriwell’s Set Back</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 67—Frank Merriwell’s Search</td> - <td class='c003'>By Burt L. Standish</td> - </tr> -</table> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div> - <h1 class='c004'>Frank Merriwell’s False Friend</h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div>OR,</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'>An Investment in Human Nature</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>BY</div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>BURT L. STANDISH</span></div> - <div class='c000'>Author of the famous <span class='sc'>Merriwell Stories</span>.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/colophon.png' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>STREET & SMITH CORPORATION</div> - <div>PUBLISHERS</div> - <div>79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='background'> - -<div class='copyright'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Copyright, 1901</div> - <div>By STREET & SMITH</div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c005' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Frank Merriwell’s False Friend</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>(Printed in the United States of America)</div> - <div class='c000'>All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign languages, including the Scandinavian.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span><span class='xlarge'>FRANK MERRIWELL’S FALSE</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>FRIEND.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c006' /> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER I. <br /> <span class='fss'>ANXIETY AT YALE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Yale was in perplexity and distress.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Where was Merriwell?</p> - -<p class='c001'>That question created all the trouble. He had obtained -permission to leave a few days on important -business, but the “few days” had lengthened into many -and still he remained away.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He was needed at Yale, for he had been chosen -captain of the baseball-team, and the men were in -training for the Easter trip to the South. His absence -and the uncertainty of his return seemed to have a -most baleful influence upon them, for they failed to -turn out with enthusiasm for work in the cage, and -they plainly lacked the needed spirit that year after -year has led Yale gladiators to stand ready to sacrifice -anything and everything, but honor, for the glory of -Old Eli.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The coaches were in despair, for never before had -they handled such indifferent material. It seemed impossible -<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>to find the usual number of new men who -took an interest in baseball, and were willing to work -with vim and enthusiasm.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The outlook was discouraging. Experienced men -shook their heads and looked blue. Was this a relapse -after their great victory over Harvard on the gridiron -the previous fall?</p> - -<p class='c001'>Among all the new men in the squad only one -showed up enough to create general comment, and that -one was the black-haired freshman, Dade Morgan.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Having resolved to try for a place on the nine, it -was not remarkable that Morgan should attract attention, -for at everything he had attempted since entering -college he had made himself a marked man. He -was a fellow who went at any task with a determination -and intensity that would have advanced a poorer -subject. Being an athlete, supple, strong, quick, sure-eyed, -and confident, it was not singular that he made -rapid advancement. It would have been far more -singular if he had not.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Morgan had played baseball before coming to college. -In fact, he had once captained a very clever -amateur team at a summer resort. He was one of -those surprisingly versatile fellows who could fill any -position. It is a well-known fact that much of the -success of a ball-team depends on putting the players -into the positions for which they are best adapted, and -that it is not often a good first-baseman does equally -well on second or third, while a remarkable outfielder -may be utterly worthless in the diamond, or vice versa. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>But Dade could handle grounders, catch flies, cover a -base, play behind the bat, even pitch with a certain -amount of skill that did not seem lessened in any position.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But it was his ambition to pitch, and for that he -began to train as soon as the squad got to work.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There were a number of new candidates for the -position, but the coaches confessed to themselves that -Morgan was the only highly promising man in the lot.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank Merriwell, however, had been depended on -as the mainstay in the pitching department of the -team.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Of course, Bart Hodge would fill his old position behind -the bat, and there were one or two promising men -who might serve as substitutes in case any accident -happened to him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Bart did not go about the work with his usual -spirit. In fact, it was hard to get him genuinely interested, -and, somehow, he seemed sad and restless, -appearing at times to be brooding over something. To -the surprise of everybody he did not say much about -Merry’s absence, save that he had not heard from -Frank and did not know why he was remaining away -so long.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The anxiety and restlessness caused by Frank’s unaccountable -failure to return spread to the professors, -who began to inquire about him day after day.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merriwell’s enemies had been keeping pretty quiet, -for they realized that it would not be best to say too -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>much at first, as he was the pride of the college, and -slurs against him would not be tolerated.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Honest men who had once been his enemies were -silent now, or his pronounced friends. In fact, it -seemed that no open enemies were to be found.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But the petty spite and meanness of the Chickering -set was simply held in restraint. Although they were -not particularly brilliant, they knew enough to realize -that it would not be healthy to express themselves too -freely in public.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As time went on and it began to seem that Merriwell -might not return to college, these creatures grew -bolder. At first they dared not speak outright, but -they hinted and slurred and sneered. Without saying -why at first, they suggested that there had been -“a very good reason” for Merriwell’s sudden departure, -and that it was not at all likely he would ever -again be seen at Yale.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Thus it came about that one sunny afternoon these -fellows were gathered at the fence along with other -students, who were discussing the baseball situation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I tell you what,” said Lib Benson, “I’m afraid -we’re going to get it in the neck all round this spring. -It’s a dead sure thing that the men are not taking hold -with the usual spirit, and I have it straight that the -coaches are disgusted with the material for a nine.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, that’s always the way,” declared Irving Nash. -“It’s the same old cry that’s heard every year.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not a bit of it,” put in Gene Skelding, who had -blossomed out with a handsome new pink shirt, of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>which he was very proud. “Yale seldom has much to -say, though the newspapers may be full of rot about -the nine, or the crew, or something or other. This -year it is different. We’ve tried to keep the truth -from getting into the papers, but it’s out just the -same.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What maketh me thick,” lisped Lew Veazie, “ith -thith thilly talk about all the twoble coming fwom the -abthence of that fellow Fwank Merriwell. It ith vewy -tirethome!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s so, chummie,” agreed Ollie Lord, standing -as high as possible on the high heels of his polished -shoes. “As if he could make any difference if he were -here!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He’s usually made a difference in the past,” said -Nash instantly. “He has a way of stirring things up.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s right,” agreed Lib Benson. “I wonder -where he can be and what is keeping him away. He’ll -fail in his exams sure as fate if he stays away much -longer. Even now I’m afraid he’ll have to grind -so hard that he won’t have much time for baseball, -or anything else.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Talking about Merriwell?” grunted Browning, -loafing up and leaning lazily against the fence. “Don’t -worry about his failing. You never knew him to fail -in anything.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not even in waking you up and getting you onto -the eleven last fall,” laughed Hock Mason. “Why -aren’t you in the baseball squad, Browning? You -played with Merriwell’s ball-team last summer.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>“And got enough of it, too. It’s altogether too -much like work, Old South Carolina; that’s why I’m -not sweating in the cage every day.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If Merriwell were to show up now, he’d be pretty -sure to drag you out in a hurry.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Never! There are plenty of others. I refuse to -be sacrificed again for the public good.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What is this rumor I’ve been hearing lately?” -broke in Julian Ives, thrusting his cap back and patting -down his pet bang. “It can’t be true that Merriwell -got out because he knew he must fail at exams -this spring. He has wasted his time, it is said, in -athletics and such folly, till now he is face to face with -failure in his studies, and he can’t stand that. Rather -than to be set back a year he has taken himself out of -the way, and he’ll not be seen here again.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And I brand that as a malicious lie!” rang out a -clear voice.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was Bart Hodge, who had approached in time to -hear Ives’ words. There was a black look of anger -on Bart’s face, and his flashing eyes glared with scorn -and contempt at Julian.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There is a very good reason for Merriwell’s absence,” -declared Hodge. “Starbright saw him in New -York and said he would surely be here in a day or -two.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But Starbright did not tell what was keeping him -away, you know,” gently said Rupert Chickering. “I -have nothing against Merriwell, and I sincerely hope -<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>the rumors about him are not true, but I have begun to -entertain fears.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Bah!” exclaimed Hodge, giving Rupert a look of -intense scorn. “Why do you still play the hypocrite, -Chickering? Everybody knows you. Everybody -knows you hate Merriwell and would do anything in -your power to injure him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Chickering held up his hands, his face expressing -denial, resentment, and martyrlike anguish.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You are very unjust!” he exclaimed. “But as you -are a fellow of violent passions, I will forgive you -and try to forget your unjust judgment of me. Still, I -advise you to remember the Biblical injunction, ‘Judge -not that ye be not judged.’”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, you make me sick!” was Hodge’s rather unoriginal -retort. “You are the most sickening thing of -your whole sickening crowd. You disguise your -hatred under pretense of generosity, even of friendliness—that -is, you try to disguise it. But every one -is onto you, and it is well known that you are trying -to stab a man in the back when you say a pretendedly -kind thing about him. That brands you as a snake in -the grass, Chickering! This is plain talk, but I’ve been -waiting for just this opportunity to make it, and if you -or any of your friends wish to pick it up now or any -other time, you all know where to find me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Rupert heaved a deep sigh.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is hard to be thus misjudged,” he said sadly; -“but still I must forgive you. I don’t suppose I can -<span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>blame you, for you must be worried into a dreadful -state of mind over Merriwell’s failure.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Merriwell never made a failure in his life, and he -will not begin.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Plainly,” said Chickering, with resignation, “it is -useless for me to tell what I have heard and know. -I would not tell it, anyhow, but it must come out in -time. I am sorry for you, Hodge, as I know you -think a great deal of Merriwell; but even you would -not like to see him flunk in his last year.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“More of your dirty insinuations, put in your own -nasty way!” flashed Bart.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Ives and Skelding had their heads together and were -glaring at Bart, while they mumbled to each other in -low tones. Now Gene took a step forward and -grasped Chickering’s arm, hoarsely exclaiming:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t talk to the fellow, Rupert! He knows you -or your friends do not care to fight him here, and that’s -why he is making all this blow. He’s doing it for a -bluff and to obtain notoriety.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The fire that came into Bart’s eyes made even -Skelding start back a bit. But Hodge held himself -in check enough so that his voice did not get higher -than an ordinary tone. However, it seemed so intense -that every hearer was thrilled, and not a word was -missed by those on the outskirts of the gathering.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You, Skelding, are not a hypocrite, but you are a -malicious liar, and you know it! I have said that I’ll -fight anywhere, and that stands good for you. I never -make bluffs that I cannot back up. You do. But now -<span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>and here I give you fair warning to keep your mouth -shut about Merriwell. If you make any further talk -about him, I promise to meet you where we cannot be -interrupted and give you the worst thrashing you ever -had in your life!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Gene laughed and snapped his fingers.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If I have anything I wish to say you may be sure -I shall say it, for all of your threat,” he declared; “but -I do not consider the fellow worth discussing.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’s a good thing for you that you do not!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Skelding and Ives took to mumbling to each other -again, and Jim Hooker asked Bart:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then you are dead certain Merriwell is coming -back? Nothing has happened to cause him to fail to -return?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I know he’ll be here,” was the declaration, “else -he would have communicated with his friends. Something -has happened to keep him away longer than he -intended to stay, but he’ll show up before long, and -I’ll bet my life on it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There he is!” shrieked a voice. “Look, fellows—he’s -coming now! Hooray!”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER II. <br /> <span class='fss'>ON THE CAMPUS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>The excitement of the moment was intense, for -Merriwell was crossing the campus toward the fence, -coming from Vanderbilt Hall.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Alone and unheralded, he had arrived. It had been -his fortune to reach his room without attracting attention, -and now he had come forth to look for his -friends and acquaintances.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When he was seen there was commotion at the fence. -The gathering gave a sudden surge, a shout, a dissolving, -and then the men went tearing toward him, shouting.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And Bruce Browning—big, lazy, useless Bruce—was -at their head!</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hooray!” he roared.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he caught Frank in his arms and gave him a -regular bear-hug, while the crowd gathered and -pressed around.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, Betsey!” shouted the giant senior, as he held -Frank off and looked at him; “but you may bet your -sweet life we are glad to see you, old man!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>They grasped his hands and shook them, coming -forward one after another, even if they had to fight -to reach him. They laughed and shouted and rejoiced.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He’s here!” they told each other, gleefully, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>when they could not shake hands with Frank they -shook hands with each other. “Now we’re all right!” -they declared. “Just see if he does not stir things -up!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>From somewhere Jack Ready bobbed up and -wormed his way into the crowd till he reached Frank, -loudly commanding all to stand back and make room -for him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I salute you!” he cried, making some grotesque -movements with his hands. “Oh, great and mighty -potentate, we have missed you, yes, we’ve missed you! -In sooth, we have been getting into a very bad way -without you. Give us a wag of your fin, salubrious -one. Ah-ha! ‘Richard is himself again!’”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he smote himself violently on the chest with -his clenched fist and immediately fell to coughing.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The same old Jack!” laughed Merry.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, the same old jackass,” said somebody on the -outskirts of the crowd.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Ready straightened up stiffly and glared around.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who made yonder insolent remark?” he fiercely demanded. -“Bring him away from me, else I may be -tempted to do him a severe kindness! It is more than -mortal flesh can bear!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Somebody is onto you, Jack,” smiled Frank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Isn’t it sad?” sighed the queer fellow, pretending -to wipe away a tear. “Just when I attempt to assume -a little dignity some blame chump has to spoil everything. -’Tis envy, kind sir. They envy me my radiant -<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>beauty and my graceful demeanor. Base churls! -Common clods! I scorn them all!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He flung out one hand with a gesture of lofty pride -and scorn, his chin high in the air and his eyes closed -for a moment.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That will do,” said Browning. “You’re nothing -but the low comedian. Get off the center of the stage.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Refuse me!” murmured Jack, as the big fellow -pushed him aside.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And now Starbright appeared. At first he was inclined -to hold back, being only a freshman, but Frank -caught sight of him and stepped toward him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Dick’s face was flushed with pride and pleasure -when, before them all, the great senior, the greatest -man in his eyes that had ever attended Yale, grasped -his hand and shook it warmly, saying:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m glad to see you, Dick, and I hope you are getting -into form for the nine.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank longed to say more, but that was no time -nor place for it. He realized that Starbright had -opened his eyes to the fact that Inza Burrage really -and truly loved him as she had in the old days, if not -more intensely, and, regarding himself as an interloper, -Dick had withdrawn and left the field to Frank, -with the result that Merry had proposed and was accepted.</p> - -<p class='c001'>No time had been set for the marriage, but over the -gate of the old home in Fardale they had plighted their -troth, and it seemed certain that the happy day must -come at last.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>Looking into Frank’s eyes, Dick fancied he read the -truth there. Despite himself, despite his nobleness in -withdrawing, he felt a pang of pain.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Inza was lost to him!</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s it, Merriwell!” cried Irving Nash. “You’re -needed here to wake the men up. They say the prospects -for a winning ball-team this season are decidedly -dark.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merry looked serious.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We’ll have to see how that is,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Chickering’s set had not rushed to greet him, and -now they were moving away, seeking to escape without -attracting attention. Rupert had expressed a desire -to go over and shake hands with Frank, but Skelding -had prevented it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t give that fellow Hodge another chance to -call you down,” he advised. “Besides that, you know -Merriwell does not think much of you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is not right that I should permit his feelings to -make any difference in my treatment of him,” murmured -Rupert. “If he hates me I am sorry for him, -that’s all. He does not know what he is missing by -not having me for a friend.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Let’s all keep away,” said Ives. “The entire college -will go foolish over Merriwell now, see if it -doesn’t; I did hope the fellow would never show his -head here again.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Tho did I,” chirped Veazie. “I think he’th a -wegular wuffian! If I could do tho jutht ath well ath -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>not I’d never become tho beathtly stwong ath he ith. -I wegard thuth stwength as thimply bwutal.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Brutal is the word, chummie,” agreed Ollie Lord. -“There ought to be a law to prevent any man from -training till he is so much stronger than other men. -It isn’t fair to the other men.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t talk like asses!” growled Skelding. “You -know that either one of you would gladly be as strong -as Merriwell if you could; but he’s not the only athlete -in the world—or in Yale, for that matter. It’s this -bowing down and worshiping him that gives me a -pain! Why, I could be just as strong and skilful as -he is if I’d deny myself drinks and smokes and good -things to eat and keep working away every day to put -myself in form. But I like a little booze, I enjoy a -cigarette, I like to stuff my stomach full of good -things, and I won’t pelt away with dumb-bells, clubs, -chest-weights, and such things every moment I get -from my studies. What’s life good for if a fellow has -got to be a regular slave!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I with you wath ath thmart ath Merriwell,” lisped -Lew.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, I thought I was once,” confessed Gene; “but -I found it was no use for me to try to buck against a -fellow like him who kept at his very best all the time. -I’m not fool enough now to try to fight him with my -fists. If I found another good way to get in a lick at -him I might try it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s the only way to jar him,” said Tilton Hull, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>his high collar holding his chin very high in the air. -“Let’s go up to Rupert’s room and talk it over.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yeth, yeth!” urged Veazie. “I feel the need of a -thigawette and a dwink of wine thince Gene had that -wow with that low fellow Hodge. That dithturbed -my nerveth.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>So they passed from the campus, and the sun seemed -to shine more brightly when they were gone.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart Hodge had shaken hands with Frank during -the rush and crush of the students to reach Merriwell, -but he did so silently and withdrew at once. He had -been ready enough to defend Merry from his defamers -a short time before, but he was not among those who -made the greatest hurrah over Frank’s return to college.</p> - -<p class='c001'>After a while Merry looked round for Hodge and -saw him standing quite by himself on the outskirts of -the throng. The expression on Bart’s face was not -one of happiness; indeed, he seemed sad and depressed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is possible that an inkling of the thoughts passing -through Bart’s mind came to Merry then.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The dark-eyed lad knew nothing of what had taken -place while Frank was away from college. He knew -only that he cared for Elsie Bellwood with all the intensity -of his passionate nature and that she had repeatedly -told him she would never marry at all.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Why had she made that assertion? Was it not because -she still loved Frank Merriwell? Bart believed -so, and it was his conviction that in the end Frank -<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>must win her, for had not he a way of winning anything -he greatly desired!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Still, he would not give up. He had told Frank -squarely and honestly that he would never cease his -efforts to obtain Elsie till he knew beyond the shadow -of a doubt that there was no hope for him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then, what? Who could tell? For Bart had a peculiar -disposition, and a disappointment of this sort -might wreak havoc with his sensitive organization.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merriwell’s hand had lifted him from the path of -temptation and ruin in the past and set his feet upon -the highway leading to splendid achievements, but this -disappointment might undo all the good that had been -done and turn him back along the downward course.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank thought of this, and he was eager to let his -friend know what had happened, revealing to him that -the road to Elsie’s heart was open and undisputed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hodge!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank spoke Bart’s name and started toward him. -Then one of his many friends caught hold of him and -asked him a question, which he paused to answer.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When he looked for Bart again he looked in vain, -for Hodge had hastened away.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER III. <br /> <span class='fss'>A SHOCK FOR BART.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Bart Hodge sat alone in his room. The curtains -were drawn at the windows and a lighted student’s -lamp was on the table, over which books and papers -were scattered. In Bart’s hand he held the photograph -of a pretty, sweet-faced girl, at which he was gazing -with earnest intentness, the light in his dark eyes being -one of unspeakable admiration.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was the picture of Elsie Bellwood. Bart had been -trying to study, but his mind would revert to Elsie, try -as he might to fix it on other matters, till at last he -gave up, brought out her picture and sat there musing -over it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>His love for her had seemed to take possession of -him full blown in a moment, but cooler afterthought -had revealed to him that he had always admired her -intensely since that wild night when he had aided -Frank to save her from the wreck on Tiger Tooth -Ledge, near Fardale.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He had first seen her that night as she was lashed -to the mast of the doomed vessel which had struck upon -the terrible ledge. Led by Merriwell, the cadets had -succeeded in manning a boat and pulling off to the -vessel. On reaching the dripping deck Bart had seen -Elsie held fast to the mast by ropes, but in the gloom -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>he was unable to discern if she were young or old. -Her voice, however, as she appealed to the lads for -aid when her father was assaulted by one of the sailors -had sounded musical and sweet.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The music of that voice had stirred silent chords -within Bart’s heart many times since that wild night. -But he was loyal to Merry, his best friend, and it had -seemed that Elsie and Frank cared for each other, so, -with Spartanlike heroism, he had resolutely compelled -himself to think not at all of her.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Thus he had lived with the germ of love in his heart, -refusing to permit it to sprout and grow. For a long -time he had fancied himself a “woman-hater,” but -it was all because other girls made him think of Elsie—made -him think of her as a thousand times more -winsome, pretty, and attractive. That he wished to -forget, so he avoided girls in general.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But it is not natural for a strong, manly youth to -shun womanly and attractive girls, and Hodge began -to succumb at last. He could not hold himself aloof -from them, try as he might. He was naturally attracted -by them and enjoyed their society far more -than he would confess to himself.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And the time came when, like other young men, he -fancied he cared for one of them. The first was Stella -Stanley, an actress several years older than Hodge; -but Stella had told him it was not true love and that -he would get over it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At first he had taken this rather hard, but he came -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>at last to recognize her wisdom and thank her for her -plain speech.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then there was another, Grace Vernon, who fascinated -him for a time.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With Elsie it was different. Having once discovered -how much he cared for her, he was unable to -brush aside the knowledge, which remained with him -constantly, no matter what he did or where he was.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The knowledge that his love for her might be hopeless -simply made it all the more intense, for it was not -Bart’s nature to relinquish anything on which he had -once fairly set his heart.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Merriwell stood as a barrier between them, and, -worse than everything else, Merriwell was his friend.</p> - -<p class='c001'>No wonder Hodge spent sleepless nights! No wonder -he spent wretched days! No wonder he lost flesh -and became more and more irritable till it became dangerous -to cross him in anything!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Still, in his loyal heart he was true to Frank Merriwell, -whom he well knew had been his best friend and -benefactor in a thousand ways when almost any other -fellow would have been a mortal foe.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As of old, Hodge would have yielded up his life for -Frank, but his love for Elsie was something stronger -and more intense than his love for life, and he could -not put that aside. As of old, he had been ready to -defend Frank against enemies and traducers; but the -sight of Frank’s happy face filled him with gloomy -forebodings and intense misery.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>Why had Merry looked so happy? Why had he -remained away from Yale so long?</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart could not help being suspicious of that happiness. -He could not help wondering if it came through -an understanding between Frank and Elsie. And that -had been brought about while Merry was away from -college!</p> - -<p class='c001'>If this was true, Bart felt that Elsie was lost to him, -and the ambition had gone out of his life forever. -Therefore he sat alone in his room and gazed longingly, -earnestly, and almost hopelessly, at her pictured -face. Her open eyes seemed to smile back at him reassuringly, -but they did not lift the gloom from his -heart. Her lips—--</p> - -<p class='c001'>Impulsively, he lifted the picture and kissed it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The door opened quietly and some one stepped into -the room.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hello, Bart, old man!” cried a hearty, familiar -voice. “What are you doing there?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hodge sprang up, his face flaming, and tried to hide -the picture behind him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank closed the door and advanced into the room.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hodge stood beside the table, trembling from head -to feet. His eyes were fastened on Merry and he was -speechless.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I thought you’d come round to see me, Bart,” said -Frank. “You did not, so I came to see you, though -I’m missing time that I ought to spend in grinding. -Oh, I’ll be a greasy grind for a while now till I get on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>Easy Street again. It will take lots of stiff work for -me to catch up, but I believe I can do it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Still Bart stood there without speaking, looking -straight at Frank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What’s the matter?” Merry asked, in perplexity. -“Why do you stare at me that way? Why, hang it! -you don’t seem at all pleased to see me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He was surprised and hurt by Bart’s singular manner.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hodge opened his lips to say something, but the -words did not seem to come freely, and he stuck.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merry came close and placed his hands on Bart’s -shoulders, looking deep into the dark eyes of his -comrade.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Tell me why you meet me like this, old man!” he -urged. “Have I done anything to cause it?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then why——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’s nothing, Merriwell—nothing!” huskily muttered -Bart. “Take a chair. I’ve been thinking, and -I expect I’m in a deuced unsociable mood, but I’ll try -to be decent.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank did not sit down immediately on the invitation. -Instead, he looked at Bart as if trying to read -his very thoughts.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’re thin,” he said. “You have lost flesh and -there are dark circles round your eyes. Are you ill?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Something is the matter with you, and I fancy I -know what it is.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>“Perhaps so.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ve come to talk it over——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The dark-eyed lad cut him short with a gesture.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t!” he exclaimed hoarsely. “Talk of anything -else—baseball, spring sports, the Southern trip, anything!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What is that you have in your hand?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Almost rudely Bart pushed Frank aside and walked -to a desk, into the drawer of which he thrust the photograph. -But when he turned round he felt certain Merriwell -knew it was a picture of Elsie and that he had -been seen pressing that picture to his lips.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Sit down,” he invited again, with a motion toward -a chair.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank did so.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There are a number of things I wish to speak -about, Bart,” said he. “One important thing is the -nine. Are you working to get into form to catch? -That’s one thing.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Perhaps I’m not working as hard as usual,” confessed -Hodge. “Somehow, I haven’t seemed to have -any heart in it. You know you were not here, and -that has made lots of difference.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m here now, and we must get to work, for I hear -that the outlook for a strong team is very unsatisfactory.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It might be better.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, if we get into our usual form, the battery -should not be so very weak, though, of course, I can’t -pitch all the games.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>“Do you know who’s working like a fiend to get -into the box?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I haven’t heard.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That cad, Morgan! Why, he’s training every day, -and they say there’s a prospect that he’ll make it. -What do you think of that?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A good thing.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Good? Do you fancy I’ll ever catch with him -pitching? Not for my life!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not even for Yale?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why should I?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Because you should be ready to do anything for -Yale, my boy.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I can’t swallow that scoundrel, and I refuse to -have him thrust down my throat! That’s all there is -to it! If you can stand for him, that’s all right, but I -decline.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, we won’t get into an argument over that -now, though I want you to remember the splendid -work Morgan did on the gridiron last fall.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And I don’t want you to forget that up to the last -minute he pulled every string possible to down you, -Merriwell. He was as full of tricks as an egg is full -of meat.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Let it pass now. I hear that Starbright has not -been given much of a show with the squad. How is -that?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Rot! You know any man will be given all the -show he deserves.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And Browning?”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>“He refuses to get out.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And Ready?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He’s too flip. He’s got himself disliked by his -freshness, and I fancy he’ll have a hard pull to make -the nine.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Nor is he better than other men who are working -for his place. I have been promised absolute authority -this spring, and I shall have something to say about -the make-up of the team I am to captain.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>By this time Bart had begun to cool down somewhat, -and now, of a sudden, Merry reverted to the thing -about which he had attempted to speak a while before.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hodge, you want to stop worrying about the thing -that has troubled you so much lately. I am your truest -friend, and you must let me speak out frankly. You’ll -feel better when I have finished. I know whose picture -you held in your hand when I entered—the picture -you put in that drawer.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart’s face was very pale now and he had begun to -quiver again.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We had a plain face-to-face talk about her on -Cumberland Island not so very long ago, but the finish -of that talk left us just where we began. Since -then many things have happened, and, as far as I am -concerned, that matter has been entirely settled.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart felt a tightening about his heart. So it was -true that Frank had remained away from college to -see Elsie again and to win her back to him! Somehow, -it did not seem just exactly like Merriwell, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>yet how could Bart complain, for had not Frank held -the prior claim to her?</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Elsie is a beautiful, noble-hearted girl, whom I -cannot find words to properly extol,” Merriwell -calmly continued, his coolness and confidence causing -Bart’s heart to sink still more. “I do not wonder that -I came to admire her very much. It would have been -far more remarkable if I had not. But I have learned -that I wholly misinterpreted my feelings and emotions -toward her. Read others however well I may, I did -not properly read and analyze myself in regard to -her.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>What was Frank saying? Hodge felt a rush of -blood to his heart, which began to thump violently in -his breast.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Events which I cannot fully describe have opened -my eyes and revealed to me the truth. I loved Elsie -and still love her as a very dear friend, and one of the -sweetest girls alive, but I do not love her and never -did love her as one should love the girl he means to -make his wife.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart’s lips parted, but no sound escaped them. He -stared at Frank as if turned to stone.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But I have learned,” Merry continued, “that I -love another with all my heart, and that knowledge -has brought me great happiness, for my love is returned, -and we are engaged to be married some time, -though the day is not set yet. Of course, you know -without being told that the other of whom I speak -is Inza Burrage.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>Bart sprang up.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Merriwell,” he gasped, “you—you really mean that -you are engaged—to Inza?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, that is just what I mean. So you see, my -dear boy, that you have been worrying over a trouble -that does not exist, and the field is open and clear for -you to win Elsie.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was a ringing as of many bells in Bart’s ears, -and the room seemed to whirl round him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he sat down quickly, all the strength having -gone out of his legs. But the happiness of the shock -made him long to shout, though his lips uttered no -sound.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER IV. <br /> <span class='fss'>A DESPERATE ENEMY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>“Ginger up, there, Robinson! You’re worse than a -dead man!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Get in front of ’em, Dashleigh! Stop ’em with -your body if you can’t hold ’em with your hands!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You throw like an old woman, Mason! You’ll -break your back some day.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Here, here, Ready! that will do with those flourishes! -When you get hold of a ball throw it. Don’t -juggle it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Say, you chap with the curly hair, don’t get so -excited. Take a little time in throwing to first, after -picking up a ball.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who is that long-legged chap?” Gamp questioned.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Here, Gamp, it’s your turn to bat.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, murder! Who let that grounder go through -him? Carker? Is that his name? Say, Carker, -you’re a sieve! Keep your feet together and you’ll do -better.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was a lively scene in the great baseball cage at -Yale, for the squad of candidates for the ball-team -were hard at work and the coaches were putting them -“through the paces.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The men were working hard, and the coaches were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>yelling and shouting at them, giving orders, criticizing, -commenting—but seldom expressing approval.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It would not do to let any man think he was doing -too well at this early stage of the work, for it might -spoil him by giving him a good opinion of his ability.</p> - -<p class='c001'>More men have been spoiled by praise than by adverse -criticism, and the professional coach knows this -very well.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is a pretty level-headed youth who can stand -open praise without thinking himself the “only one.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Sometimes it pays to praise a man, but it is best to -know your man before you venture to praise him. Be -sure it will do him more good than silence, or keep -your mouth shut.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In rare instances praise will serve to spur a man on -to do still better. Far oftener it will cause him to -think he is good enough already and that the other -fellows should hustle to keep in his class.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The fellow who manages or coaches a ball-team -must know this, and he must be exceedingly careful -with his praise.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In the cage the sweating crowd of candidates accepted -this criticism without a word, for it would not -do to “talk back.” When one was called down for -something he did, if he was a good man, he shut his -teeth and made an extra attempt to do it well the next -time. If he was sulky and had a bad temper, he might -tell himself he did not care a rap, and then he would -be careless and do worse the next time. In that case, -the chances were he would be quietly informed that it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>would be a waste of time for him to practise further, -and that the room he occupied in the cage was needed -for others.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Of course, there were men, and plenty of them, who -worked like slaves to improve, yet failed to make the -<a id='corr33.6'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='necesssary'>necessary</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_33.6'><ins class='correction' title='necesssary'>necessary</ins></a></span> progress, and who were dropped one after -another for that reason.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But no man of this class, willing and determined, -was dropped till the coaches were perfectly satisfied -that there was no possible chance of making good -material out of him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The turnout this year had been most unsatisfactory, -barely more than half the usual number of candidates -coming to the cage each day.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This happened despite all efforts to get out the usual -large squad. It seemed very remarkable, but men -came to attribute it to the absence of Merriwell, which, -they said, accounted for the apathetic interest taken in -baseball.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was at one time talk of making some move to -choose a new captain for the team, to see if that would -not bring about better results; but Merriwell had given -no notice that he would not be on hand to fill the position, -and the one who hinted openly of selecting some -one to fill his place was soon hissed down.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But now Merriwell had arrived, and his return -showed immediately by the change that took place in -the cage. He had made inquiries about the work, and, -having learned what men were practising and who -<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>were not, he went around among those whom he regarded -as having a chance to make the nine.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The following day a swarm of new men flocked into -the cage and went to work with a vim that astonished -and delighted the coaches. Joe Gamp, Hock Mason, -Berlin Carson, and Greg Carker were among the new -men.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Carson had given up in despair, having tried to -make the team the year before and failed; but during -the trip of Merriwell’s athletes through the West the -previous summer Frank had been given an opportunity -to see what the rancher’s son could do at the -game, and he urged Berlin to come out and make one -more attempt to get onto the varsity nine.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank did not have so much confidence in Greg -Carker, the pessimist, for he knew that Carker’s peculiar -temperament was such that he could never be -at his very best in anything.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Joe Gamp, however, despite his awkwardness, was -one of the best outfielders Merry had ever seen. This -was rather astonishing, for Gamp was not regarded at -college as a person having the least baseball material -in him, and he had never tried for a place on the -varsity nine.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Merriwell had seen him play center field on -the great athletic trip, and he knew Gamp could cover -an “outer garden” in splendid style, and could throw -with almost the marvelous power of the once famed -Sockalexis, and was an unusually good hitter against -<span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>pitchers who had not discovered his "weak spot"—high -and close to his shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With Hock Mason it was different. Frank had -seen Mason, who was from the South, catch some flies -in field practise, which he had done very well; but outside -of that Merry knew very little about the fellow -except that he was sturdy, well built, and a perfect -bulldog at anything he set out to do.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was well enough to get such a man into the cage -and see if something could not be made of him, so -Frank urged Mason to turn out and practise. Mason -did so.</p> - -<p class='c001'>A long time before this Mason had been one of the -greatest bullies in college; but he found more than his -match in Frank, and the result of the sound thrashing -he received was very beneficial. After that it was his -belief that Merriwell must despise him, but when he -was injured and lying in a hospital it was Merriwell -who came every day to ask about him, it was Merriwell -who first reached his side when a visitor was permitted -to see him, and it was Merriwell who pressed -his hand and spoke encouraging words to him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When he left that hospital the student from South -Carolina was cured completely of his bullying ways, -and Frank Merriwell had made a new and stanch -friend.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Still, Mason was strangely proud, and he would not -force himself on any one, for which reason it happened -that he never became one of Merriwell’s recognized -“flock.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>Deep in his heart Mason had often longed to join -the jolly band of Merriwell’s friends, but his pride had -held him back.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Now, when Frank came and asked him to get out -for practise in the cage, Hock was ready enough to -do so, even though it seemed really preposterous that -he could ever make sufficient advancement to have a -show to get onto the nine.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bertrand Defarge was among the men who had -taken his regular amount of work in the cage day -after day, and he was showing up pretty well, too. -But Frank knew Defarge of old, and he was aware -that such a fellow, though full of vigor, fire, and -intensity at times, could not always be relied upon, -having a temper that conquered and swayed him absolutely -at times.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Of course, Frank was on hand, and it was his presence -in the cage that seemed to make the marvelous -change in things, so that the men went at their work -with a gingery earnestness that quite surprised and -wholly delighted the hitherto disgusted and disheartened -coaches.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And Frank had managed to keep himself in excellent -form, so that he remained the admiration and -marvel of the athletic-loving students. He began his -pitching-work easily, however, knowing the folly of -starting off with too much vigor, even though he was -in perfect condition.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Even Frank was not above taking advice from the -coachers, although it is probable that not one man -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>among them knew more about baseball and the work -of getting into trim for it than did Merry himself.</p> - -<p class='c001'>If any one watched the first day to see him throw -some samples of the “double-shoot” that person was -disappointed, for he indulged in nothing of the kind.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But he still had it at his command, as he very well -knew, and his wrist was hard as iron. When the time -came he would swiftly convince his doubting opponents -that the “double-shoot” was not a fanciful invention -of some romancer’s brain.</p> - -<p class='c001'>For among the hundreds of pitchers who had -worked and tried and schemed to learn his secret, it -was not probable that one had entirely succeeded, -therefore they gave up in despair, and became scoffers, -saying there was no such thing as the double-shoot.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Among the candidates for pitching-honors was -Dade Morgan, and he worked persistently and faithfully.</p> - -<p class='c001'>On the first day of Frank’s appearance in the cage -one of the coaches asked him to watch Morgan’s work -and see what he thought of it. Merry did so for a -few moments, and Dade flushed hotly when he saw -this, though he kept at it without a break.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When Frank had moved away the man who was -coaching Morgan said:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Try to throw that drop with just the same motion -you use in throwing your other curves. You give -yourself dead away every time you start to throw a -drop. The batter would know just what was coming.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Dade’s dark eyes flashed and drooped. For one -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>moment he betrayed anger, and then he smiled sweetly, -saying:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll do my level best.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Bertrand Defarge quickly found an opportunity -to slip over to Morgan and sneer:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So you got a call-down! I knew it would come -the minute Merriwell saw what you were doing. He’s -jealous, and you don’t stand the least show of making -the nine. You may as well give up trying now.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How about you?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, I’m not a pitcher, and there is no chance that -I’ll rob him of any glory. Indeed, if I pan out well, -I may add to his glory by helping him in games, so -he’ll let my head alone. Yours comes off before the -Easter trip, see if it doesn’t. You may as well quit -now.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll never quit till I have to!” returned Dade. “Get -out and let me alone! I’m sick of your croaking!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Go to blazes!” hissed Defarge. “I may find a way -to make you sicker!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>A number of men were hard at work fielding -ground balls and throwing to first. Mason was one -of this squad, and he was not making a great success -of it. The coaches yelled at him, but that did not seem -to do him much good.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Frank Merriwell, being a privileged character, -walked down and talked to Mason in a quiet, soothing -tone.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’re rattled, Mason,” said Merry. “Just get -rid of the idea that everybody is looking at you. They -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>are not. The other men are busy taking care of their -own affairs.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I reckon you made a mistake when you asked me -to get out here, sah,” said the Southerner, the perspiration -standing out on his drawn and worried face. -“I judge I ain’t put up right to be howled at like this -by a lot of loud-mouthed duffers.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t be touchy, man. You can’t succeed if you -are. We’ve all had coaches yell at us in the same -way.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But it’s mighty galling to a man like me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Haven’t a doubt of it, but you must set your jaws -and lay right down to the work. Get your body in -front of those bounding balls every time, even if they -take your head off. Keep your heels together, and -they may stop balls when your hands fail. Jump into -the track of anything that comes your way. If it’s a -slow one, go ahead to meet it, for every second counts -in trying to cut off a runner who is sprinting to first.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“All right. I’ll try it again, sah, but I’m mighty -afraid it isn’t my line.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>After that Mason did better stopping the balls that -came his way, even though he did not pick them all -up cleanly, but he made his worst mistake in his hurry -to throw to first. Seeing this, Frank fancied he had -given the fellow a wrong impression, and so worked -round to Hock to set him straight.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t be in such a fearful hurry to throw,” he instructed. -“You make poor throws by your hurry.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>“But you told me a little while ago that every moment -counts in cutting off a man running to first.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s true, but it’s far better to lose a little time -in taking care to make a good throw than it is to -hustle for all you’re worth and lose the man entirely -by a poor throw. Besides that, you do not throw -right. You never get into the right position.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That being the case, sah, I reckon I better quit -now.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t think you’re a quitter, Mason. Let me -tell you where you make your mistake. In your haste -to throw, if you pick the ball up with your body leaning -away from the base you wish to throw to, you do -not take time to right yourself, but you throw in that -attitude. You can’t get any force into the throw. -Besides, you swing your arm too far. Try a shorter -swing; throw from the ear. Never take a hop, skip, -and a jump before throwing, as I saw you do a few -moments ago. Even though you send the ball whizzing -across the diamond like a bullet, you have lost lots of -valuable time before you got it away from your hand, -and that may mean the loss of the runner. Pull your -hand back behind your ear, lean forward a little as -you throw, and just as it leaves your hand take a -single step. Try that. Practice it all the <a id='corr40.25'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='time.'>time.”</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_40.25'><ins class='correction' title='time.'>time.”</ins></a></span></p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Frank worked on to another man he had selected -to advise, and in this manner Merriwell assisted -the coaches. In fact, his quiet coaching was far -more efficacious than that of some of the regular -coaches who made considerable noise.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>A regular system of batting-practise was gone -through, each man being directed how to stand properly, -how to hold his bat, and how to swing. Bunting -and place hitting were practised by the more skilful -batters.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Base-running and sliding to bases was a part of the -regular work. At this the older hands showed up -well, but some of the new men were very awkward. -It caused the coaches to howl when a runner was told -to slide, and he slammed himself prone on the ground -as if going through to China and slid about ten -inches, but they howled equally as much at the one -“who let himself down in sections,” his knees striking -first.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Dade Morgan was making excellent showing. He -had a good eye for the ball when batting, and he -could sprint to first like a deer. When it came to -sliding, he slipped over the ground in an easy, graceful -manner that was deserving of applause.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank felt like giving Morgan a word of praise, -but remembering the past, and not knowing just what -the effect on Dade would be, he refrained from -doing so.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Dick Starbright, the giant freshman, was in the -midst of the work, and he went at it with an energy -that seemed almost savage. A change had come over -him, and the good-natured, pleasant look that had -seemed habitual had vanished before one of stern determination.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Indeed, Dick was doing everything possible to keep -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>his mind from dwelling on a certain beautiful dark-eyed -girl whom he now knew was lost to him. He -studied hard, worked hard, played hard, and in this -manner succeeded fairly well in his purpose.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He had read in Frank’s happy face the result of -the trip to Fardale, but it had been exactly what he -expected.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And Frank’s talk with Hodge had seemed to transform -Bart, who had been fretful, listless, and ill-natured -before, failing to take much interest in the -cage-work or seeming to care whether Yale put a -winning team on the field or not.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Now Hodge went into the work with vim and -earnestness, and he actually smiled occasionally, which -was so remarkable that it caused more than one to -comment upon it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge had seen Merriwell talking to Mason, and -at the first opportunity the French youth spoke to the -Southerner.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Did you get a calling down from the high muck-a-muck -of this combination?” sneeringly asked Bertrand.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What do you mean, sah?” demanded Hock.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, I saw Merriwell shooting off his mouth at -you, and I presume he was telling you just what sort -of a slouch you are, which is a habit of his, the egotistical -cad!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, sah, he was not calling me down. He was -giving me a few pointers, and I appreciate his kindness -in doing so.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, you’re just like all the others,” growled -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>Defarge. “He can rub it all over you and you’ll -think it’s nice, but you’d kick like a mule if anybody -else tried it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I may kick like a mule, sah, if you are not careful -about your language in addressing me, and I’ll guarantee -that you’ll be within reach when I kick.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge showed his teeth.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If you ever kicked me I’d make a hole in your skin -and let some of your confounded upstart blood out!” -he hissed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And if you ever tried that trick,” retorted Mason, -not in the least frightened, “I’d forget that I’ve sworn -never to strike a man who did not weigh as much -as myself, and I’d give you the blamedest thrashing, -sah, that you ever had in all your life!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Pouf!” said Bertrand, as he wheeled away.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It really would do me good to thump him,” muttered -Mason, watching the fellow’s retreating figure. -“I think he’s about the only enemy of any account that -Merriwell has left in college.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roland Packard did not occur to him just then. -Besides, Roland had been keeping pretty quiet about -Merry since the beginning of the term, realizing that -popular sentiment was entirely against him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Chickering set was not regarded as worth -considering.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge could find little consolation in his attempts -to deride and sneer at Merriwell, and it began to seem -to him that all the old enemies of Frank with blood -in their bodies and courage to take a stand against -<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>the idol of Yale had given over the struggle as worse -than useless.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Thus, when the practise work was over and the men -were preparing for the run into the suburbs, which -always followed cage training, Bertrand sulked and -growled and was disagreeable to every one.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’d like to get a good chance to do up Merriwell!” -he thought; but he remembered how all his former -efforts had failed and brought disgrace upon himself -in several instances, and even his hating heart quailed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As soon as the men were ready they left the gymnasium -in a body and started at a brisk trot along one -of the widest and most comfortable streets of the -old city. The pace was not made too fast at first, -and yet it was enough to keep them going sharply.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was an interesting spectacle to see these sturdy-limbed -youths start out in a body, their heads up, -mouths closed, cheeks flushed and nostrils dilated. -Surely a representative lot of young Americans they -were.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank ran lightly and easily, seeming to find it no -effort at all to get over the ground at the pace set. -Hodge was beside him, and Jack Ready had swung -in with them. Ready still ran in his own peculiar -fashion, toeing in with his left foot, a habit he had -been unable to break, try as he might. His cheeks -were rosy and his eyes bright.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ah-ha!” he exclaimed, as he trotted along. “This -is the kind of stuff that makes one feel fit to tackle the -gods! Yea, verily! Why, just now I believe I could -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>give old Thor, the god of thunder, a rattling good -set-to!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yet,” said Frank, “we know any amount of fellows -in Yale who are literally grinding their lives out, -and not one of them has sense enough to take sufficient -exercise to preserve their health.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Which means that a few more fools will graduate -near the head of their classes and go out into the -world with broken constitutions. What will they be -good for?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’s all right for a man to graduate as near the -head of his class as possible,” Merry asserted, “in -case he gives enough time to exercise to keep his health -and strength; but when he wears his life away and -goes forth from college a physical wreck he has committed -a crime. Not only that, but he will be punished -for his crime, and there is no way for him to -escape that punishment.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And all the while he doesn’t dream what fun he’s -missing,” laughed Jack, thumping his breast with his -clenched hands. “Why, it’s great just to be living and -feel this way! I could fly—if I had a flying-machine.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You have the necessary wheels in your head,” declared -Merry.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But you’ll never develop a pair of wings,” asserted -Hodge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>By the time they were well out into the suburbs it -had begun to grow dark. They had passed Beaver -Ponds, and were not far from West Rock, before the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>leader swung to the left by a country road and turned -back toward the city.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The men had strung out behind for a short distance. -It was impossible to tell if all of them had held out -and kept with the squad.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In fact, one of them had not. Defarge had slowly -fallen behind until he was near the rear of the squad, -and then, making an excuse to tighten up his shoe, he -knelt beside the road and let them go on without him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I know the way they’ll come back,” he muttered. -“And I know where I can watch them without being -seen. If Merriwell would just take a fancy to spurt, -or would get off by himself! Oh, yes! I’d make one -more try to settle his hash!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he turned back, struck into a cross-lane, and -ran swiftly through the gathering gloom, his heart -filled with black thoughts and evil designs.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER V. <br /> <span class='fss'>BAFFLED.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Defarge crouched behind some rocks and bushes -which grew near the top of a high ridge of ground. -Some distance below him, running parallel with the -ridge, was the road along which he knew the baseball -men must come on their way back to town. It -was rather dark down there, but the crouching youth -could see the road when he lifted his head and peered -down.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In his hands Defarge had a large, jagged rock; in -his heart was a design so dark that he dared not meditate -upon it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Although it was cold, he felt perspiration starting -out upon his face, which he mopped with his handkerchief. -He told himself that he was justified in doing -anything in his power to down Frank Merriwell, for -had not Merry once brought about his disgrace and -nearly caused his expulsion from college?</p> - -<p class='c001'>He did not pause to consider that it was through -Frank’s generosity alone that he still remained at Yale. -Had he reasoned calmly he must have known that any -other man might have exposed him fully and compelled -him to leave.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hark! They were coming! He heard the beat of -running feet far along the frozen road. It was likely -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>that Merriwell would be among the very first, for of -old Frank had often led the squad on the return trip -to the gym.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The crouching lad quivered in every limb.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He disgraced me before them all!” he panted. -“He made me the laughing-stock of the college! No -man can do that to a Defarge and escape! I’ve waited -a long time, but I’m going to fix him now!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He gripped the jagged rock with feverish intensity -and peered along the darkening road. The sound of -running feet came nearer.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hello, Merriwell!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Some one of the runners was hailing Frank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hello!” sounded still clearer in the unmistakable -voice of the captain of the nine.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Take the Blake road.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“All right.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Merriwell is leading, as usual!” panted Defarge. -“Here he comes!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>A dark figure was coming swiftly down the dusky -road. With the stone in both hands, Defarge crouched -and watched, every muscle taut, every nerve quivering.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He’s some rods ahead of the next man,” he -thought. “He’s played right into my hands.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The figure was plainly that of Merriwell. Defarge -straightened a little and lifted the stone. In a moment -the unconscious young athlete would be directly beneath -the revengeful scoundrel on the ridge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now!” Defarge panted the word as he swung the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>stone over his head with both hands, and hurled it with -murderous aim straight at the head of Merriwell.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was a thud, and he saw Frank go down and -lay outstretched upon the ground.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ve done it! I’ve done it!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>With that awful thought filling his heart, the wretch -crouched behind the bushes and ran quickly back along -the ridge, passing over it and disappearing.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hidden from view, he ran as swiftly as he could -back along the course of the road down which the baseball -men had come. Pretty soon the ridge sunk and -he was in a piece of thin timber, through which he -pressed till he came to the road itself.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He halted amid some trees to let several men pass, -and then he sprang out into the road and started along -in the same direction as if he had been in the procession -all the time.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now let any one prove that I did it!” he laughed -to himself. “I took nobody into my confidence, and -there is no proof against me. It’s a job well done.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>As he approached the spot he was not surprised to -find the men ahead of him had stopped and were gathered -in a group.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“They’ll take him in on a stretcher,” thought Defarge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He came up, breathing heavily, as if he had been -running all the while.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What’s the matter?” he asked, as he approached. -“Anybody hurt?”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>“Hello, Defarge,” said one of the men. “You’ve -made good time to-day. You’re usually a tail-ender.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Anybody hurt?” persisted Bertrand, coming up and -stopping. “What has <a id='corr50.4'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='hapened'>happened</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_50.4'><ins class='correction' title='hapened'>happened</ins></a></span>?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, nothing much,” was the answer. “Merriwell’s -got a nasty fall, that’s all.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That is not all!” declared a voice that caused Defarge’s -heart to stand still, for it was that of Frank -Merriwell himself. “My fall was nothing, but I’d like -to know where this huge stone came from, for I know -it whizzed past my head just as I tripped and went -down.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Beneath his breath Defarge muttered an oath.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank was absolutely unharmed, for, being in perfect -condition, the shock of the fall over a stone which -he had not seen in the road affected him to no perceptible -extent.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Indeed, when a man is in the best physical condition, -ordinary falls, that seem to jar and severely injure the -untrained, are not noticed at all. Sometimes a man -may, in perfect condition, receive shocks and sustain -falls which naturally would break the bones of the unprepared -and still escape without any apparent harm.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Thus it is that exercise, physical training, and -muscle-building prepare those who follow faithfully -the upbuilding of the body for all the hardships they -may have to encounter in life.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The survival of the fittest” is a law of nature that -has been in full sway since the dawn of creation, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>modern conditions have simply seemed to emphasize its -unyielding rigidness.</p> - -<p class='c001'>A weakling might have been severely, even fatally, -injured by the fall that had not harmed Merriwell at -all.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Sometimes men die from the effects of shocks which -trained athletes would have withstood without great -distress.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Thousands of weak-backed, narrow-chested, scrawny-necked -men are swiftly wearing away their lives in -offices and stores and other places of business when, -had they known and respected the laws of health, they -might be strong, and robust, and healthy.</p> - -<p class='c001'>They will stand up to their tasks as long as the -candle of life flickers and flares in their wrecked bodies, -but one by one they will lie down and die long before -there is any need of it, had they paid the slightest attention -to the demands of nature.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank Merriwell had not been born strong and -healthy. His mother was an invalid, and he had inherited -a weak body. But, fortunately, he had been -given brains with which to think and reason. And -he had used those brains! That was the best part -of it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Having found that others had acquired health by -exercise and by obeying the laws of nature, he had -made a resolve to do the same. He was stubborn, and, -having made such a resolve, he kept at the work day -after day, week after week, year after year.</p> - -<p class='c001'>What a glorious reward was his! From a weak -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>boy he had become a strong, supple, superb youth, a -typical young American of the very highest class, and -all by his own efforts! Was not the reward sufficient -for the effort?</p> - -<p class='c001'>It had not always been by chance, as on this occasion, -that his enemies had failed to wreak upon him the -injuries they sought to inflict. Had he been weak they -must have succeeded many times. But one by one they -had fallen before him, and he remained triumphant and -unharmed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The fellow bears a charmed life,” thought Bertrand -Defarge. “It’s no use—he can’t be harmed!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Once more he felt for his handkerchief to wipe from -his face the beads of cold perspiration that started -forth; but the handkerchief was not in the pocket -where he fancied he had thrust it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Where could the stone have come from?” Bert -Dashleigh was asking. “You don’t suppose——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hello, Defarge!” exclaimed one of a little bunch of -men that came up. “How the dickens did you get -ahead of us? We thought you behind with the tail-enders.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What’s the matter here?” asked another, and, to -Bertrand’s relief, they all pressed forward to learn -what had happened.</p> - -<p class='c001'>That saved Defarge from answering an unpleasant -question and explaining how he came to be ahead of -those men.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Bart Hodge had heard the question and had -noted that no answer was given.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>When the men started on again, Bart was at Merry’s -side. He soon found an opportunity to say, using a -guarded tone:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You still have some enemies, Frank—or an enemy, -at least.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then you think——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Of course! Somebody tried to knock your brains -out with that stone.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t like to think that,” declared Frank. “And -yet——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You can’t help it. Your enemies have been chirping -mighty soft of late, but it was because they didn’t -dare sing louder. They are not all dead, or converted. -Where is Morgan?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Somewhere on the road. You know I have that -fellow’s pledge.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Which doesn’t amount to shucks!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But his uncle is dead, and there is no further reason -why he should try to injure me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t fool yourself! He’s ambitious and proud. -He wants to pitch this spring, and it is his way to long -to be cock of the walk at anything he tries. He knows -he can’t be that with you on the team.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But he could not have possibly done the trick; -he did not throw that stone.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t say he did.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then what——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He is a fellow to use accomplices.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank shook his head.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I know all about your hatred for Morgan,” he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>said, “and I confess the justness of it; but something -tells me the fellow did not do this trick, or know anything -about it. In fact, even though he may not love -me, I do not believe he will make any further attempts -to harm me. While Santenel lived he held Morgan -under his hypnotic influence and made him do some -very nasty things. But Santenel is dead.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, Morgan still lives, and you’ll see that you -will have your troubles just as long as he remains in -college.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank knew how useless it was to try to reason -Bart out of a conviction so firmly implanted in his -mind, and so he made no further effort.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Along the hard road they sped, their lungs filled -with fresh air, their entire bodies tingling with the -intoxication of perfect health.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Ahead of them gleamed the city’s lights. On either -side lights shone from the windows of houses.</p> - -<p class='c001'>They strung out on Whalley Avenue, for now they -were permitted to speed up some as the end of the run -drew near. At last they came to Elm Street and the -gym.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There the men were given cold showers, and rubbed -down with rough towels, till their bodies glowed like -furnaces.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When they left the gym they felt “like fighting -cocks,” for all of what they had done and gone -through.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank and Bart left the gym together.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>“Are you going to your room, Hodge?” asked -Merry.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not now,” was the answer.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, come up to mine. I’ve got to work hard to-night, -but we can have a little chat of a few minutes -before I get down to grinding.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ve got to go somewhere else. I’ll see you to-morrow, -Merry. So-long.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank wondered as Bart swung away. He would -have wondered still more had he observed where -Hodge went and what he did.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Direct to a certain store the dark-eyed lad proceeded, -and there he purchased a lantern, which he had filled -with oil and prepared for lighting. With this lantern -he struck out at a brisk walk, avoiding the vicinity of -the college buildings.</p> - -<p class='c001'>More than half an hour later Bart was searching -along the ridge of high land near where Merriwell had -fallen on the road. The lighted lantern aided him in -his search behind the mass of evergreen bushes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He came to a place that interested him very much, -for there was every indication that some one had been -there ahead of him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he uttered a low cry of satisfaction, and suddenly -snatched something from the ground.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was a handkerchief!</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER VI. <br /> <span class='fss'>THE FIGHT WITH RAPIERS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Defarge had roomed alone ever since entering college. -He was so exceedingly unpopular that it would -have been difficult for him to find a roommate had he -desired one; but he declared that on no condition -would he share his apartments with another.</p> - -<p class='c001'>His rooms were well furnished and comfortable, but -he cared little about their arrangement or decorations, -and about them there was not a single thing in the way -of ornament that would suggest to a casual visitor that -a Yale man slept and studied there.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In other rooms were flags, badges, blue ribbons, and -a hundred other things gathered by the students as tokens -to remind them of something connected with their -college-life. When they visited home at holidays they -took some of these things along to give brothers or -sisters, who treasured them with pride.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But it is probable that Defarge felt none of that love -for Yale that seems to imbue almost every man among -the great throng of students. It is even possible, astounding -though it may seem to every other Yale man—that -he would have been quite as well satisfied had it -been his fortune to attend Harvard, or any other college. -He had failed totally and entirely to imbibe the -“Yale spirit.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>Personal conquest and advancement had been all the -French youth seemed to care for, and his utter selfishness -made him offensive to those who might have regarded -him in a friendly spirit because of similar likes -and dislikes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He had regarded himself as a wonderful fencer, and, -indeed, his skill was most commendable. He found -little difficulty in defeating all comers until he encountered -Merriwell, upon whom by sneers and insults he -forced an engagement.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merriwell, however, had studied fencing under a -past master of the art, and the French youth was easily -defeated by the representative American, which filled -him with unspeakable shame and chagrin.</p> - -<p class='c001'>His defeat caused Defarge to lose his head entirely, -and he took to drink without delay. That very night, -while in a state of insane intoxication, he attempted to -strike Frank in the back with an open knife. Fortunately, -Frank saw him in a mirror and was able to turn -and grapple with him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then followed something that astonished all who -witnessed it, for, looking straight into the eyes of the -intoxicated youth, Frank caused him to quail and become -as harmless as a lamb.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In that moment Frank discovered that he possessed -a strange power, and this power he had been called -upon to use many times afterward. Once, at least, it -had saved his life. Once it saved the life of his father.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But although Merriwell had declared that he might -make a friend of Defarge, the French youth remained -<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>his bitter and unyielding enemy. For a time he had -avoided Frank, but now, Merriwell having been away -from college a while, he ventured to strike again.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Alone in his room that evening, Bertrand cursed the -luck that had permitted him to fail in accomplishing -his terrible intention. And while he was cursing, the -door opened to admit Bart Hodge!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge stared in astonishment. Never before had -such an amazing thing occurred and he could not understand -it now. He wondered if Hodge had by accident -wandered into the wrong room.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Bart deliberately closed the door behind him. -There was a key in the lock. This key Hodge turned, -after which he removed it, and quietly put it into his -pocket.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What the deuce are you doing?” cried Defarge, -who was now on his feet.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart advanced, his eyes fixed on those of Bertrand.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ve called to see you,” said Frank Merriwell’s bosom -friend, in a peculiar tone of voice.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You locked that door?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So it would not blow open,” answered Hodge, in -the same queer way.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Blow open! Why, there’s no danger of that! Are -you crazy?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t think so, but I’m mad.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was a sort of grim, mirthless humor about -Bart that made Defarge uneasy.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>“You have no right to lock my door and put the key -in your pocket!” snarled the French youth.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That may be true, but I’ve done it. I want to have -a little talk with you, and I do not propose to have that -talk interrupted, even though you may get noisy and -yell for assistance.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was a threat in this, and Defarge retreated behind -the table that stood in the center of the room.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What’s your game?” he demanded. “Are you playing -the highwayman or the house-robber?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Thank you; I do not travel with your class in society.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Still there was a look in Bart’s eyes that made Defarge -think himself in danger. Usually, Hodge was -excitable, but now he seemed strangely cool, which -gave him an air of menace.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge glanced quickly round in search of some -weapon with which to defend himself.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Sit down!” commanded Hodge. “It won’t do you -a bit of good to raise a rumpus.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now, what in the name of the Old Harry do you -want?” panted Bertrand, beginning to get angry himself.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have a few questions to ask you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, go ahead. I’ll answer them or not, as I like.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’ll answer them before I leave this room! In -the first place, how did you happen during the run -after the cage practise to take the short cut through -Beaver Pond Lane from Crescent Street to Fitch -Street?”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>The French youth had flushed, but now he suddenly -became pale.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I did nothing of the kind!” he declared.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You are a liar!” said Hodge, without lifting his -voice, still keeping his eyes fastened straight on those -of the lad across the table.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bertrand’s bosom heaved and his lips curled back -from his teeth, which gleamed white and wolfish.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You shall answer for the insult!” panted Defarge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“With pleasure,” was the grim retort. “I think you -must know by this time that I take special delight in -thumping you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll not fight you that common way! You have -not the skill of Merriwell, and you must meet me with -rapiers!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hardly,” said Bart. “I know better than that.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You can’t avoid it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, yes, I can!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You shall not! I will force you into it!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And I shall insist on meeting you with the weapons -provided for us by nature, our fists.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Do you think I could be satisfied that way for such -an insult? No! You have come here to force a quarrel -upon me! I see that!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Nothing of the sort. I’ve come here to compel you -to tell the truth, and, by Heaven! I’m going to make -you do it!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You can never force me to anything! You want -the fight, and you shall have it! I will let out some of -your nasty American blood! I may kill you!”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>Then, with a pantherlike leap, Defarge reached the -wall against which hung a pair of crossed rapiers. -Quick as a flash, he grasped them and tore them down, -whirling them in his hands. Seizing the hilt of one, -he flung the other with a clanging sound at Bart’s feet, -shouting:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Take it and fight for your life, you American pig, -for I swear I’ll run you through without mercy if you -don’t!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart Hodge was a fighter without a drop of cowardly -blood in his well-developed body; but he had seen -Defarge handle a rapier, and he knew he was not the -equal of the wily French youth in that particular line. -He could handle his fists, or shoot a pistol with great -skill; but he was not an expert fencer, and so would -be at a disadvantage in an encounter of this sort.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But it was useless to admit this to Defarge, whose -eyes were glaring. Defarge would laugh exultantly -and come on. Indeed, he was making ready to attack -even now.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Pick up the weapon!” commanded the French -youth. “Do your best, for I’m going to pink you—I -swear I am!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bertrand’s heart was full of mad joy, for he believed -his opportunity to obtain revenge on Hodge for past -grievances had come, and he meant to make the most -of it. Laughing savagely, he started to advance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hodge’s hand rested on the back of a chair, and he -had not altered his position when the other youth -sprang to the wall and tore down the rapiers.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>Now, without the least warning and with such -strength and quickness as only a trained athlete could -command, he grasped the chair with both hands, -swung it aloft, and hurled it straight at Bertrand’s -head.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge had no time to dodge, but he put up his arm -to protect his face, and the chair sent him reeling -against the wall. Hodge followed the chair with two -swift bounds, and was on the French youth instantly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He grasped Bertrand’s right wrist with one hand -and his throat with the other, pinning the fellow -against the wall and holding him there.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You devil’s whelp!” grated Hodge. “You would -not hesitate at murder! I’ll guarantee that you land -in prison yet!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge had been shocked by the impact of the chair, -and for a few seconds he seemed quite helpless and -unresisting. Then he suddenly gathered himself and -tried to hurl Bart off.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hodge kept his hold, attempting to twist the fellow’s -wrist, and thus force him to drop the rapier. But Bertrand’s -hold was not broken thus easily, and with his -left hand he tore Bart’s fingers from his throat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Dog!” he huskily hissed. “Throw a chair at me, -will you? Now I am going to fix you!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then the struggle for the possession of the rapier -began, Defarge doing his best to cast Bart away long -enough to lift and thrust with the weapon.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart knew it was a fight for his very life, as the -French youth was wrought to a pitch of rage that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>robbed him entirely of his reason. There was a terrible -glare in his eyes. His teeth were set and a white -froth began to form on his parted lips.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With all his strength he strove to twist away from -Bart’s grip, but Hodge held fast.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Steady!” Bart growled. “You can’t do it!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I will! I will!” panted Defarge. “I’ll kill you!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You may find that I’m quite as hard to kill as -Frank Merriwell.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You know what I mean!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You lie! You came here to insult me and make -lying charges against me. You shall pay for it!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Again Defarge gave a mighty twist and tried to -fling Hodge off. They reeled against a chair, which -was overturned. Then Bart’s feet struck against the -chair, and he fell backward to the floor, his grip on -Defarge’s wrist being broken as he went down.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Down upon Hodge came his antagonist, but he tore -himself away from the fingers that tried to clutch and -hold him. With a quick spring, Bertrand rose to his -feet and stood over Hodge with the rapier uplifted.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now!” he hissed, with a savage laugh—“now you -get it for fair!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he lunged as if meaning to pin Hodge to the -floor.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With a squirming movement to one side, Bart barely -avoided being run through by the blade.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A miss is as good as a mile!” he thought, and at -the same time he again cast the chair at Defarge.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>Bertrand’s legs were struck and he was confused -and disconcerted for a moment, and that was enough -to give Bart time to spring up.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As he rose, Hodge had the other rapier gripped in -his hand. At last he realized that there was no way -to avoid such an encounter, and so he hurled himself -into it with the furious energy of a creature at bay.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Clash! clash! rang out the meeting blades.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Probably no stranger encounter ever occurred at -Yale than this night battle between two students armed -with deadly rapiers. The expressions on their faces -told that the struggle was of the most serious nature.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This was no mere fencing-bout for sport. On one -side, at least, it was a duel with the most deadly import.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Defarge had been astounded by the escape of -Hodge from that thrust. The crack of the chair -against his knees had confused him. And then he was -dazed when Bart leaped up like a supple panther, gripping -the rapier, and attacked him with the gleaming -blade.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The fierceness of Bart’s assault was something impossible -to withstand long.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Sparks flew from the meeting weapons, which -gleamed and flashed and hissed through the air.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The look on the face of Bart Hodge was one of such -furious determination that the French youth involuntarily -gave way before him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You would have it, you devil’s whelp!” came -through Bart’s teeth. “Stand up and fight! You -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>forced it on me, now make good—or take the consequences!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>With a twisting stroke, Bart had torn the weapon -from the hand of his adversary and sent it spinning -in a far corner, where it fell rattling to the floor.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The next instant, with his left hand, Frank Merriwell’s -friend and champion seized the unarmed youth -by the throat and hurled him backward upon the table -that stood in the middle of the room.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As Defarge lay there helpless and terrified, Bart -stood over him, his gleaming rapier raised as if to -make the final and fatal thrust of this most remarkable -encounter.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The helpless youth turned chalky white with fear.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t strike!” he gasped.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why not?” demanded the other, quivering with the -excitement of the encounter.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’ll kill me!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Just as you tried to kill me when I lay on the floor -helpless and unarmed, you cowardly sneak!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I didn’t mean to——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t lie! If you lie, I’ll be tempted to finish you -off anyhow!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I was crazy!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, I’m rather excited myself! Why, it would -be a mercy to puncture you now! You are a miserable, -crawling snake, and you’ve tried to kill the best -man that ever lived!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No! no!”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>“Don’t lie, I say! You tried to kill Merriwell this -day!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I did not!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The look of fury on Bart’s face seemed to become -more intense.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The truth is the only thing that can save your -worthless life now!” he panted.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I shall shout for help!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That won’t save you! No one could reach you in -time. If you shout, I swear by my life I’ll stick you -once for luck!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>There could be no doubt concerning Bart’s sincerity -in this threat, and Defarge decided not to shout.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Confess that you tried to kill Merriwell to-day with -a stone, which you threw at his head.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll not confess to a lie—not even to save my life!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But you must confess the truth. You cannot help -it. I have the proof against you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The proof?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Where?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Here!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>With his left hand, Hodge took out and held up before -Bertrand’s staring eyes the handkerchief he had -found that night with the aid of the lantern.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER VII. <br /> <span class='fss'>THE FALSE CONFESSION.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>“What is it?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Your handkerchief.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Where did you get it?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I found it. See, here are your initials on the corner. -I have been to the laundry where you take your -linen, and there I compared this with one of your -handkerchiefs in the place. It is your mark, and you -cannot dispute it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, let me up. What if I do not dispute it? -What about that?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It proves beyond a doubt that you threw the stone -at Merriwell with deadly intent, for I found it on the -spot where you stood when you did the trick, just behind -the bushes on that high ridge beside the road.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Something like a mumbled curse came from Bertrand’s -lips.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Let me up,” he begged.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Will you confess?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How can I confess down here this way? Let me -up.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“All right, but you must sit down beside the table -here and sign a written confession. If you try any -tricks, I shall prick you a little with this sticker. If -you know much about me, you realize now that I mean -<span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>business and I’ll make good every threat. If you were -harmed and made charges against me I should -swear that you attacked me with murderous intent -after I came here and accused you, and that I -did the trick in self-defense. Even if you were able -to swear to the contrary, which is not likely after I -jabbed you with this dainty tool, my word would be -as good as yours. Now, get up—and sit down there!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hodge stood with the weapon held ready for instant -use, and Defarge, like a whipped child, meekly obeyed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s right,” nodded the victor, with satisfaction. -“Now, don’t dare to wriggle, for if you try to get hold -of that sticker over in the corner I’ll be on top of you -like a catamount, and I’ll finish the job instanter.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Bart stepped over to a desk, still keeping -nearer than Defarge to the weapon in the distant corner, -and brought over an ink-well and <a id='corr68.17'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='writing-materials'>writing-materials.</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_68.17'><ins class='correction' title='writing-materials'>writing-materials.</ins></a></span></p> - -<p class='c001'>“What do you think you can make me do?” asked -Defarge, with a sneer.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You are going to write out and sign a confession.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why should I?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Because you must. Now I know the whole business, -and you can’t deceive me by making any false -statements. I know who was behind you in what you -did—who got you to do the trick.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge was silent, filled with surprise.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t try to shield that snake,” urged Bart. “It -will be better for you if you do not. You may claim -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>that he hypnotized you, or anything you like, but you -must confess that he was behind you in what you did.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who?” asked Bertrand.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, Morgan, of course! Didn’t he suggest this -piece of business? Own up!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The French youth caught his breath and then said:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I knew it!” cried Bart exultantly. “I saw him -speak to you in the cage! I knew something was up -then.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>A sudden idea had taken possession of Defarge. He -felt that he was caught in the net, and he would not go -down without pulling Morgan with him. He had -gradually learned to dislike Dade almost as much as he -did Frank Merriwell. Of late it had been impossible -for him to interest Dade in his crooked schemes and -tricks, which had brought about the strong dislike he -now harbored.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But you don’t know the kind of fellow Morgan -is,” declared Defarge. “Oh, those eyes of his! They -have such an influence over me!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“His uncle was a hypnotist!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He must have hypnotized me, for I made a pledge -that I’d never lift my hand against Merriwell again, -yet, when he ordered me to do so, I could not refuse.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart’s heart was throbbing wildly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’s just as I thought!” he declared, feeling almost -friendly toward Defarge for this statement. “But -there’s only one way for me to prove it against him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I can’t make a charge against him—I can’t!”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>“You must!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If he is present, it will be impossible. He’ll throw -his power over me, and I’ll be helpless to tell the -truth.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You shall do it here and now!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Please don’t make me do that! It will ruin me! -I shall be expelled from college, and all on account of -Morgan! Think of that! I could not help doing what -he told me to do. If he were not here I’d never think -of harming Merriwell. I know I did try to do so long -ago, but he was generous to me, and I vowed never to -lift my hand against him again.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hodge was silent a moment, and then he said:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Merriwell is always generous, you know. I might -kick you both out of Yale, having such a chance; -but I think he will be easy with you. What I want is -for him to refuse to take that dog Morgan onto the -nine, and Morgan will make it unless Merriwell objects. -With your confession, I can convince Merriwell -of the whelp’s perfidy, and Morgan will be dropped immediately.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>This was a very simple matter, and Defarge had -feared Bart would use the confession to cause both of -them to leave college. If this was the only thing -Hodge wanted the confession for, he should have it in -short order. Inwardly, the French youth was chucking -with satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I told the fellow his head would come off before -the Easter trip!” he mentally chuckled. “Now, he’ll -find out!”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>Aloud he said:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If you will promise me to show the confession to -no one but Merriwell I’ll give it to you; but you must -tell him I could not help doing just what Morgan -commanded. Ask him to be easy with me. It will ruin -me if I have to leave college before I finish my course.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll do it,” agreed Bart, readily enough, delighted -to get the accusation against Morgan on such terms.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge pretended to hesitate, but Hodge forced -him on, and he took up the pen and wrote as Bart -dictated, now and then making a suggestion. He -stated that Morgan possessed some sort of hypnotic -power, and this power Dade had exercised to compel -Bertrand to obey his commands. He had commanded -the French youth to hide beside the road and hurl the -stone down at Frank as Merry came along. Bertrand -had begged Morgan not to compel him to do that, but -Dade had remained unyielding. Thus it came about -that Defarge did the trick against his own will, and he -was very, very sorry for it and profoundly thankful -that Merriwell had not been harmed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now sign it!” cried Bart exultantly. “We’ll see -if Merriwell will have any compassion on that whelp -after this.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What will Morgan do?” whispered Defarge, seeming -to hesitate, with the pen uplifted.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No matter what he does!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But you do not think of me! He will be furious! -I dare not sign it!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He was playing his part very well.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>“By Heaven! you must sign!” roared Bart.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But Morgan’s power over me—what revenge will -he take? He will be sure to seek revenge on me!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Under other circumstances, Bart might have seen -that Defarge was overdoing the terrified act.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Bart was blinded by his own hatred of Morgan -and his desire to get this signed confession which must -convince Merriwell of Dade’s dastardy.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Sign it!” he cried, “and I’ll protect you from Morgan! -Perhaps Morgan will never know how it came -about.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He must not know—he must not!” panted the -other. “You cannot help me if he finds it out. He will -put me under his influence and command me to commit -suicide, perhaps! Promise me that you will make Merriwell -agree not to let Morgan know I revealed the -truth about him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>After a little hesitation, Bart said:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll do what I can. Go ahead and sign. You must -throw yourself on Merriwell’s generosity, and I know -you will not do so in vain.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Defarge signed the lying confession, which -Bart soon folded and placed in his pocket.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s all, Mr. Defarge,” said Hodge, as he rose -to his feet and walked to the door, taking out the key. -“I have obtained just what I came for, though I must -say you gave me quite a lively little time before I got -it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He inserted the key and threw back the bolt of the -lock.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>“Good night,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he opened the door, flung down the rapier, and -went out.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Alone in his room, Defarge laughed softly with satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You are welcome to all you got,” he said. "Now, -Mr. Dade Morgan, you’ll find that I told you the truth -when I said your head would come off, and perhaps -you’ll learn to hate Merriwell again as intensely as you -did not long ago. We’ll see if he will make a friend -of you, as he has of so many others who began by -hating him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Bah, Bart Hodge! you thought you had forced an -unwilling confession from me; but, instead of that, you -played right into my hands. I owe you something for -helping me along with my little schemes. Why, I have -really enjoyed this call from you!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>And he laughed again, softly, with a hissing sound -through his white teeth.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER VIII. <br /> <span class='fss'>FRANK FORCES THE TRUTH.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Bart went straight to Merriwell’s room and turned -over the confession. He watched Merriwell’s face, -glowing with exultation, as Frank read the remarkable -statement of Defarge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Where did you get this?” Merry asked, when he -had finished.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart explained, and Frank listened.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, this is rather astonishing, to say the least,” -Merry admitted, frowning over it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It proves beyond the least doubt that Morgan is -still your enemy, though he is trying to strike you -in the most dastardly way without becoming implicated -himself.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It seems to prove that,” Frank admitted.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, now you have him in your power. But Defarge -is mortally afraid of the fellow.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Hodge explained the promises he had made to -the French youth.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That being the case,” said Merry, as he folded the -confession and put it into his pocket, “I don’t see how -we are going to use this document against Morgan. -Do you?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You must drop Morgan from the ball-team. That -will hurt him as much as anything.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>“How can I do that without an explanation? Would -it be right?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Right? How can you stop to think of such a -thing in connection with that fellow? He ought to be -forced to leave college!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I agree with you in that, but it cannot be done -now, as you have given Defarge those promises, and -Defarge might fall with Morgan.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then hang the promises to Defarge! That fellow -is a scoundrel, and promises to such dogs do not hold!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, they do! With me a promise to any man, -high or low, honest or dishonest, saint or scoundrel, -holds good!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But you don’t mean to say that you will not do -a thing?” snarled Bart, in bitter disappointment.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, I do not say that; but I shall wait a while before -I make a move. I may find some other thing by -which I can drop Morgan from the team—something -that will permit me to be square and open in whatever -I do. Wait and see, Bart.”</p> - -<p class='c009'>The work in the cage went on regularly day after -day, and each day the poorer men were weeded out -from the great mass and dropped. From nearly a hundred -men the squad thinned down to fifty, to forty, to -thirty.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Still Dade Morgan remained, though Defarge had -been dropped. The latter could not understand it. Apparently -Merriwell had made not the slightest move -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>after receiving the confession. One day Bertrand ventured -to ask Hodge if he had given the confession to -Frank, but Bart snarled at him furiously and would -not answer.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Indeed, Hodge was in a most disagreeable humor, -kept so by the manner in which Morgan hung on. -Fully believing the fellow a wretch of the most dastardly -dye, Bart could not understand Merry’s laxity -in not forcing Dade to get out, and this served to put -Hodge in anything but an agreeable temper.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Many times Frank had studied the confession of -Defarge. He did so while quite alone in his own -room, and he found something about it that convinced -him of falseness and insincerity.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At least ten more men would be dropped before the -team would start on the Southern trip, and out of the -eighteen or twenty men who were to play during the -Easter holidays would come the regular nine.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was still time enough to drop Morgan, but -Frank did not wish to drop him without being satisfied -of the absolute justice of such a move. He had -watched Morgan closely, and saw there was good baseball-material -in the lithe, supple youth. More than that, -he saw that Morgan might develop into a clever -pitcher, and Frank greatly needed assistance in the -box, for he could not pitch all the games.</p> - -<p class='c001'>One night, while sitting alone and meditating over -the remarkable confession, Frank began to think of the -time he had quelled and controlled Defarge by the -power of his eyes. He remembered that the French -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>youth had seemed absolutely helpless beneath his influence.</p> - -<p class='c001'>All at once, Merry sprang to his feet, exclaiming:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’s worth trying!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Two minutes later he had left his room. He found -Hodge and said:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I want you. Come along with me, and don’t say -a word.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart was ready enough, for he fancied Frank had -decided at last to act against Morgan. But Merriwell -led the way to the rooms occupied by Bertrand Defarge, -and, by rare good luck, they found the French -youth there alone.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge was astonished when both Merriwell and -Hodge entered without stopping to knock. He was -more astonished when Hodge again closed and locked -the door.</p> - -<p class='c001'>What were they after? With pale face, Defarge -rose, and faced Frank Merriwell. Frank’s eyes met his -squarely, and in their depths the accuser of Morgan -saw something that made him shiver.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What—what do you want?” he weakly asked.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We have called to see you a few moments,” said -Frank, in a calm, soothing tone. “Don’t be alarmed. -We have not the least intention of harming you physically.” -He had advanced to the table as he spoke, still -keeping his eyes fastened on Bertrand’s, who seemed -to feel a strange power creeping over him and pervading -his entire being. “Let’s sit down here by the -table where we can talk,” urged Frank.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>Defarge sank into a chair, still staring at Frank’s -eyes. As the French youth sank, so sank Merriwell, -and Hodge saw them sit looking at each other over the -table. Bart held his breath, wondering what was to -follow.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank seemed to put his very soul into that look, and -Defarge gradually paled and took on a limp and lifeless -expression, although he sat there looking at Merry.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With a gentle motion, Frank leaned over and lightly -touched Bertrand on the forehead. Defarge remained -<a id='corr78.11'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='motioneless'>motionless</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_78.11'><ins class='correction' title='motioneless'>motionless</ins></a></span>, without winking.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is well,” said Merry. “You must now answer -my questions faithfully and truly. <a id='corr78.13'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='“You'>You</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_78.13'><ins class='correction' title='“You'>You</ins></a></span> will do so!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was a command.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I will.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bertrand’s voice was hollow and listless.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now,” said Frank, turning to Bart, with a smile, -“We’ll find out the real truth. He cannot lie to me if -he wishes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What in the name of all that’s wonderful have you -done to him?” gasped the astounded fellow, approaching -the table. “Have you——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes,” nodded Merry. “You remember the time -he tried to stab me while intoxicated. I discovered -then that I possessed this power over him. To-night -I resolved to exercise it to make him speak the truth.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he turned to Bertrand, while Bart looked on -and listened expectantly:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Defarge, do you regard Morgan as a friend?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>“Do you like him?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Do you hate him?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why do you hate him?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Because he was once friendly toward me, but now -seems to be ready to become your friend.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Would you like to do him an injury?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Has he any influence over you?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not the slightest?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not the slightest.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then he cannot compel you to do anything he commands?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He did not force you to conceal yourself beside the -road one night when the squad took a run into the -suburbs and throw a stone at me?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You did that of your own accord?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I did.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank took the confession from his pocket and held -it before Bertrand’s eyes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then this confession is false?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Every word of it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s all,” said Frank quietly, as he tore the -paper into shreds. “I have nothing further to ask -you. But now, while you are in this condition, I want -to force upon you the knowledge that you cannot harm -<span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>me if you try. More than that, I want you to know -that you can never try to harm me again. I hold absolute -power over you, and you will never again lift -a hand to do me an injury.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge bowed slightly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merry rose and passed his hand before Bertrand’s -eyes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Wake up!” he said sharply. “I’ve finished with -you!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The French youth gave a start, rubbed his eyes, -stared at Frank and Bart, and mumbled:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, what—what—where-—-”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merriwell and Hodge were retreating. Bart turned -the key in the lock.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Good night,” said Merriwell, as the door closed behind -them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, I’ll be hanged!” muttered Hodge, when they -were outside.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER IX. <br /> <span class='fss'>A PLOT AGAINST FRANK.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Bart, of course, had no further objection to offer to -Dade Morgan as a member of the nine, and the work -of choosing the players went on without any other unpleasant -incidents. When the final selections were -made, Frank was satisfied that the Yale team was competent -to put up a good game of ball and would more -than hold its own against its Southern rivals, and his -judgment was confirmed on the field.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The date scheduled for the game at Charlottesville, -Virginia, proved to be a beautiful, mild day, early in -April. It was near noon, and among the crowd gathered -to greet the players on the platform of the railroad-station -were two men strikingly unlike in appearance. -One was tall, raw-boned, sinewy; the other was -of medium height, young, slender, and flashily -dressed. The taller of the two was rough, and plainly -given to dissipation. He was about forty years of age -and a tough-looking customer. The other was in his -early twenties, but he had the face of a youthful -drinker, and there was about him an offensive air of -conceit.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The elder man was Jack Cunningham, brother of -Bill Cunningham, the famous Blue Ridge moonshiner -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>and outlaw. The younger was Roland Ditson, once a -student at Yale College.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Cunningham was listening to the guarded talk of his -youthful companion. He had reddish hair and beard. -His trousers were tucked in the tops of his boots, and -he wore a woolen shirt that was open at the neck. His -build was that of a man possessing great strength and -endurance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I reckon yo’ don’t love this Frank Merriwell -much,” said Cunningham.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I hate him,” replied Ditson, who was smoking a -cigarette and nervously handling his cane. The first -two fingers of his right hand were stained a sickly yellow.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What makes yo’ hate him so ver’ much?” asked -Cunningham.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I can’t tell the whole story; it’s too long.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Did he steal a girl away from yo’ some time?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No. We were at college together. He’s still going -to college. He set himself up as a leader as soon -as he entered.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“An’ yo’ didn’t approve of that?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, I didn’t like it much. You can bet your life -I did not bow before him, same as most of the fellows -came to do.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Bucked agin’ him, did yo’, boy?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Dicidedly.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“An’ he slammed yo’ down hard?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Confound him! he always had a way of coming out -on top. But I’ve got a score to settle, and I’m going -<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>to settle it! He disgraced me before the whole crowd -one night, and I swore then that I’d find a way of getting -even before I died. Oh, I suppose I’ve got the -best reason for hating him that a fellow ever had! No -matter just what it is; I don’t like to talk about that. -He did me dirt, and I’m going to get back at him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yo’ say he’s comin’ here?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes. He’s the pitcher on the Yale baseball-team, -which plays Virginia here this afternoon.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, what’s your game?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Virginia must win. I have learned that Merriwell -will pitch here to-day, for Yale means to take no -chances.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Virginia can’t win with Merriwell pitching for -Yale.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why not?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Because it is impossible. The fellow is one of the -most remarkable twirlers who ever threw a ball. He -has a curve that no batter can hit, and I understand -that he is in perfect form this season. Virginia has not -a ghost of a show with Merriwell pitching.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Ditson puffed fiercely at the cigarette, blowing some -of the smoke into Cunningham’s face. The giant -coughed and fanned it aside with his huge paw.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What in thunder any human being wants to smoke -anything like that for is mo’ than I can understand!” -he blurted, in disgust. “The smell of it would make -a pig sick!”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>“Excuse me,” said Ditson, who did not wish to -offend the fellow.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why don’t yo’ be a man an’ smoke a pipe?” demanded -the other. “Does this Merriwell smoke them?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I believe he does not smoke at all. He’s one of the -goody-good kind that never does anything bad. Oh, -he’s a most sickening and disgusting fellow.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Kind of a mammy’s boy, eh?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“In some ways, yes; but you do not want to make -a mistake by getting to think he’s weak, for he isn’t. -He is one of the strongest men at Yale—he’s an athlete.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Haw!” blurted Cunningham, with a gesture of contempt. -“I judge I know what that means. Them -college athletes don’t amount to anything. The best -of them would be a child in my hands.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now, don’t make the mistake of underrating college -athletes,” Ditson hastened to say. “Some of them -are wonderfully strong and expert, and this Merriwell -is a leader among such men.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“All right; have it that way if yo’ want to. I don’t -care.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If Merriwell does not play with the Yale team Virginia -will win, for she has a good nine, and Virgil -Paragon, her pitcher, is clever. I want her to win the -worst way. It will make Merriwell feel mean, for he’s -captain of the Yale team.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, how yo’ goin’ to do the trick?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s why I sent for you. That’s why I had you -to come here with your team.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>“Yo’ ain’t made it clear yet.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I want you to carry this Merriwell off.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Is that all?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t you know some place about two or three -miles outside of town where you can take him and keep -him till about six o’clock this afternoon?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I judge I do. I could take him out to Ben Shannon’s -place.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s all right.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But how’m I goin’ to get him to go, suh? I can’t -jest openly nab him right here befo’ everybody and -carry him off without raisin’ a row.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll fix that all right so he will go along with you -without a word. When you get him out there you -must take care of him and see that he doesn’t come -back.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, I can do that all right if I can get him to come -along without raising a fuss. But how’m I to get him -to come along, suh?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll explain. There is a girl stopping in this town, -whom he knows. Her name is Elsie Bellwood, and -she is stopping out at the Parker plantation. Merriwell -is more or less smashed on her, and he always stands -ready to fly to her at her call.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Cunningham rolled his quid of tobacco over his -tongue, and winked at Roland, as he observed:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I begin to see yo’ game. I’m ter tell him she wants -to see him, git him inter my turnout, an’ whisk off.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Something like that, but I’ve prepared something -that will make it dead easy to fool him. I happened -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>to get hold of some of her handwriting, and I’ve written -a note for you to give him. I’ve imitated her writing -and signed her name, and I think it will fool him. -He won’t be looking out for tricks, so it will be dead -easy.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How much money did yo’ say there was in it?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Fifty dollars.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Cash in advance?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Twenty-five in advance; twenty-five afterward.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll do it. Where’s the letter an’ the money?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Wait. I don’t want anybody to see me give you -the letter or the money. Let’s walk out here a piece -where we’ll be alone.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“All right.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>They made a strangely mated pair as they walked -down the station-platform and passed round behind the -freight-building.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Here is the letter,” said Roland, as he took a square -envelope from his pocket and passed it over to Cunningham.</p> - -<p class='c001'>On the envelope was written: “Mr. Frank Merriwell, -kindness of Mr. Muldoon.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who’s Mr. Muldoon?” demanded Cunningham.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’re Mr. Muldoon,” explained Ditson, with a -crafty smile. “That’s so he will not get onto your -real name at once. He’s posted, and he may have -heard of you, or your brother. Best not to wake up his -suspicions too quick.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“S’pose that’s right,” nodded the giant, as he thrust -<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>the letter into his pocket. “Seems to me I’ve heard of -a strong man by the name of Muldoon.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There is such a man—William Muldoon, and he’s -a wonder.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then I’m his brother, an’ I can throw Willie four -times out of five, with one hand tied behind me. Mr. -Frank Merriwell will think so when I lay fingers on -him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Again Roland warned the confident ruffian not to -underestimate Merriwell’s prowess.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If you do, he’ll surprise you, just as true as you -live. He is a wonder.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s all right,” grinned Cunningham. “I know -all about them kind of wonders. Where’s yoah money, -suh?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Ditson produced a roll of bills, the sight of which -caused the eyes of the rascal to glitter and his fingers -to twitch. In that moment it is likely he was tempted -to snatch the whole amount, run for it, and let Frank -Merriwell go his way.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Here’s twenty-five,” said Roland, stripping off two -tens and a five and handing them over. “I’ll give you -the rest to-night after you have done the job. When -the train comes in all you have to do is go right in -among the Yale men and ask for Merriwell. They’ll -point him out to you. Give him the letter and get him -into your wagon as soon as you can. After that it’s -for you to make sure he doesn’t show up again till -after the ball-game is over.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The train whistled in the distance.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>“There she comes!” exclaimed Cunningham.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, there she comes!” palpitated Ditson. “Get -back to the platform and be ready for your work. -Don’t make a fizzle of it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There ain’t the least danger of that, suh,” confidently -declared Cunningham, as he strode away.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER X. <br /> <span class='fss'>THE GREETING AT THE STATION.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Of course, the expected arrival of the Yale baseball-team -brought out a crowd to see the team come in. -The fact that Frank Merriwell, the model young -American, and the pride of the youth of the whole -country, was captain of the Yale nine, had something -to do with the gathering of a throng of young men -at the station-platform. The students from the college -had come down to greet the Yale men, and there -was more or less excitement as the train drew up at -the station.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Nor were the colors of Virginia the only ones to be -seen in the gathering at the station. One freckle-faced, -but athletic-appearing, youngster, whose clothes -were somewhat shabby, had somehow procured a knot -of dark-blue ribbon, which he wore conspicuously.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Say, Jimmy,” called another boy, as a crowd of -youngsters gathered round the wearer of the blue, -“what do you think you’re doing, anyhow? What’s -them colors ye’re wearin’?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Them’s Yale colors,” was the proud and defiant -reply. “What have you got to say about it, Scrubby -Watson?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We want to know what you’re wearin’ them for! -Ain’t you for the home team?”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>“Well, any other time I am, but not to-day.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why not?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Because the Yale nine is run by Frank Merriwell, -and I’m for him first, last, and all the time. He’s the -boss jim-dandy, and don’t you forget it! Why, I’ll bet -a thousand dollars that he just wipes up the earth with -U. V. to-day. There ain’t anybody can beat him, and -don’t you forget that, either!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Go on! He’s pretty good, but Paragon will show -him some tricks to-day. You’re a traitor, else you -wouldn’t be wearin’ that ribbon.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’re a big fibber, Scrub! I’ve always been for -Frank Merriwell, and I’d be a traitor to him if I went -back on him to-day. His friends never go back on -him!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, I guess you’ve worn that long enough.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then the boy called Watson suddenly snatched the -ribbon from the ragged coat of the other lad. A moment -later Watson got it good and hard on the point -of the jaw, and he went down with a thud.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s one of Frank Merriwell’s settlers,” declared -Jimmy, as he snatched up the ribbon. “I read all about -how he did it, an’ I’m willing to give any of you other -fellers some of the same. Come on, if you want it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>But by this time the train had come to a stop, and the -Virginia students gave a cheer on catching sight of the -Yale men. Instantly every lad was pushing and -crowding in a mad endeavor to get nearer the car, the -trouble between Watson and Jimmy being forgotten.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Yale men were a lusty-looking set of fellows as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>they descended from the car. The crowd swayed and -pushed and commented.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There’s Browning—the big fellow!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who’s that farmerish-looking fellow? Can he play -ball?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Where is Merriwell?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That big fellow with the light hair must be Merriwell.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, that’s Starbright, the freshman who made such -a football record last fall.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Where’s Merriwell?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who’s that black-eyed chap? He looks as if he -might sprint.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s Morgan. He’s a freshman, but he was on -the eleven last fall.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Where’s Merriwell?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Here he comes! That’s Frank Merriwell! Hurrah -for Merriwell!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!” roared the crowd.</p> - -<p class='c001'>A look of dismay came to the handsome face of the -captain of the Yale nine as the crowd broke into a -great cheer when he appeared on the platform of the -car.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The little fellow with the freckled face and the knot -of dark-blue ribbon pinned on his jacket shinned to the -shoulders of a man and shrieked:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There he is! There he is! There he is! That’s -Frank Merriwell, the greatest pitcher that ever lived! -Hoop-ee! Yee! Hoo-ray!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank saw this excited youthful admirer, whose -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>freckled face fairly gleamed with joyous admiration, -and he was forced to laugh outright. That laugh won -to Merriwell many friends in the crowd. Indeed, there -was something so magnetic and winning about this -handsome youth that his mere appearance on the platform -of the car was enough to make him friends.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Many in the crowd had heard of Frank and conceived -a prejudice against him, fancying him a college -youth with a swelled head, but even these were struck -by his handsome proportions, his graceful, muscular -figure, his fine head and that look of clean manliness -which stamped him as a fellow with lofty thoughts and -ambitions.</p> - -<p class='c001'><a id='corr92.14'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='“No'>No</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_92.14'><ins class='correction' title='“No'>No</ins></a></span> one could mistake any other for Frank now -that Frank had appeared. The word “leader” was -written all over him. And yet, remarkable to say, there -was not about him the least suggestion of conceit. To -be sure, he regarded himself with a certain amount of -self-esteem, and it is requisite that any man should so -look upon himself if he wishes to win the esteem of -others. But the fact that his appearance in any place -should create so much excitement and enthusiasm was -something he could not understand, and he never -ceased wondering over it. It seemed quite inexplicable, -for he could not believe that he had ever done anything -extraordinary enough to make himself thus well -known and admired.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As Frank descended the car-steps he was met by -Phil Drake, the captain of the U. V. nine, who grasped -his hand, uttering some words of welcome.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>But Merry looked round for the little freckled fellow -who had uttered such a joyous shriek on seeing -him. He found the boy in the clutch of the man upon -whose shoulders he had perched, and the man was shaking -him roughly, growling:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Climb me for a tree, will yo’? I’ll teach yo’ better -manners, yo’ brat!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>With a sweep of his arm, Frank thrust aside all who -stood between him and the man. With a stride he was -at the man’s side. Quick and firm was his grasp on -the man’s arm.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t hurt that boy! Stop it, sir!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>With a snarl, the man whirled and——</p> - -<p class='c001'>Jack Cunningham and Frank Merriwell were face to -face!</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XI. <br /> <span class='fss'>KING JIMMY THE FIRST.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>“Mind yoah business, suh! The youngster climbed -all over me, an’ I’m goin’ to——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I wouldn’t hurt him, if I were you. He didn’t -mean any harm.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank spoke quietly, softly, smoothly, looking into -the fierce eyes of the ruffian.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That settles it!” breathed the delighted boy. “Now -I reckon you’ll let me go! If you don’t, Frank Merriwell -will do something to you!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Frank Merriwell?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Cunningham repeated the name, his manner changing.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Are you Frank Merriwell?”</p> - -<p class='c001'><a id='corr94.14'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='“Yes,'>“Yes.”</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_94.14'><ins class='correction' title='“Yes,'>“Yes.”</ins></a></span></p> - -<p class='c001'>“An’ he can wallop the stuffing out of two of you, -if you are big and do chew tobacco!” instantly declared -the boy. “If you don’t think he can, just give -him a chance. Hit me a good cuff side of the head, -and I’ll bet a hundred dollars he’ll throw you clean -over the train!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank could not resist his laughter at this declaration -of the freckle-faced fellow. Cunningham laughed, -also.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>“Haw! haw!” he roared. “’Pears to me the youngster -is mightily stuck on yo’, mister.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Stuck on him!” burst from Jimmy. “You can bet -your life I am! He’s made himself what he is, the boss -athlete of the United States, and I’m going to be just -as much like him as I can. I know some other fellows -that feel the same way about it, too.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, yo’ don’t s’pose he could wallop me, do yo’, -boy?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t I! Say, he can do it with one hand tied behind -him, for he’s Frank Merriwell.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But he ain’t got any whiskers.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He don’t need ’em; he’s got muscle, and he knows -just how to use it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Haw! haw!” roared Cunningham again. “It sure -makes me laff at the idea, an’ feelin’ tickled so I can’t -hit yo’, so I’ll let yo’ go.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The boy seemed disappointed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’d just like to see what Frank Merriwell would -done to you if you had basted me again,” he sighed. -“Won’t you please hit me a good one?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>At this Cunningham roared once more, slapping his -thigh.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, yo’re a queer little staver!” he said, with a -great show of good nature. “Yo’ want to get me inter -trouble, but I refuse to be caught.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, it’s a mighty good thing for you that you -had sense enough to refuse,” nodded Jimmy.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The crowd all about was laughing, and somebody -cried:</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>“Those are the kind of admirers you have, Merriwell.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Frank reached down, grasped the boy, and -swung him lightly up to his shoulder.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And I am proud to have such admirers,” he gravely -declared, a look of earnestness on his face. “I had -rather have the love and admiration of the boys of this -nation than all the wealth of the Klondike! This boy -says he wants to grow up and be like me and that there -are others who have the same desire. Those words -will serve to make me still more careful in regard to my -actions, for more than ever I realize that the example -of every man affects others.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The crowd was suddenly silent. From some other -these words might have made no impression, or might -have sounded stilted and egotistical; from the lips of -this splendid specimen of perfect manhood they made -a deep and lasting impression on many who heard -them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“My boy,” said Merry, “what is your name?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“James Lee, sir; usually called Jimmy for short.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, James Lee, I thank you for your great faith -in my prowess, but I’m glad you did not involve me in -a fight, for I dislike fighting more than anything else—unless -it is lying and cheating, and things of that sort. -I prefer a fighter to a liar any day.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t s’pose you ever told a lie in your life?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank laughed again.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I fear I have,” he confessed. “I am not a second -George Washington in that respect, but I hope I have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>never told a malicious or harmful lie, and I hope I may -never again tell a lie of any sort. I see you are wearing -our colors to-day. Do you live here?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And you are for Yale?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Because you are captain of the Yale team, and I -know U. V. can’t beat you!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hooray for Jimmy Lee!” roared Bruce Browning, -aroused by the words of the boy.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then from those Yale men rose a cheer, to the end -of which was tacked the name of Jimmy Lee.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And Jimmy—well, you should have seen him! He -was the happiest youngster in all Virginia. He tingled -from his head to his heels. His eyes shone and his -freckled face gleamed. These Yale men, these handsome, -athletic fellows, these followers of Frank Merriwell, -were cheering for him! Why shouldn’t he be -happy? Why shouldn’t he thrill with unspeakable delight?</p> - -<p class='c001'>And back at a distance stood Scrubby Watson and -his followers, looking on in unspeakable envy. Was -this little Jimmy Lee, whom they had often bullied? -They had been astounded when he dared hit Watson, -the king-pin of their set, for that showed a great -change had come over Jimmy. He had been following -in the footsteps of Frank Merriwell, and the result was -a shock to them. But now—well, now he would be a -god among them for some time to come! Watson -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>was deposed; the mighty had fallen; the idol of the -past was dust. Up with the new king! All hail King -Jimmy, the “man” who had sat upon Frank Merriwell’s -shoulder while the Yale team cheered for him!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Jimmy looked about and saw them and smiled upon -them. Forgotten was his shabby clothes, his ragged -jacket, and patched trousers. He was clothed in robes -of royal dignity now. Oh, never would he forget that -day as long as he lived. It would always remain the -proudest day of his life. He would tell his children -and his grandchildren how, when he was a little boy, -he had sat upon the shoulder of the great Frank Merriwell -while the Yale ball-team had cheered for him! -That was glory enough to last a lifetime!</p> - -<p class='c001'>And certain it is that this little event of that day was -to have an influence on Jimmy’s entire life. It was to -make him a more self-respecting man; it was to give -him new and greater ambitions; it was to urge him onward -and upward.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Yes, King Jimmy had risen, and it was not likely -that he would be deposed. He had been working for -some time to develop himself and emulate Frank Merriwell; -he would work harder now. He would become -a leader among the smaller boys in athletic sports and -games, for the man who had sat upon Frank Merriwell’s -shoulder must know how to tell them the proper -way to develop their muscles! And they would follow -in his lead, all of them taking new interest in the work -of developing their bodies—the work that is the greatest -and happiest play for a boy.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>Thus the little event there at the station-platform -had wrought a vast amount of good in that handsome -Virginia town. Thus it was that the influence of -Frank Merriwell spread and broadened so that in after-years -it must astound Frank himself.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, well, well!” cried Jack Cunningham. “I -judge it ain’t often a kid like you gets cheered in that -way.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Jack Ready, with apple cheeks aglow, pranced forward -and posed before Jimmy.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ah-ha!” cried the queer fellow, “I salute you, -James the First of Charlottesville. May your power -never wane, and may your subjects be as numerous -as your freckles. James, you have a level head on -your youthful shoulders, and I will give you the great -and exceeding honor of gently touching my lily-white -hand.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he grasped Jimmy’s hand and shook it vigorously.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Other Yale men followed Jack’s example, so that -Jimmy received a grand greeting as he sat there upon -the shoulder of the young American he admired more -than any other living human being. As they pressed -forward to shake Jimmy’s hand the Yale men made -jolly remarks and the crowd in the background began -to cheer.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Why, these Yale chaps were all right! Nothing -rowdyish about them! Were they fair samples of what -physical training made young men? Then great was -physical training. They had life and spirit; their eyes -<span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>were bright and their cheeks glowed. There could be -no mistaking that clear eye and healthy cheek; alcoholic -drink had nothing whatever to do with that. The -color of the cheek was not the congested flesh of false -stimulation; it was the true tint of health which every -youth should have.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“See Jimmy!” gasped the former followers of Watson.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“They’re shakin’ hands with him!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“My goodness, fellers, don’t you wish you was -him!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Settin’ up there on Frank Merriwell’s shoulder——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And shakin’ hands with the Yale ball-team!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“O-o-o-oh!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>And “O-o-o-oh!” groaned Watson himself, fairly -green with envy.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’d like to lick him!” thought Watson. Then he -put his hand to his jaw and mentally added: “But -he can hit like thunder! I never s’posed he could slug -that way. Don’t know as I could lick him if I tried.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>You couldn’t, Watson; you’ve lost confidence in -yourself, and your day has passed, the sun of your -glory has set to rise no more. You are deposed, Watson, -and all your feeble struggles will make no difference -now. King Jimmy the First is on the throne!</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Say, this is a right good lot of fun,” put in Jack -Cunningham; “but if you’re Frank Merriwell, you’re -the very feller I’m lookin’ for.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>“Looking for me?” asked Frank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“All right; I’ll give you my attention in a minute. -Jimmy, I want that knot of blue ribbon. I believe it -will be a mascot for me if I wear it to-day, and I’ll -give it back to you to-night.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Off came the knot of ribbon and Jimmy handed it -over to Frank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t want it back,” he declared. “Keep it, won’t -you, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank put him down.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes,” he said, “I’ll keep it; but how can I pay you -for it? If there is anything——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t want pay; but I’d like to have something to -remember you by—anything you’ll give me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank pinned Jimmy’s ribbon to his breast, while -Jimmy looked on with mist-dimmed eyes, feeling so -proud that it did not seem that there was room enough -in his breast for his swelling heart.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Merry felt in his pockets for something. He -paused and thought a moment. All at once it came to -him, and he quickly found a small ribbon badge, having -crossed batsticks at the top, a bit of blue with a white -Y upon it, and a silver baseball dangling at the bottom.</p> - -<p class='c001'>How Jimmy’s eyes danced when he saw that! He -almost shouted for joy. Then came the apprehension -that Frank did not really and truly mean to give it to -him, and his heart stood still in anxious dread.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Will that do?” Merry asked.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>“Will it?” gasped Jimmy. “Will it do! Just ask -me! Oh, say! I’ll keep it just as long as I live!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Frank stooped and pinned it over the heart of -the happiest and proudest boy south of Mason and -Dixon’s line.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XII. <br /> <span class='fss'>THE RUNAWAY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>“Now, sir, what can I do for you?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Standing at a distance, watching with anxious impatience -and taking care to keep out of sight, Roland -Ditson muttered a little exclamation of satisfaction -as he saw Frank Merriwell turn to Jack Cunningham, -speaking these words.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The train was starting to pull out from the station.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I came here to see yo’, suh,” declared Cunningham, -turning his chew of tobacco. “I’ve brought ye somethin’.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What is it?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“This.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He handed over the forged letter. A moment later -Frank was reading:</p> - -<div class='quote'> - -<p class='c001'>“<span class='sc'>Dear Frank</span>: I am in serious trouble, and I wish -you to come to me alone without a moment’s delay. I -know I shall not appeal to you in vain. Tell no one -where you are going, for I do not wish it known that -I would trouble you at such a time, but I must see you—I -must! Don’t lose a minute! Mr. Muldoon will -take you in the carriage direct to the house where I am -stopping, and you will have plenty of time before the -game. Do come, dear Frank. Yours, as ever,</p> - -<div class='c010'>”<span class='sc'>Elsie.</span>"</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>Frank was not looking for a trick, and his hasty -glance over the letter gave him no warning of anything -wrong. Ditson had performed a very clever job in -imitating Elsie Bellwood’s handwriting.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merry was aware that Elsie had returned from Florida -and was stopping in Charlottesville, a fact which -Roland had somehow learned, so the note gave him no -surprise. He had anticipated seeing her while in the -place. Hodge also anticipated that pleasure—or pain. -She had taken care to let the knowledge reach him -that she was in Charlottesville.</p> - -<p class='c001'>For a moment Merry seemed to hesitate. In the -distance Ditson held his breath.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Will the fool refuse?” he inwardly cried. “Why, -no! for he is in love with the girl!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank turned to Cunningham again.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Mr. Muldoon?” he said.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, suh,” declared the ruffian, though he feared -some one might hear and expose him. But Jack Cunningham -was known and feared in Charlottesville. -And King Jimmy was proudly displaying to his admiring -subjects the decoration of honor conferred upon -him by Merriwell the Great, therefore he did not get -at what was going on.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You have a carriage here?” asked Frank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, suh; right over yander.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How far must we go?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, just out beyond the town a short distance.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How many miles?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Something over two, perhaps.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>Frank looked at his watch.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“All right,” he said. “Fellows, I’ll have to leave -you for a short time, but I won’t be gone much over an -hour.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then without further explanation he motioned for -Cunningham to lead the way.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roland Ditson chuckled when he saw Frank follow -the ruffian out round the station to the place where the -team was watched by a colored man.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He’s going into the trap!” muttered Roland. “And -I’ll make a big pot on the ball-game to-day, besides getting -even with Merriwell to some extent. My fifty -dollars to that big whelp Cunningham will be well -spent, for I’ll make more than five hundred if U. V. -beats Yale to-day. And I can get more bets, too, with -plenty of odds, for it seems the general impression that -Yale is bound to win, for all of Paragon’s skill as a -pitcher.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He had taken pains not to explain to his hired tool -his full reason for wishing to get Merriwell out of the -way, well knowing Cunningham would strike him for -more money if he knew he was to win a large sum if -Yale met with defeat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“All right, Sam,” said Cunningham, as he took the -reins. “Here’s a plug of tobacco for you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He threw a piece of tobacco toward the colored man, -who caught it skilfully.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Thank yo’, suh,” grinned the negro. “Dat off hoss -am po’erful nervous, suh, when der cayars come along, -suh.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>“Jump right in, Mr. Merriwell,” invited Cunningham.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank did so, and the ruffian followed suit, swinging -the horses toward the road that led from the station.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Yale men had started for the nearest hotel, followed -by a throng of men and boys, both white and -black. At the head of this throng marched King -Jimmy, with his head erect and the Yale badge secure -upon his breast. After him flocked his new subjects, -while behind them walked the deposed king, Scrubby -Watson, with his hands thrust into his pockets, his hat -pulled over his eyes, and his entire aspect one of hopeless -dejection.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Jimmy stared as Cunningham’s team went past with -Frank Merriwell seated beside the sandy-haired giant, -then off came the little fellow’s hat in a profound salute.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And off came the caps of the followers of King -Jimmy.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank waved his hand, and away went the team -through the outskirts of Charlottesville, soon turning -from the town to the country.</p> - -<p class='c001'>April in Virginia is fair and beautiful. The world -was green and fresh, and in the purple haze of the west -the Blue Ridge rose against the sky. Frank drew in -great breaths of the pure air, his eyes glowing as he -looked about at the attractive scene. The negro huts -were picturesque, and the colored men and women -smoking in the shade, with dancing pickaninnies here -and there, were sights to delight the eye of an artist.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>“Beautiful!” said Frank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hey?” grunted Cunningham.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I say this is a beautiful section.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, I s’pose it is.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I presume it does not look as beautiful to you because -of long familiarity with it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I dunno. I ain’t been here so long, yo’ see.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Haven’t? Are you employed by the Parkers?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The Parkers? No, suh.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then how does it happen that you came to the station -for me?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh,” said Cunningham, “she just asked me, an’ I -come. I’d do anything fo’ her, suh.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That is likely. Any one who knows Miss Bellwood -is usually ready to do anything possible for her. Is -this your own team, Mr. Muldoon?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, suh. Great pair of hosses. Git, there, Demon! -Hi, there, Ginger! Yes! Take ’er out!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Cunningham cracked his whip over the horses, and -put them both into a mad run, while with a leering -grin he looked sideways at Frank to see the college -chap get pale and frightened.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What do yo’ think of this fer goin’?” he demanded.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, it’s fair,” answered Frank, “but you haven’t -the right kind of a carriage for it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hey?” roared Cunningham, in astonishment. -“Ain’t you satisfied with this? Well, I’ll touch ’em up -a little more, suh!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he rose to his feet and—swish, cut! swish, cut!—the -whip whistled through the air and twined about -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>the horses. The animals tried to go out of their harnesses, -and the carriage careened along the road at a -wild rate of speed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But when Cunningham looked to see the effect on -his companion he was astonished to discover that the -“college chap” was still unruffled and serene.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How does this suit yo’, suh?” inquired the ruffian.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“This is very fair, if your horses can do no better.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Almighty gizzards!” gasped the brother of the notorious -Blue Ridge outlaw. “What do you want, -suh?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I wouldn’t whip the horses any more, if I were -you,” said Frank quietly. “They are already doing -their level best. Besides, it is cruel to hit them that -way.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>This seemed to make the man furious, for he -shouted:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I judge, suh, I have a right to hit my own hosses! -I’ll give yo’ the liveliest ride yo’ evah took, by smoke!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he arose and cut both the frightened horses -again. The animals made a mad leap, and—snap!—one -of the reins broke in Cunningham’s hand.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The angry man dropped back with a gasp.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Good Lord!” he said. “The rein is broke, an’ them -critters are going to raise some dust now! Whillikens! -what a scrape!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Now he showed alarm himself, but still the youth -at his side was perfectly calm.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You made a fool of yourself, Mr. Muldoon,” Frank -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>grimly observed. “In your attempt to frighten me you -have done a very bad job.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Them hosses will never stop runnin’ now till -they’ve smashed thunder out of this rig!” the man observed. -“Yo’ had better jump for it, youngster.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then, from another road, an old negro appeared, -seated on a wabble-wheeled cart and driving a decrepit -horse. The colored man turned into the road directly -in front of them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Jump!” yelled Cunningham. “Things are goin’ to -smash in a jiffy! Jump!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He rose to leap out, but Frank’s strong hand grasped -him and flung him back on the seat, while Frank’s clear -voice rang out:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If you want to escape a broken leg or neck keep -still! There is one chance to stop the horses!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then, having risen to his feet, with a long clean leap -he flung himself over the dasher of the carriage and -landed astride of the “near” horse.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XIII. <br /> <span class='fss'>IN THE TRAP.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>The astounded man expected to see the college youth -flung headlong to the ground, but to his still greater -amazement, Frank landed fairly on the back of the -horse, where he clung with perfect ease.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But not a moment was to be lost, for they were close -upon the old negro, who was vainly trying to rein his -horse out of the road. Still, Frank Merriwell did not -seem at all nervous or excited. With a swift, sure -grasp he caught both the reins and then he turned the -madly running horses to one side.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Just in time. One of the carriage hubs clicked -against the car as they whirled past. But a catastrophe -had been averted for the time, at least.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Jack Cunningham stared as the “college chap” clung -to the galloping horses, drawing strong and sure on -the reins, and talking in soothing tones to the badly -frightened animals.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was a revelation to Cunningham, but he had no -hope that the youth would be able to handle and stop -the runaways.</p> - -<p class='c001'>However, although not seeming to be making great -efforts to stop them, Merriwell continued to talk to the -terrified creatures, his voice rhythmical, soothing, and -pleasant.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>For a considerable distance the runaways continued -at their mad pace, but at last they began to slacken little -by little, reassured and checked by that soothing voice.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And so, watched by the amazed man in the carriage, -Frank slowly quieted them down until he was able to -bring them to a halt upon the road, although they were -trembling and nervous.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merry had them by the heads the moment they -stopped, having leaped to the ground.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Jack Cunningham jumped out of the wagon, declaring, -in very picturesque language, that the trick had -been well done.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yo’ must have been raised with hosses, young feller?” -said the wondering ruffian.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not exactly,” said Frank, “but I have had some experience -with them, and I have learned that no sensible -man ever uses a whip on a horse without reason.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Do yo’ mean to call me a fool, youngster?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, I did not state it in exactly that language, but -I think you were foolish to whip the horses in order to -try to frighten me. That is plain.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Cunningham glared at Merry, longing to put his -hands on the cool youth who dared talk to him thus -plainly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s sassy!” he growled.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But it’s true, Mr. Muldoon.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, I don’t ’low everybody to tell me the truth, -so yo’ had better be careful in the future.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“As long as it is my misfortune to be in your society, -I shall not hesitate to tell you the truth, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>Frank was gently stroking the muzzles of the horses -and patting their necks while he talked, and the animals -became calmer and calmer beneath his touch.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, yo’ are a mighty queer chap!” blurted Cunningham, -who was beginning to realize that he did not -understand Merriwell at all.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Splice that rein somehow,” said Frank, “and we’ll -go on, for I have no time to waste.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>When the horses were thoroughly quieted, Cunningham -found a piece of stout twine in his pocket. Merriwell -had a jack-knife that was also a handy kit of tools, -and with these the rein was securely spliced, Frank doing -most of the work.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yo’ are clever at some things,” the ruffian was -forced to confess; “an’ I judge yo’ don’t scare very -easy.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>To this Frank deigned no retort, but asked:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How much farther have we to go?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not more than a mile, suh.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A mile? Why, you said it was not over two miles -at the start, and I’m sure we’ve covered a longer distance -than that already.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, suh, Virginyah miles are pretty long.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I should say so! Well, make it as soon as you can, -for I must get back to town, but don’t use your whip -on the horses again.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank vaulted lightly into the carriage, and Cunningham -followed him. Then they drove along once -more. Reaching a piece of timber, they turned into a -road that seemed little used. After driving some distance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>they came in sight of a ramshackle-looking house -with some outbuildings near.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Is that the place?” asked Frank wonderingly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, suh; that’s the place,” averred Cunningham. -“The girl is waiting for yo’ there.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Elsie in such a place as that! It seemed impossible. -No wonder she had appealed to Frank for help! She -must be in dire distress.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But was this the home of the rich Mrs. Parker with -whom Elsie had been traveling in the South? It could -not be!</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Does Mrs. Parker live here?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, I reckon that’s her name,” answered the man. -Then he gave a sharp whistle, and a colored man -loafed deliberately round a corner of the old house.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Take care of the hosses, Toby,” ordered Cunningham. -“You know what to do, you black rascal. Give -them a good rubbing down, or I’ll tan your hide!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, suh; all right, suh!” said Toby, moving with -greater alacrity when he recognized the man in the carriage.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Cunningham jumped out.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Come on, suh,” he said to Frank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Feeling bewildered, as well as dismayed, Frank -obeyed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Where was Elsie? Why did she not appear at the -door to welcome him? Perhaps she was ill! The -thought was startling. He had not asked “Muldoon” -about that.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>“Come right in,” invited Cunningham, as he led the -way.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank followed. The front door had been closed, -but Cunningham thrust it open and entered. When -that door closed with a bang behind Frank, a sudden -presentiment of danger seized upon him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Up to that time there had been nothing to arouse -his suspicions, and, knowing Elsie was in Charlottesville, -it is not at all strange that he had failed to penetrate -the deception. Had there seemed to be any reason -why any one should wish to do him harm, Merriwell -would have been on his guard before, and it is -certain he must have penetrated Cunningham’s trickery.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Now, having proceeded thus far, Frank quickly resolved -to see the matter through. He would not retreat -until he knew what was “doing,” but he would -be on his guard.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“She’s up-stairs,” said Cunningham.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Up-stairs Frank followed the ruffian, striding along -in advance in a careless manner.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“She’s right in this room,” declared the man, flinging -open a door. “Walk in.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Frank did not walk. In that room he had -caught a glimpse of two men who were playing cards -at a rough table.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Instantly Cunningham turned round and grasped -Merry’s collar.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Walk in!” he repeated commandingly. “Here, -Ben, I’ve got a visitor to see yo’.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>“Remove your hand!” said Frank, in a low, cold -tone. “Remove it instantly!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>And then, when Cunningham failed to obey, Merry -struck the man a blow that sent him up against the partition -with a terrible thud that seemed to shake the -whole house.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XIV. <br /> <span class='fss'>CUNNINGHAM MEETS HIS MASTER.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>But Jack Cunningham had a hard head, and he was -not a man to be knocked out by the first blow. Somehow -he continued to cling to Frank’s collar.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Recovering quickly from the shock of Merry’s blow, -he uttered a snarl and swung back. Frank ducked, and -the huge fist of the giant went over his shoulder.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The two men who had been playing cards came running -out.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hey, Jack, what’s the matter?” they cried. “Want -some help?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, I don’t want any help!” roared Cunningham. -“Just yo’ keep back an’ watch me knock some of the -conceit out of this college chap.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he gave Frank a thrust away and spat on his -hands.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m goin’ to everlastingly knock the corners off yo’, -youngster!” he declared. “Yo’ thumped me, an’ no -man ever does that without gittin’ licked, and licked -good!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank saw that he was in for a hand-to-hand encounter -with the big ruffian.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Knowing now that he had been tricked and brought -to that old house for some evil reason, Merry was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>inwardly seething with anger, though outwardly he -seemed perfectly cool.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Before we engage in this little racket,” he said, -“supposing you tell me what your name is. I’m all in -the dark. Why have you lied to me and brought me -out here?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, just to have fun with yo’,” declared Cunningham, -tearing off his coat and flinging it down. “Yo’ -are a conceited college chap, an’ I’ve taken all this -bother just to have a good chance to thump some of -the conceit out of yo’.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Muldoon, I told you when you used the whip on -your horses that you were a fool, but now I am forced -to add that you are a liar!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Muldoon?” cried one of the other men. “What’s -he callin’ yo’ that fer, Jack?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, because I’m Muldoon, brother to the strong -man,” returned Cunningham. “An’ I’m goin’ to break -this feller plumb in two. Look out, youngster!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The upper hall, like the lower, was wide and roomy, -giving them a very fair chance for the battle.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Cunningham rushed at Merry, but Frank side-stepped, -avoiding him easily, and he gave the fellow a -body-blow that knocked a great puff of wind out of -him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Stand up, hang yo’!” grunted Cunningham. “Don’t -try any of yoah monkey-tricks!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He hit you a thumper, Jack!” cried one of the -watching men.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>Cunningham recovered, but he was surprised when -the beardless youth took the initiative and came at him, -leaping aside and then diving in.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Once more Frank landed, and this time his hard -knuckles cut the cheek of the man who had led him -into the trap.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why don’t you smash him, Jack?” shouted the -watching men.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m goin’ to!” was the fierce retort. “Just you -see!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>But he soon found it was not such an easy task to -“smash” the young Yale athlete, who was a scientific -boxer and knew all the tricks of the professional -fighter. Just when Cunningham thought he had the -youth cornered—biff! biff! biff!—he got it in such -swift succession that he was dazed and the nimble-footed -lad slipped away. It was not long before the -ruffian began to lose his head and try to “rush.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Steady, Jack!” shouted one of the men. “Yo’ can’t -do him that way!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll kill him!” grated Cunningham. “I’ll smash -him!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Smash him!” shouted the men again.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Not a word came from the youth, whose lips were -pressed together, whose jaws were set, and whose eyes -flashed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank was determined to punish this man for the -trick, and he soon had the fellow’s face bruised and -bleeding in a dozen places. But Cunningham was hard -as iron, and he possessed the “wind” and endurance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>of a mountaineer. It was not an easy thing to wear -such a man out.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Once Merriwell found a good opening, went in, his -fists flashed, and the man went down heavily. One -of the ruffian’s companions assisted him to rise, saying:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We’ll all jump on him, Jack! We’ll do him in -short order!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Keep off!” roared the giant, his eyes gleaming -fiercely, while blood began to trickle from his chin. -“No whiskerless kid like that can whip Jack Cunningham!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He swept his would-be assistant back with one arm -and advanced on Merriwell again.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Dern yo’!” he panted, his great breast heaving. -“What right have yo’ to fight like this! You’re nothing -but a boy!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>No reply. The college youth was standing there, his -arms hanging by his sides, his bosom not seeming to -heave to any great extent from the exertion. He was -utterly fearless in his aspect, causing those men to -wonder greatly, for never before had they encountered -a lad just like this one.</p> - -<p class='c001'>If there was anything Frank Merriwell detested it -was fighting; but he had perfected himself in the art -of self-defense for such an occasion as this, and now, -highly indignant at the deception practised upon him, -he was resolved to teach this ruffian a lesson.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Had Merriwell not been a skilful boxer he must have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>fallen before the savage assaults of the ruffian long before -this.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Could he defeat Cunningham, he felt that he would -then be ready to meet the other men, even though they -both came at him at once, for something told him they -were no such savage fighters as the man with whom -he was battling.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank did not wait for Cunningham, but suddenly -his hands went up and he sprang forward. The ruffian -was on guard, but Merry quickly retreated, without offering -to strike a blow.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then the man did the very thing Frank had hoped -to lead him into. He rushed once more.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The youth halted and met that rush. Cunningham -struck a ponderous blow, but the Yale youth’s head -went to the left and the hairy fist shot over his shoulder. -Frank’s left fist landed on the man’s ribs. Had -Cunningham been stripped it would have proved a -much more effective blow, but as it was his ribs seemed -to crack.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh!” grunted the watching men.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Cunningham stood stock-still, an expression of pain -on his face. Frank had gone under his arm and -whirled, and he struck again, hitting his opponent in -the back of the neck, almost at the base.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With outstretched arms, the ruffian staggered forward -and was caught in the arms of one of his friends.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That was an awful one, Jack!” gasped this man. -“Better let us fix him!”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>“Keep off!” cried the giant once more. “Jack Cunningham -can’t have it said he was licked by a kid!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank was waiting when he turned. For a moment -Merry fancied the ruffian thought of drawing -a weapon, but it is possible that Cunningham’s pride -kept him from being forced to use a knife in order to -do up an unarmed lad.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yo’re the devil!” snarled the man; “but I’ll finish -yo’ yet!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Indeed, he recuperated quickly, soon being ready to -resume the fight.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That kid in town said yo’ could fight,” muttered -the man; “but I didn’t believe it. He was right, but I -swear I’ll down yo’ in the end!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Now, however, Merriwell closed in on the man and -gave him not a moment’s rest. He saw that the only -way to put Cunningham out was to never let up until -able to strike the knock-out blow.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The man had learned a very painful lesson, and he -was not as careless as he had been; but the skill of the -athletic young boxer was far too much for him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Again and again Frank reached Cunningham’s face, -which would bear the marks of that encounter for -many days. One of the man’s eyes was swelling fast, -threatening to close entirely.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Again Cunningham’s friends begged to be permitted -to take a hand, plainly not daring to strike in without -permission as long as he remained on his feet.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank gave the ruffian no chance to reply. He was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>pressing Cunningham hard. A blow that reached the -fellow’s solar plexus caused his hands to fall.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Merriwell found the opening he wanted, and -he struck Cunningham a fearful blow on the point of -the jaw.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The ruffian went down—and “out.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>But as he fell one of his mates struck Frank over -the head with a piece of lead pipe that was wrapped -about with several folds of cloth.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Struck down in this cowardly manner from behind, -the champion athlete of Yale fell limply across the body -of the ruffian he had whipped.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XV. <br /> <span class='fss'>BART AND ELSIE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>In the suburbs of Charlottesville, sitting at the window -of a handsome house, was a pretty, blue-eyed, fair-haired -girl, whose sweet face told of the great beauty -of her character.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The window at which the girl sat commanded a -view of the distant highway and the winding walk that -led up from the gate through the shrubbery of a beautiful -garden lawn.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The girl was watching the road and the walk, her -face expressing both eagerness and anxiety. She surveyed -every pedestrian that passed along the street, and -her heart fluttered, sending the pink flush of hope into -her cheeks, when a swiftly driven carriage appeared -coming rapidly along the street. The flush died when -the carriage passed, and a sigh of disappointment escaped -her.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The girl was Elsie Bellwood, looking fairer and -sweeter than ever, if possible.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Will he come?” she murmured.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Of whom was she thinking? Was it Frank Merriwell, -or——</p> - -<p class='c001'>Two persons appeared, coming from another street, -and soon turned in by the gate to the grounds of the -handsome mansion.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>One of them was a sturdy-looking boy with freckled -face, who walked proudly, carrying his head high, -while upon his outthrust chest might be seen what to -him was far more precious than the medal of the Legion -of Honor—a Yale baseball-badge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The other was dark-eyed, dark-haired, finely -formed, handsome, stern. Bart Hodge was coming, -escorted and directed by King Jimmy the First.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The girl was standing on the broad veranda, a bright -smile on her face, when they came up.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There she is, suh,” said King Jimmy, taking off his -torn old hat, pressing his hand to his heart, over which -hung that ensign of royalty, and bowing low with -courtly grace. “This is Miss Bellwood, suh.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart Hodge did not speak. His face was very pale, -but there was a glowing light in his dark eyes. She -held out her hands to him, and they trembled a little.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Bart,” she said, “I am so glad to see you!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>With a bound he went up the steps to the veranda, -he clasped those small hands in a grasp that was almost -crushing, he looked deep into her open blue eyes, -as if he would read her very soul.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Are you glad—are you really glad?” he breathed, -his strong body beginning to shake a little in spite of -his efforts to hold himself in control.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am really and truly glad, Bart,” she honestly answered, -and who could doubt the sincerity of Elsie -Bellwood when she spoke like that!</p> - -<p class='c001'>He longed to clasp her in his arms, to hold her to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>his throbbing heart as he had in that terrible yet joyous -moment on the burning steamer when he poured -into her ears the tale of his long-smothered love. He -longed to hold her thus and press a kiss on those sweet -lips—to smother that beautiful mouth in kisses.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Bart Hodge, who had once been unable to govern -himself and his desires, had learned the value and -art of self-control from his dearest friend, Frank Merriwell, -so that he now was able to hold himself in -check.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But the eyes of King Jimmy were keen, and the -tact of King Jimmy was great, for he deliberately -turned his back upon them and seemed intensely and -wondrously interested in the beauties of the well-cultivated -lawn and the efforts of the gardener who was -laboring on a distant flower-bed. But to himself the -king whispered:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“My stars! but ain’t he just completely smashed on -her! It’s a dead gone case!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Elsie read the truth of Bart’s continued love in his -looks; she realized that it had grown still stronger and -deeper. If she had hoped that he would put it away -from him she now saw that there was no possibility of -his making an effort to do such a thing. And, while it -enchanted her, still there was a strange intensity about -it that made her afraid.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Still, a man who could love like this was a man who -would make a most devoted husband. He would be -ready to shield from all harm the prize he had won. -He would devote the remainder of his life to her without -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>reservation and without selfishness, no matter -what his past record showed him to be.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At least, thoughts like these flitted vaguely through -the mind of the girl who had met him there upon the -veranda of that beautiful Virginian home.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, I’m awfully glad you’ve come!” declared -Elsie, smiling even though it seemed that he would -crush her slender fingers in his fierce, thoughtless -grasp. “But where is—Frank?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He dropped her hands suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Frank?” he said, and there was a strange hoarseness -in his voice. “You are disappointed because he -did not come instead of me!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Crickets!” thought His Royal Highness, still maintaining -his position with his back toward them, although -he would have given the wealth of half his -kingdom to peep at them then. “That feller is jealous! -My! my! but he’s a hot one!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, no!” Elsie quickly declared, putting both her -hands on Bart’s arms and looking again into his eyes; -“not that. I am disappointed because he did not come -with you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Wonder which one she’s worse smashed on,” speculated -the king to himself. “Frank? Why, she must -mean Frank Merriwell! Jeroosalam! If that’s the -case, this feller don’t stand a ghost of a show! Why, -of course she cares most for Frank!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>King Jimmy the First was loyal to the core.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Do you wish to see him so much?” asked Hodge, -still with the wound of jealousy rankling in his heart.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>“Of course I do, Bart. You know what a true -friend he has been to me. You know I never could -have obtained my fortune if it had not been for him. -You know he has saved my life more than once.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, I know,” muttered Hodge. “I know he saved -your life that time when he was rowing with you and -Inza. When the boat was capsized, he saved you, instead -of Inza. Why did he do that unless he loved -you most?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How foolish you are, Bart! It is always Frank’s -way to help first those less able to help themselves. He -did so in that case.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It was his choice between you!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Nonsense! It was nothing of the sort! Inza is an -athletic girl, and he knew she was a splendid swimmer, -therefore she was better able to take care of herself. At -least, he thought so, and that was why he came to my -rescue first. Now, don’t be foolish, Bart—please -don’t!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Their loyal companion, still standing with his back -toward them, was forgotten for the time being. But -his ears were wide open, and his wisdom that had -made him king was brought to bear on this case.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s what she thinks about it,” he mentally commented. -“She’s honest in thinkin’ so, but I guess she’s -wrong. If Frank saved her first, I’ll bet my new pair -of suspenders that she’s the one he’s most stuck on.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>However, even the wisdom of a king may sometimes -be unwise.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>“Perhaps you are right,” admitted Hodge; “but I -don’t believe it. Let’s not talk of that.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s where you’re sensible, young feller,” whispered -James the First to himself. “If you want to -stand the least show, don’t get her to sizing you up -alongside of Frank Merriwell, ’cause you ain’t in it for -a minute. You’re a pretty good feller, but yo’ ain’t in -his class, suh.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But I wrote—I wanted him to come, you know,” -said Elsie, with some hesitation. “I suppose he was so -busy he did not have time, but I’ll see him at the game -this afternoon.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t understand just what happened,” said Bart, -“but a man—a big, red-headed fellow——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Regular darned old pirate!” was King Jimmy’s -unspoken comment.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“——met him at the station when we arrived,” -Hodge went on, “and gave him a letter. Frank read -it, told us he must leave us for a while, jumped into a -double team with the man, and was driven off. He -didn’t tell a soul where he was going or anything about -it. It’s rather queer, I think.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Elsie looked suddenly worried.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m afraid, Bart,” she said, “that something is -wrong.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Wrong? Why? What can be wrong?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, I don’t just know, but my heart seems to tell -me that Frank is in serious trouble.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Jee-whill-i-kins!” gasped King Jimmy, almost staggering -with the shock. “I wonder if that’s so!”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>“What trouble could he get into here?” said Hodge. -“He has no enemy who would wish to do him harm—that -is, none in this place.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes he has!” exclaimed Elsie earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Has?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, who——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“One of his old enemies at college is right here in -this place!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Great horn spoon!” muttered the now thoroughly -excited king. “This is getting mighty interesting.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who is it?” asked Bart, also interested.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Do you remember Roland Ditson?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Do I? I should say I did! Why, he was one of -the most contemptible sneaks I ever saw!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Roland Ditson is in Charlottesville.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But he hasn’t courage enough to do anything. No -one need ever fear him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He might not have courage enough himself, but -there are desperate men in these parts who will do almost -anything for money. We do not see many of -them here in town, but we hear of them. You know -there is an outlaw by the name of Cunningham who -defies officers to capture him and who has carried on a -perfect reign of terror not more than a hundred miles -from here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart laughed, trying to reassure her.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, well, it’s not at all likely Mr. Cunningham has -had anything to do with Roland Ditson or is in this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>vicinity. Don’t get alarmed, Elsie. Frank can take -care of himself.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But Roland Ditson has been so confident that U. V. -would defeat Yale! It has seemed strange. You know -he comes here to this house, and I have been compelled -to meet him and treat him decently. He has -made some talk, and it has been his boast that Virgil -Paragon, the great U. V. pitcher, would ‘make Yale -look sick.’ I understand that he has bet lots of money -against Yale.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, he’ll lose it,” said Bart.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You bet your boots he will,” mentally agreed King -Jimmy.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not if Frank does not pitch.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, I don’t know! We’ve developed two good men -on this trip. You know Merriwell is doing only just -enough pitching to get into perfect form. When a -game looks bad, of course, he goes in and pulls us out. -We’ve found a good man in Morgan.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Morgan?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, I thought——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That he was Frank’s worst enemy and would not -be taken onto the nine? Well, a change has come over -Morgan since that villainous old uncle of his died. I -don’t like the fellow at all, but I have been compelled -to confess to Merriwell that there is a prospect of Morgan -becoming a great pitcher.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The other——”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>“Is Starbright. He can pitch, but he does not forge -ahead quite as fast as Morgan.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What do I care about them chaps?” King Jimmy -whispered. “They ain’t in it with Frank Merriwell. -He’s the only feller that can beat Virgil Paragon, and -if anything’s happened to him, Yale will get walloped -out of her boots to-day.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But I tell you Virginia will win to-day if Frank -does not pitch. I believe Ditson is satisfied of that, and -I fear he has done something to get Frank out of the -way.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I hardly think that, Elsie. Don’t get nervous about -Frank. I’ll look him up when I go back to the hotel. -I must have a little chat with you first.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Won’t you come in?” she invited. “Mrs. Parker -will be glad to see you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>That was no inducement, but Hodge was ready -enough to go in. However, as they were moving away, -a violent cough attracted their attention, and they -turned to perceive King Jimmy, who still stood with -his back squarely toward them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“By Jove! I nearly forgot him!” exclaimed Bart, -diving into a pocket. “Here, young man, is the quarter -I promised you for showing me the way.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Jimmy turned and caught the shining piece of silver -which Bart tossed to him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Thank yo’, suh,” he said, as he bowed low, floppy -hat in hand. “I’ll be at the ball-ground this afternoon -with all the fellers, and you can bet Yale will have some -rooters in this town.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>“That’s the stuff!” smiled Bart. “Give us some encouragement, -James. Good-by.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Farewell,” said the king, with a stately wave of his -hand. “Good day, lady.” And once more he bowed, -with his hand touching the decoration of glory and -honor over his heart.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What a polite little chap!” said Elsie, as she entered -the house with Bart. “And so dignified!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Had they looked back they would have seen that -all the king’s dignity had vanished and that the king -had taken to his heels and was scudding away as fast -as his legs could carry him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And to himself the king was communing thus as he -ran:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Great jumping Jingoes! I’ll bet two hundred thousand -dollars that something has happened to Frank -Merriwell! I’ll bet that was a trick to get him out -of the way! I’m goin’ to find out, and if he’s in any -trouble he can rely on me! I’ll stand by him to the -death!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hurrah for King Jimmy, the loyal!</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XVI. <br /> <span class='fss'>HODGE AND DITSON.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Bart and Elsie were quite alone at last. He had seen -Mrs. Parker and chatted with her a few moments, after -which, making some excuse, she retired from the airy -sitting-room and left them there. The doors were -open, but the house was quiet, and there seemed to be -no one near to overhear what might pass between -them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Bart hesitated. He had come there with the -determination of again assaulting the fortress and making -a desperate attempt to carry it by storm, but now -his heart was filled with forebodings of defeat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Elsie was looking downward, tapping the carpet -lightly with one small foot. He gazed at her with his -heart seeming to pound madly in his throat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Surely she was the sweetest and most beautiful of all -girls! He could not doubt it. He thought of other -girls, and to him the fairest of them were as common -clay beside her.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I love her!” he told himself. “I must win her—I -will!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>How could he begin to say what he wished to express? -With sudden determination, he rose and walked -over to the window near her.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>“This is a beautiful place, Elsie,” he said, looking -out of the window.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Very beautiful,” she answered, rising. “Virginia -is delightful in the spring time.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You like it here?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You have not been lonesome?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ah, but I have,” she confessed. “You know I was -quite a stranger here, and I could not help being lonesome -a little. Besides, I used to long to see you all at New -Haven.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He drew nearer to her.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Whom do you mean by ‘you all’?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, you and Frank, and all the friends I know -there.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But most of all?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You and Frank.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If Frank were to ask you that question, you would -answer, ‘You and Bart.’”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, yes, I suppose I would.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He showed a shadow of disappointment.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I thought you did not intentionally place me first,” -he said; “but I hoped you did.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>She looked up quickly, and that glance made his -heart beat still more swiftly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Bart,” she said, “I would not intentionally place -either one of you before the other.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>His heart seemed to drop back into his bosom with -a thud.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>“I had hoped you did,” he repeated.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He knew he must brace up at once. He looked on -her, and the fire returned to his heart.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Elsie,” he said swiftly, yet gently, taking her -hand, “I love you! You know that, for I have told you -so before now. My love has not changed in the least, -unless it has grown stronger. I know it has taken a -firmer hold on me, for now I feel that I cannot live -without you!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The hot blood had rushed to his face, and he was -trembling again. He drew her toward him, and she -felt his panting breath on her cheek, which had paled -as he grew flushed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t stop me, Elsie—please listen! You must -listen! This love is filling my heart with fire! It is -burning out my soul! Elsie, if you could love me in -return! I would do anything for you, sweetheart! I -would give you my life’s devotion! I would protect -you from every storm and hardship! I would take you -in my arms and bear you tenderly over all the rough -places in the journey of life! I know I am not worthy -of you, dear girl—I know it, but still I cannot give up -the thought that I may win you! It is like giving up -my very life! I will try to make myself worthy! I -will do everything to bring myself nearer your level, -which I know I can never reach!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now, stop, Bart!” she exclaimed, with sudden firmness. -“I will not hear you talk that way about yourself. -Don’t try to make me out such a paragon of perfection, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>for I know I have my faults, just like any -other girl, and I——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He stopped her.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You are not like other girls in any way,” he declared, -with all the intense infatuation of youth. “You -are wholly and entirely different. You are as far above -them as——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t, Bart!” she protested, her face crimson. -“Truly you are mistaken!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>She was laughing and confused, but she looked prettier -than ever before. He tried to draw her into his -arms, but she would not permit it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t care!” he declared, with that same intense -earnestness. “To me you are different, and that is -enough! To me you are everything! Elsie, answer -me one question, answer me honestly: Are you still -in love with Frank?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>She hesitated with bowed head, her laughter stopped -now, the blushes fading from her face.</p> - -<p class='c001'>His heart seemed to stand quite still while he waited -for her to answer, for he felt that his future happiness -depended on the words her lips would speak.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was plain that she was trying to analyze her own -feelings; she was trying to read the secret depths of her -heart. He could see that, and a fearful dread of the -result rose up and grasped him with a grip of iron. He -was not a coward in any sense, yet, aware as he was of -the new understanding between Frank and Inza, he felt -that he dared permit Elsie to speak without knowing -what had taken place.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>For what if Elsie were to confess that she still cared -for Frank as of old? Then he could not tell her. And -he had sought permission from Frank to tell Elsie what -had occurred.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Having made such a profession, would not Elsie be -too proud to ever alter her mind, and might it not -raise up still greater barriers between them?</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Wait!” he panted, as he fancied she was on the -point of speaking. “I want to give you more time, -dear girl. I want you to know just what your answer -means to me. Frank is my friend, and he is the finest -fellow in the world, so I am not——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s your opinion, Mr. Hodge. Beg pardon for -intruding. I am looking for Ned, and, happening to -hear voices here, I strayed in.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The speaker was Roland Ditson, calm, cool, swaggering.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hodge, furious at the intrusion, gave the fellow a -black look, while Elsie drew back a little.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t let me interrupt your enjoyment,” said Ditson, -with a laughing sneer. “I’m going right out; but -before I do, I want to say that the opinion of Mr. -Hodge in regard to Merriwell is not shared by everybody.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart took two steps toward Roland, hoarsely demanding:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Just what I said,” declared Ditson, with cool defiance. -“I do not regard Merriwell as the finest fellow -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>in the world, but far from it. In fact, I think -he is——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hold on!” Bart’s hand was outflung. “Be careful -what you say!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Whew!” whistled Roland. “This is a free country, -and my tongue is my own. You can’t muzzle me -here, Hodge, and I shall express my opinion of Merriwell -if I wish.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t do it! There is a lady present.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, it is true that I couldn’t properly say just -what I think of Merriwell in the presence of a lady.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart was beginning to tremble again, but this time -it was for an emotion entirely different from the one -that had possessed him a short time before. He longed -to walk to Roland and knock him down without another -word.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I shall be glad to go outside with you and hear -you express yourself,” said Bart, in a manner that Roland -could not misunderstand.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Now Ditson had no fancy for getting into a fight -with Hodge, who had a reputation as a chap who had -as soon fight as eat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Excuse me,” he said airily. “I haven’t time, you -know. I’m looking for Ned Parker. I want to tell -him that Virginia is dead sure to win the ball-game -to-day. Yale will not be in the game at all.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Your wisdom does you credit!” returned Bart -scornfully.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s all right,” returned Roland. “You’ll see -pretty soon that I know what I know. Yale can’t -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>win to-day. The die is cast, and Virginia drags her -feathers in the dust.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hodge became convinced that he understood the fellow’s -meaning. He remembered Elsie’s words of a -short time before. Why was Ditson so confident? For -once in his life, Bart resolved to be diplomatic. He -would seek to draw the fellow out.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“With Merriwell in the box, there is a possibility -that Virginia will not score,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“With Merriwell in the box!” laughed Ditson. “Ha! -ha! ha! Why, is that so? Well, wait and see what -Mr. Merriwell does to-day. It is my private opinion -that he will not do any pitching worth mentioning. I -tell you Virginia will bury you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was that in the fellow’s manner that added to -Bart’s conviction that something was wrong. For the -first time Hodge began to be alarmed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What do you mean?” he demanded. “Merriwell is -in first-class trim. He is sure to do good work to-day.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Is he? Ha! ha! ha! Wait and see!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What is up?” hissed Hodge, unable to control himself -longer. “Have you been at your old dirty tricks, -Ditson? If you have—if the least harm has befallen -Frank Merriwell——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t say it,” warned Roland, with a careless gesture -of his cane. “I don’t mind your bluffing talk, -Hodge. I know nothing about anything that has happened -to your pet, Merriwell. I only know that he is -a——”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>“Come outside and say it—come outside!” begged -Bart. “Don’t force me to hit you here!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, you big blower! you wouldn’t dare to strike -me!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Wouldn’t I?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>With that exclamation, Bart went forward. Roland -lifted his cane to strike. Like a panther Hodge leaped, -clutched the cane, tore it from the rascal’s grasp, and -broke it over his knee.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s all!” breathed the dark-eyed lad, as he flung -the broken cane at Roland’s feet. “I won’t hit you, -though you deserve it. But if I find that you have -been at any dirty work, look out for me! I’ll give you -the worst thrashing you ever had!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The threat of a bully,” declared Roland. “I don’t -mind anything you may say. You had better keep -away from me. But I want you to pay me for my -cane.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You do? Well, it’s likely you will take it out in -wanting.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We’ll see about that!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>With these words Roland turned and left the room.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Elsie had not interfered, but now she came forward -swiftly, and suddenly she put her arms about Bart’s -neck, crying:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I know now that he has done something to Frank! -Bart, you must find out about it—you must! If anything -has happened to Frank——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>She stopped, but already she had said enough—too -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>much, Bart thought. There was a feeling of intense -pain in his heart, and he mentally cried:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“She loves him—she loves him still!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>But aloud he said:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Elsie, I will do everything I can. You know that. -He is my friend—my dearest friend, and I’ll do anything -for him.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XVII. <br /> <span class='fss'>JIMMY ON THE TRAIL.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>King Jimmy the First had thrown aside the robes -of royalty for the time. He was on the trail! He was -also in disguise! From his bosom he had removed the -ensign of his exalted station, he had turned up his coat-collar, -and his old hat was pulled far down over his -eyes, while upon his upper lip was a smooch of charcoal -that was intended to represent a mustache. He was -now Old Ferret, the Sleepless Detective.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Already his investigations had revealed that the -name of the man with whom Frank Merriwell had departed -from the railway-station was Cunningham. -Cunningham—ha! why, that was the name of the desperate -Blue Ridge outlaw! S’death! Here was a clue! -It was enough for Old Ferret. The Sleepless Detective -would track the outlaw to his lair. The victim -of the outlaw’s perfidious machinations should be rescued -at all hazards.</p> - -<p class='c001'>So Old Ferret set about his task of tracking the -outlaw down. He found that the man’s associates in -town were a most disreputable set, indeed; but he went -among them boldly and told them that he had been -given an important letter to deliver to Mr. Cunningham. -It was not Jimmy Lee, of Charlottesville, who -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>told this falsehood, mind you; it was Old Ferret, the -Sleepless Detective, and he did it for a good cause.</p> - -<p class='c001'>One man offered to take the letter to Cunningham, -but Old Ferret declined to transfer such an important -message into the care of any other person. He must -deliver it himself as a sacred duty. Then somebody -told the detective that Cunningham hung out at Ben -Shannon’s a great deal. Where was Ben Shannon’s? -The information was obtained, and the Sleepless Detective -took the trail afoot and alone.</p> - -<p class='c001'>On the way the great sleuth made inquiries, and he -learned that a man driving such a team as Cunningham’s -and accompanied by a smooth-faced youth had -passed along that road. Farther on he also learned -that the team had run away on that road, and the -beardless youth had leaped astride one of the horses -and pulled the animals down to a walk.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Ah, but this was information, indeed! It was the -heart of Jimmy Lee, of Charlottesville, that thrilled -with delighted admiration when he heard of this daring -feat of his idol; but it was Old Ferret, the detective, -who muttered, “He cannot escape me, for I’ll not -rest night or day till he is in the toils!” And he was -referring to Cunningham, not Frank Merriwell, when -he muttered those words.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Sometimes the trailer paused to examine with a critical -eye the tracks on the dusty road, and the look of -wisdom on his charcoal-mustached face would have -done you good to see. When he met a wayfarer, he -turned his collar still higher, pulled his hat still lower, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>and so, safe in his disguise, passed on. Perchance the -wayfarer smiled at him; but what of that so long as -he was not recognized as the great detective, Old Ferret!</p> - -<p class='c001'>And so, at last, he came to the strip of timber in -which he had learned was the home of Ben Shannon, -standing at a considerable distance from the public -road. And in due time he arrived at what he knew -without doubt was the private road that led to Shannon’s, -the lair of the outlaw.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Even a great detective must be cautious, and so Old -Ferret slipped into the woods at a distance from the -private road, the course of which he pursued without -venturing into it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At times he stopped and crouched in the shelter of -some shrubbery bushes or behind the bole of a tree, -while he peered through the forest and listened. Being -satisfied with his investigations, he went on till he -saw through the trees the ramshackle resort of the -outlaw.</p> - -<p class='c001'>What was to be done now? Already midday was -long past. The sun was in the western sky. Old Ferret -had not eaten since early morning, but little cared -he for that. His iron frame gave no heed to fatigue or -hunger while he was on the trail.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Should he wait in hiding until night and see what -he could do then? Night! Why, that would be too -late, for then the base design of the outlaw would be -accomplished. Beyond a doubt that design was to keep -Frank Merriwell from the ball-field that afternoon. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>There could be no delay. Onward, Old Ferret, to the -rescue!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The house looked silent and deserted. There were -not even dogs around it, for which the great detective -was thankful enough, for dogs always raise a rumpus -at the wrong time.</p> - -<p class='c001'>However, while Old Ferret was meditating on the -next move, a colored man came out of the house, leaving -the front door open as he did so. He was singing -thickly to himself, and his steps were not quite steady -as he walked toward some distant sheds. Before he -reached the sheds he paused, took a bottle from his -pocket, and drank from it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ha!” hissed the watchful sleuth. “Methinks I -smell something!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>It would not have been the contents of the bottle, -for he was much too far away.</p> - -<p class='c001'>However, as intoxicated colored men are seldom -seen coming from the front door of the homes of white -people in Virginia, it is possible that Old Ferret did -smell something, metaphorically speaking. And that -something gave him great encouragement to move -without delay.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Nevertheless, he waited till the colored man had disappeared -in the shed. Then he worked round till he -was very near that shed. After a time he slipped up -to the door and peered in.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The colored man was fast asleep on some straw in a -corner, his bottle by his side. Standing in the shed -were two horses. They were the very ones Cunningham -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>had driven when, with Frank Merriwell at his -side, he left the railway-station that day.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Old Ferret was well satisfied. Thus far he had not -made one false step. Now he surveyed the house.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Still, as before, there were no signs of life about it. -It was strangely silent and deserted.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The daring detective slipped up close under the shelter -of its walls, and, with one ear pressed against the -moss-grown shingles, he listened as a physician listens -to the beating of a patient’s heart.</p> - -<p class='c001'>No sound from within.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Still thinking how that colored man who was sleeping -in the shed had issued from the front door, which -he had left ajar, Old Ferret was led to advance round -the corner and approach the sagging steps.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He knew he was taking his life in his hand when he -ventured into the retreat of a desperado like Cunningham, -the outlaw, but what recked he of that! Had not -his life been in peril thousands of times as he tracked -down the minions of crime!</p> - -<p class='c001'>And at the very foot of those sagging steps, lying on -the ground, Old Ferret found something to cause his -eyes to glitter. He quickly stooped and picked it up.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was a knot of dark-blue ribbon, the same modest -knot that had been worn by Jimmy Lee when the train -bearing the Yale team drew in at the railway-station -that day.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was now no longer the least doubt but that the -great detective was on the right track. However, the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>most desperate and daring part of his work lay before -him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It must be confessed that his heart was performing -queer capers in his bosom as he mounted those steps -and paused to peep into the hall that the partly open -door revealed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was a forbidding-looking hall, too. No wonder he -felt like drawing back. Unpapered, unpainted, and -dirty it seemed on close examination.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Old Ferret bethought himself of his disguise and -turned not back. If he were seen, he would have recourse -to his ready wit to get himself out of the scrape. -Any detective could do that, and when did the ready -wit of the real detective ever fail him in time of emergency!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Into the hall he slipped, with the velvet tread of the -panther. Never mind if one of his shoes did squeak a -little, it was just the same, “the velvet tread of the -panther.” Great detectives always walked that way -in a place like this.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Still the silence of the place was unbroken. He wondered -greatly at it, and he longed to call to Frank Merriwell. -This inclination to shout, however, he knew -was very unprofessional, and he sternly repressed it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>From room to room he went with the same cautious -tread, peering into first one and then another. Apparently -all were empty save of the battered old furniture. -There seemed to be no woman about the place. Plainly -Ben Shannon was not partial toward women.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The lower part of the house was explored. There -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>was no cellar. Even Old Ferret, for all of his wonderful -nerve, might have hesitated in the teeth of a dark -cellar that abounded with rats.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There being no cellar, it was necessary for him to -proceed to the upper story of the house. The stairs -complained and tried to shout a warning, and it must -be that their vociferousness caused him to pause several -times in the ascent.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But at last the top was reached, and then, as he -halted there to survey his surroundings, he distinctly -heard a sound that made him crouch with every nerve -strained and every separate hair threatening to kick -his hat off.</p> - -<p class='c001'>A strange and awesome sound it was, coming from -whence he could not tell. A shuddering, nerve-trying -sound, like the growl of some fierce wild beast preparing -to leap upon its prey.</p> - -<p class='c001'>What could it be? Was it possible the outlaw was -guarded by tame lions? Even that thought was not -enough to break the iron nerve of Old Ferret, although -it must be confessed that it gave his nerve a mighty -wrench.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he heard it again.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was a snore!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The tenseness went out of the great detective’s body, -his hair permitted his old hat to settle back upon his -head, and he straightened up with a deep sigh of relief.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well,” he said, “this seems to be about the sleepiest -<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>place I ever struck. Everybody is taking a snooze. -That’s first-class! I like it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>But even then, knowing some one was near, it was -some time before he could summon his strength to go -on. He saw an open door, and, still with his professional -panther-tread, he slipped up to it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The room into which Old Ferret peered was the -same one in which Frank Merriwell had caught a -glimpse of two men who were sitting at a table and -playing cards. The table was there, the men were -there; but they were not playing cards. On the table -were empty bottles that had once contained moonshine -whisky, but which were empty now. Glasses -were also there. One man lay sprawled forward on -the table, though still seated on a chair. He was sound -asleep and snoring. Another man had slipped from his -chair and lay beneath the table in a most uncomfortable -position, which he did not seem to mind in the least.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In a corner lay yet a third man, and this was the -mighty outlaw himself, although—ye gods!—what a -face he had! He was recognizable more by his red -hair and beard than anything else. His face was battered -and disfigured by blood, which had run down -upon his clothes, and, taken all together, he was a -most pitiful-looking object.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Old Ferret stared when he saw this fellow. What -did it mean? Something had happened to Cunningham, -and it had happened very much, too!</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I know!” thought the detective, in triumph. “Jiminy -goshfry! Didn’t Frank Merriwell give it to him -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>good! Oh, say! Um-um! Didn’t he just paralyze -Mr. Outlaw! I’d give fourteen thousand dollars just -to have seen that scrap!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then came a horrible and blood-chilling thought. -What had happened to Frank Merriwell?</p> - -<p class='c001'>Old Ferret shivered in his boots, only they were not -exactly boots, and they had holes enough in them to -cause anybody to shiver.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Where was Frank Merriwell? Had these ruffians -killed him? This was the fear that caused even the -freckles of the great detective to turn pale.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If he is dead, I will avenge him!” vowed Old Ferret, -through his clenched teeth.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he resumed his search, though it was with his -heart filled with dread at what he expected to discover.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Almost the first room he peered into contained the -object of his search.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Not dead! Not dying!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bound hands and feet and tied to the floor, spikes -having been driven down to hold the ropes. Bound -and gagged!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Old Ferret hopped into that room and softly closed -the door behind him. He felt like whooping for joy, -but no great detective ever whooped, so he did not -whoop.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But he said, “Ha! I have accomplished me purpose!” -and his unutterable satisfaction was shown on his face.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XVIII. <br /> <span class='fss'>FACING CERTAIN DEFEAT.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Six innings of the game between Yale and Virginia -had been played, and Virginia was three scores in the -lead, the tally standing four to one.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The game had been begun without Merriwell, for all -efforts on the part of Hodge and others of the nine to -find Frank had failed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roland Ditson was triumphant. His heart was filled -with great joy, for it was his disposition to regard this -as a great victory for him. Besides that, was he not -going to make a lot of money through the defeat of -Yale?</p> - -<p class='c001'>The distress of the Yale team without its captain -and leader was apparent, though it made a fierce fight -under command of Bart Hodge, who had been given -charge by the manager.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Hodge was so worried that he could not do his -best, and to him had been due the giving of Virginia -her first score on a passed ball.</p> - -<p class='c001'>That was in the fourth inning, Yale having made -her only score in the first. Then Morgan seemed to -get rattled, and two more scores came in on clean hits.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Without the least hesitation Hodge set Starbright -to “warming up,” intending to put him into the box -and take Morgan out.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>The sight of Starbright preparing to pitch did not -rattle Dade Morgan. Instead of that, it seemed to -cause him to brace up in a most wonderful manner. -He clenched his teeth, pressed his lips together, and -struck out the next man. The man who followed put -up a little fly that Morgan captured, and the side was -retired.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But where was Merriwell? That was the cry that -filled the heart of every man on the Yale bench. With -Merriwell absent they felt that Virginia was bound -to carry off the game. And Virginia had a team that -was in no way comparable with Yale’s. Paragon was -the only great man U. V. had, and he really was a wizard, -else how had he kept the slugging Yale men down -to three hits and one score in six innings? His support -had been far from gilt-edged.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In the sixth Virginia had obtained another score, -and Morgan had pulled himself together again after -filling the bases with one out, and had permitted no -more tallying.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was one knot of youngsters who gathered by -themselves and looked very miserable. Early that day -they had been the followers of King Watson, but with -the accession of King Jimmy they transferred their allegiance -to him, and King Jimmy was faithful to the -great Frank Merriwell. It made no difference that he -was strangely missing, it made no difference that Watson -taunted them and sneered at them, they remained -faithful to him who had won the glory of sitting upon -the shoulder of Frank Merriwell.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>Therefore they were very miserable, and they told -themselves that “things would be different if Frank -Merriwell was here.” And they wondered and speculated -at the absence of both Frank and King Jimmy -from the ball-field.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hodge had been compelled to give up the search -for Frank and go into the game. He was satisfied that -Ditson’s trick was simply to keep Merry out of the way -till U. V. could win, and he firmly believed that the -fellow would take good care that no real harm befell -the captain of the Yale team.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Bart resolved to defeat Ditson’s purpose by -encouraging the men to win, even though Frank was -not there to pitch. But Virgil Paragon, the Virginia -pitcher, proved to be the great stumbling-block. They -could not seem to get safe hits off him when hits were -needed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Ditson, who had obtained odds when he bet on Virginia -earlier in the day, was now offering odds, and -with no takers.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Had Frank Merriwell been there, he would have -found plenty who were ready to cover his money; but -without Frank Merriwell the Yale men seemed to lack -heart and confidence.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Just hear that blower!” growled one of the disgusted -subjects of King Jimmy. “If Frank Merriwell -was here, I’d shut him up! But I reckon it ain’t any -use as long as he ain’t here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then they resigned themselves to fate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In the sixth Morgan had again seemed on the point -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>of going to pieces, and Hodge feared the third time -this should happen; therefore he resolved to put in -Starbright.</p> - -<p class='c001'>So Dick was again set to “warming up,” and Morgan -knew he was to be taken out. If he felt angry -over this, he held his temper. He had learned that -pitchers might be changed any time during the game -on a trip like this, and no pitcher was liable to win -the satisfaction of claiming truthfully that he had carried -off a game without assistance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In the first of the seventh the Yale men were at the -bat, but Paragon toyed with them as before, not permitting -a man to reach second.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Deep was the gloom of the men from the North -when they moved out onto the field beneath that smiling -blue Virginian sky.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The crowd was delighted, as it had a right to be, for -it was an honor to defeat Yale.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Oh, where was Merriwell!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Morgan sat on the bench and saw Starbright go into -the box.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ha! ha!” laughed Ditson. “Our boys will make -short work of that big duffer! Why, he can’t pitch!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Now Starbright had been doing very good work -during the trip, but on this occasion he felt the absence -of Merriwell as much as any one, not even -Hodge being excepted.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Somehow it seemed to Dick that Merriwell had always -given him strength and courage in whatever he -undertook since entering college. A look from Frank’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>eye was enough to brace him up and give him unbounded -confidence.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He could not receive that look now, and even -Hodge’s words of instruction spoken to him just before -he entered the box were not enough to steady his -nerves and put him on his mettle.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Elsie Bellwood, her face pale, was there amid the -spectators. Inwardly she was almost frantic, but what -could she do? Bart had tried to soothe her by telling -her that Merriwell would not be harmed, but her fears -could not be so easily allayed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Starbright was in his position. The batter came up -to strike. Hodge was under the bat, with his mask -adjusted.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Dick sent in the first ball, and the batter lined -it out with a tremendous crack.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The crowd rose as the man who had hit the ball -sped down to first. Gamp, Yale’s center-fielder, was -doing his best to get near the place where the ball must -fall, but it went far over his head and he chased it -into the distance, while the runner circled the bases -and came home, with the crowd roaring.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Dick Starbright was white as chalk. With difficulty -Bart choked back a groan.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’s all over!” he told himself. “Where is Merriwell? -If he would come now?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roland Ditson shouted with laughter and waved his -hat in the air.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I told you he could not pitch!” he cried. “Oh, -Virginia will pound him all over the lot!”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>“And I’ll pound you a few after the game!” muttered -Hodge, with deep fury in his heart.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The next batter advanced to the plate. The ball had -been returned to Starbright, but the big fellow seemed -dismayed. He stood there, looking around.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Pitch the ball!” cried somebody in the crowd.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Starbright did not stir.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Pitch the ball!” again was the cry.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The batsman was waiting.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“One ball!” declared the umpire, when more than -twenty seconds had elapsed without Dick making an -offer to deliver.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then the giant freshman shook himself together, -hearing, however, the guying of the crowd and feeling -it keenly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He began to pitch, and the batter soon got a clean -hit off him, making first.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The next batter followed with a hit. Then an error -filled the bases.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Virginia does it right here!” said Ditson. “A good -hit now means two or three more scores, which will -clinch the game.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>What was that commotion amid the crowd? Men -were standing and gazing down the road. A murmur -arose; it swelled louder and louder.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What is it? Who is it?” the crowd cried.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Two horses were coming at a mad gallop along the -road, their hoofs ringing clear, a cloud of dust rising -behind them.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>The riders were urging their horses to the highest -rate of speed, racing along side by side.</p> - -<p class='c001'>One was a man, a handsome, determined, beardless -youth, who, though the horse he bestrode was without -a saddle, rode like a centaur.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The other was a boy, and he clung like a monkey -to the back of his horse, his eyes gleaming with excitement, -every freckle on his face seeming to sparkle with -excitement. On his upper lip was a strange black -smooch.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Here he comes!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Dick Starbright uttered a little sigh of relief. -But the batter sprang to his place, crying:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Make him deliver the ball, Mr. Umpire, according -to the rules. Don’t let him delay the game!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>A hit now meant the winning of the game.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Dick saw—Dick knew. Down to the ground he -dropped, writhing in apparent pain, seemingly seized -with cramps, while nearer and nearer came the hoofbeats -of the galloping horses.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Call a ball on him, Mr. Umpire!” cried the batter.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You can’t make a sick man pitch,” said the umpire, -with a strange grin. “Mr. Hodge, where is your next -pitcher?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Into the enclosure by the open gate dashed the horses -and their riders.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He is here!” rang out the clear voice of Hodge, as -Frank Merriwell flung himself from the back of one -of those horses and advanced.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XIX. <br /> <span class='fss'>“THE MAN WHO WON THE GAME.”</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>“Yee-ee-ee!” screamed King Jimmy, the Conqueror, -as he waved his tattered hat over his head. “Here he -is, fellers!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then King Jimmy’s loyal subjects danced and capered -and yelled and stood on their heads and turned -cart-wheels.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Oh, it was a great and thrilling moment! Proud? -Why, Jimmy hardly deigned to breathe just plain ordinary -every-day air! It was not good enough for -him!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Yale men were wild with delight, and the crowd -was thrilled with the intensity of it all.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roland Ditson sneered.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He’s arrived too late,” Ditson declared. “The -game is lost already, and he cannot save it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How does the score stand?” Frank asked, as he -met Hodge, who grasped his hand.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Five to one, in their favor,” was the answer, “and -it is the last of the seventh, with not a man out and -the bases full.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Give me the ball!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank walked into the box, and, although their -sympathies were with Virginia, the crowd cheered him. -He wore no ball-suit, but he had simply flung aside his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>coat and prepared to pitch that inning just as he was. -There was no time for him to “warm up.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Every man was ready now. Yale was herself again. -A little while before those men had believed it impossible -to win that game. Now, with Frank in the box, -they regarded it as won already.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank began to pitch. He knew the situation was -desperate, and he did not dally. He used all his skill -at the very outset. He dealt out the double-shoot -in liberal portions, and the first man to face him had -soon fanned the air to the limit and retired. The next -one met the same fate. The third fared no better, and -Virginia obtained no more scores that inning.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Those Yale men gathered about Merry seeking an -explanation, but he declined to make it until after the -game.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No time to talk now,” he said. “We’ve got to win -this game, and that will keep us busy.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But we’ll win it!” they declared.</p> - -<p class='c001'>King Jimmy was surrounded by his subjects. Happy? -Why, it didn’t seem that there was room enough -for his swelling heart in his bosom.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Yale men went to bat, and it happened that -Merriwell was the first to come up. He got a two-bagger -off the second ball Paragon delivered, and that -brought the head of the batting-list, its strongest portion, -against the U. V. pitcher.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Strange how fortune will seem to turn in a game of -ball, the same as in a game of cards. A little while -before none of those men seemed able to hit the ball; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>now they came up one after another and biffed it. -Frank scored; Ready followed him; Castleman came -round in turn—three scores before a man went out. -Then, with Hodge and Browning ahead of him on -the bags, Gamp put a fly into the hands of the left-fielder. -Carson came up and was thrown out at first.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The score was five to four, and it seemed that Yale -had suddenly come to a stand.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Carker got a good drive into right field, and Browning -came puffing home.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The score was tied, and the inning ended with it that -way.</p> - -<p class='c009'>The coming of Merriwell saved the game for Yale, -the final score standing six to five. It was a tight -squeeze, but one score was quite enough.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And I owe everything to Jimmy Lee,” Merry declared, -when the men gathered around him after the -game.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he told how Jimmy, disguised as Old Ferret, -the Sleepless Detective, had come to his rescue. And -Jimmy was dragged forward and made a hero, while -his subjects looked on and yelled like wildcats in their -delight.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But when Frank sent an officer to look for the ruffians, -they had awakened from their drunken slumbers, -taken the alarm, and disappeared.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hodge, however, had better luck in finding Ditson. -He had a very agreeable interview with Ditson—that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>is, it was agreeable to him. It may have been somewhat -painful to Ditson.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As Bart was washing the blood from his knuckles at -the hotel somebody asked him what he had been doing.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Licking the meanest cur in Virginia,” he replied.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When the Yale team departed for the North, a great -crowd gathered at the station and cheered them off. -Elsie was there, and she pressed the hands of both -Frank and Bart, smiling upon them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Just as Frank was about to step onto the train, somebody -cried:</p> - -<p class='c001'><a id='corr161.12'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='“Three'>Three</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_161.12'><ins class='correction' title='“Three'>Three</ins></a></span> cheers for Frank Merriwell, the man who -won the game!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>As they finished giving the cheers, Merry lifted in -his arms a ragged, freckle-faced, blushing boy, crying:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Here, gentlemen, is the man who won the game! -Three cheers for Jimmy Lee!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>And the Yale men cheered handsomely. Then they -gave him a regular Yale yell.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And he thought he was going to die right there from -happiness.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Not until the train had rolled away did he come out -of a trancelike state. Then somebody told him to wake -up, for Frank Merriwell was gone.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But he’s great!” said King Jimmy. “He’s the -greatest feller that ever lived in all the whole world, -and I can lick the man who says he ain’t, I don’t care -if it is Jim Jeffries!”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XX. <br /> <span class='fss'>DEFARGE PLOTTING AGAIN.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Although Bertrand Defarge had failed in his attempt -to injure Merriwell and prevent him from leading the -Yale nine to victory in the South, his malice had in -no wise abated, and the team had scarcely returned to -New Haven before he was again plotting darkly -against the young athlete.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This time he felt confident of success, but he needed -assistance to carry out the scheme, which he finally -evolved for the undoing of Merriwell. He thought -long over the men on whom he believed he could depend, -but the list of Frank’s enemies had been considerably -thinned and there were few to whom he could -look for aid in his dastardly plans or whom he dared -to take into his confidence.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At last he decided upon Roland Packard as a safe -man, strong in his hatred of Merriwell. With his malicious -plot well matured, he sent for Packard, without -divulging anything of his purpose, but hinting mysteriously -about “mutual interests” and “a man we both -hate,” which he was confident would bring Roland to -his room even though he might otherwise have ignored -the invitation; for Packard was not an admirer -of Defarge, and their hatred of Frank was the only -common ground between them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But, as Defarge had hoped, the hint that the man -<span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>they both were desirous of injuring was the reason for -the summons was sufficient.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As usual, Packard was in anything but a pleasant -mood when he entered Defarge’s room, and also, as -usual, he had been drinking heavily.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, you sent for me,” was Packard’s greeting. -“What do you want?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t!” whispered Defarge, slipping across the -room and closing the door securely. “Be careful not -to talk too loud. I would not have him catch on for -the world, and some one might hear us.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who is ‘him’?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You know.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Merriwell?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Of course.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I supposed so. If I remember correctly, you have -not been in love with Frank Merriwell in the past.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hardly,” admitted Defarge, although he took care -to keep his voice lowered. “You know I have hated -him. Sit down, Packard, and we will talk this matter -over.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard finally accepted the chair which Bertrand -urged him to take. It was near a little table, on which -sat a cut-glass decanter that contained a reddish-amber -liquid. Defarge had placed that decanter in a conspicuous -position for the purpose of having it fall beneath -the eyes of his visitor.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roland Packard, a Yale “medic,” had within a short -time made a reputation for himself as a heavy drinker. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>On entering college he had seemed no worse than -scores of other students in this respect, but circumstances -and his own disposition had led him into bad -ways. This Defarge knew very well, and he had -rightly fancied that the sight of that decanter and its -contents would attract Roland.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge drew another chair near the table on which -sat the decanter. There were glasses on it also. The -curtains of the window were closely drawn.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bertrand studied the face of his visitor closely for -a moment, and what he saw there seemed to trouble -him a little, for he shrugged his shoulders with an -unconscious gesture of dismay. He even hesitated -about offering Packard any of the contents of the decanter. -The latter seemed to understand that something -was the matter, and he frowned blackly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What is it?” he demanded. “Spit it right out!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, nothing—nothing at all!” assured Bertrand, -with a quick gesture. “I happened to think—of him!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why are you so confoundedly afraid to speak his -name?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Because I do not wish to be overheard. You do -not know everything that has happened, Packard.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So you are afraid of him? Well, I’m not! I’m not -afraid of a whole regiment of Merriwells!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Sh! That is why I sent for you. You are about -the only one left who has not surrendered to him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s right!” grated Roland. “It used to be different. -Now everybody is bowing down to him and -worshiping him. If a man opens his mouth about -<span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>Merriwell in a public place he has every one who hears -him on his back in a moment. Yale has gone Merriwell -mad, Defarge! Even the instructors and professors -take off their hats to him! Think of that! Why, -he’s a regular little tin god! Isn’t it enough to make -anybody sick! Isn’t it enough to drive a man to -drink!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am afraid it has driven you there too frequently.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You are drinking pretty hard, Packard.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s nobody’s business but my own.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“People will talk about it; besides, it’s beginning to -show on you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>As he made this remark, Bertrand glanced at Packard’s -purplish countenance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And this was a medical student! This man was -one who should know that when he took alcohol into -his stomach he was introducing it by a roundabout -course to his brain!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard growled like a dog.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t get so personal in your remarks!” he retorted. -“I don’t like it, especially from a fellow who -is so afraid of Merriwell.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge flushed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You do not understand,” he declared. “Merriwell -has a strange power over me. I don’t know what it -is, but he can make me do anything he likes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hypnotism,” declared Packard.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No!” cried the French youth. “I do not believe in -hypnotism!”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>“That doesn’t make any difference. Hypnotism is -an actuality, whether you believe in it or not. I have -known for some time that Merriwell possessed some -sort of hypnotic power, else how does he always succeed -in turning his enemies into friends?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He does not always succeed. He has not succeeded -in your case—or in mine.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He’s come near it as far as you are concerned.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No! It’s not true!” panted Bertrand hotly. “Here, -here,” beating on his chest, “I feel the same hatred -for him slumbering! But he can read my secrets! I -have to avoid him! I am afraid of a man who can -read my mind, for sometimes I think of things I would -not have any one but myself know.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Haven’t a doubt of that. We all do. I wouldn’t -like to have all my thoughts published in the Lit.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s it. Besides, he holds me under his thumb.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s bad,” said Packard, with a sneering laugh. -“No man can hold me there.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If he could read your thoughts he might. You do -not know everything that has happened since Merriwell -returned to college.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You mean since the Southern trip of the ball-team?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No; before that—while the men were training for -the team. You know I trained and tried to get on.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I failed.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Merriwell kept you off.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I ruined my chances one day when I tried to spoil -<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>Merriwell for any use this spring. I laid for him out -along the road when the men took their run into the -country. Had not the devil protected him, I’d fixed -him by dropping a stone on his head. He fell down, -and the stone missed his head by about an inch. Had -he not fallen just at that instant—well, Frank Merriwell -would not be running the Yale nine now.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He certainly has Satan’s luck! He’s a man who -would not fall down once in five years, yet he fell just -then.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Exactly. I thought I had fixed him all right, for it -was rather dark, being in the early part of the evening. -I hustled away from that place and got into the road -behind him without being seen, coming up to him with -others. And there he was, all right and well. But the -stone——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ah! the stone,” said Packard. “Did it recognize -you and sing out, ‘Hello, Defarge?’”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It had caused him to stop. He knew somebody had -thrown it. He told them.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But you had been coming along the road far behind -with others. How could it have been you who -threw the stone? My dear fellow, you must have -given yourself away by your actions.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not at all. But I had been at the tail-end of the -party when I dropped off and cut across through a lane -to reach the road by which I knew they would return -to town. Two of the fellows saw me sit down beside -the road as if to fix my shoe. They came up while I -was there with the gang around Merriwell, and one -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>of them spoke up and asked me how the dickens I got -ahead of them.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Bad!” commented Packard. “Dead give away. -Put Merriwell on the scent.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No; Hodge.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The devil!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Just as bad! He went back there that very night -with a lantern and found my handkerchief which I had -dropped on the spot where I stood when I threw the -stone.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard nodded.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A man who throws a stone at an enemy always -makes a fool of himself by dropping a handkerchief -or doing some other foolish thing to give himself away. -I wonder why that is? I don’t understand it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, Hodge demanded my exposure to the fac.,” -said Defarge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Like Hodge.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“To save myself, I faked up a pretty little story -about being compelled by Morgan to do what I did. -I thought Merriwell would come down on Morgan’s -neck, and I had it in for Morgan.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He’s like all the others—beginning to crawl before -Merriwell.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s why I hate him! I thought he would stand -out, but he has thrown up the sponge. He’s even said -sharp things to me. I told him he could not make the -ball-team. I expected Merriwell would drop him from -that, at least. Instead of that, he came upon me one -night here in this room and forced me to acknowledge -<span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>that I had lied about Morgan. More than that, he -made me promise that I would never again lift a hand -to harm him. And,” finished Defarge, in a husky -whisper, “may I drop dead if I’ve ever been able to -do so from that time to this!”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XXI. <br /> <span class='fss'>MERRIWELL’S RESERVE POWER.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>“Fancy,” said Packard.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Nothing of the sort!” declared Defarge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then beyond a doubt you have been hypnotized by -the fellow. It is useless for you to squirm and deny -it, that’s just what has happened. I know he has hypnotic -power, although he does not make a practise of -displaying it. You cannot make a physical move to do -him harm?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But mentally——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I dislike him as much as ever. I fear him more -than ever, and I keep away from him. But it is not -natural for a Defarge to fear anybody, and my heart -grows hot when I think he has brought me to this pitiful -state. I would harm him somehow! If I cannot -do it with my own hand, at least I can use my brain -to do it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And succeed as you have in the past—by getting it -in the neck.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not this time.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why not?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Because I shall bring to bear on him something of -which he has no knowledge, and, so long as I keep out -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>of his way, can have no intimation. But I need assistance.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s why you sent for me?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Exactly.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Do you mean that I am to pull your chestnuts out -of the fire?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not that. You dislike him as much as I.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And there is nothing to hinder you from helping -along any scheme to reach him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“In other words, you will do the brain-work and I -will be your tool?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, no, no! Why do you put it that way? Have -I not in the past always been ready enough to strike -when I could? My time is past. If I make another -open move that fellow will expose me, and out of Yale -I’ll have to go. But I can’t do anything if I would.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roland eyed the decanter.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Do you keep that stuff to look at?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, of course not—but you—I thought you——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t say anything nasty now, Defarge. I’m not -drunk, but I am mighty dry. I can talk better if my -throat is oiled a little.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Help yourself,” invited Bertrand, rising to place -the glasses and decanter nearer his visitor.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard’s hand shook a little as he poured out a -brimming glass of whisky. Defarge shrugged his -shoulders again as he noticed this, and went over to a -sideboard, from which he brought a pitcher of ice-water. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>Defarge poured a very little of the liquor for -himself, mixing it with double the amount of water.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Here’s hoping you’ll have better luck,” said Packard, -lifting his glass.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Amen!” said the French youth, with almost ludicrous -solemnity, and their glasses clinked.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard tossed off the liquor without blinking, taking -a small swallow of water as a “chaser.” It -seemed to make him feel better, for he rubbed his hands -together and brightened somewhat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Anyhow, you know good stuff, Defarge,” he -nodded. “Now I’m ready to hear you unfold your -scheme, but I make no promises in advance.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You will promise not to say anything about it if -you do not go into it with me?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, yes, of course. I didn’t mean promises of that -sort. I know Merriwell, and I know that it does seem -as if Satan himself could not get the best of the fellow. -Therefore, I look askance on any scheme to strike him -till I am satisfied that it is good. His position is so -secure now that there seems little prospect of shaking it -in the least. He is king at Yale.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But kings have been deposed, you know. ‘Uneasy -lies the head that wears a crown,’ and so forth. The -Easter trip of the nine has covered Merriwell all over -with the glory he loves to bask in. The prospects for -Yale on the diamond are better this year than ever before. -But the nine is made up to a large extent of -Merriwell’s friends, and no one can dispute that. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>Hodge, Browning, Ready, Gamp, Carson, and Carker -are all of his flock. Lots of good fellows have been -left out in the cold in order to squeeze those chaps in. -The ones left out are hollering for Yale and the nine -just the same, but, if I know anything of human nature, -they are simply hiding their wounds, which rankle -all the while.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But what has this to do with your scheme?” asked -the medical student impatiently. “Those fellows who -did not make places on the nine can’t say a word, for -Merriwell has made no blunders thus far. You cannot -count on a single one of them standing in with -you. The only men in Yale to-day who are known -to dislike Merriwell belong to Rupert Chickering’s set -of asses. They are worse than nothing and nobody. -They have won the contempt of everybody outside -their own circle.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am not counting on them, or on any man in Yale. -But I know a man who can take the starch out of Merriwell.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I doubt it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll convince you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who is he?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“His name is Hawkins. I met him in Paris last -summer. It happened that my father was able to do -him a favor, as he had gotten into some trouble -through a duel in which he came within an ace of killing -his man. Father had a pull, and enabled him to -get off and leave the country. Naturally, he feels under -obligations. He is here in New Haven.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>Packard snapped his fingers.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What of all that?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Wait a little. This fellow is not over twenty-two -or three years of age, but he is the most wonderful -swordsman I ever saw. You know I can handle a -rapier a little myself. Well, this chap can toy with -me as a cat toys with a mouse. And he can fight with -his fists and feet. You know Merriwell learned in -France to fight with his feet as well as with his fists. -Here is a man who can box as well as Merriwell, and -can kick better. It is marvelous the way he can handle -those feet. He is the only fellow I ever saw in America -who could defeat Merriwell at that trick. He can -do it! I know it! But that is not the limit. As an -athlete my man is a wonder. I have no hesitation in -saying that he can outpoint Merriwell in any feat of -strength.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How do you know about that last? Merriwell, -you know, believes it is a mistake for any athlete to be -continually performing great feats of strength. It is -his argument that any athlete who follows up such a -practise must overstrain and weaken himself some -time, which will do him permanent injury. I don’t like -Merriwell, but I have a belief that the fellow never displays -the full capacity of his athletic powers.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And I,” cried Defarge, “believe he is much overrated -in that respect.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I used to think so; but I have come to change my -mind. I was forced to change my mind, to tell the -truth. I didn’t like to, but I couldn’t help it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>“And now you think he really is a wonder?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I think he is a remarkable athlete. Mind you, I -dislike the fellow just as much as I ever did; but I -have been forced to acknowledge to myself that he is a -wonder.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, hanged if I’ll ever acknowledge that, even -to myself! He is athletic, I know; but he is no wonder. -I won’t believe he is a wonder!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That will not make him any less so, Defarge. He -has a great amount of reserve force. By that I mean -that he seldom calls into play the full amount of his -will-power and strength. When he does so, the result -is something astonishing.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Tell me when he has ever done it and accomplished -anything astonishing.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>"Do you remember the football-game with Harvard? -Of course you do! No Yale or Harvard man will ever -forget that game. Well, you must remember that, on -the very morning of the day of that game, Frank Merriwell -was ill in bed. He had been delirious, and in -his delirium he had fancied he was playing the game -against Harvard. He kept giving signals and calling -on the team to take the ball over the Harvard line, to -block the Harvard rush, to hold Harvard or die. A -fellow who was at his bedside a few minutes told me -all about it. He writhed and strained, and sweat -poured off him in streams.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He was fighting that game there in bed, and the -terrible exertion, according to what the doctors said, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>was enough to kill any man—that is, any ordinary -man. The doctors thought the fever must turn against -him on account of that. But it turned in his favor, and -he grew better so fast that everybody was amazed. If -he had not been an athlete with perfect development, -marvelous strength, and almost perfect natural health, -he must have been left weak and limp for a week or -more after that fever turned—he could not have got -onto the football-field for a month or more.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Go on,” laughed Defarge, with curling lip. “I -rather enjoy hearing you crack up Merriwell.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard frowned and looked displeased.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am not cracking up Merriwell; I am simply telling -you the actual facts. On the morning of the day of -that game Merriwell was in bed, kept there by the -doctors, who fancied it might prove fatal for him to -get up. But he would get up, and he did so. Then -he called the men of the team to his room and talked -to them there. As he talked, so those men say, his -eyes began to shine, a healthy glow came into his face, -he stood erect amid them, and when he grasped their -hands as they were about to leave the room, his grip -was strong and firm, as usual. In fact, it hardly -seemed that anything ailed him at all. That was the -reserve force of the man asserting itself. I have -studied enough to understand the meaning of it. Every -athlete has to a certain extent the same reserve force, -though it may not be fully developed, or may be impaired -by some organic weakness. In Merriwell it is -at its full meridian.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>“By heavens!” cried Defarge, smiting the fist of one -hand into the open palm of the other. “You are becoming -an admirer of Frank Merriwell, Packard!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Nothing of the sort. I have been studying the -fellow, to discover the secret of his marvelous power, -and I believe I have discovered it. That’s all. He is a -man worth studying, and I’m not going to let his personal -friends be the only ones to do so.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bertrand shook his head, as if he did not quite understand -this hard-drinking medical student who made a -study of his enemies as well as his friends.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“To go on,” continued Roland, toying with his -whisky-glass, "and to show in the man the remarkable -extent of this great reserve power of which I speak, -just think of what followed on the day of that game. -Merriwell insisted on having reports of the progress -of the game brought to him constantly, and half a -dozen messengers were kept busy running from the -telegraph-office to his room in Vanderbilt. He sat -there watching the progress of the game, tracing out -every move on a diagram, and he knew just what was -taking place.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“In his mind he saw Harvard slamming Yale all -over the field in the first half, while Yale made desperate -stands at critical times, and so kept the crimson -from scoring. To watch that, for a man in his position, -captain of the Yale team, should have been enough -to put him back into bed. Did it? No! He grew -stronger! He felt that he could go onto the field and -lead his men. He began to walk the floor of his room -<span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>like a caged panther, and with every minute he felt -the reserve force taking fuller possession of him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge was silent now, held thus by the singular -earnestness of the speaker, who had been one of Merriwell’s -most active and bitter enemies.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The second half of the game began,” pursued Packard, -"and Merriwell soon saw that the case had become -even more desperate. Yale was swept down before -Harvard’s rushes. In short order Harvard got a goal -from the field. When the message telling of that was -brought to Merriwell it changed him completely. He -sent the messenger for a cab, and he literally flung himself -into his football-suit. Then he went leaping down -to that cab, flung himself in, and gave the driver ten -dollars to drive like the devil to the field. You know -what happened when he arrived. Yale was making a -last-ditch stand, with Harvard having things her own -way. It looked like a touch-down for Harvard. Then -Merriwell came rushing onto the field, yelling for Yale -to ‘tear ’em up.’</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The whole Yale side saw and recognized him, and -you must remember that ten thousand people rose up -as one man and roared his name. Then he ordered -one of the men out and went in himself, despite the -protests of his friends. And that fellow, who had -been sick and delirious a short time before, was a holy -terror the moment he reached the field. Nothing could -stop him. He set everybody mad with excitement. He -made perfect Trojans of his exhausted men. He dumfounded -Harvard. He caused those ten thousand -<span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>watching spectators on the Yale side to yell like ten -thousand maniacs. And, last of all, he got the ball -himself, went through Harvard’s tacklers, ran the -length of the field, leaped square over the head of a -Harvard man who was in his path, and made a touch-down! -You remember that, Defarge?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bertrand groaned and nodded.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I guess I do!” he muttered. “Oh, if any other -man had done it!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No other man on the Yale team could have done -it,” asserted Packard. “When he had kicked a goal -and knew the game was won for Yale, his great -reserve power gave out and he toppled over. Now, -that is the kind of man you are up against when you -buck Merriwell. If you put a man against him, you -must have a wonder who can overcome the most remarkable -fellow Yale College has ever developed. I, -his bitter enemy, tell you this. Now, do you think -for a single moment that you have such a man?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I know it!” declared Defarge loudly and confidently. -“I can prove it!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Where is he?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Here!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The door had opened to admit a remarkable-appearing -youth.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>CHAPTER XXII.</p> - -<p class='c001'>THE SCAR-FACED ATHLETE.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard started to his feet and turned. He saw a -well-dressed, splendidly formed youth. But it was the -face of the newcomer that instantly attracted the notice -of the medical student.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Such a face! It was wrinkled and scarred and disfigured -with red and purple discolorations. Plainly it -had been burned in the most horrible manner.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The stranger paused, but Defarge immediately said:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Come right in, Hawkins. This is the gentleman I -wished you to meet.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The stranger closed the door and came forward. -There was something suggestive of confidence and -power in his walk, in his every movement. Packard -immediately realized that he was in the presence of a -remarkable man.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Mr. Packard, this is my friend Mr. Hawkins,” said -Defarge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hawkins put out his hand, which the medical student -accepted. The grip of the scar-faced youth was soft -as velvet, yet hard as iron. His hand was the hand -of a trained athlete, with every inch of him in perfect -condition. More and more Packard realized that -the stranger was uncommon.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have just been telling Mr. Packard of you,” said -<span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>Defarge. “That is, I mentioned you to him. Mr. -Packard is a medico.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Indeed?” said the stranger, in a voice that was -pleasant, yet suggested power. “Why is it that medical -students seem prone to indulge in stimulants? Is -it because they acquire the habit by taking liquor to -brace their nerves before going into the dissecting-room?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He had looked at Packard with a pair of intensely -piercing eyes, and Roland shivered a bit before that -deep stare.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I presume you judge by the decanter here,” said -Packard, with a motion toward the table. “Well, your -friend Defarge put that there.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I judge from your appearance,” said the newcomer -frankly. “Your face shows that you drink more than -is good for you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard frowned. He did not fancy being told his -failings thus directly by a stranger.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That is my business,” he said. “I presume I have -a right to drink as much as I like!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No, you have not.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roland was astounded.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Have not?” he gasped.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I said that.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why not?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Because any man who has a taste for liquor, and -drinks as much as he likes, makes himself troublesome -to others in some way, and no man has a right to -trouble others unnecessarily. Besides, you set a bad -<span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>example for other students. Although we may not -know it, every one of us does good, or works harm, by -our example.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard broke into a harsh laugh.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What the devil have you here, Defarge?” he cried. -“Is this a temperance crank?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The effect of this speech on the stranger was not discernible, -for his scarred face remained strangely inexpressive.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am no crank,” he said; “but I simply tell you -the truth. Ever since the world began, the man -who has dared to tell the truth has been called a crank. -Lots of these cranks have suffered and died for their -convictions. Many of them were put to death because -they believed and preached things which the -world soon after accepted as scientific truths.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard gave himself a shake. Surely this was a -remarkable chap. All at once Roland seized the decanter -and poured out a glass of whisky, which he -offered to the scar-faced youth.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Here,” he said, “take this. It will cheer you <a id='corr182.20'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='up'>up.</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_182.20'><ins class='correction' title='up'>up.</ins></a></span> -You must be dead sore on yourself. I’ll drink with -you; Defarge will join us. Let’s be agreeable.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The one invited shook his head.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No,” he said; “I am one of those peculiar persons -who practises what he preaches.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You do not drink?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not even beer?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not a drop of anything that has alcohol in it. I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>am an athlete, and no man who seeks to reach his -highest ability as an athlete should deliberately poison -himself with alcohol.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But a little is good for a man. At least, it is -good just when he is on the point of making some great -exertion.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is not!” positively declared the other. “It is -the very worst thing he can take.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, get out! Anybody knows it gives him a feeling -of strength.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A false feeling, sir. Tests and investigations have -shown that a man can lift greater weights and perform -severer feats of strength when he has not taken a -single drop of liquor than he can when he has taken a -moderate amount to stimulate him. The liquor makes -him believe himself stronger and makes him want to -display his power, but every swallow robs him of vital -energy. Now, in your case, your face plainly shows -that you are swiftly becoming an habitual drinker. -You must stop it soon, or you will go straight to the -devil, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard had been standing with the glass of whisky -in his hand. As the man talked, Roland observed his -hand beginning to shake.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well,” he said, “at least it is good to steady the -nerves.” And he dashed off the fiery stuff at one great -swallow.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s another mistaken belief,” declared Hawkins -quietly. “See! are your nerves any steadier than -mine? You drink; I do not. Are your nerves steadier -<span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>to-day than they were before you began to drink? Can -you not remember the time when your hand never -trembled?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, but——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But now your nerves shake at times, and you drink -whisky to steady them. The whisky has weakened -them already by putting a strain upon them, and that -is why they shake. When you drink more whisky -you steady them with a renewed strain; but that strain -simply results eventually in making them still weaker. -Being a student of medicine, you ought to know that.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard did know it, but it seemed that he had -never thought of it seriously before. He knew plenty -of medical students who were steady drinkers, and -they seemed careless of the final result. They were a -jovial set of fellows now; but Packard suddenly realized -that the future must hold disappointment and failure -for many of them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>For one single instant a grisly phantom of future -ruin rose before Packard himself, but he quickly -brushed it aside, forcing a laugh.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I believe in living while we live,” he declared. -“What’s the use of denying ourselves every good thing -of life in order to live a year or two longer?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Every good thing of life! My dear Mr. Packard, -you are making one of the greatest errors a man can -make. Look at me. I deny myself no good thing of -life. Whisky is not good. Alcohol is not good in -any form. It is only the boy with the inherited taste -for it that ever relishes his first drink. To a perfectly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>healthy fellow that first drink is repulsive. You know -it, Mr. Packard. You say you believe in living and -enjoying life. Man, you do not know what it is to -enjoy life! You cannot know what it is as long as -you do not feel perfect health pulsing all through your -body. No drinker ever feels like that. Under the -influence of the stuff he takes into his stomach, he -may feel good for a short time, but the reaction always -follows, and he suffers for his short enjoyment. It -is not a case of shortening life a year or two, but most -drinkers shorten it from ten to thirty years. And they -die wretched wrecks. What’s the use to talk about -it?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Didn’t you ever drink?” asked Roland wonderingly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ah!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Long ago I was fool enough to do so. I was a -boy then, and I thought it manly. But I learned my -lesson and learned it well. See this face! It marks -me for life and makes me an object of repulsion. If -I had never touched liquor, I doubt if I should have -been thus disfigured now. I entered a burning building, -in an attempt to rescue a man. Another boy was -with me. We flung open the door of a room, and -fire shot out and enveloped me. It seemed as if my -very breath took flame. I fell to the floor, and the -other chap dragged me away.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Wasn’t he burned?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>“It just happened that way. It was fate.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It seemed to be punishment. I hated the other -fellow, and I had tried to do him harm. He was an -athletic chap, and he would not drink. I hated him -because he seemed to think himself too good to drink. -He had been given a medal for saving a life. I got -hold of that medal. Another boy was accused of -stealing it. As I did not like the other fellow, I should -have remained quiet and let things go; but when I was -burned I thought my time had come. I confessed. -Of course, all the odium of the affair fell on me when -I recovered, and I was compelled to leave school. But -I swore then and there that I would never touch a -drink again, and that I would become an athlete capable -of defeating the fellow I had tried to down. From -that day to this I have worked steadily to build myself -up and reach a state of perfection. I believe I have -succeeded, and now I am ready for the test. All I -ask is to meet my old enemy in any kind of a contest.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And this enemy of whom you speak—what is his -name?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Frank Merriwell!” declared the youthful athlete -with the scarred face.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XXIII. <br /> <span class='fss'>A MAGNIFICENT ATHLETE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>“Ah! I suspected it!” exclaimed Packard, sitting -down.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bertrand Defarge smiled with satisfaction, and -pushed along a chair for Hawkins, who accepted it, -permitting Defarge to take his hat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He is here,” said the scar-faced youth. “I learn -that he is something of an athlete, and that he is rated -as a king among you. I shall never be satisfied until I -have defeated him. It has been my controlling desire -since those days at Fardale. I have never permitted -it to lessen. I have looked at my face and said to -myself: ‘Let that aid you to remember.’”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard rubbed his hands with satisfaction. He -was beginning to like this fellow.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And you have worked hard to become strong and -skilful?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have worked hard in every way. I have had -the best instructors a man could have. My muscles -are firm as iron, my nerves are steady as the earth -itself, and I believe there is no man living who can -meet and defeat me in every department. I can shoot -with the best experts, either rifle or pistol. I can -fence with masters of the art and defeat them. I have -thrown some of the greatest amateur wrestlers. As -<span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>an unknown, I have defeated professional pugilists -who were regarded as wonders. I am satisfied that I -have reached the highest point possible for me to attain, -and now all I ask is to meet this man Merriwell.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge had drawn up a chair, and was smiling his -satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard’s interest had increased rapidly. To himself -he now acknowledged that this youth with the -scarred face was decidedly fascinating, to say the least.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Of course, you realize the kind of a man Merriwell -has become?” said Roland. “He has never met his -match since entering Yale, and he has escaped unscathed -from all the traps and snares laid for him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hawkins nodded grimly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That is just the kind of a man I have been training -to defeat,” he said. “All I ask now is the opportunity.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And you and I,” said Defarge, speaking to Packard, -“must furnish the opportunity for him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How can we do it?” asked Roland, growing more -and more interested.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Have you heard that Merriwell is going to give a -big supper to his friends? He calls it an athletic supper. -Do you know anything about that?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ve heard something about it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That is the time to strike him. He should be led -into the trap in the presence of his great gathering of -friends.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But I fail to see how I am to help bring that -about.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>“Your brother is one of Merriwell’s particular -friends.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not exactly a particular friend, as he has never -belonged to Merriwell’s flock; still, I think he is regarded -by Merriwell as a friend.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Exactly. That is what I have been counting on. -Your brother is almost certain to receive an invitation -to this supper.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is very likely that he may.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, you have been mistaken for him hundreds -of times. In fact, your very best friends have trouble -in telling you apart. Now, can’t you fix it some way -that the invitation will not reach the hand of your -brother?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roland whistled.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I begin to see your little game,” he said. “It is -rather daring, to say the least.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But you have worked just as daring games before. -You have impersonated your brother more than once. -Dressed in his clothes, who can say you are—not—Oliver?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge’s voice sank, and he spoke the final words -slowly, staring hard at Roland. Packard noticed this -queer look and caught the strange hesitation in the -French youth’s voice.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, what the dickens is the matter with you?” -he exclaimed harshly. “Why are you staring at me -like that?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I—I was thinking,” faltered Bertrand.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Thinking what?”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>“That you are beginning to look different from your -brother.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Different? How?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, your face—it is flushed. The whisky you -drink——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>But that was not all. Bertrand could discern a -greater difference than that made by the unnatural -flush brought to Packard’s face by the intoxicants he -drank. The fellow’s countenance was somehow losing -its refinement and delicacy, and was taking on a faint -suggestion of grossness and brutality, telling that -drink had lowered Packard’s morals and filled his mind -with evil thoughts.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is a fact that the thoughts of any boy are finally -written on his face in lines that all may read. If he -has kind, elevating, noble thoughts, his face becomes -handsome and attractive in its expression; but, no -matter how handsome he may have grown to be, if -he begins to indulge in evil, brutal thoughts, the result -will be a gradual but certain change of countenance -that will plainly indicate the trend of his mind.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge had detected the growing difference in the -looks of the brothers.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, Oliver is a pale-faced fool!” petulantly exclaimed -Roland. “I’ve told him so.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But your flushed countenance would betray you,” -said Bertrand. “Merriwell may have been deceived -in the past, but he would not be this time. He would -recognize the difference between you and Oliver. That -would ruin the game.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>“I fail to see quite through the game, anyhow. -Even if I were to obtain possession of my brother’s -invitation to this supper, and should attend in his -place, how could I bring about the purpose we wish -to accomplish?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Every guest is permitted to bring a friend to the -supper. I have heard that they are urged to bring a -friend along. That would give you the chance to take -Hawkins to that supper.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s so,” nodded Roland. “By Jove! you have -quite a clear head on you, Defarge.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, I can plan, even if I cannot make a direct -move against Merriwell.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And at the supper Hawkins could challenge Merriwell -to various feats.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s the idea.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It could be brought about very cleverly.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There should be no trouble.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And Merriwell could not refuse to accept the challenge.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Of course not.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Defarge, it is worth considering! I believe it may -be done.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But your looks—your flushed face——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, don’t worry about that. I know a little drug -that will take all the color out of my face and make -me look as pale as my goody-good brother.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And would you use it?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“In a minute!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then I believe you can carry out my plan.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>Packard rubbed his hands together again.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’s worth trying—worth trying!” he muttered. -“Oh, it would be great sport to have Merriwell defeated -in feats of strength before all his friends!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But the best thing to do would be to have him defeated -at boxing first, following that with a fencing-bout. -In this bout Hawkins could——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge leaned over and whispered the rest of the -sentence in Packard’s ear:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Run Merriwell through the body!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Whew!” whistled Packard once more. “Will he -do it?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He hates Merriwell. Why shouldn’t he? Look at -that face!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard seized the decanter and turned whisky into -two glasses.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Here!” he cried, passing one to Defarge. “To -the downfall of Merriwell! Drink it!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Quickly the strange youth caught a glass, into which -he poured some water from the pitcher.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I drink with you!” he exclaimed. “To the downfall -of Frank Merriwell!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But now,” said Packard, “before I go any farther, -before I take this step, I must be convinced that Mr. -Hawkins can stand a show with Merriwell—that there -is a possibility of his defeating Merriwell.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How do you wish to be convinced?” asked Hawkins, -rising.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“With my eyes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You shall be.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>Hawkins turned to Defarge, who nodded. Immediately -the youth with the scarred face began to strip. -He tossed aside his coat and vest and peeled down to -his underclothes in short order.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard gasped with astonishment and admiration, -for the stranger was magnificently developed, and his -muscles were those of the perfect athlete. His legs -were lithe, yet powerful and muscular; his waist was -strong and slender; his chest was full and deep; his -shoulders were broad and handsome; his arms—ah, -what arms they were! They might have belonged to -Samson! And his neck was the neck of the fully developed -athlete.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But above this superbly handsome body rose that -horribly scarred face. Packard shuddered when he -looked at it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Do I strip all right?” asked the stranger quietly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“By Jupiter! you are a physical marvel!” cried the -bewildered medical student. “Apollo could not have -had a more perfect figure!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Was it a smile of satisfaction that contorted the -scarred face of Hawkins?</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The beauty of my body is all I possess,” he said -bitterly. “My face frightens people. Sometimes, in -my own room, I put a mask over my face, tear off my -clothes, and stand before a long mirror to admire my -muscular body. Then I try to fancy myself with a -face suited to this body—such a face as I must have -had but for that fire. Oh, it is terrible to know that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>I must always wear this disfigured face! I have no -real friends! I have but one ambition in life.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And that is——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“To defeat and conquer Frank Merriwell! I shall -do it, too!”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XXIV. <br /> <span class='fss'>PACKARD IS SATISFIED.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Having made this statement, the young athlete of -the scarred face turned to his clothing, as if he would -dress.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am not yet satisfied,” said Packard. “Let me -see you display some of your powers and skill.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Sit down,” invited the one addressed. “Sit on that -chair.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He pointed at a plain wooden chair, and Packard -sat on it, as directed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Immediately the youth of the hideous face stooped, -thrust his arm under the front crosspiece of the chair-frame, -grasped the back piece, and said:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hold fast to the chair and sit quite still.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The medic did as directed. Hawkins took a deep -breath, and then his muscles began to swell and strain -as he rose. And as he straightened up he lifted the -chair from the floor with Packard upon it—up, up, up! -The muscles of that magnificent upper arm and shoulder -stood out hard and rigid! They swelled and grew -taut across the back! Up, up, till Packard was lifted -shoulder-high and held at arm’s length, still sitting on -that chair!</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was a most astounding feat of strength, and Packard -was breathless with admiration.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>But how was the fellow to put him down?</p> - -<p class='c001'>After a moment Hawkins began to stoop, lowering -his body gradually, still balancing Packard on the chair -as he let him down. Slowly, gently, deliberately the -athlete lowered that chair and its human burden, depositing -it lightly upon the floor.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There!” cried Defarge triumphantly; “what do you -think of that?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It was simply astounding!” admitted Roland, jumping -up and drawing a deep breath.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Are you satisfied?” asked Hawkins quietly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“As to your strength, yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You believe I am stronger than Merriwell?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You must be. I know Merriwell seldom exhibits -the full extent of his strength, but I cannot conceive -that he is stronger than that. Can you wrestle?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, in any style you may name. I have taken -lessons from masters of the art.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then you should be able to throw Merriwell. But -the fellow is skilful in many other ways.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“For instance?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He can handle his fists and feet, as I have said.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There are a set of boxing-gloves on the wall. You -may put on one pair and Defarge the other. Then -you may both come at me and try to hit me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What will you do?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I will not permit either of you to hit me once.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, come off!” laughed Packard. “We can get -you between us, and you can’t help being hit.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If either of you are able to hit me one fair blow -<span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>in five minutes’ time, I will admit that I am not yet -prepared to meet Merriwell.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“All right; we’ll show you!” cried Packard. “Move -the furniture out of the way. But, before you begin, -I want you to know that I am something of a boxer. -Once on a time I took lessons from Buster Kelley, New -Haven’s great fighter, for the purpose of getting into -shape for a go with Merriwell.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So much the better,” nodded the undisturbed athlete, -“for it will serve as a more satisfactory test.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>So the furniture was moved back from the center -of the room, and Packard and Defarge threw off -coats and vests, drew on the gloves, and prepared for -the encounter.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When they were ready, the athlete said:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Before we begin I will warn you that I may often -defend myself with my feet, as well as with my hands. -I shall strike neither of you with my clenched fists, but -I may push you with either feet or hands.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s all right,” grinned Roland. “I’ll risk but -I can dodge your feet.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You may find it more difficult than you think. Are -you ready?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ready,” said Packard.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ready,” said Defarge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then come at me, and make it as hot as you like.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>They accepted the invitation, both springing forward. -He was away before them, dancing to one side, -quickly leading them to separate. Then, like a flash, -he flitted between them.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>Both struck at him—and missed!</p> - -<p class='c001'>He laughed in their faces. Packard followed him -up closely and struck again and again. The wonderful -youth of the scarred face parried or dodged every -blow. But Defarge came rushing in, and they seemed -to have the fellow cornered. Then, quick as a flash, -Hawkins placed one foot against Packard’s breast and -gave him a push that flung him with a heavy thud to -the floor. Defarge was tripped up and sent sprawling -over Packard, and the athlete stood back, his arms -folded, a chuckling laugh escaping his lips.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard got up, uttering words of mingled anger -and wonder. Why, it seemed utterly impossible to -corner the fellow! Roland vowed he’d not be caught -again by that foot-trick.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge was up.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now!” cried Packard, “both together!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Again they rushed; again that handsomely built -youth easily avoided them. They were separated, and -once more he flitted between them. Neither touched -him, though both tried to do so.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard set his teeth and followed the fellow up -once more. The athlete put his hands behind his back -and stood quite still, without guarding.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard struck at his head. That head moved to -one side with the quickness of a flash, and Packard -missed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard struck at the man’s body. That body leaped -backward like a panther, and it was untouched.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The medical student gasped. Never in his life had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>he seen a man he fancied could handle himself like -that.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Defarge came charging in, and both struck at -Hawkins together. Hawkins parried the blows of one -with his left hand and the blows of the other with his -right. Then, with his left hand, he gave one of them -a thrust, at the same time pushing the other with his -right foot, and again he skipped between them and was -away.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard stopped and said:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He’s a wizard! Confound him! can’t we corner -him, anyhow?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>But they could not, though for five minutes they did -their level best. When five minutes had elapsed by -the little clock on the mantel, the scar-faced athlete -stopped, saying:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The time is up. Are you satisfied?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“More than satisfied in this line. You are the -quickest man I ever saw. Your foot-work is something -marvelous.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Was that strange contortion of the scarred face a smile -caused by Roland Packard’s words?</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You say you can fence?” Packard went on. “Merriwell -is the champion here since he defeated Defarge.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Defarge was the champion before?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So called.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But Merriwell has a thrust of his own that I am -unable to avoid,” Defarge confessed. “I have practised -it since till I am sure I can make the lead quite as -well as Merriwell himself.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>“Try it on me,” invited the stranger. “Have you a -suit I can get into? I see you have a set of foils, -masks, and protectors.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge had several suits. He brought two of -them out, and ten minutes later the two young men -were prepared for a fencing-bout, while Packard had -retired to a corner, where he sat on a chair and -watched.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“On guard,” said Hawkins.</p> - -<p class='c001'>They were ready.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Salute.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>They did so.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Engage.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Clash! They were at it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Do your best,” urged the strange youth. “Press -me as hard as you like. Give me Frank Merriwell’s -pet thrust when you get—ah!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Defarge had shortened his guard like a flash, -dropped till the fingers of his left hand rested lightly -on the floor, with his body straightened out, thrusting -then with a movement that seemed too swift to avoid.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hawkins parried with a circular movement of his -wrist, moving just one foot to one side as he did so, -and the thrust was avoided.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“By heavens!” cried Defarge, as he came up with -a spring. “He caught me with that every time.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And you came near catching me,” confessed Hawkins. -“To tell the truth, if you had not warned me -in advance of a peculiar movement, I believe I should -have been caught.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>“See if you are as lucky next time.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>They were at it again, and Defarge improved the -very first opportunity to try that thrust again. But -his success was no greater than before, his opponent -seeming to escape with ease.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Hawkins showed that he could play with Defarge, -counting on the French youth almost at will.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With an exclamation of rage, Bertrand flung down -his foil at last.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It makes me too mad to fence!” he snarled. “Here -I’ve spent years at it, and I find myself like a baby in -your hands!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And you gave Merriwell something of a go, if -I have been informed correctly,” said Packard.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I kept him busy,” declared Defarge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m more than satisfied,” asserted the medical student. -“Hawkins is the most wonderful athlete alive, -and I’ll bank on it! He can defeat Merriwell at anything!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I thought you would come to that conclusion,” said -the French youth. “Will you try to help carry out -the plan I proposed?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Sure thing,” nodded Packard. “You may count -on me! At last I believe I shall live to see the day -when Merriwell’s colors will be lowered in the dust! -It will be the happiest day of my life!”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XXV. <br /> <span class='fss'>MORGAN’S WARNING.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Frank Merriwell was busy writing in his room. It -was the night following the incidents just related, and -the hour was late. So intent was he upon his work -that he did not hear the first knock on his door. After -a time the knock was repeated.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merry gathered up the scattered pages of manuscript -before crossing the room and opening the door.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Dade Morgan stood outside.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hello, Morgan!” exclaimed Frank, when he saw -who was there. “Will you come in?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes,” said Morgan, “if you do not object. I wish -to have a little talk with you. Did I disturb you at -your studies?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No; I have completed studying for to-night.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Writing letters?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No. I was writing a——” Frank checked himself. -“I was writing for my own present amusement,” -he declared.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Queer occupation,” commented Morgan, with a -deep look at Merry. “Fellow seldom writes for amusement. -But you are different from most fellows.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Thank you,” said Merry. “I think I may return -the compliment. Take a chair.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>He closed the door, and Morgan accepted the invitation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I believe this is the first time I have ever visited -you in your room, Mr. Merriwell,” said Dade.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I believe so.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Morgan was pale. His training had seemed to rob -him of color, if anything. He glanced at Frank, and -then veiled his eyes with those dark, silky lashes. Only -for a moment, however, for he looked up again with -an expression of open honesty.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Merriwell,” he said, “I know you have good reason -to hate me. My greatest wonder is that you permitted -me to remain in college.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank wondered what Morgan was driving at.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Do you wish to talk about that?” he asked quietly. -“I fancied it might be unpleasant to you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is; but of late I have been seized by a growing -desire to set myself right in your eyes. I doubt if -we can ever become friends, but I do not want you to -continue to think me a dirty dog. Oh, I know you -must have thought that about me in the past!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have,” admitted Merry, with perfect candor. “I -had a right to think so.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Admitted; but not of late—not since——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You refer to Santenel?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes; not since his death. I gave you a promise -then, and I have kept it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I believe you have.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have wondered if you quite believed me when I -told you of the power Santenel held over me. He was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>my guardian, and he brought me up to hate you, -Frank Merriwell. He led me to believe that your -father did him the greatest wrong one man could do -another, and that you were the worthy son of such a -father. Before I ever saw you I was led to hate you -with all my heart, and a Morgan hates intensely when -he hates at all.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I believe you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He trained me, as far as he could, to meet you in -any manner, and it was his fondest hope that I might -accomplish your overthrow by fair means or foul. He -taught me that, in this case, foul means would be quite -as honorable as fair. I came to believe it, for I looked -on you as one who would hesitate at nothing to gain -your ends. It took a long time for me to realize that -I had been falsely instructed. When I had learned -that, I had begun to hate you because I could not get -the best of you. Nothing galls a Morgan worse than -defeat, and you had left the bitter taste of defeat in -my mouth many times.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank was wondering what the fellow could be leading -toward.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The death of my uncle left me utterly in your -power,” Morgan continued, looking at Merry from -beneath those dark lashes, something like a faint, sad -smile coming to his face. “I have the tattered remnants -of his fortune left me, which will be enough to -carry me through college. I was forced to beg for -mercy, and you agreed to withhold your hand for a -time. Since then there has been a truce between us. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>I hope that truce may never be broken. But I know -you have a particular friend who hates me like poison, -and who has tried to hurt me in your eyes. I mean -Hodge. He has told you that I am still at work -against you. I do not think you have accepted his -statements, for I was permitted to remain on the ball-team.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Which was in need of just such a man as you -are,” said Frank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Thank you. It is kind of you to say that. I don’t -know how you induced Hodge to catch my pitching, -but you did that. And now I am anxious to show -that I appreciate what you have done. I think I have -detected a plot against you, and I have come to put -you on the scent.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“More plots?” exclaimed Merry, with an air of -weariness. “Morgan, I had hoped plotting against -me was at an end while I remained at Yale.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I fear you hoped in vain. You are going to give -a supper to your friends to-morrow night?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, I have discovered enough to know that the -plot is going to be put into operation at that time.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What’s the game?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Just what it is I cannot tell. I am not given to -listening at keyholes, Merriwell; but having scented -this thing last night, I did a little listening. I could -not get at the bottom of the whole matter, but what I -heard told me there was something wrong.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>“Who owned the door, Morgan?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Defarge.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank looked surprised.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’s true.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But he—why, he can’t do anything!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He may not try, but the plot was laid in his room. -I watched afterward, and saw two men leave that -room.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who were they?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“One was one of the Packards.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Roland?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I presume so; but I can’t tell them apart.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It must have been Roland; Oliver would not be -up to such work. Roland is an old enemy of mine.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then I suppose it was Roland.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And the other—who was he?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I do not know.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Didn’t you see his face?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes; I got a fair look at it under a street-lamp. It -startled me, for it was the most hideous face I have -ever seen. It looks as if all the flesh had been burned -off it at some time.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then he was not a Yale man?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, I’d like to know what sort of nasty work -Defarge and Packard are planning. Defarge! Why, -the fellow is sitting over a slumbering volcano! I -have told him what would happen. But he cannot -take an active part against me if he wishes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>“I don’t know what he is doing,” said Dade; “but -I’m certain that a plot to injure you was concocted in -that room last night. More than that, I am certain -the blow will be struck at your banquet to-morrow -evening. I came here to warn you, so that you may -be ready.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Thank you, Morgan,” said Frank; “I appreciate -it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Dade rose to go, but seemed to hesitate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>"If I ever am able to do anything more"—he spoke -a trifle huskily—“you may be sure I shall do it. I’m -going to try to even up for the past.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he stopped, turned away, turned back, faltered, -held out his hand.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Will you take it, Merriwell?” he asked, flushing -painfully.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank grasped it instantly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m willing to let the past die with Santenel,” he -earnestly declared.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So am I!” said Dade sincerely. “I shall never try -to resurrect it, you may be sure. Good night, Mr. -Merriwell.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Good night, Morgan.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank opened the door, and Morgan passed out. He -came near running into Hodge, who was coming in. -Bart stood still and looked at Dade, who stepped aside -and passed on, without a word.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was a strange look on the face of Bart Hodge -when he entered Merriwell’s room.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>Frank closed the door, and Bart walked over and -stood with his back to the open fireplace.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merry had one of the handsomest rooms in Vanderbilt, -but the beauty of the place was nothing to Bart -then. He stood with his hands thrust deep into his -pockets, a scowl on his dark face, staring down at the -Persian rug beneath his feet.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merry knew something was the matter with Hodge, -and he divined what that something must be.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’re up late to-night, old man,” said Frank. -“And you look tired. You should be in bed. You -know how we have had the law laid down to us. Yale -must win in all directions this spring. It is our last -with her, and we must wind up and sever our connections -in a blaze of glory. Sit down, Bart; you look -tired.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m not,” Hodge growled.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Something is the matter?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Perhaps so.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You ought to know.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank did know, but he pretended that he did not -understand.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Is it anything about the nine?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Look here, Merriwell,” said Hodge sharply, lifting -his eyes and looking straight at Frank, “has it come -to taking Morgan into the circle? You know what -that man is. I do not deny that he is a rather clever -athlete, or that he can play ball; but you cannot tame -a snake enough to make it anything but a <a id='corr208.30'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='snake'>snake.</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_208.30'><ins class='correction' title='snake'>snake.</ins></a></span>”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>“Even a snake may have its fangs drawn.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But the disposition to coil and strike remains in -the snake. Morgan has the eyes of a snake. Haven’t -you ever seen them glitter? He knows when that -snaky look gets into his eyes, and he hides it with his -drooping eyelashes. He can smile, but a man may -smile and smile, and be a villain still. I told myself -some time ago that I’d never mention Morgan’s name -to you like this again; but, by the eternal skies! when -I find him coming from your room at an hour close -on to midnight, it is too much for me! I have to -open my mouth.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart was almost shaking with the intensity of his -feelings. Without permitting Frank to speak, he -went on:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have tried to conquer my hatred for that fellow -for your sake, Frank; I have even brought myself to -catch his pitching, which I once swore I’d never do. -When I hate a man I hate him for all time. Don’t -speak of Badger! I know I disliked him, but, somehow, -I never hated him in the way I hate Morgan. -My hatred for Morgan is all through me—it is in -every part of me. I can never make myself feel any -other way toward him. I did bring myself to use -Badger decently, though I must confess that I know -I can never really like him. But he is as much different -from Morgan as day is from night. Badger is -something like me. Perhaps that was why I disliked -him so. I haven’t any use for a fellow like me. I’ve -<span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>wondered many times why you should have any use -for such a chap.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hodge!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, I know—I know, Frank! I appreciate it! I -was a rascal when we first met, but I was not a natural-born -snake like Morgan! I had become degraded -through self-indulgence and associating with bad companions. -My mother——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Is one of the sweetest women in the world, God -bless her!” broke in Frank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart was touched, but he went on:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“She tried to bring me up right, Merriwell. It was -not her fault that I came so near going to the dogs. -She loves you, Merry, because you have been my true -friend. I have stuck by you through thick and thin, -and——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Bart, you have been my truest friend!” exclaimed -Frank sincerely, advancing and placing his hands on -the shoulders of the frowning, excited youth. “I have -understood you when others have not, and I knew the -full depths of your friendship.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hodge choked a little, but went on with forced -calmness:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If that is true, are you ready to sacrifice me now, -Merriwell? I solemnly swear to you that I must step -out of the circle of your friends when Morgan steps -in. And I have heard it rumored that the fellow will -be taken into your flock directly.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You believed the rumor?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, I did not until—until just now. What am I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>to think when I find him coming from your room at -this hour, Merriwell? What can I think?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So that was all the trouble. Bart, Morgan told -me here to my face that he doubted if we could ever -become friends. He has no desire to be taken into -the flock.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Trickery! Deception! He is full of it! He knows -that is the best way to get in! If he showed eagerness -to be admitted, he knows you might turn him down.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I do not think so. At any rate, Bart, I have no -thought of taking him into the circle.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Frank!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That is true, Bart.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And he will not be invited to your supper?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I feared he might be there. I could not sit at the -same board with him. But didn’t he come here to say -something about that?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He claimed that he came to warn me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Of what?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A fresh plot against me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Morgan warning you of a plot! The heavens will -fall next!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He thinks he has scented a plot to do something -at the dinner, but he does not know what that something -is.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Little good the warning will do you!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But I believe I’ll be able to find out all about it, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>and I’m glad you have dropped in just now. I want -you to go with me to the room of Defarge.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Another snake!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I believe you have made no mistake as far as Defarge -is concerned.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Is he in the plot?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“According to Morgan, the plot was concocted in -the room of Defarge, who knows all about it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But I thought you had that fellow in such shape -that he could not make a move against you?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He can make no direct move himself, but he may -take part in a plot against me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who else is in it?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Packard.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Roland?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Of course. Oliver is all right.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who else?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A man with a scarred face. Morgan did not know -him, but he said he obtained a fair look at his face, -and it was horribly disfigured.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have seen that man!” exclaimed Hodge. “He -has visited Defarge more than once. But what can -any one of those three do? Not one of them will be -present at the supper.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That question is one I wish to answer to my own -satisfaction. You remember that I caused Defarge to -give me a key to his door. It is here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank displayed the key, and Bart nodded.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Defarge does not know he gave me this key,” said -Merry. “It will admit us to his room to-night. If -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>he is asleep, I shall place him under the spell and question -him without waking him at all. He will never -know we have been there, and we’ll learn the full extent -of the plot. Then we’ll be prepared to meet it, -and somebody will receive a surprise.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The face of Bart Hodge was flushed with excitement.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Merriwell,” he cried, “you are a wonder! If you -can make one of the plotters tell you all about the -plot, without knowing he has told it, it will be something -marvelous! I do not believe such a thing can -be done.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank smiled.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Are you ready to accompany me to the room of -Defarge?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Sure thing!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then I will convince you. Come on.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>They went out, and Merry closed and locked the -door of his room.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XXVI. <br /> <span class='fss'>FRANK TURNS THE TABLES.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Frank Merriwell’s “athletic spread” at the New -Haven House was a great success. Probably never -before had there been given such a supper in the “College -City,” for meat or fish in any form was not served. -The hearty food consisted of eggs and nuts prepared in -the most tempting manner, so that it was sometimes -impossible to tell what a dish consisted of before -tasting it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Fruits of all sorts abounded, there being great heaps -of bananas, grapes, oranges, and things tempting to -the eye as well as the palate. There were no pies, -cakes, nor pastry of any sort on the table. Fresh -strawberries in abundance were supplied. Whole -wheat bread, corn bread, and rye bread might be had -to any amount. The liquid refreshments consisted of -pure water, milk, or “coffee” made from browned -barley. In fact, it was a “vegetarian” banquet, but -never had any one present relished a feast more than -they did that one.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So help me,” said Jack Ready blandly, “I never -supposed vegetarian cranks had so many good, hearty -things to live on. I always imagined them as blue-nosed, -pinched, and nearly starved to death. A man -couldn’t starve on this variety of stuff if he tried. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>Anyhow, if he could, I’d be willing to starve on it a -while.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Mum-mum-me, too, b’gosh,” agreed Joe Gamp. -“I ain’t never had such a sus-sus-slappin’ good time -eatin’ sence I came down here to cuc-cuc-college.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Out on a ranch,” said Berlin Carson, “we can’t get -all these things to eat, and we have to live on beef.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I believe,” put in Greg Carker solemnly, “that -along with the coming social revolution will come a -revolution in eating.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, don’t you hear the earthquakes?” shouted a -dozen fellows, in chorus, and Carker’s jaws came together -with a snap.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s too bad!” said Jim Hooker sympathetically. -“A fellow ought to have a right to air his views occasionally.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But not to air his earthquake at a social function -like this,” said Ready. “I have no use for earthquakes -at a dinner. Give me grub, instead!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Good Lord!” muttered Browning to his nearest -neighbor on the right, who happened to be Hock Mason. -“If I eat any more, I shall explode, and still this -stuff don’t seem to give me that stuffed feeling I get -when I fill up on roast beef, or meat of any kind.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s right, sah,” nodded the youth from South -Carolina. “This supper has been a revelation to me, -for I never knew before how many good things there -were outside meat diet.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If a fellow could lose flesh on such feed, it might be -a good thing for me,” put in Ralph Bingham.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>“Where are the smokes to follow it?” inquired -Bert Dashleigh, looking round. “A banquet is never -complete without cigars and cigarettes to follow, while -the speeches are being made.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Gentlemen,” said Frank, “I think we will dispense -with tobacco to-night, just as we have dispensed with -its twin poison, alcohol. If we do so, I think none of -us will feel the worse, and to-morrow we’ll all feel -better.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But I need a smoke to help me digest my food,” -murmured Dashleigh.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That is where you make a great error,” declared -Frank smilingly. “Smoking does not help you digest -your food. The soothing influence of the narcotic on -your nerves gives you the impression that it has helped -you, but it is a false impression, and it has done harm -instead of good. You all know I am not a crank, for -I do not go round prating about my beliefs to everybody -I meet and annoying them. I know better, for I -realize that such a course will work more harm than -good. Still, when the right opportunity comes, I am -never afraid to speak out and defend my convictions.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Do you believe a strict vegetarian diet is more beneficial -than a meat diet?” asked Mat Mullen.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I believe we are prone to eat too much meat in these -days,” Frank unhesitatingly replied. “Vegetarians -put up a strong argument, and they often show that -abstainers from meat have greater endurance than -meat-eaters. Still, I am not prepared to say that man -should abstain entirely from meat-eating. He has -<span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>eaten meat since the days when primeval man hunted -the reindeer with his stone spear and flint-headed arrows. -Such being the case, even though nature may -not have intended that he should eat meat, man has -become so accustomed to a meat diet that an abrupt -change to vegetarianism might not prove entirely -beneficial.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Those are words of wisdom,” said the youth with -a hideously scarred face, who, with Roland Packard at -his side, sat at a distance from Frank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This was the first time the stranger had seemed to -address Merry directly. Bart Hodge looked at Frank, -and he saw a singular smile play about the corners of -Merry’s mouth.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Friends,” said Merry, rising, “my original plan -was to follow this feast with music and song, but certain -things caused me to change my plans. We have -with us to-night a wonderful athlete, who has come -here for the sole purpose of pitting himself against -me and bringing about my downfall.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roland Packard gave a gasp of astonishment, while -the scar-faced stranger straightened up rigidly, his -eyes fastened on the cool, handsome youth who was -speaking.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The plan was,” Merry went on, “to take me by -surprise, to challenge me across this table, to force me -into tests of strength and skill, and to show before -this assembled party of my select friends that I am in -many ways an impostor—that I am not the athlete I -pretend to be. Now, gentlemen, I have never made -<span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>any false pretensions. I do not go about displaying -my ability for the sake of winning applause. I never -lift heavy weights in the presence of great crowds. In -fact, as far as possible, I shun all dime-museum tricks. -But I have been examined to-day by an expert, who -has pronounced me in perfect form, and, therefore, I -shall meet this wonderful athlete in the presence of you -all, if he wishes to force the test. I have made full -preparations for such a meeting, and I, like the athlete -to whom I refer, have not eaten heartily at this meal. -Gentlemen, I think you will not need to leave your -seats to witness this little affair.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merry touched a bell, and at the signal a pair of -folding doors at one side of the room rolled back, -showing another room, which had been cleared of -furniture. On the floor of that room a huge mat was -spread. Against the farther wall hung a pair of foils, -masks, and a set of boxing-gloves.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was a buzz of excitement around the table. -Truly, this was a sensation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Who the dickens is the great athlete?” gasped Dick -Starbright, staring round.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Is it a joke?” questioned Bert Dashleigh.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Bet he has a lot of chorus-girls trip into that room -and dance for us!” grunted Browning.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Behold!” said Jack Ready. “No man knoweth the -things Frank Merriwell may do! And I’ll guarantee -he’ll do any old athlete that bucks up against him. -He’s the real stuff. Trot out your blooming athlete!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank now stepped from the table.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>“In a room just off the one adjoining,” he said, “are -suits for wrestling, fencing, or boxing. It will not -take us long to dress to carry out the remainder of -this program. Mr. Hawkins, are you ready, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>His eyes were fastened on the scar-faced youth.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roland Packard, who was strangely pale, whispered -in Hawkins’ ear:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Remember that you are to injure him some way, -so that he will be unable to pitch any more. He has -taken you by surprise, so that you cannot run him -through the shoulder with your own trick rapier, but -you ought to be able to twist that arm or shoulder -somehow in wrestling. Don’t underrate him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You, Roland Packard,” said Frank, “may act as -the second of your friend.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Roland Packard?” exclaimed several, in surprise. -“Why I thought he was Oliver!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Brian Hawkins rose to his feet, his scarred face -contorted by a strange smile, while his bright eyes -glittered.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“To a certain extent, Mr. Merriwell,” he said, “you -have turned the tables on me; but the final result will -be unaltered. How you tumbled to the game is something -I cannot understand. As you have tumbled to -it, I confess that I am here to defeat you. I did -mean to challenge you across this table, but you got -ahead of me. Do you remember me?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am Brian Hawkins, and I was at Fardale with -you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>“Hawkins—good Lord!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bart Hodge was on his feet, staring at the youth -with the scarred face.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, Hawkins,” nodded the strange athlete. “You -remember me, Hodge. We had some trouble at Fardale, -and I believe you came out the victor; but to-night -I will show you that you are no longer in my -class by defeating your friend and superior. I have -worked steadily to put myself in condition to accomplish -this design, and the time has come.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, say!” cried Jack Ready, “just wait till the little -affair is over! I’ll bet my enormous fortune that you -sneak away, with your tail between your legs, like a -whipped dog! Yea, verily! So mote it be, for it’s -bound to ’mote’ so.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>CHAPTER XXVII.</p> - -<p class='c001'>THE FENCING-BOUT.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was a buzzing hum of excitement round that -table when Merriwell and the strange athlete with the -scarred face had disappeared into the dressing-room.</p> - -<p class='c001'>All had seemed to feel that something unusual was -to take place at this feast, but not one of them seemed -to have suspected anything like this.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merriwell had a way of doing remarkable things, -but the termination of this “athletic dinner” was an -event to be long talked of at Yale.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And the fact that Roland Packard had been permitted -to sit at that table was also very surprising, for -Merriwell had permitted it, knowing all the time the -fellow was Roland, while others had supposed him -Oliver, with the exceptions of the youth with the -scarred face and Bart Hodge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But a short time elapsed before Frank and the -stranger both appeared, attired in light suits fit for -almost any athletic task.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hodge and Packard were the seconds, and, for the -time, Bart put aside his intense hatred for the medical -student who hated Frank—that is, he put it aside -enough to confer with Packard and come to an understanding -about what was to take place.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It had been the intention of the plotters to make -<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>the fencing-bout the last thing to take place between -Merriwell and the stranger, and preparations had been -made for the use of a special foil, from which the -button could be snatched when the time came for Hawkins -to puncture Frank through the right shoulder; -but this discovery of the plot by Merry upset all these -plans, and Packard was compelled to agree to Bart’s -demand that the fencing-bout should be first and the -boxing-contest last, with a wrestling-match between.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The students gathered about the table moved their -seats so that all could look into the adjoining room -with ease.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As the principals and their respective seconds drew -aside for a moment before the fencing-bout, Packard -said to Hawkins in a low tone:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’s infernally strange that Merriwell should have -found out about our trap!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s right,” nodded Hawkins, looking searchingly -at Roland. “But three persons knew of it. Two -of us are here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Good gracious! You can’t suspect that I told anything -about it, man?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Somebody must have told.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But I hate this fellow Merriwell. Don’t think I’d -let him get onto anything like that!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You drink too much whisky at times, Mr. Packard.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But I have not since this plot was formed—I have -not been under the influence of drink for a moment! -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>I swear to you that no hint of this has escaped my -lips!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then there was but one other way for it to reach -Merriwell. Defarge has said that Merriwell had the -power to force him to anything. He must have -blabbed!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s right!” grated Packard. “It has put us in -a mighty awkward place, for it gave Merriwell the -chance to turn the tables on us.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes; but I shall defeat him at everything, just the -same, so we will be triumphant in the end.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I pray you do!” muttered Roland. “I shall be -guyed to death if you don’t.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t worry. I’ll soon show you that I can count -on him at will in fencing; I will throw him twice out -of three times when we wrestle, and I’ll wind up by -putting him out in the boxing-match.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Do it!” panted Packard, “and this will be the happiest -day I’ve seen in a year!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Are you ready?” called the voice of Hodge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We are,” answered Packard.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The foils were offered for Hawkins to make his -selection, which he quickly did. Then the masks were -adjusted, and the two young athletes stood face to face, -with Merriwell’s breathless friends looking on.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Gentlemen, salute!” sounded the clear voice of -Hodge, to whom had fallen the privilege of giving the -signal.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The contestants responded with a sweep of their -foils.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>“On guard!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The proper positions were assumed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Engage!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Click! The foils touched and slid along each other -lightly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then followed such a display of light-footedness, -agility, and skill as those present had never before -witnessed. In a very few seconds it became evident -to all that the stranger with the scarred face was wonderfully -clever, but, with all his cleverness, he failed in -his first four attempts to count on Merriwell. A backward -leap, a quick side-step, or a simple turn of the -wrist sufficed to enable Frank to escape in each instance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But in the meantime Merry had made two attempts, -and each had been balked with equal ease.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ye gods!” breathed Jack Ready. “Here is where -we get the real article, and no discount!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then, of a sudden, to the astonishment of every -spectator, the stranger tried Frank Merriwell’s own -particular and peculiar thrust. With shortened guard, -he dropped like a flash, his body straightening out and -the fingers of his left hand resting on the floor, while -his foil flashed straight out in a long thrust.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It counted!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The first point had been made by Hawkins.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was with difficulty that Bart Hodge choked back -an expression of rage and dismay.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard smiled. So did Frank Merriwell! The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>scarred face of the strange youth remained hideously -expressionless.</p> - -<p class='c001'>They were at it again instantly, but both seemed -more on the alert, more skilful, more determined.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Franks turned two lightning thrusts, and with the -second one he countered so swiftly that the eye could -hardly follow his movement.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And he counted fairly!</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Honors are even,” said the stranger. “Now look -out for yourself.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He became a perfect whirlwind. Round and round -Frank he worked, striving to find an opening, but obtaining -none, for all of his great skill. The work of -Merriwell was quite as amazing as that of Hawkins.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then came the moment when Hawkins dropped to -the floor again and made that thrust.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merriwell had seemed waiting for that very moment. -With a long leap to the left he was out of the -way. The moment his feet touched the floor he flung -himself forward. Hawkins was recovering with an -upward and backward spring as Merriwell dropped, -using the same thrust, and counted beautifully.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank’s friends could not keep still, and there was a -volley of hand-clapping.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Try Merry’s tricks, will you?” muttered Hodge, -his eyes glittering. “Well, he’ll show you how he -meets his own style of fighting. How do you like it?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>These words were not intended for the ears of -Hawkins, but Packard heard them and cursed inwardly.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>Merriwell now had the advantage, and that seemed -to anger the stranger somewhat. The youth with the -scarred face became fiercer than ever in his assaults, -and Frank’s skill in escaping every form of attack did -not serve to soothe his wounded vanity.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Was it possible that Merriwell was his equal with -the foils? The thought that this might be true enraged -Hawkins, who exposed himself somewhat in his -next reckless attempt to push Frank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merriwell had been waiting for the time when his -antagonist should become impatient and anxious. In -fact, in certain ways he had been seeking to provoke -Hawkins somewhat. Now he took advantage of the -fellow’s carelessness, and, almost before the youth -with the scarred face realized it, Frank had counted -on him three times in succession.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roland Packard was pale and angry. He had reckoned -on a great triumph, but everything was going -against his man.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hodge was beginning to look intensely satisfied, and -Jack Ready chirped up cheerfully:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m afraid Mr. Hawkins has bitten off more than -he can masticate. Merriwell is simply making a holy -show of the gentleman.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hawkins heard, and his heart seethed with bitter disappointment. -Was it for this he had worked all these -years? He had fancied himself perfected in the arts -required to defeat Merriwell, but he found himself -vulnerable where he had believed he was the strongest. -For a moment he was seized with a fear that Merriwell -<span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>might defeat him, and in that moment his downfall -came. It seemed that Frank read his thoughts, -for he seized the occasion to make such an attack on -Hawkins that the youth with the scarred face was -placed entirely on the defensive.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In vain Hawkins tried to hold his own. Merriwell -had several original and peculiar tricks, all of which -were new to Hawkins and proved effective. Had they -been tried by an ordinary fencer, they might have -failed, but Merriwell made them count.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The time of the bout passed swiftly, but Hawkins -was kept on the defensive from the turning-point to -the end. When the end came, Merriwell had scored -three times the number of points of Hawkins, and was -easily the victor.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hawkins threw down his foil.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“This is merely the beginning,” he said, though -there was a trace of bitter disappointment in his voice -and manner. “I shall defeat you, Merriwell, in the -next two matches. I have no doubt of it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“La, la!” said Jack Ready. “How nice a fellow -must feel when he owns such a large stock of conceit! -But let’s possess our souls in patience, and see -how he will feel when the little circus is over.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XXVIII. <br /> <span class='fss'>HAWKINS CRIES “ENOUGH.”</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>If possible, Roland Packard was more disappointed -in the result of the fencing-bout than was Brian Hawkins. -At least, the youth of the scarred face was able -to better repress and hide his feelings. Packard’s face -was white and drawn, lines of anger and disappointment -marking it plainly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’s always the way!” he thought. “Now I know -Satan helps that fellow Merriwell!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hodge came forward, speaking to Packard.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Mr. Merriwell will permit you to name the style -of <a id='corr228.12'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='wrestling.'>wrestling,</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_228.12'><ins class='correction' title='wrestling.'>wrestling,</ins></a></span>” he said.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Allow us a few moments,” bowed Packard, attempting -to be coolly polite.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Certainly,” said Hodge, with something like a -grim smile playing about his mouth.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard stepped over to Hawkins, who was standing -with folded arms at one side of the mat. After a -brief conference between them, Packard came back to -Bart, observing:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Mr. Hawkins says he prefers to wrestle catch-as-catch-can, -the winner to be the one who throws his -antagonist twice out of three times. Is that satisfactory?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Anything is satisfactory to Mr. Merriwell,” declared -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>Bart, who well knew that Frank was particularly -skilful at that style of wrestling, being successful -in getting an advantageous hold on his opponent, -or having a way of turning what seemed weak holds -to his advantage.</p> - -<p class='c001'>If Frank was pleased, he made no display of it, and -two minutes later the antagonists were crouching, facing -each other at opposite sides of the mat. Then -they began to work swiftly round, each one moving to -the right, after the style of boxers, both watching for -an opening.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The spectators scarcely breathed. It was a picture -worthy of the brush of an artist. Those youthful athletes -were like crouching panthers, their eyes shining, -their muscles taut, their nerves on edge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merriwell’s jaw seemed square and firmer than -usual; his mouth was firmly closed and his lips pressed -together; his nostrils were distended, and his look before -the struggle began was that of the determined -conqueror.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The look on the scarred face of Merriwell’s antagonist -cannot be described. It was savage and terrible -enough to daunt a timid person.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Of a sudden, with one great spring at each other, -they closed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Fair hold and no advantage!” cried Jack Ready, -as he saw they had closed evenly, chest to chest, each -man having his chin over his opponent’s right shoulder, -while there was no advantage of either one having -a low hold with both arms.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>Such a hold as this is seldom obtained in the catch-as-catch-can -style of wrestling, and it seemed to indicate -that both men were alert and skilful, neither -having permitted the other the slightest advantage.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then came the furious and skilful struggle which -set the heart of every witness to thumping madly. -The play of their magnificent muscles could be seen -beneath their athletic suits. So swift were some of -the movements of the men that the spectators did not -catch the significance of every attempt made. From -one end of the mat to the other they went, straining, -twisting, writhing. And then——</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There goes Merriwell!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hawkins had succeeded at last in back-heeling -Frank, who went down. The athlete of the scarred -face flung his full weight onto Merry, thinking to -crush him to the floor, for the shoulders of the loser -must strike the floor flatly and fairly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>How did it happen? When it was all over there -was not a man among the witnesses who could tell -just how Merriwell did it, but, somehow, as he was -falling, he turned aside with a twisting movement, and -both men struck on their sides.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Their holds had been broken, but, like a flash, Hawkins’ -arms closed round Merry, whom he attempted to -turn upon his back.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The strange athlete had the best hold, but Frank -resisted with all his strength. However, he could -not keep Hawkins from turning him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Merriwell’s body made a “bridge.” That is, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>his heels were on the floor, and also the back of his -head, but from his heels to his head not a part of his -body touched the mat. Hawkins would not be the victor -till he had forced Merry’s shoulders down upon -the mat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Still holding Frank in that position with a “lockhold,” -the youth of the scarred face lifted his own -body and flung its full weight upon Merry’s chest.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ah!” cried the witnesses.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But not a particle did Merry’s body give! It seemed -rigid as a bent hoop of so much iron!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Again Hawkins lifted himself and flung himself -down upon that arched chest, but with a like result.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Four times did Hawkins repeat this desperate attempt -to crush the shoulders of the Yale man to the -mat, and still there was not a sign that he had made -any impression on that rigid form.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But, in his desperation, Hawkins relaxed his vigilance -somewhat. There was a sudden writhing, turning -movement. Hawkins’ hold was broken, and -Merry had turned and partly risen, getting a grip on -his opponent.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank’s movements were swift and sure, and he literally -flung Hawkins across his back, the heels of the -scar-faced youth seeming to whistle through the air -overhead and coming down with a terrible thump -upon the floor.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The shock was so great that Hawkins had no time -to recover and “bridge” before Merry had driven his -shoulders flat on the mat.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>A great shout went up, for Merriwell had thus -snatched victory from defeat and won the first fall.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“La, la!” said Jack Ready, as the sound subsided. -“Wasn’t it just perfectly lovely?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank rose to his feet, and Hawkins got up slowly. -Both were breathing heavily, for the exertion had been -terrific.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank showed no elation as he walked over to his -side of the mat, but, despite his efforts to appear otherwise, -Hawkins could not conceal his bitter disappointment.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roland Packard tried to speak to the youth of the -scarred face, but his lips were dry and parched, and -no words came at his command.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You did it!” said Hodge, in a low tone, looking -into Merry’s flushed and dripping face.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes; but he’s the worst customer I ever tackled,” -confessed Frank. “I thought he had me once.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I, too, was afraid he had you,” acknowledged -Hodge. “He is a great wrestler. And to think that -he is Brian Hawkins, of Fardale!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He has wonderful strength and skill,” said Frank. -“His muscles feel like iron as they strain and play.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t let him throw you once!” begged Bart. “If -you down him the next time, that settles the wrestling-match.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>After a few minutes of rest the wrestlers faced each -other once more. Fire seemed burning deep in the -eyes of the scar-faced youth. Round and round they -circled, ready, crouching, watching.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>Then they closed! But Merriwell was the swifter, -catching the other’s right wrist with his left hand and -thrusting his right hand under Hawkins’ left arm, -getting a hold on his neck.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The half-nelson!” cried several of the witnesses.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was, in truth, the famous hold of Olsen, the great -wrestler, and Hawkins was in a dangerous position.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merriwell quickly released the fellow’s right wrist, -grasped him round the waist, following with the Cornish -“heave,” which landed the scar-faced athlete on -his back in a twinkling.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And Merriwell came down upon his chest with force -enough to drive the fellow’s shoulders hardly and -firmly down upon the mat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank had not been thrown at all, and he had won -two throws in succession, which made him the victor -in the wrestling-match.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roland Packard would have given almost any -amount of money had he been somewhere else just -then. The triumphant shouts of the excited and delighted -witnesses were most hateful in his ears.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This was not what Roland had come there to witness, -and it was something he had not anticipated -seeing. His mouth tasted bitter, and everything -seemed to swim around him. He actually gasped for -air.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hawkins got up slowly, as if he could not quite -realize that the wrestling-match was over and he had -been defeated. He looked at Merriwell in a strange, -dazed manner.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>“How did he do it?” were the words he whispered -to himself. “Is this a dream?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>But it was stern reality. The hour of triumph for -which Hawkins had toiled many years in building up -his body was swiftly turning to an hour of galling -defeat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hawkins walked over to his side of the mat, his appearance -being that of a man whose every hope is shattered.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He’s defeated at everything!” muttered Packard, -when he saw that look of dejection. “For Heaven’s -sake, brace up! Don’t let his gang see you looking -like this!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Wasted years!” muttered Hawkins thickly. “I -can never conquer him unless I do now, for I have -reached the highest point attainable.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then go in and knock his head off in the boxing-match!” -panted the medical student. “That will be -sufficient to give you satisfaction. If you defeat him -at anything, his friends will die with shame, and it -will break his heart.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A heart like his is not easily broken. I’ll guarantee -that he can take defeat without a murmur.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, test him—see if he can! You are not done -up yet! He was lucky in getting that half-nelson on -you. It was pure luck, and nothing else.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You are right, and yet—I should not have let him -get it! I was trying for the same hold on him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That was how you happened to be thrown off your -guard. You were thinking of the hold you wanted -<span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>more than of preventing him from getting the one he -was after.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s true.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If you were to wrestle with him again, you could -defeat him. If you beat him at one of the three contests, -you will have an opportunity to challenge him for -another trial at everything. Your only hope now -is to do him up in the boxing-match.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard’s words gave Hawkins hope, and the fellow -swiftly braced up.</p> - -<p class='c001'>After a short rest, preparations were made for the -final encounter. Hawkins was permitted to select his -gloves. By mutual understanding, it was decided that -the rules governing amateur glove-contests should be -obeyed, and there should be none of the French method -of “boxing with the feet.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>They advanced and stood face to face. Their hands -touched, and then they were on guard, sparring for -an opening.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Again Hawkins was at his best, for he realized that -his only hope for another trial with Frank lay in the -success of this encounter.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Round to the right both men worked, sparring -gently. Then they closed a little, and the work became -swifter and more exciting. Merry feinted and -sought an opening, but Hawkins guarded cleverly. -Then the scar-faced youth came in like a flash, making -a deceptive move with his right and getting in a body-blow -with his left. He danced away before Frank -<span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>could counter, and the first point belonged to Hawkins.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Packard breathed again. But his satisfaction was -short, for Merry followed Hawkins closely, giving him -no time to recover. The work became swifter and -more savage, and Hawkins struck, reaching Frank’s -cheek lightly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>That blow was disastrous to the scar-faced youth, -however, for Merriwell countered with such terrible -force that Hawkins was knocked prostrate on the -mat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“First down for Merriwell!” laughed Jack Ready. -“Now we are getting right down to business!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’ve reached him twice to his once, Hawkins!” -cried Packard, his excitement making it impossible -for him to keep still. “That shows you can do the -trick. Up and at him!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Already Hawkins was up, and quickly he went at -Frank. Then the spectators saw some work that -thrilled them. The play of fists was astonishingly -swift, while those two young athletes leaped and -danced about each other. Now they closed in, now -one retreated, now the other fell back; but never was -there a moment of rest until one of them found the -opening he sought and again a heavy blow was struck.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Again it was Hawkins who dropped, but he came -up like a flash, his scarred face contorted into an almost -fiendish expression. The rage of the fighter was -on him now, and he longed to tear Merriwell into -strips.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>“My, my!” said Jack Ready. “This is perfectly -awful!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>But he was hugging himself and grinning with a -look of intense delight.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“On, on!” panted Packard. “At him again, Hawkins! -He can’t stand before that long!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Frank Merriwell remained as calm as ever, -though he was able to move with the swiftness of a -flash of light. His powerful arms gave play to his -gloved hands, which seemed everywhere in the way -of his opponent.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hawkins was determined, and he forced the fighting. -He wondered if he could not wear Merriwell out, -but he was wearing himself out. He fancied that his -own strength was greater than that of Merriwell, but -the demands he was making on it were too great.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank knew the time must come when Hawkins -would slacken that swift pace, and he was waiting for -that time. With everything else he had learned, the -youth had not learned to husband his strength and -make the very most of it in such an encounter as this.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merriwell possessed a clear brain and good judgment -under all circumstances, and a finely developed -and well-balanced mind is a requisite of him who -would be successful as an athlete, the same as of the -man who would succeed at all things. The athlete -who possesses the splendid body and the undeveloped -mind is just as much deformed as the hunchback who -has a splendid education.</p> - -<p class='c001'>All his life Merriwell had used his brains in whatever -<span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>he undertook. This, to a large extent, was the -secret of his phenomenal success. So, now that he was -battling with this man who had vowed to defeat him, -and who had spent years training for that purpose, -Frank used his brain and led the other to exhaust himself. -When Hawkins showed a sign of slacking up, -Frank pretended to give an opening that lured him -on again and kept him straining for victory.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At last the time came when Merry believed Hawkins -had reached the limit and was weakening. Then, -when the man tried to rest, Frank pressed him in -turn, giving him no chance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Now Merriwell became a perfect whirlwind. He -was on all sides of Hawkins, who could only remain -on the defensive. And at length the guard of the -scar-faced youth was beaten down, and Merry -stretched him for the third time upon the floor.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is becoming still more awful!” gasped Jack -Ready, grinning like a monkey.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hawkins sprang up, but barely was he on his feet -when Frank knocked him flat again.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Five times was this repeated, Merriwell giving the -other no chance to recover and get ready for defense.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With the final fall, Hawkins lay panting on the -mat. After a moment he sat up slowly, all the confidence -and conceit having departed from him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’s no use,” he said, tearing off the gloves and -flinging them aside. “I give up!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Instantly Frank had flung off his gloves and offered -<span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>Hawkins his hand. That hand was taken, and Merry -assisted the other to his feet, saying:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You gave me a stiff go at everything, old man! -You are a wonder, and that’s all right! One time I -thought——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Never mind what you thought,” said Hawkins. “I -confess now that you are my superior. I may as well -own up honestly, for everybody here would know it, -whether I said so or not.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But you are a good one, Hawkie, old fel!” chirped -Jack Ready. “Still, you were up against the real -thing. Fellows, three yoops for Frank Merriwell!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Stop!” cried Merry quickly. “You are all my -friends here, and I would not have you rejoice openly -over the defeat of another. I propose three cheers -for Brian Hawkins.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The cheers were given at once and most heartily.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“As for Roland Packard,” said Merry, looking -round. “He——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Packard had found an opportunity to slip away, -without being observed, and was gone.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XXIX. <br /> <span class='fss'>ON NEUTRAL GROUND.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>The sensational climax of Merriwell’s dinner was -the talk of the college for many days, and it seemed -now that Frank’s enemies must admit that they had -met their Waterloo.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Roland Packard was bitter in his resentment toward -Defarge for having lured him into a plot that had been -so completely turned against him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hawkins, deeply humiliated by his defeat and the -generous manner in which Frank had treated him, -had disappeared promptly from New Haven, leaving -the two chief conspirators to bear the burden of their -signal failure.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Frank was not vindictive, and, satisfied with -the result as it had worked out, he discouraged any -further reference to the matter among his friends. -Merriwell was ever generous to a defeated enemy, and -it was particularly gratifying to him to think that, of -the long list of men who had arrayed themselves -against him, because of a spirit of jealousy, so few -now remained his foes. It was with this warm feeling -in his heart that he looked now with a smile of -pleasure at the gathering of his friends in his room.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank Merriwell’s room was the neutral ground on -which—or in which—all classes and conditions of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>Yale men met. The air of that room, perhaps one of -the finest rooms in splendid Vanderbilt, was thoroughly -democratic. There the man with money, or -with ancestry, cut no better figure than any other man, -unless he had done something. To be a notable in -Merriwell’s room, the student must have accomplished -something worthy of his efforts. Of course, the “good -fellow” was not barred, but he could not hope to be a -central figure merely because he was a good fellow.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Merriwell spirit was “a do-something spirit,” -and it was strangely infectious, for all who associated -with him regularly soon acquired the habit of doing -things. Even big, lazy Browning awoke at times and -astonished everybody by the accomplishment of some -marvel. Hodge was a perfect engine of energy, although -at times he became liable to break loose and -run wild, like an untamed mustang. Jack Ready, the -eccentric sophomore, was as restless and full of ginger -as a young colt, or a half-grown kitten.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Berlin Carson, the Westerner, possessed all the -breadth and sweep of the cattle-range and the plains, -and he was fast making himself notable since coming -“under Merry’s wing.” Hock Mason, the man from -South Carolina, had once perverted his energy and -been reckoned a bully, but after the days of his reformation -he used his energy in the right direction, and -accomplished things far more worthy than beating an -enemy.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Joe Gamp, right down from New Hampshire, long, -lank, awkward, hesitating in speech, had shown that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>he had sterling qualities and could fill an emergency -on the ball-field or in the classroom. Greg Carker, -the socialistic young millionaire, whose head continually -buzzed with schemes for the elevation of the -masses and the leveling of the aristocracy, could forget -his schemes at times, could cease to rant about “the -coming earthquake,” and could do things worthy of a -young twentieth century Yale man.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Jim Hooker, who had been rescued from ostracism -by Merriwell, and given a chance to hold his head up -before all men, showed that he possessed manly qualities -and would not hesitate in the face of necessity. -Starbright, the young freshman giant and wonder, had -been brought to the fore as Merriwell’s protégé, and -no man could say he had not proved himself worthy.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But only Starbright and Merriwell knew how -worthy he had been as a friend, for it was the big, -yellow-haired man from Andover who opened Frank’s -eyes to the fact that Inza Burrage had never changed -in her devotion since the old days at far-off Fardale. -Not only that, but Dick had caused Merry to look inward -and discover that his heart, also, remained unchanged, -and that Inza was dear to him as in the days -of his boyhood. And then Dick stepped aside, making -the greatest sacrifice of his life—all for Merry! What -nobler friend could Frank have? Truly, Starbright -had done something to win for himself the seat of -highest honor amid that group of true-blue Merriwell -men.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And then there was Dashleigh—he could do something. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>He could play the mandolin and sing divinely. -He had been playing just now, and he lightly -strummed the strings as the gathered students fell to -chatting and joking.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Dashleigh,” said Jack Ready, posing with assumed -grace before the freshman, “your playing is remarkable -for its simplicity. Why shouldn’t it be? It is perfectly -characteristic of you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’re a critic of music, I believe!” retorted Bert -scornfully.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why shouldn’t I be?” came solemnly from the -queer sophomore. “I have traveled a great deal with -a band.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You have?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, I have a habit of wearing a band round my -hat. Besides that, I have a lovely drum in my ear. -Such advantages as those have given me the right to -be critical in musical matters.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I know a better critic than you who is deaf and -dumb,” declared the freshman.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Poor fellow!” sighed Jack. “Deaf and dumb?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What an unspeakable affliction!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Dashleigh started to say something, and then flourished -his mandolin at Ready, as if to smite him. But -the queer fellow waltzed away.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Say, fellows!” he cried, “I was down to Traeger’s, -with Ned Donovan and his friends, last night, and we -had a corking good time.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>“By the bottles you had around you when I dropped -in there last evening, I fancied you were having an -uncorking good time,” observed Berlin Carson.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now, that’s not bad for a tenderfoot from the wild -and woolly,” nodded Jack, regarding Carson approvingly. -“My boy, you are coming. Why, gentlemen, -when he struck New Haven he was a walking arsenal! -He carried a gun on each hip, three bowie-knives in his -belt, two more in his boots, and had derringers in his -sleeves. The first night at Old Lady Harrington’s -retreat for freshmen he went to bed with his spurs on. -Just forgot to unshackle them from his boots, you -know. Of course, Mrs. Harrington made a gentle -kick in the morning, when she found his spur-tracks -in her sheets, and I understand he had to settle for -the sheets. That taught him a lesson. After that he -remembered to take his spurs off his boots before -rolling in. Oh, there’s nothing like experience as a -teacher. I have heard that he sometimes removes his -boots on going to bed now.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Carson took this guying good-naturedly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s all right,” he said. “At least, I don’t do one -trick that I hear is customary with you. Fellows, why -do you suppose Ready puts his pocketbook under his -pillow every night when he goes to bed?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He cuc-cuc-can’t be afraid of ru-ru-robbers,” -grinned Joe Gamp, “’cuc-’cuc-’cause he never has -enough mum-money to tut-tempt a robber who was -lul-lul-looking for the price of a drink.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Still he does put his pocketbook under his pillow, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>I’ve heard,” declared Berlin. “And for that very reason -he reminds me of a thrifty business man.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How is that?” asked Boxer.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why,” said Carson, “he wants to feel that he has -money to retire on.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Ready threw up his hands, uttered a terrible groan, -and fell heavily on Bruce Browning, who was stretched -on the couch. He rebounded with a springing movement, -however, and leaped away in time to escape a -kick from the big senior’s heavy foot.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Please have your fits elsewhere!” rumbled Bruce, -with a glare at Jack, who was bowing profoundly and -humbly craving pardon.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t know where else I can find anything so soft -to fall on,” declared Ready.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Say,” smiled Bruce, “will you find a way to repress -your idiocy for a short time?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Idiocy!” exclaimed Jack, with an expression of despair. -“Did I hear aright? And only yesterday I had -not been talking to him five minutes before he called -me an ass.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why the delay?” grunted Browning.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That reminds me of something I said the last time -I attended the theater,” Ready asserted. “The play -was over, the orchestra was playing a lively march, all -the people were moving toward the doors. I looked -up, and right over one of those doors I saw the word -’exit’ in large gilt letters. Then I said something real -witty.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What could it be?” murmured Dashleigh.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>“I said, ‘That lets me out,’” explained Jack. “Ha! -ha! ha! That’s what you call pure, unadulterated wit. -Have a laugh with me! Ha! ha! Why, I’m budding -into a second Sydney Smith, and Syd was the real -thing.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You will be nipped in the bud if you’re not careful,” -said Frank. “Sit down, Jack, and let up for a -while. You’ve had your mouth open long enough to -thoroughly ventilate your system for an hour, at -least.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And there has been an awful escape of gas,” said -Carson.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’ve run your race,” declared Greg Carker, with -a solemn wave of his hand. “Stand aside now.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Is the earthquake coming?” awesomely inquired -Jack. “If so, I’ll get out of the old thing’s track in a -hurry, Cark.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Speaking about races,” put in Bingham, the sophomore, -“I heard a strange rumor to-day. It was to the -effect that Merry has been asked by the freshmen -to give them a little coaching, and has agreed to do so. -I can’t believe it, for it seems to me that he has his -hands full without bothering with the freshmen crew. -I’m sure it isn’t true, is it, Merriwell?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes,” said Frank quietly, “it is.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XXX. <br /> <span class='fss'>THE FRESHMAN COXSWAIN.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>There was a moment of silence, and then Ready was -heard sobbing violently, as if his heart were breaking.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What makes you feel so bad, Jack?” asked Bingham. -“Is it because we didn’t get Merriwell to coach -our crew?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not that, not that!” asserted Jack, pressing his -handkerchief to his eyes and flopping one hand in a -gesture of intense sadness. “I’m so sorry for him! I -love him even as I love a nice, juicy steak, and to -think this terrible disappointment must be his! Alas! -alas!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What ails you?” cried Dashleigh. “Don’t get a -foolish notion into your head that the sophs will beat -us.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It is written in the stars,” solemnly declared Ready. -“As far as that race is concerned, you’ll not be in it -this year.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We’ll have a walkover,” put in Starbright, who -had been keeping still and listening to the others, but -who was aroused now. “Merry says we have the -finest freshman crew since his day in the freshman -boat.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Taffy,” said Jack. “But it’s a poor coach that -makes such talk to his men.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>“He made it before he knew he was to coach us.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, then it is certain that he will now find you -in a very sloppy condition. There is nothing surer to -spoil a freshman crew than praise. Freshmen fall -easy subjects to that terrible disease known as the -swellidus headedus, and it makes monkeys of them.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You don’t need to have it,” said Starbright. “Nature -got ahead of the disease.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Young man,” said Jack, severely glaring at Dick’s -muscular figure, “if you were not so small I’d thrash -you for that insult! As it is, fearing lest I do you -permanent injury, I withhold my hand. But we’ll literally -bury you out at Lake Whitney, for all of your -new coach.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Starbright laughed heartily.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s the greatest joke you’ve cracked this evening, -Ready,” he cried, in his hearty way.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, your old crew is made up in a crazy manner!” -declared Ready, who was a little touched and -dropped his bantering style for a time. “You’ve got a -coxswain as heavy as I am—yes, heavier than I am. -What sort of crazy notion is that?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t let it worry you,” advised Dick.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It isn’t worrying me, fellow. It’s delighting my -soul. If you are crazy to pull around that amount of -dead weight in the stern of your boat, go ahead. But -I don’t see how Merriwell can say you have a good -crew. I think he is overworked, poor fellow! I fear -I see in my mind’s eye an asylum for the insane looming -darkly before him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>“Sh!” said Bingham, with a cautioning motion toward -Jack. “Don’t alarm him, or it may send him off -at once. Say something soothing to him, Ready.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t worry, gentlemen,” said Frank, standing up -and stretching his splendid arms above his head. “I -am sure I was never in better condition than at this -minute, and I’m glad to be able to give a little time to -the freshmen. I feel it my duty to give the time to -the new class, just as I gave it to your class last year, -Ready.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t apologize! don’t apologize!” cried Jack. “It -isn’t necessary. You had good stuff to work on last -year; but just look at it this year! Oh, Laura! Think -of a boat being pulled by such Indians as Starbright, -Dashleigh, Morgan, and others of the same ilk, with -a big duffer like Earl Knight in the stern! Merriwell, -get Knight out of that boat! I beg—I implore you -to do it! The poor freshmen! My tender heart -bleeds for them, and their defeat will be bad enough -without making it worse by giving them a man like -that to drag around.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“When he wants your advice I think he’ll ask for -it!” snapped Dashleigh, who did not fancy this free-and-easy -style of Ready with Merriwell.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He may not know how bad he needs it till the race -is over,” said Jack. “Besides that, if I remember correctly, -he is not in the habit of asking much advice.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why are you not going to row this year, Ready?” -asked Carson.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, the boys wanted to give the freshmen a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>chance!” said Jack. “I was urged to row, but I said, -’What’s the use to make it a dead sure thing at the -start?’ So they left me out. Besides, baseball is -just about all I can attend to. I’m no steam-engine, -like Merriwell. He’s the only one of his kind. He’s -the only fellow I ever saw who was able to do anything -and everything without ever making a muff. -But he can’t make a winning freshman crew out of a -lot of wooden cigar-store signs. Nay, nay, sweet -one; ’tis impossible.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Tell you what,” cried Dashleigh; “I’ll bet you a -hundred dollars we beat your old crew!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now, that is not money enough to pay me for the -trouble of putting it up. If you had said one thousand -dollars, I might have considered it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You haven’t seen a thousand dollars since you -looked in a window of a New York bank during the -trip of the ball-team,” said Starbright.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And that’s the only time you ever saw so much -money,” put in Dashleigh.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Base calumny!” declared Jack. “But I so little -regard such false statements that I will not even draw -my purse to disprove them. But I’ll take that bet of -yours, if you will call it fifty cents, which I happen to -have convenient in my waistcoat pocket.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>With a languid air he brought forth a silver half-dollar, -which he triumphantly displayed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Carson snatched the piece and looked at it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Plugged!” he remarked, as he passed it back to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span>Jack. “I thought it could not be possible that you had -all that good money.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Ready looked distressed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Plugged?” he gasped, examining the money. -“Alas, too true! But I happen to know a near-sighted -beer-slinger. I shall give the half to you, Carson, and -let you go round there and enjoy yourself. The change -will do you good.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I couldn’t think of leaving you penniless,” declared -the Westerner, with a wave of his hand.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“They’re onto you!” cried Dashleigh, laughing.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There was a rap at the door, and Frank called -“Come in.” The door opened, and a young man with -a splendid figure entered the room with some hesitation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hello, Knight!” cried Merry. “Come right in. -You’re welcome.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There,” said Ready to Starbright and Dashleigh, -“comes the handicap that will make you look like -thirty cents in the little affair we have been discussing. -Think of dragging around a coxswain like that! -Haven’t you a small man in your whole class that can -steer a boat?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Shut up, please!” warned Dick, in a low tone. -“Knight is sensitive, and he’ll think you’re making -some observation about his face.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>For Earl Knight had a terrible bluish scar that ran -the whole length of his left cheek from temple to chin. -Otherwise he was quite a good-looking fellow. But -that scar was enough to attract and fascinate any one -<span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>who saw it for the first time, and it caused strangers -to stare at Knight wherever he went, so that in time -he became very sensitive about his misfortune.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This scar had made Knight very retiring when he -first entered college, but he was a fine, strong, athletic-looking -fellow, and his classmates finally drew him out -and induced him to take part in athletics.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When it came to rowing, it was found that Knight -had once been a coxswain on a high-school crew, or -something of the sort, and some combination of circumstances -gave him the stern of the freshman boat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was not long before the discovery was made that -Knight knew his business. He could steer a boat, and -he could keep a crew in trim at those times when they -were not beneath the eye of a coach. He had an encouraging -way of calling a man down pleasantly and -putting new life and effort into him, instead of getting -him mad and sulky, which is an art in itself.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merriwell met Knight cordially, and soon had him -feeling somewhat more at ease in the midst of this -strange and remarkable gathering of students from all -classes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Because of his diffidence, Knight was scarcely -known outside his own class. In fact, until he began -working with the freshman crew, not even Merriwell -had known there was such a man in college.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, he’s as large as Merriwell!” muttered Ready, -who could not be repressed. “Say, Dashleigh, I’d like -to make that thousand-dollar bet two thousand. You -<span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span>can never win with a man like that in the stern of your -old scow. I’ll bet my life on it!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Make it something of value,” said Bert. “Put up -that plugged half!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now, look here,” growled Ready; “I’m the only -chap who has a license to be fresh in this crowd, so -you had better quit. You can’t follow it up without -getting into trouble. I have studied the art of being -fresh and remaining alive; but an ordinary man who -tries to follow in my footsteps should take out a large -life-insurance and make his will.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>After a time, Frank plainly stated that he would excuse -all who had not been specially requested to remain, -laughing as he did so.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Fired out!” murmured Ready sadly. “Methinks I -scent a secret conclave, and I wouldst rubber, if I -could. But I must hie myself away.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>So they filed out, bidding Frank good night, and -not one took offense at being thus plainly told that they -were to go. Starbright, Dashleigh, and Knight remained.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Some time later other members of the freshman -crew found their way to Frank’s room, where they remained -for at least an hour behind locked doors.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’s no use,” declared Ready; “he can’t talk victory -into them.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXI. <br /> <span class='fss'>THE TEMPTER AND THE TRAITOR.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Frank Merriwell’s energy and the amount of work -he was able to accomplish astonished every one. It -seemed that he must have his hands pretty full as captain -of the ball-team, but he found time to coach the -freshmen, who relied on him far more than they did -on any one else.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It had been predicted that Merriwell would remove -Knight from the boat and put a lighter man in his -place, and there was no little surprise when he failed -to do so.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As far as possible, Frank’s work with the freshmen -was carried on privately. It seemed too early to get -out on the harbor at night, but the weather came on -warm and delightful, which gave the four crews the -<a id='corr254.16'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='oportunity'>opportunity</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_254.16'><ins class='correction' title='oportunity'>opportunity</ins></a></span> they desired.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The freshmen were the first to take advantage of -a warm evening, and, under cover of darkness, they -put in an hour of hard work.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The next day Orson Arnold withdrew from the -freshman crew, and Ben Snodgrass took himself out -of the sophomore eight. Frank Merriwell was responsible -for both resignations.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merry was a great character-reader, and somehow -he had suspected Arnold the first time he talked with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>the fellow. Arnold was one who made a great pretense -of frankness and honesty, and he was forever -calling attention to these traits of character, which he -wished people to suppose he possessed. He had a way -of telling how much he despised deceit, and Frank -soon decided that the fellow was a bluffer and needed -watching.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then, without delay, he had set Jim Hooker to -watching the suspect. Ordinarily, Hooker would not -have relished the job, for he remembered how he had -once been suspected and spied upon, but he was ready -to do anything for Merriwell.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hooker proved a good detective. He soon brought -Merriwell information that made Frank look both -grim and regretful.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I thought it,” said Merry; “but I hoped I was -wrong.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“They meet in the old back room in Jackson’s,” said -Hooker. “They do not choose to be seen together, you -know, for that would create comment. Freshmen and -sophomores do not become chums, especially if they -belong to rival class crews.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Jackson keeps a bad place,” said Frank. “He -should not be permitted in the city. I believe more -crooked work has been planned in his joint than in any -other place in New Haven, and I’m sorry to say that -Yale men have been in many of the plots.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Jackson knows you?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank flushed a little, but promptly said:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, he knows me. I used to wander in there -<span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>sometimes. I have found it necessary to go there in -search of friends, and I’ve had one or two little encounters -there. I once threatened Jackson with police -investigation if he did not refuse to let certain men -play cards for money in that famous little back room -of his. I had him on his knees before I was done with -him, and he’s been very respectful since. He always -lifts his hat to me on the street, even though I may -not choose to speak.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then you have a grip on him?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not now, I fancy.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Still, you might go there and have your way to a -certain extent.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Perhaps so.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then I’ll find out the time, and you may see what -you can do.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The night the freshmen took their men on the harbor, -Orson Arnold and Ben Snodgrass met in the little -back room at Jackson’s. They sneaked into the place -by the side door, taking care not to be seen, for their -days on their respective crews would terminate if they -were known to frequent that resort.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold was a fellow with a fine pair of shoulders, -coal-black hair, and eyes that seldom looked any one -squarely in the face. That is, they seldom looked -higher than the chin of another. He had a way of -looking at the chin of any person with whom he was -talking, but he looked higher only for instants. He -was not a bad-looking chap, and he considered himself -something of a lady’s man, and it was his ambition to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>cut a figure at Yale. His ambition was altogether beyond -his means, as his grandmother was sending him -to college, and she had limited him to an allowance, -having repeatedly warned him that overstepping that -allowance meant the termination of his college-course.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Snodgrass had muscular arms and a broad back, but -his chest was not properly developed. His shoulders -seemed burdened by too much muscle, and already they -were beginning to roll inward somewhat. He was a -rowing-crank. Since the day he entered Yale he had -done nothing but row, row, row. It was his one engrossing -ambition to finally make the varsity. Thus -far he had succeeded only in getting onto the sophomore -eight. In his first year he had not found a place -in the freshman boat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The fellow craved attention and admiration, and he -was determined that the sophomore crew should attract -attention this year by defeating the freshmen. -Almost always the freshmen were the winners in the -class races at Lake Whitney, being given far greater -attention than the sophomores; but this year Snodgrass -had sworn to himself that there should be a -change about of the usual order of things. If the -sophs won, attention would be drawn to their men, -and that might mean that he, Snodgrass, would be observed -at last and rated for what he believed himself -worth. In such a case, he would go onto the varsity -with a bound.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Now, it happened that Snodgrass had just what Arnold -wanted—money. He spent it freely on himself, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>but Arnold was the only man to whom he lent it freely. -A mutual attraction seemed to draw these fellows together, -and somehow they came to an understanding. -Snodgrass found Arnold could be bought, and then -there were secret meetings between them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This night, having slipped into that dingy back -room, with the green baize table in the middle of the -narrow floor, they took care to bolt the door behind -them. Then they sat down at the table and Snodgrass -pushed the button. Pretty soon a panel in the door -at the opposite side of the room slid open, and the face -of one of the barkeepers appeared.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What’s yours, Ors, old boy?” asked Ben.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A gin fizz,” said Arnold.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Ginger ale for me,” said Snodgrass.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The slide went shut with a little bang.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well,” said Snodgrass eagerly, “you’ve got something -to tell me?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Sure thing,” nodded Arnold. “That’s why I’m -here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Important?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Rather.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Out with it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“My throat’s too dry to talk. Wait till I get that -fizz.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You hadn’t ought to drink it, you know. You’re -in training.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Training be—jiggered! What am I training for?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The regatta at Whitney.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Come off! You know I’m training to help lose -<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>that race. Why shouldn’t I take a fizz? I’m awful -dry.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But you’d be fired off the crew if anybody found -out you were drinking fizzes in here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So I’d be fired if anybody found out I was here -talking with you. Might as well go the whole hog, -to use an elegant phrase. So I’m going to drink, and -I’m going to have a smoke.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The slide went back and the barkeeper appeared -with the drinks. Snodgrass paid for them and placed -them on the table. Then the slide slammed again, and -they were alone.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m a little thirsty myself,” said Snodgrass, taking -up the ginger ale.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Let me get my face into that fizz!” exclaimed Arnold.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When he had drained the glass, he lighted a cigarette, -and elevated his feet to the top of the table.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m tired,” he declared. “It tells on me, this infernally -hard work Merriwell is giving us. The fellow -seems to think we’re made of iron—like himself.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He must be made of iron to do all the things he -does,” said Snodgrass; “but I am not stuck on him -much, for I know he kept me off the varsity last -year.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What? Why, you were a freshman.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I don’t care,” growled Ben, scowling. “I was a -better man than some who made the eight, but Merriwell -ran in his particular friends, just as he has run -them onto the nine this year. He had a pull then.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>“Well, he’s got a bigger pull now. He seems to be -the only pebble.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“His advice is taken in everything,” complained the -sophomore bitterly. “He actually seems king of the -sporting field here. They seem to regard him as authority -on the subjects of football, baseball, rowing, -hockey, and everything else. If he was like other fellows -and simply made a specialty of something! But -he goes into everything and leads at whatever he -tries.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold took out a pair of gloves and put them on.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What’s that for?” asked Snodgrass curiously.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Precaution,” grinned Orson wisely.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Precaution against what?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Cig tracks. You know how they stain a fellow’s -fingers. Well, Merriwell would be sure to see the yellow. -He has the cursedest, sharpest eyes I ever knew -a man to have! Don’t seem to look at you so hard, but -he sees everything. Not a blamed thing escapes his -notice. If he saw yellow on my fingers—well, that -would be my finish.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then look out if you want to square that debt with -me. It’s a great chance for you, Arnold. You must -help me out by doing what I say, or I shall have to -have the money.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold turned somewhat pale.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t threaten, Snodgrass!” he exclaimed. “You -know I can’t pay the money back now. I’ve told you -so.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>“And I gave you a chance to square the whole business.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“By throwing the race. I’m a square chap, Snodgrass, -and it was gall and wormwood for me to agree -to your terms: but you had me foul, and what could I -do but agree?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, nothing, of course!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Of course not! Why, my old chump of a grandmother -would yank me out of Yale in a hurry if she -found I had run into debt over two hundred. It’s the -first time in my life I ever did anything dishonest, and -the thought of it has driven me to drink.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold tried to squeeze out a tear, but it was plain -to his companion that he was making a weak bluff.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, if you stick to your agreement there will be -no need to worry; but you must look out to keep your -place on the crew. If you are dropped, the whole -scheme goes to smash. That’s why I say be careful -about your smoking and drinking. Merriwell’s keen -eyes will soon discover it if you get a little out of condition -and keep so.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, blow Merriwell! I’d like to thump him. I -wish we might catch him alone, Snodgrass, and give -him a good drubbing. Why can’t we do it? We -might lay for him some night and take him in a dark -place.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If he recognized us, we’d be spotted as his enemies, -and you know it isn’t healthy to be the enemy of Merriwell. -The Chickering set are his enemies, and they -are ostracized.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>“They would be anyhow.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, I don’t know. They have rich parents; and -money counts.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Money counts less at Yale than at any other college -in the world.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I know it’s claimed so, but I believe it counts here -just the same as elsewhere. Still, I will admit that I -do not care to become openly rated as the enemy of -Merriwell.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold inhaled the poisonous fumes of the cigarette -with great relish, taking it deep into his lungs -and breathing it out in a thin blue cloud, sometimes -letting a little escape with each word.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, you haven’t told me what you were going to -tell, old man,” said Snodgrass. “What has Merriwell -been doing to-night?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Guess!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I can’t.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s true; you couldn’t guess!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, what is it? You have me anxious now.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You know he ordered us out for a pull to-night.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, how do you suppose he did the coaching?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“From another boat.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Chased us round?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not much!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How, then?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“From the boat.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The boat?”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>“Yes; he took Knight’s place and was coxswain!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Snodgrass whistled.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, I must say that’s a new idea!” he exclaimed. -“What did Knight do?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Waited on a wharf.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“This is news!” nodded the sophomore. “I wonder -if that is just the proper thing? It strikes me as being -rather queer, to say the least. I don’t think he’d want -it to be known.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Of course not! We are to say nothing about it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“By Cæsar!” exclaimed Snodgrass, smiting the -table. “It will be a double victory to defeat the freshmen! -It will be defeating Merriwell! How that will -cut him! We must do it without fail! I depend on -you, Ors.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And I am in such a predicament that I cannot refuse. -If I could, you may be sure, Snodgrass, I’d not -be here with you to-night, telling you all this stuff. -My conscience will never cease pricking me. But what -can a man in my place do!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, drop it! You make me tired with that holler!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I can’t help speaking of it. I have sold myself for -a few paltry dollars! No, no—not that! I sold myself -to keep myself from disgrace! There was no -other way! I had to do it! It’s the first dishonest act -of my life.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’ve told me that before, I think,” remarked the -sophomore dryly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Perhaps so. But I’m broke again, old man. Let -me have another tenner. I must have it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>“You’re getting too frequent. Ors, I can’t do it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Can’t?” Arnold dropped his feet from the table -and flung aside the cigarette.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No; I haven’t ten with me. I’ll let you have five.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But I need ten.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I tell you I haven’t got it! See here—that is all -the money I have.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Snodgrass displayed the contents of his pockets, and -there was less than six dollars in all. He had known -well enough that Arnold would want money and had -come prepared.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, then, I’ll have to make that five do for the -time being,” said the traitorous freshman regretfully, -as he reached over and cooly took from the money -the five dollars Snodgrass had agreed to let him have. -“Now, let’s have some more drinks and get out of -here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’ll have to pay for the drinks,” said Snodgrass. -“You have all the money now.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But you have just about enough left for one more -round,” said the freshman serenely. “Go ahead and -push the button. I need this in my business. Why -don’t—you—do——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold stopped, staring suspiciously at the little -slide in the door. He fancied it had moved.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Snodgrass,” he said, leaning forward and whispering -the words, “I believe somebody has been spying -on us!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The sophomore looked startled.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>“What makes you think so?” he asked, glancing -nervously round the room.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I think I saw that slide in the door move. It was -open on a crack, so somebody on the other side could -hear what we were saying.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Snodgrass uttered an oath and sprang up.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We’ll see about that!” he muttered. “If some -fellow has been spying on us, we’ll thump the stuffing -out of him!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>He sprang toward the door, meaning to see if the -slide would open at his touch.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Instead of that, the door swung open and Frank -Merriwell stepped into the room!</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXII. <br /> <span class='fss'>FRANK MAKES HIS TERMS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>With a gasp of dismay, Ben Snodgrass reeled back, -staring at the intruder.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold had started up, his face white as parchment, -while he shook in every limb.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Merriwell!” they both gasped.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank closed the door behind him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Sit down!” he said sternly, pointing to the chairs -by the table.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold dropped back with another gasp. Snodgrass -seemed to hesitate, and then he stiffened up, as -if in refusal.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank fixed his steady eyes on those of Ben Snodgrass. -The sophomore made a mistake in glaring -straight back. If he had desired to refuse to obey -Merriwell he should not have looked Merriwell in the -eye. It was not often any man looked Frank squarely -in the eye and declined to obey any command he gave.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Sit down,” said Merry, more gently than before.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And Snodgrass suddenly wilted, sliding to the -chair, upon which he sank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But he had taken his eyes from those of Merriwell, -and now he could speak. He said:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So you played the eavesdropper—the great and -honorable Frank Merriwell played the eavesdropper!”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>“Don’t defile the word honor with your lips!” said -Merry, without lifting his voice in the least, yet with -such deep scorn in his low tone that Snodgrass -shrank before it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Still the fellow kept his eyes from meeting Frank’s, -and thus he was able to speak.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You can’t deny it! You played the sneak and the -spy!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold was wondering how his companion dared -utter such words to Merriwell. But the fact that Snodgrass -did dare seemed to give Orson back some of the -courage that had been shocked out of his body by the -sudden and astonishing appearance of the man about -whom they had been talking a short time before.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold knew he was well built; he knew he was -rather muscular; he knew he ought to be independent -and fearless; but it took a man with nerve to be independent -and fearless in the presence of Frank Merriwell -after being caught under such circumstances.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Orson had never been thoroughly brave, and smoking -cigarettes had not added to his stock of self-reliance. -Perhaps if he had never touched them he would -not have been caught there in that room with Snodgrass -giving away secrets about the freshman crew.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Alcohol and cigarettes! Twin destroyers of all that -is noble in human nature! We shudder sometimes at -the ruin wrought by alcohol, and we turn in disgust or -pity from the reeling drunkard; but as true as truth -exists, cigarettes to-day are working as great havoc -<span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>among the boys and young men of our land as is -alcohol!</p> - -<p class='c001'>All know that alcohol is dangerous and a thing to -be shunned, and no youth need become its victim without -realizing just what is happening.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With cigarettes it is different. Surely there can be -no harm in smoking one of the tiny, clean-looking -rolls? Why shouldn’t a lad smoke them? All the -fellows seem to be smoking them. Oh, yes; some of -the fellows acknowledge they cannot get along without -them, but that is simply ridiculous. Certainly there is -nothing in those harmless little things that get hold of -a man and make it impossible to leave them off! It’s -easy enough to prove that by smoking a few of them -and then stopping. Just watch him, and see him prove -it beyond dispute. So he begins with his first cigarette.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And the fellow who smokes travels with the fast set. -He frequents the places they frequent. At first he -slips in and out with a guilty feeling, hoping he will -not be observed; but after a time that feeling passes -off and he enters boldly, careless, or proud, or indifferent. -He is making rapid strides on the road. Clear -the track for him and watch his pace! It’s all downhill -now, and he is gaining momentum right along.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The fellow who smokes must drink a little, of -course. Why not? The crowd he’s drifted into all do -it. A little beer, perhaps, to start with. Nasty stuff, -but he gulps it down, keeps his face straight, and pretends -that he’s happy. The second glass goes down -<span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>harder than the first. It makes him feel queer. He -laughs at silly things, and he smokes one cigarette -after another. Oh, say! but this is having a time of it!</p> - -<p class='c001'>When it’s all over he won’t feel so well. It’s likely -he’ll swear over and over again never, never to do it -again. But a half-consumed package of cigarettes is -in his pocket, and when he begins to feel a little better, -so that he sits up and takes notice, he finds those -cigarettes, and habit puts one into his mouth.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When he realizes at last that he is going the pace, -he finds he cannot stop. He says he will smoke no -more, but he hangs to the partly used package till he -has puffed out the last little white-robed seducer. If -he had been strong, if there had been a modicum of his -strength remaining, he would have flung them away.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold had begun to smoke at preparatory school. -Before that he had taken active part in manly sports of -all kinds, and thus he developed those magnificent -shoulders and splendid arms. Smoking could ruin his -moral sense and stop his advancement, but it could not -undo at once all that he had done for himself before -he began to smoke.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When he started in to train for the freshman crew -at Yale he tried to put cigarettes aside. There was -nothing else to be done. He seemed to leave them -off completely, but he continued to smoke secretly right -along.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Snodgrass had known how to work on Arnold’s -weak points. The sophomore was crafty. He did not -smoke, and he did not drink anything intoxicating. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>Snodgrass was looking out for Number One. He -knew a man who smoked and drank did not stand as -good a chance of making the varsity as one who did -neither, and so he did neither. No better man than -Arnold at the outset, cigarettes gave Arnold into his -power.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t talk to me about sneaks and spies!” said -Merriwell, with unspeakable scorn. “Two greater -sneaks than you I have never had the pleasure of seeing!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Be careful!” snarled Ben blackly. “I won’t stand -for it!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You will sit still till I tell you just what I think of -you. You are a cur, Snodgrass, and you know it! -You, Arnold, are a pitiful traitor, and I’m rather -sorry for you; but you have only yourself to blame -that you are in this rascal’s power.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold’s breast began to heave. How could he save -himself? Was there a way? Might he not break -down now and throw himself on Frank’s sympathy? -He thought of that, and straightway set about compelling -the tears to come to his eyes. Perhaps the -sight of tears would be enough to melt Merriwell.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I had to do it!” he choked. “There was no other -way to save myself.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Snodgrass uttered a curse and looked at Arnold -with scorn and contempt.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“For Heaven’s sake, don’t let Merriwell see you -snivel!” he hissed.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>Then he smote the table with his clenched fist, saying:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Jackson shall answer to me for this trick! He shall -pay dearly for permitting any one to play the eavesdropper -on me. He did it, for no one could reach -that door without his permission.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I advise you to keep your mouth closed as far as -Jackson is concerned,” said Merry. “If you tackle -him and raise a dust, it may get out that you were -here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold gasped again. Then Merriwell did not mean -to expose them? He was not going to make the whole -matter public? It was a great relief. Even Snodgrass -pulled in his horns somewhat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It was a dirty trick!” he declared. “I didn’t think -Jackson would permit it. If I were to tell the fellows -about it, it would hurt his old place.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But I know you’ll say nothing about it, Snodgrass.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why not?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Because it will be a dead give-away on yourself.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’ll give it away! You’ll go out and tell your -story. We’ll say you lied about it, but that Jackson -let you in to that door, where you listened without -overhearing anything in particular.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How will you explain your presence here? Every -man of your crew, and of the freshmen, is forbidden to -come here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s right,” muttered Arnold.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, well, one slip——” began Ben weakly.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>“You know my statement would be believed.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not against us both.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I think so.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We would swear you lied.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And you know deep down in your heart that I -would be believed.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We’d swear you were trying to get us thrown off -our crews in order to work your particular friends -on.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Think it over a little, Snodgrass, before you try it. -Of course, if that is the course you choose, I shall -permit you to have your own way about it. Anyhow, -off the crew you will come, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m against it!” cried Arnold, resolved to play into -Frank’s hand, though not quite understanding the -move to make. “I do not fancy having a smell raised -about it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Ben gave him a look of scorn.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There is only one way for you two fellows to save -yourselves,” said Frank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That is—how?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You must both withdraw from your crews. If -you do that at once, I’ll say nothing about what has -happened. If you do not withdraw at once, I shall -expose you. Those are the terms; they are unalterable. -You may choose.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXIII. <br /> <span class='fss'>A NEW COMPACT.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>They were forced to agree to the terms, though -Snodgrass did so with such bitterness in his heart as -he had never before known. Merry saw the fellow -look at him with a glance of unspeakable hatred, and -he knew Snodgrass would be his enemy from that day.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I know you are bound the freshmen shall win,” -muttered Ben, “and that’s one reason why you are going -to force me to leave the sophomore crew. With -me in the boat there was less chance for your crew -to come in ahead.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Conceit is not lacking in your make-up, Snodgrass,” -said Merry, unable to repress his amusement. -“You seem to fancy yourself the biggest part of the -crew.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You can’t deny that I’ve told you the truth!” hissed -the sophomore, showing his teeth.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I wouldn’t take the trouble to deny anything so ridiculous. -Arnold, if he’d let cigarettes and drink -alone, might be a better man than you to-day, yet he -has to get out of the freshman boat.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“To let in some friend of yours.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have two friends among the freshmen—two particular -friends, I mean. They are Starbright and -Dashleigh, and both of them are already in the boat. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span>I demand that you fellows get out because you are -both crooked and unworthy to battle for the honor of -your classes. That’s what I think of you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m not going to say what I think of you,” muttered -Ben.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Perhaps it is just as well for you that you do not,” -came meaningly from Merry’s lips. “As I stood behind -that door listening to your talk here, I felt like -jumping in and giving you both the thrashing you deserved; -but I decided not to put my hands on you, and -I do not wish to go back on that resolution. However, -Snodgrass, if you were to become too insulting, I -might forget myself and give you a little jolting.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’re a bully!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Is that so? As a rule, I believe bullies seek to have -the odds in their favor. I didn’t count on that when -I entered here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You entered because Arnold had discovered you -were behind the door.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“In a certain degree that is true. Yet I was ready -to come in just then, having heard enough to put me -onto your game. With Arnold out of the freshman -boat, there will be no chance for such a fluke as was -planned. With you out of the sophomore boat, you -will win no unmerited glory.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Snodgrass ground his teeth in fury. For the time -his ambition to make the varsity was dished. But, -thank goodness! Merriwell would not be in Yale next -year, and then he would have his chance once more. -With Merriwell away he would make the crew—he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>was confident of it. Surely he had reason enough to -hate Merriwell, for had not Frank kept him from -forging to the front?</p> - -<p class='c001'>But Merry, who had so many friends, was not afraid -of making an enemy. The man who fears to make an -enemy is not worthy to have friends. The man who -fears to make an enemy seldom has friends who are -stanch and true.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In a just cause Merry had never failed to make enemies, -and he had made many of them in the past; but -about him there was a particular something that finally -won those enemies over to friends, even when he -seemed careless, or undesirous of such a result.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Now, as you both understand the terms on which -I remain silent concerning this business,” said Frank, -“I’ll bid you good night. I shall expect you to hand -in your resignations by noon to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>With clenched teeth, Snodgrass half-started, as if -to leap at Frank’s back, Merry having turned carelessly -away. But Frank, without so much as turning -his head to glance back, said:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t try it, Snodgrass! I shall do you harm if -you do!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then the muscles of the sophomore relaxed, and he -settled back on his chair, glaring till the door had -closed behind Frank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>For some moments the detected rascals were silent. -Then Arnold ventured to look at the chin of his companion. -That chin frightened him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Snodgrass was a tempest of fury. He raved at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>Arnold and reviled him. He raved at himself. Then -he fell to expressing himself concerning Frank Merriwell, -and his words were lurid in the extreme.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold, to tell the truth, felt glad to escape thus -easily. One thing he dreaded was exposure and disgrace, -and he had feared that was to follow Merriwell’s -discovery. Snodgrass seemed to understand the -relief of his companion, and he snarled:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, you can pay up now, and pay up in a hurry! -I want my money, and you’ll have to fork over.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But I can’t, and you know it!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ve got your paper, and your grandmother will -have to pay.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold was frightened.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t force me to the wall, Snodgrass!” he implored. -“She’ll take me out of college! I don’t believe -she’ll pay you, anyhow. Give me time, and I’ll -find a way to pay you. You must give me time, old -man!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Time! time! time! You can’t pay if I do give you -time, and you know it! I know it! I’ve known it all -along!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’ve known it?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Of course I have!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yet you let me have the money! You did it to get -me in a trap!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, perhaps I did. I wanted to make use of you. -Now you are no earthly use to me, and I want my -money.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span>“Wait,” urged Arnold shakingly. “Don’t say I’m -no use to you. You can’t tell yet.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Are you going to give up? Are you <a id='corr277.4'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='yoing'>going</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_277.4'><ins class='correction' title='yoing'>going</ins></a></span> to let -Merriwell triumph over you?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No; by thunder, no!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I thought not. But we’ve both got to obey his -command, or get it in the neck. I’m a freshman, but -he is coaching the freshmen, and I hate him. Therefore, -I don’t want them to win.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It would hit him hard if they failed!” panted Snodgrass.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Sure thing,” nodded Arnold, lowering his voice to -a whisper. “We can’t make any plans here, old man, -but I believe in getting back at him, and I’ll help you -do it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How can it be done?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t know yet; but we ought to be able to find a -way. We must keep the freshmen from winning, -somehow.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The face of Snodgrass took on a look of vindictive -resolve.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s right!” he grated. “The freshmen shall not -win now! It will hurt Merriwell if they fail! We -will prevent them, Arnold.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If I help you, will you cancel the account against -me?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“In case we succeed—yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then shake on it!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>They shook hands over the table.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXIV. <br /> <span class='fss'>SNODGRASS SEEKS SATISFACTION.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Of course the unexpected withdrawal of Arnold and -Snodgrass from their respective crews created comment. -Both men manufactured excuses, but these excuses -proved to be rather flimsy when investigated. -They seemed to have suddenly lost their sand in the -face of the rigid training, and decided to get out. This -caused many to regard them with contempt, and Snodgrass -ate his heart out with rage toward the one he -regarded as the author of all his trouble. Never for -a moment did he regard himself as in any way to -blame.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold was afraid of Merriwell; but, if possible, -just then he was more afraid of Snodgrass, who was -desperate enough for any move. The sophomore -swore by various things he was supposed to regard as -sacred that he would get even with Merriwell. He -vowed that the freshmen should meet with defeat, but -when he came to meditate on the matter some time it -did not seem to him that the simple defeat of the freshmen -would be revenge enough on Merriwell.</p> - -<p class='c001'>No; he longed for blood! He pictured himself as -jumping on Frank and giving him a terrible drubbing. -In this fanciful encounter he knocked Merriwell -down again and again. Oh, how he quivered with satisfaction -<span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>as he felt his fists beating Merriwell’s handsome -face into a mass of cuts and bruises! How he -laughed and gloated. And at last, when he had -knocked down and out the fellow he hated, he stood -and sneered at him, with arms folded and a heart full -of triumph.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This was a glorious battle and a glorious victory; -but, unfortunately for the feelings of the revengeful -Snodgrass, he knew it could happen only in his mind. -He knew that he was no match for Merriwell, and it -made him grind his teeth with fury. He even thought -of sand-bags, brass knuckles, clubs, and such things.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He didn’t wish to kill Merriwell; not at all. The -desire to do so may have possessed him, but fear of -the consequences was enough to make him cast such -a thought aside at once. He wanted simply to have -the satisfaction of maiming and hurting Frank. Oh, -it would be great to do him up so he could not get -out to the ball-ground! In that case, of course, he -would be unable to coach the freshmen.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold was frightened when Snodgrass imparted -his desires. He feared that Ben might be foolish -enough to set out to do the trick, taking him along as -a witness. He expostulated with Snodgrass.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Forget it!” he said. “Other fellows have tried to -do Merriwell like that, and they’ve always got it in -the neck themselves. You can’t get even with him -that way.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I can and will!” grated the vindictive sophomore.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’ll get the worst thrashing you ever had.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>“Don’t you think it. I’ll not do the job myself. -I can find a way.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Snodgrass proceeded to the loafing-place of a -certain gang of young thugs. Buster Bill, the leader -of the gang, had “done time,” and, taken all together, -the thugs were a disgrace to the college city.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Snodgrass put on his old clothes, and away he went -to the vicinity of the wharves. Down there, near -where he knew Buster Bill hung out, he collared a -street urchin and questioned him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At first the boy didn’t know anything that Snodgrass -wanted to know. He would not answer questions. -He bawled: “Leggo, you big slob! Watcher -think ye’re doin’, anyhow?” But Snodgrass persevered.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I want to see my friend Bill Riley,” he said. “I -know he hangs out here. I’ll give you a quarter if -you’ll find Bill for me.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“G’wan! yer can’t fool me!” said the boy. “I dunno -no Bill Riley, an’ I don’t believe you’d fork over a -quarter, annyhow.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Snodgrass took out the money, and held it up before -the eyes of the dirty, squirming lad. The squirming -ceased, and the boy eyed the piece of silver -greedily.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There it is,” said the college youth. “Now, show -me Bill Riley, and it’s yours.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The boy seemed to be contemplating making a grab -for the money.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I dunno Bill Riley,” he persisted. “What’s he do?”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>“He’s a gent,” declared Snodgrass, with assumed -loftiness. “He don’t do a thing. He lives on the interest -of his money. I met him last summer in jail.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hey?” said the boy. “Where was dat?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Blackwell’s Island. Ever heard of it?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Sure, Mike! I know a feller that’s been there, -and the gang calls him Bill.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What’s his last name?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I dunno. Alwus heard him called der Buster.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s the man I want to find!” exclaimed Snodgrass. -“He told me to hunt him up if I ever came -this way.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The boy looked incredulous.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, youse ain’t like anny of his gang,” he declared. -“Anny of ’em could eat youse.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Perhaps so; perhaps not. But I want to find Bill, -and this quarter is yours if you take me to him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The urchin reflected. He was in mortal fear of -Buster Bill and “der gang,” but he wanted that quarter. -It was possible that this stranger told the truth. -It might be he knew Bill, and Bill would be glad to -see him. Did he dare to chance it for the quarter?</p> - -<p class='c001'>Snodgrass kept still, knowing it might be a mistake -to seem too anxious.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Annyhow,” said the boy, “Bill an’ his gang will -knock the stuffin’s out of you if you’re a stranger. Dey -don’t like to be bothered when dey’re havin’ a little -settin’.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>So the boy knew where Buster Bill was to be found, -and Snodgrass tightened his hold.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span>“I’ll make it fifty cents,” he declared. “Two good, -new quarters. What do you say?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I tell ye you’ll git your face broke sure if Bill don’t -know yer.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll chance it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Den I’ll take yer to ’em. Come on. Leggo my -collar. Gimme der money first.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not on your life! I’ll pay the minute I put my -eyes on Bill—not before.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The urchin led him amid the wharf buildings, where -the smell of the water was strong. Through an old -lumber-yard they went, coming out at last to a sagging -building.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Sh!” cautioned the boy, as he stole forward on his -toes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Snodgrass stepped lightly, but did not hesitate to -follow.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The boy opened an old door, and they entered the -lower part of the building. There they paused, and the -mumbling sound of voices reached them from some -place up above.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Still motioning for Snodgrass to be still, the boy -led the way to a ladder that led up through a square -scuttle-hole above. Up the ladder the lad softly -skipped, and Snodgrass followed at his heels. The -heart of the college man was thumping heavily in his -bosom, for this was more of an adventure than he -had counted on when he started out.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Dey’re at it!” whispered the boy, pausing on the -top of the ladder.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>He looked to see if his companion showed signs of -alarm, but Snodgrass appeared as eager as ever, and -the boy slipped off the ladder to the floor of the loft.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Barely had Snodgrass followed when there arose a -sudden commotion beyond a dark door that could -scarcely be seen in that gloomy, cobwebby place. -There was a volley of oaths, a blow, and a fall.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s him!” hissed the boy. “He’s knocked somebody -down! Oh, but he’s a holy terror, an’ he’ll be -red-hot now! Don’t yer t’ink ye’d better turn round?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not much!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Den gimme der fifty. I’ve kept my part of der -bargain. He’s in dere, so jest walk in.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Snodgrass gave the boy half a dollar, and, one -second later, the youngster went down the ladder like -a frightened cat, leaving Ben there alone.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The desperate sophomore shuddered a bit and -shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He’s just the kind of a man I must have!” he -thought. “I’d be a fool to back out now! Brace up, -Ben, and walk right in. Your reception may not be -cordial, but you must set yourself right. It’s to down -Merriwell, and I’m ready to face the devil to do that!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he advanced to the door and thrust it open.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXV. <br /> <span class='fss'>ANOTHER COMPACT.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>The light from one dingy and dirty window shone -into the place. Where the light of the window fell on -it was a rough table, about which four persons had -been sitting. Just now one of them was standing, -while another still lay on the floor, having raised himself -to his elbow, but without daring to rise. The -one on the floor had been knocked down by the one -who was standing.</p> - -<p class='c001'>On the table were cards, money, and two bottles of -whisky. There were no glasses to drink from. These -men drank directly from the bottle.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Rough-looking fellows they were. Plainly, at a -glance, they were young thugs of the city slums.</p> - -<p class='c001'>They had been gambling for money. The cards -were scattered carelessly, as they had been dropped -when the sudden quarrel began over the game.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The fellow standing was six feet tall, with broad -shoulders, thick, muscular arms, deep chest, heavy -legs, and the face of the genuine young ruffian. His -jaw was square, protruding, and brutal. Still, in a -certain way, there was something handsome about him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At a glance Snodgrass knew that man was Buster -Bill. No one could doubt that he was the leader of the -gang.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>When the door opened, and Snodgrass appeared before -the startled eyes of the gang, they turned and -glared at him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I beg your pardon, gentlemen,” said the college -man. “I am looking for William Riley.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The blazes you are!” said Buster Bill. “Who in -thunder are you?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A spy!” cried one of the others excitedly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“We’re pinched!” exclaimed another.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The gang seemed ready to make a fight on the spot. -Their hands sought hidden weapons. Snodgrass was -uneasy, but he did not shrink or retreat, which was a -very good thing for him. If he had betrayed signs -of alarm just then he could not have escaped without -broken bones. Instead, he calmly said:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am no spy, and the police are not behind me. I -came here on business of importance, and my business -is with Mr. Riley.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Mr. Riley! That was odd enough. William Riley -had been a shocker, but Mr. Riley was worse still. -They looked at Snodgrass in doubt.</p> - -<p class='c001'>What sort of business could this man, this beardless -chap, have with Buster Bill? Generally the man who -hunted for Bill on the pretext of business carried a -warrant and a pair of handcuffs.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, why in thunder don’t yer come in?” demanded -Bill himself.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Snodgrass entered, though he felt much more -like making a dash to get out. He walked into the -room with an assumed air of nonchalance.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span>Barely was he well into the room, however, when -Buster Bill made one leap, slammed the door shut, -and put his back against it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well,” he said, as he faced round, “we’ve got ye -now, anyhow!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s right,” said Snodgrass, calmly sitting down -on a box.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The other men were on their feet. The one who -had been knocked down stood over the college man, -demanding:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Wot shall we do with him. Bill? Give der word -an’ we’ll kick der packin’ out of him!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Wait a little,” said the leader. “We’ll find out wot -ther bloke wants here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The fellow standing over Snodgrass looked disappointed. -He had been struck, and he longed to retaliate -on somebody. He had been eager to strike, -beat, and kick the intruder.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Buster Bill stepped toward the college man. Despite -his size and weight, his step was light. Snodgrass -sized him up and nodded to himself with satisfaction. -Surely here was a fellow who could give Frank Merriwell -a go “all by his lonesome.” With his gang at -his back he could wipe Merriwell off the map. All that -was needed now was to strike a bargain.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bill pulled a chair out in front of Snodgrass and sat -down, making a motion that the others understood. -They pulled their seats out and sat all about the intruder. -He was in the midst of them, and they had him -foul. Let him whistle now, and they could pounce on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>him and kick him into jelly before the police could -reach them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When they had seated themselves, Buster Bill -seemed to think of something, and he said:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Skip, just take a sneak out and look round. Come -back and tell us if you see anything.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The smallest man of the gang, a wiry young thug, -arose and slipped out of the room.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I am sorry I interrupted your little game,” said -Snodgrass pleasantly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t mention it,” growled Riley.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You have a very comfortable place here,” declared -the college man.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Uh-ha!” grunted Riley.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Nobody likely to bother you here,” declared the -college man.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You did,” reminded Riley.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, I had hard enough work finding you.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Skip came back and informed them that everything -seemed to be all right, with nobody round to bother -them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I hope you are satisfied, gentlemen,” said Snodgrass, -“that I am not a spy. I told you the truth when -I said I came here on business.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Wot’s in it?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Money,” was the answer. “I have heard of Mr. -Riley’s powers, and——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Call me Bill.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, I’ve heard that Bill is a holy terror and can -<span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span>lick his weight in grizzly bears. That report is what -brought me here.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Buster Bill relaxed somewhat.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yer want somebody t’umped?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’ve guessed it first shot.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Wot’s der price?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Fifty.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Fifty wot?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Dollars.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Got der dough?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Sure.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“In yer clothes?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“No; I’m not fool enough to carry so much round -with me. I don’t think I have more than two dollars -in my pockets.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The ruffians exchanged looks of disappointment.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Ben Snodgrass had been very wise when he left his -money behind him this day.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Are youse one of dem college guys?” asked Riley.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, I am a student.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I was beginning to t’ink so. Got it in fer annodder -dub an’ wants ter have him cropped, eh? Well, I’ll -do der trick fer fifty, but I’ll have ter have der dough -in advance.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Even you, Bill, may not find the job a cinch,” said -Snodgrass. “He’s a bad man.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, wot yer givin’ me! If I can have a good -chance at him I’ll polish der duck off in one minute.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You may have as good a chance as you want. He -goes out to the ball-field every afternoon lately, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span>he has taken to walking in alone just at dark. He -always returns to Vanderbilt a certain way. There -are some scattering houses and an open spot. No -lights there to speak of. A fine chance to come on him -suddenly.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, say! you oughter be able ter do him yerself -widout callin’ on me fer help. Wot’s der matter wid -layin’ for him dere an’ soakin’ him wid a club?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I have to be somewhere else when it happens. If -I’m suspected, I want to prove an alibi.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Is dat it? Don’t s’pose it’s ’cause yer lacks der -nerve? Of course not!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>The thugs laughed roughly, and Snodgrass flushed -a little.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It would be no disgrace to be afraid of this man,” -he asserted, somewhat haughtily.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, who der blazes can it be?” cried Buster Bill.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“His name is Frank Merriwell,” said the student.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Wot!” cried the leader of the gang. “Why, you -don’t mean der feller wot everybody is makin’ such a -fuss over? Not der cap’n of der ball-team?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yer wants me ter smash him?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“An’ you’ll pay fifty for the job?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“In advance?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Twenty-five in advance, and the balance the day -following the completion of the job.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s the easiest way of makin’ a fifty stroke I’ve -<span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>heard of lately! It’ll be pie for me. An’, say, I’ve -been wantin’ to get a lick at him fer some time. He -makes me sick! Dey talk about him bein’ a great athlete! -I’ve seen him, an’ I know I can break him clean -in two!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If you have a notion that Merriwell is soft, you -are making a big mistake, and you’ll receive a severe -surprise when you tackle him. He may look soft, but -he is the hardest man you ever went against, and he -has astonishing luck. It will be well for you to have -your men along to see the sport. Perhaps you may -need their assistance before you are done with Merriwell.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Riley was offended.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Look here,” he cried, “I don’t like that kind of -talk! I ain’t never run against der bloke wot could do -me. An’ I’ll have der advantage of dis feller by takin’ -him by surprise. Why, I’ll pulverize him before he -can lift a finger!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I hope so.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How bad do you want him done?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I want him sent to the hospital. If you could manage -to break a few of his ribs it would please me -greatly. At any rate, I want him thumped so badly -that he’ll have to keep under cover for four days. -That’s all I ask.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’s a snap! But w’en do I git der twenty-five? -Dat has ter come down before I go inter de game.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’ll pay you that to-night. I will meet you at ten -<span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>o’clock at the west end of Barnsville Bridge and give -you the money there. Is that satisfactory?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Riley looked at Snodgrass sharply, as if a doubt -had entered his mind, but he finally nodded, saying:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Dat’s all right. I guess ye’re on der level, pal.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You needn’t worry about that. I want Merriwell -done up, and I’m ready to pay. You’ll find me on -hand with the other twenty-five at the same place the -very night you jump him. It makes no difference to -you just why I want him downed.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not a blamed bit, pal! I’m out for der dough.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Then the bargain is made. Let’s shake hands on -it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Snodgrass rose and offered his hand, which the big -thug accepted, and gave a grip to seal the dastardly -compact.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXVI. <br /> <span class='fss'>BUSTER BILL SURPRISED.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Frank was methodical in everything he did, and -that was how he accomplished so much without being -swamped. He gave just so much time to everything. -When the work of the day was all done, he ventured -to spend a little time in idleness, but not till then.</p> - -<p class='c001'>No man ever accomplishes great things and performs -great labors unless he is methodical. The person -who goes at any task by fits and starts does not -make rapid progress. It is persistent hammering away -at anything that counts in the end. In the fable the -tortoise beat the hare; so the slow, plodding, determined -man often beats the brilliant, flighty, erratic -man of genius in the race of life.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Steady hammering at one kind of work becomes monotonous -after a time, it is true, and a man may wear -himself out before his time in such a manner. But -give him variety, let him change at certain hours of -the day from one thing to another, and the amount he -can accomplish will amaze those who look on and -never put their powers to the full test.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank Merriwell’s life was one of constant change -and variety. The classroom, the gymnasium, the ball-field, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span>the rowing-tank, or the shell led him from one -thing to another at certain hours, and so he performed -an amount of labor that astounded lazy students.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Each afternoon he reached the field at a certain -hour. He entered into the work there with vim and -vigor. When it was over, he had a way of starting off -by himself to walk back to Vanderbilt. He preferred -to make this little walk quite alone. His friends had -found this out, and they permitted him to do so.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There may have been a secret reason why Frank -chose to walk back unaccompanied from the field. Perhaps -it would seem impolite to pry into some of his -secrets. All day long he was thinking of studies, lectures, -gymnastics, baseball, and rowing—all day except -during this walk by himself in the dusk of early -evening.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Of what was he thinking then? Why was it that he -often smiled fondly to himself, as if looking into the -face of some one very dear? Why was it that he -seemed utterly oblivious to his surroundings as he -swung along with that beautiful, easy stride? Why -was it that sometimes his lips moved, and—listen! did -he murmur a name? Was it—Inza?</p> - -<p class='c001'>But we’ll not pry into his secrets, although we understand -now how it was that, with his mind far away, -he walked straight into the trap that had been prepared -for him. At another time he might not have -been taken so by surprise, for, as a rule, he seemed constantly -on the alert. Now, before he realized anything -was wrong, a man had jumped out at him from the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span>corner and struck him a terrible blow on the side of -the head.</p> - -<p class='c001'>That blow knocked Frank down!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Buster Bill had started in to earn his money, and it -must be confessed that he had made a good beginning.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He had intended to jump on Merriwell instantly, -but now he paused, astonished that even a college athlete -could be popped over so easily. That pause was -fatal to the ruffian’s plans.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Although the shock had been terrible, although his -head was ringing and he was somewhat dazed, Merriwell -quickly recovered and started to rise.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then, with a snarl, the thug made another spring -and a kick. He meant to earn his money by fracturing -a rib with his heavy boot.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In a crouching position Frank Merriwell sprang -aside with a froglike hop. Then he straightened up. -The violence of that kick, which had reached nothing -but empty air, had thrown Buster Bill down.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When Bill, astonished beyond measure, scrambled to -his feet, he found Frank Merriwell, the Yale athlete, -waiting for him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Not a word passed Merry’s lips, but he sailed into -that fellow in a manner that meant business. He -swung at Bill’s head, and Bill did not entirely avoid -the blow. He was hit pretty hard, but not hard -enough to knock him off his pins.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then a hot time followed. If Buster Bill had underrated -his antagonist at the start, he soon experienced -<span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>a change of opinion. The Yale man, for all of the -blow he had received, became the aggressor in less than -thirty seconds.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bill, you are in trouble for fair. There you have it, -fair and square on the nose, and it was a solid jolt, too. -It started your nose to bleeding, but you don’t mind -that, of course! only boys mind when they get a -crack on the nose that starts the claret. But there is -another in the eye. That will be likely to give you a -very pretty eye to show your friends to-morrow. -You’ll be proud of it, Bill, and you will enjoy exhibiting -it to the gang.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Brace up, Buster Bill; it won’t do to let this smooth-faced, -clear-eyed, handsome fellow get in many more -like that one on the cheek. If he does, you’ll have -a mug that will arouse doubts in regard to your veracity -when you explain to-morrow that you fell down -on the hard ground just by accident. People may -listen to you, Bill; but inwardly they will be asking if -you fell or were pushed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>What ails the fellow, anyhow? Why won’t he keep -still and let you hit him back a few times, gentle William? -It doesn’t seem hardly fair for him to do all the -hitting, with the exception of that first blow; now, does -it? If you had dreamed he was going to act this way, -you would have hit him with a brick, wouldn’t you, -Bill?</p> - -<p class='c001'>Great Scott! but that was an awful jab in the wind, -Bill! It doubled you up beautifully. And then he was -rude enough to give you another one on the ear. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>What are you doing down there, William? You’ll get -your clothes dirty rolling round on the ground.</p> - -<p class='c001'>That’s right, sir; get right up, like a little man. -He’ll accommodate you by knocking you down again. -How long can you keep it up, Bill? Your head is -pretty hard, but even a wooden head must get tired of -being biffed round in such a manner.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Don’t froth, man! It’ll not do you a bit of good. -Don’t gnash your teeth, for you’ll not frighten him -that way. He doesn’t seem a bit afraid of you, and -he keeps coming right after you all the time. At least, -he might have the decency to give you a rest.</p> - -<p class='c001'>What’s that, you mighty thug, you slayer of men? -Can it be that you realize you have met your master -in this college chap at whom you sneered? Who are -you shouting to? On my life, I believe you are calling -to your friends for help!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Yes, it is true! And here they come through the -dusk on the run, four of them in all! Well, well! -you’ve surely got the college chap in a bad place now; -but if you down him at last, Bill, you can’t brag that -you did it alone, and I do not fancy that you’ll feel -very proud of the job.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span>CHAPTER XXXVII.</p> - -<p class='c001'>HIS FOES “SCATTERED AROUND.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Buster Bill had met the surprise of his life. He had -not dreamed of anything like this. Why, he would -have bet his life that he could whip any man in Yale -with one hand tied behind his back! That was before -the encounter. After the encounter he felt differently -about it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Never in all his life had he found a man so hard to -hit as this fellow Merriwell. Never in all his career -at the ringside had he seen a man who could do such -lively foot-work. The manner in which Merriwell got -in, punched, and got away was something very exasperating -to Mr. Riley.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At first the ruffian had fancied he was doing the -rushing, and he tried to follow his nimble antagonist -about; but the time quickly came when he discovered -that he was not doing nearly as much rushing as he -had fancied.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The college man was a perfect tempest. He was -here, there, everywhere. He went under Riley’s arm -with a ducking leap, came up behind the fellow and -smote him a staggerer on the back of the head.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When that happened Mr. Riley got down on his -knees. It was a most unusual position for him, and he -wondered to find himself there. With an expression -<span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>of dissatisfaction at the way things were occurring, he -hoisted himself in time to get a lovely jolt on the jaw.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Riley tried to induce the other chap to stand still -and be hit a few times, just to even things up a little; -but Frank Merriwell proved to be a most unaccommodating -fellow at this point. He declined to let Riley -get in another blow.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then it was that Buster Bill began to be sorry that -he had not used a brick when he hit the fellow at the -start. A brick would have settled it at once, and there -would have been no taking chances.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But he had not fancied he was taking chances, anyhow. -We have all to live and learn. To-morrow Mr. -Riley and his friends were to make remarks about -Frank Merriwell, and, even though those remarks -would not do for printing in the program of a Sunday-school -concert, they were to be highly complimentary.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bill snarled and frothed, but all that amounted to -nothing. He found it was no use; he could not hit -Merriwell, and he was swiftly getting cut all to -pieces. When his wind gave out, he began to feel unspeakable -alarm.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I hate to confess it about such a brave scoundrel as -Bill, but there was a moment when he actually thought -of taking to his heels and running for it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he remembered that this Merriwell had the -reputation of being a sprinter. Whatever he had ever -said about college men, he had never denied that they -could run.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span>Besides that, there were the fellows back there behind -the old building, waiting for him to do the job. -They were peering wonderingly through the gloom, he -knew, speculating over the astonishing encounter that -was taking place. If he ran away his days of leadership -would be over with “the gang.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then he thought of shouting to them, but it seemed -almost equally as disgraceful to call for help, and his -pride held his lips for a time.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Merriwell improved that time of silence by hitting -the thug some jabs that made him somewhat weary. -Not until he found himself groggy and going to pieces -swiftly did Bill yell for his companions.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Up to that time Frank Merriwell had fancied his -assailant was there quite by himself; but with that first -cry Merriwell realized there might be other ruffians -there.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Merry redoubled his efforts to finish Bill before -the others appeared. He heard their footsteps, -and from a corner of his eyes he saw dark forms coming -swiftly toward him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then Merry did his level best to dispose of Bill before -the others came up. He got in two terrible blows, -and the second one stretched the thug senseless on the -ground.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But he did not try to avoid the encounter with Buster -Bill’s friends. He met them, actually springing -forward to do so.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The one in advance received a surprise in the shape -of a hard fist on the chin, and he lay down to think -<span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span>it over and wonder just what had happened. There -were three left, and they went at Merriwell with intense -ferocity.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Surely by this time Merriwell must be pretty well -played out. It looks bad for him. These fellows are -likely to find him an easy victim now.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But are they? Merry seemed just as fierce, just as -lively, just as terrible as he had been when at his best -in the little affair with Mr. Riley. He was not aware -that he felt the least fatigue, and the way he met and -smashed into those fellows was as much a surprise to -them as his same style of conduct had been to Buster -Bill.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Where was Bill? They called to him, but he did not -answer. Could that be him on the ground? What -was he doing down there? It must be that he had -been knocked out with a slung-shot. No other explanation -could be accepted.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The same kind of slung-shot was coming at them. -Look out for it, you thugs of the long docks, or you’ll -find yourselves imitating your leader!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Why was it they could not seem to get at him and -crush him at once? Why was it that he seemed able -to keep them in the way of one another, so that they -were bothered to reach him? When one of them -opened his arms to grasp Merriwell around the waist -from behind he succeeded in clasping a friend and -throwing him down. And while he was doing this -Merriwell got in a crack at the third man that caused -him to seek a reclining position beside Buster Bill and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_301'>301</span>the other “gent” that had hastened at the call for aid -to bump into Frank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then they found there were but two of them left to -down this Yale man who should be such an easy mark -for any one of them. Perhaps two would be able to -do a better job than more of them. Two would not -get in each other’s way so often.</p> - -<p class='c001'>They were not given much time to think about this, -for Merriwell followed up the fight and waded into -them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This put the ruffians on the defensive, which was -something quite against their liking. He knocked one -of them up against the other, and then tried to drop -them both with a swinging right and left.</p> - -<p class='c001'>They separated and closed in on him from opposite -sides. He struck one and kicked the other in the -stomach. That kick had been most surprising, for the -fellow was coming up behind Frank, and looked for -nothing of the sort. It doubled him up gasping, and -while he gasped, Merriwell went in to polish off the -other chap. He found that fellow easy beside Buster -Bill, and he took pains to swing accurately without -chancing it. The blow was perfect, and the fourth -thug went down and out.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This left but one man on his pins, and he was just -recovering his breath, which had been knocked out of -him by that terrible kick. He straightened up as -Frank turned on him. Then he saw four dark forms -on the ground, and his desire was to be a long distance -away from that vicinity.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_302'>302</span>But he knew his wind would not let him run fast, -and so he was compelled to stand up and take his -medicine like the others. He put up his guard and -ducked Merry’s first blow. In following the fellow up, -Frank caught his toe over the prostrate body of one of -the men on the ground, and went down to his knees.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Uttering a snarl of joy, the last thug sprang in. -This was his chance. He would get the best of this remarkable -college man now. He would upset him, -jump on him with both feet, half-kill him! Then, -when the others sat up and took notice of things, he -would say: “Behold, I did it!” or words to that effect.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was a real pleasant dream, but it proved to be -nothing but a dream. He did not even hit Merriwell, -who dodged, leaped up, closed in, and kicked him reeling.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was amazing how the Yale man could follow up -an advantage. As that fellow staggered, he went in on -him, deliberately selected the knock-out spot, and let -him have it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>That ended the fight, for the fifth one of the gang -joined his weary friends on the ground.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Frank stood in the midst of his fallen assailants, -looking about.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Two men came rushing up through the darkness. -They were Starbright and Hodge, who had decided to -walk in from the field, and happened to be coming -along behind him. They had heard the sounds of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_303'>303</span>battle as they approached, and fancying Frank might -be in it, rushed forward to offer assistance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Merry,” cried Bart, “is that you?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes,” said Frank, in a calm, undisturbed tone, “I -think it is.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You—you’ve been attacked?” palpitated the giant -freshman, who accompanied Hodge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Something of the kind happened,” admitted Merry.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Your assailants—where are they?” demanded -Hodge.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’ll find them scattered around here,” answered -Frank, as, with one hand in his pocket, he made a -gentle, sweeping gesture with the other.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_304'>304</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXVIII. <br /> <span class='fss'>BEFORE THE RACE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>The day of the spring regatta at Lake Whitney arrived -at last, and a perfect day it was—mild, sunny, -balmy, and sweet. It seems that the sun, by some perennial -contract, always shines on this day of days at -New Haven. The trees were putting out their bright -green leaves, and there was an odor of sweetness, like -the breath of spring, in the air.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The lake was almost as smooth as a mirror. Near -the shores there were no ripples. Out in the middle -of the lake a tiny breeze stirred the water and made -it take on a deeper blue.</p> - -<p class='c001'>A vast crowd had gathered and lined the shore of -the lake to witness this contest between picked crews -from the four classes. Men were there—men of all -ages—fathers, brothers, and sons.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But pause a moment to observe the pretty girls! -Don’t you know that New Haven on any kind of a -fête day seems to be the Mecca of pretty girls? One -finds himself wondering where they all come from. It -seems that some one with an eye to artistic beauty of -varying styles must have traveled over the country, -gathering up all the pretty girls to be found, and then -rushed them on to New Haven.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_305'>305</span>The dresses of the ladies made the crowd lively -with touches of color. Of course, they were disporting -the colors of the various classes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Yale men could be told from visitors and townies. -They were discussing the probable result of the race. -The Chickering set had found a comfortable and -sightly spot, and there they were gathered in a body, -waiting for the excitement to begin.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Weally, felloth,” said Lew Veazie, removing the -head of his cane from his mouth in order to speak, -“I believe the juniorth will win thith wace.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I hope so,” said Chickering, “though I shall feel -sorry for Merriwell, who has put so much hard work -upon the freshmen. It will be a great disappointment -for him.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s right!” nodded Gene Skelding, with a harsh -laugh, having thrust back his cap to permit the sun to -fall fairly on his beautiful brow. “It’s going to be a -jolt for Merriwell, but I have it straight, the freshmen -can’t win.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I’m afraid I don’t understand why not,” said -Ollie Lord, lighting a fresh cigarette.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Why, because it is written on the Book of Fate that -they are not to win,” said Tilton Hull, looking solemnly -over his high collar, as a boy might peer over a -whitewashed board fence.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But that doesn’t explain it to me. Does it to you, -chummie?” asked Ollie, turning to Lew.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hawdly,” confessed Veazie. “There mutht be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_306'>306</span>thomething going on that we don’t know anything -about.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I only received a hint of it,” said Hull, lowering his -voice to a whisper, which he seemed to shoot upward -into the air, his collar held his chin so high. “We’re -willing to let the freshies and the sophs fight it out. -We have done nothing.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And if the sophs choose to steal one of the freshman -crew, why, that is none of our business,” said -Skelding.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But it is not honorable!” exclaimed Rupert, with an -expression of horror.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Don’t let that jar you,” said Gene. “The sophs -may do the stealing, while we’ll do the winning, and -Merriwell will get left all round.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That ith all I care for,” nodded Veazie. “Oh, I -hate that fellow! I’d like to give him a weal hard -hit with the heavy end of my cane!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Not a great distance from the Chickering crowd -were gathered Hodge, Mason, Hooker, Browning, and -Carker. Hodge was looking strangely worried, -though he had nothing to say.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“A glorious day, gentlemen,” said Mason. “Why, -it’s like a day in the South; yes, sah. A perfect day -for such a race.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“But I’ve got an idea something is going wrong,” -put in Carker. “I don’t know why I feel that way, -but I can’t help it.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, say!” grunted Browning; “do you ever feel -<span class='pageno' id='Page_307'>307</span>any other way? Why don’t you try to be cheerful and -hopeful one day, just for a change?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“There is too much careless cheerfulness and hopeless -hopefulness in this world,” sighed Greg. “I tell -you we are rushing into grave and terrible dangers, -yet sober-minded men of to-day scarcely ever pause -to scan the black storm-cloud that is gathering. Some -day it will burst in all its fury.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’s a thunder-storm this time!” grumbled Bruce. -“Well, at least that is a relief from your tiresome old -earthquake, Cark.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You are like all the others,” sighed Greg. “Some -day you may awaken to the truth, but I fear it will -then be too late. The storm will have burst. It is -coming with the swiftness of——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, for Heaven’s sake, shut up!” growled Hodge, -who was watching the starting-point with an expression -of anxiety on his face. “This is a time to think -of something else. I swear I believe there is something -the matter!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Berlin Carson came rushing up.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Hello, fellows!” he panted. “Where is Merry?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>They did not know.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“What’s the matter?” asked Hodge. “Has anything -happened?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Sh!” cautioned Carson. “The sophs have stolen -the freshman coxswain.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Knight?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_308'>308</span>“The dickens! What will the freshmen do?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“They are in a mess, and they want advice from -Merriwell. That’s why I’ve been out looking for him. -But it’s no use to look farther.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Not a bit.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’s time for the race to start now.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Past time.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, we’ll have to let the freshies go it the best -they can. I guess the sophs have got them, all right. -It’s too bad, after Merry has given them so much of -his time.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“This business has been hanging fire right along,” -said Bart. “I knew there were some men who meant -that the freshmen should not win, anyhow. I think -Merriwell knew it, too, and I’m sorry he should let -those chaps get ahead of him. They’ll have it to crow -over for a month.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Carson sat down.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“It’ll be the first time Frank has been tripped up,” -he said.</p> - -<p class='c001'>If any one of them had turned about and looked -behind them at this moment he might have seen two -fellows who disappeared into a thick mass of shrubbery, -amid which they met.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The trick is done,” said one. “That’s why there -is a delay about the start. Give me the notes you -hold against me, Snodgrass.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Wait a little, Arnold,” said Ben Snodgrass. “I’ve -<span class='pageno' id='Page_309'>309</span>ceased paying in advance since I forked over twenty-five -plunks to Buster Bill, and he failed to carry out -his part of the bargain.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“He did the best he could. It wasn’t his fault.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Yes, it was.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I warned him what Merriwell was, but he sneered -at college athletes.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And Merriwell literally whipped him and his whole -gang.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That’s what Starbright reported. Said he had five -of them laid out at once.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, Merriwell will meet defeat, after all, for Earl -Knight is ten miles from here at this minute, safely -held under lock and key till the race is over. I know -that, Snodgrass; so you may as well fork over the -paper.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You’ll get the paper, all right, after the race.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If the freshmen win, it’s not my fault. I’ve carried -out my part of the agreement by leading Knight -into the trap.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“If the freshmen win without Knight, you’ll get -your money; but they can’t do it, for there isn’t another -man who can take Knight’s place and fill it as -he did. People got over sneering at Knight as a -coxswain. He was the great man of the crew, for, -somehow, he put spirit and life and confidence in -them.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“And he could steer.”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_310'>310</span>“He was an expert. Oh, yes, you’ll get your paper -after the race! What’s that? Listen!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>A shout came from the shore.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“The race has begun!” exclaimed Arnold.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Snodgrass did not pause to say a word, but made a -break for the shore.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_311'>311</span> - <h2 class='c007'>CHAPTER XXXIX. <br /> <span class='fss'>VICTORY OF THE STROKE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>The race was on! Down the lake they came, the -freshmen and sophomores neck and neck. The great -crowd shouted and cheered. Colors waved everywhere.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was a beautiful sight to see those rival crews, -their broad backs bending in perfect unison, their -strong arms extended and drawn back with the muscular -heave that was regular as clockwork. The dripping -oar-blades flashed in the sunshine.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Who is the coxswain in the freshman boat? Everybody -is anxious to know. It’s not a little fellow. -Why, it’s a man as large as Knight! Look <a id='corr311.12'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='closer!”'>closer!</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_311.12'><ins class='correction' title='closer!”'>closer!</ins></a></span></p> - -<p class='c001'>“Great mavericks!” muttered Berlin Carson. “Am -I dreaming? Why, that is——”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I thought you said Knight had disappeared!” rumbled -Browning. “Who gave you that fairy-story?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“That is Knight in the stern of the freshman boat, -sah,” put in Hock Mason.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Of course it was Knight! There could be no mistaking -that terrible scar down his left cheek, which -was plainly visible through their glasses.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Well, it’s hard work to get ahead of Frank Merriwell!” -chuckled Berlin Carson. “He must have found -a way to trace Knight and rescue him. The freshmen -will win!”</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_312'>312</span>“It looks that way,” admitted Carker; “but in times -of greatest prosperity have come upon us our greatest -calamities.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>They felt like punching him, but of a sudden their -attention was wholly given to the race. Surely something -was wrong! See! the freshman stroke reels in -his seat! It is Starbright! Something has fallen to -the bottom of the shell—something that sounds suspiciously -like a stone.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then the sophomores begin to forge ahead.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The consternation in the freshman boat has spread -to the shore. The race is ruined. Something had -knocked the stroke-oar out, and that settles it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But look again! A strange thing is happening. The -coxswain, with amazing skill, grasps the senseless -stroke and swings him aft, taking his place and his -oar.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As he seized the oar the new stroke cries:</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Pull!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Never before on Lake Whitney had such a remarkable -thing happened. The freshmen quickly recover, -and their oars rise and fall. With tremendous energy -they almost fling the boat out of the water.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The race is near the end. There can be no hope for -the unfortunate freshmen, who now have no coxswain, -save a senseless man.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The great crowd of spectators thrill with wildest -excitement. The new stroke has given that crew such -life as they had not exhibited before at any stage of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_313'>313</span>the race. They forge ahead, recovering the lost distance -with remarkable speed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In a moment they will be neck and neck again. Is -it possible that the race will be a draw?</p> - -<p class='c001'>Now they are together, and the spectators are cheering -wildly, while hats, handkerchiefs, and flags wave -everywhere.</p> - -<p class='c001'>And then, despite everything the sophomores can -do, the boat of the freshmen forges slowly into the -lead.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Over the line they go, with the nose of the freshman -boat one foot in advance, and the race is won—the -most remarkable race ever witnessed on Lake -Whitney.</p> - -<p class='c009'>There were ugly rumors about that stone. Of -course, somebody threw it, and, of course, the object -had been to knock out Starbright and give the race -to the sophomores. But for the remarkable work of -the coxswain, this dastardly trick would have resulted -in the defeat of the freshmen.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The name of the coxswain was on every lip. Earl -Knight had become famous for his wonderful action. -He had saved the race—a fact which no man disputed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Of course, Merriwell’s friends were well satisfied -with the termination of this exciting contest, while his -enemies were equally depressed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But his friends were vowing they would find out -who had thrown that stone.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_314'>314</span>“It was a dastardly piece of business!” declared Bart -Hodge hotly. “The fellow ought to be hanged!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“I think it would be a very good thing to give him -a coat of tar and feathers,” grunted Browning, who -was not a little aroused himself.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Some one must have seen him do it,” said Mason. -“It’s our duty to find out who it was.”</p> - -<p class='c001'>So they set out to investigate, but everybody seemed -too excited to really know anything about it. Some -declared no stone had been thrown, but that Starbright -had fainted in the boat. Starbright’s friends, -however, knew better than that.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Chickering set was disgusted. The result had -added another laurel to the cap of Frank Merriwell, -they thought, and they felt very bad about it. They -were among those who declared no stone had been -thrown.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Perhaps the most disgusted man was Ben Snodgrass, -who had found a spot on a high piece of land, -not far from the finishing-point. When the race was -over he vanished from that spot, and he hoped that no -one had seen him there.</p> - -<p class='c001'>He encountered Arnold, who was looking miserable -enough. Snodgrass was furious.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“Oh, you’re a dandy!” he grated. “You did a nice -piece of business, didn’t you? I thought Earl Knight -was ten miles away when the race began, safely held -under lock and key!”</p> - -<p class='c001'>“So did I,” muttered Orson huskily.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“To-morrow you pay those notes, or they go to your -<span class='pageno' id='Page_315'>315</span>grandmother for collection!” snarled Snodgrass, as he -shook them at Arnold, having taken them from his -pockets.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Arnold was white as a sheet. With his teeth -clenched, he leaped on Snodgrass, struck him down, -snatched the notes from his hand, and tore them up. -Then he took to his heels, while the baffled plotter -arose, shaking with the rage of defeat and shame.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But at the boat-house a strange thing was happening. -The coxswain who had steered and rowed the freshman -boat to victory was bending over Dick Starbright, -whom he was seeking to restore to consciousness. His -face was beaded with perspiration, and down his left -cheek from that remarkable scar ran streaks of blue.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Starbright opened his eyes and saw the other bending -over him.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“How are you, Dick?” asked the coxswain.</p> - -<p class='c001'>“You, Frank?” gasped the big stroke, in amazement. -“Why, what—what does it mean?”</p> - -<p class='c001'>Then there was great excitement in the boat-house, -for the coxswain, whom no man observed closely in -the rush at getting started, was none other than Frank -Merriwell, who had made a grease-paint scar down his -left cheek and taken the place of Knight.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But the race was won, and Merriwell remained invincible.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>THE END.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>No. 71 of the <span class='sc'>Merriwell Series</span>, entitled “Frank -Merriwell’s Strong Arm,” by Burt L. Standish, has a -thrill on every page, and tells of some games that the -reader will never forget.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div><span class='xlarge'><b>RATTLING GOOD ADVENTURE</b></span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xxlarge'><b>SPORT STORIES</b></span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'><b>Price, Fifteen Cents</b></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c005' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>Stories of the Big Outdoors</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c005' /> - -<p class='c001'>There has been a big demand for outdoor stories, and a very -considerable portion of it has been for the Maxwell Stevens -stories about Jack Lightfoot, the athlete.</p> - -<p class='c001'>These stories are of interest to old and young. They are -not, strictly speaking, stories for boys, but boys everywhere -will find a great deal in them to engage their interest.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Jack Lightfoot stories deal with every branch of sport—baseball, -football, rowing, swimming, racing, tennis, and every -sort of occupation, both indoor and out, that the healthy-minded -man turns to.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c013' /> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='69%' /> -<col width='30%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 1—Jack Lightfoot, the Athlete</td> - <td class='c003'>By Maxwell Stevens</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 2—Jack Lightfoot’s Crack Nine</td> - <td class='c003'>By Maxwell Stevens</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 3—Jack Lightfoot Trapped</td> - <td class='c003'>By Maxwell Stevens</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 4—Jack Lightfoot’s Rival</td> - <td class='c003'>By Maxwell Stevens</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c001'>In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say -that the books listed below will be issued during the respective -months in New York City and vicinity. They may not reach -the readers at a distance promptly, on account of delays in -transportation.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>To Be Published in July, 1923.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='69%' /> -<col width='30%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 5—Jack Lightfoot in Camp</td> - <td class='c003'>By Maxwell Stevens</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 6—Jack Lightfoot’s Canoe Trip</td> - <td class='c003'>By Maxwell Stevens</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>To Be Published in August, 1923.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='69%' /> -<col width='30%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 7—Jack Lightfoot’s Iron Arm</td> - <td class='c003'>By Maxwell Stevens</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 8—Jack Lightfoot’s Hoodoo</td> - <td class='c003'>By Maxwell Stevens</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>To Be Published in September, 1923.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='69%' /> -<col width='30%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 9—Jack Lightfoot’s Decision</td> - <td class='c003'>By Maxwell Stevens</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>10—Jack Lightfoot’s Gun Club</td> - <td class='c003'>By Maxwell Stevens</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>To Be Published in October, 1923.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='69%' /> -<col width='30%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>11—Jack Lightfoot’s Blind</td> - <td class='c003'>By Maxwell Stevens</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>12—Jack Lightfoot’s Capture</td> - <td class='c003'>By Maxwell Stevens</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>13—Jack Lightfoot’s Head Work</td> - <td class='c003'>By Maxwell Stevens</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>To Be Published in November, 1923.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='69%' /> -<col width='30%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>14—Jack Lightfoot’s Wisdom</td> - <td class='c003'>By Maxwell Stevens</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='bigbox'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Sea Stories</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c001'>We have repeated requests for sea stories. -To those who love the sea we feel sure that the -following books will make an appeal as no other -reading matter can.</p> - -<p class='c001'>These books are <b>all</b> published in <span class='sc'>The Select -Library</span> at 15 cents the copy.</p> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='57%' /> -<col width='42%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 58 Treasure Island</td> - <td class='c003'>Robert Louis Stevenson</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 60 Dead Man’s Rock</td> - <td class='c003'>“Q.” (A. 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The same amount of money will never -buy better reading matter, nor more enjoyment -for you, anywhere.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>PRICE, 15 CENTS</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>STREET & SMITH CORPORATION</div> - <div>79 Seventh Avenue New York City</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Stories of the Prairies</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xxlarge'>WESTERN STORY LIBRARY</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'>PRICE, FIFTEEN CENTS</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c005' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'><i>For Everyone Who Likes Adventure</i></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c005' /> - -<p class='c001'>Ted Strong and his band of bronco-busters have most exciting -adventures in this line of attractive, big books, and furnish the -reader with an almost unlimited number of thrills.</p> - -<p class='c001'>If you like a really good Western cowboy story, then this line -is made expressly for you.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c013' /> - -<p class='c001'>In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that -the books listed below will be issued during the respective months -in New York City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers -at a distance promptly, on account of delays in transportation.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>To Be Published in August, 1923.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='69%' /> -<col width='30%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 1—Ted Strong, Cowboy</td> - <td class='c003'>By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 2—Ted Strong Among the Cattlemen</td> - <td class='c003'>By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 3—Ted Strong’s Black Mountain Ranch</td> - <td class='c003'>By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>To Be Published in September, 1923</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='69%' /> -<col width='30%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 4—Ted Strong With Rifle and Lasso</td> - <td class='c003'>By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 5—Ted Strong Lost in the Desert</td> - <td class='c003'>By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>To Be Published in October, 1923.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='69%' /> -<col width='30%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 6—Ted Strong Fighting the Rustlers</td> - <td class='c003'>By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 7—Ted Strong and the Rival Miners</td> - <td class='c003'>By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>To Be Published in November, 1923.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='69%' /> -<col width='30%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 8—Ted Strong and the Last of the Herd</td> - <td class='c003'>By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'> 9—Ted Strong on a Mountain Trail</td> - <td class='c003'>By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>To Be Published in December, 1923.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='69%' /> -<col width='30%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>10—Ted Strong Across the Prairie</td> - <td class='c003'>By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>11—Ted Strong Out For Big Game</td> - <td class='c003'>By Edward C. Taylor</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='bigbox'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>Don’t Overlook</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>The Alger Books</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c001'>There is hardly a native-born American who -can read who has not at some time or other -made the acquaintance of Horatio Alger, Jr.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This author’s books, and there are a large -number of them, are among the best that a parent -can place within the reach of his son. They -are simply told, but have a quality of interest -that engages the boy’s attention at once, and -makes him a most ardent admirer of this gentle -author who for so many years worked fifteen -hours a day in order that the American boy -might find pleasure and profit in reading.</p> - -<p class='c001'>A complete list begins on page 33 of our catalog.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>PRICE, 15 CENTS</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div>STREET & SMITH CORPORATION</div> - <div>79 Seventh Avenue New York City</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='bigbox'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>Go West</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c001'>That is what Horace Greeley said, -and we echo his advice, but if you -cannot go west and want to know -something about the way life is lived -in the big, broad stretches of our -western prairies, buy the Western -Story Library, a list of which you -will find on page 45.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Every one who likes adventure -will vote this line the best investment -in reading matter he has ever -made. These stories are about Ted -Strong and his band of broncho-busters, -and bring the living, breathing -West right before your eyes.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>PRICE 15 CENTS</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div>STREET & SMITH CORPORATION</div> - <div>79 SEVENTH AVENUE</div> - <div>NEW YORK CITY</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<hr class='c013' /> -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_316'>316</span><span class='xlarge'><i>Adventure Stories</i></span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='xlarge'><i>Detective Stories</i></span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='xlarge'><i>Western Stories</i></span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='xlarge'><i>Love Stories</i></span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='xlarge'><i>Sea Stories</i></span></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c013' /> - -<p class='c001'>All classes of fiction are to be found among -the Street & Smith novels. Our line contains -reading matter for every one, irrespective of age -or preference.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The person who has only a moderate sum -to spend on reading matter will find this line -a veritable gold mine.</p> - -<hr class='c015' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>STREET & SMITH CORPORATION,</div> - <div>79 Seventh Avenue,</div> - <div>New York, N. Y.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<p class='c001'><a id='endnote'></a></p> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'>Transcriber’s Note</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c001'>On p. <a href='#corr311.12'>311</a>, a paragraph which appears to be dialogue is lacking -an opening quotation mark. However, it is equally probable that it is -intended to be in the voice of the narrator. The unmatched closing -quotation mark has been removed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Errors deemed most likely to be the printer’s have been corrected, and -are noted here. The references are to the page and line in the original. -The following issues should be noted, along with the resolutions.</p> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='12%' /> -<col width='69%' /> -<col width='18%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c002'><a id='c_33.6'></a><a href='#corr33.6'>33.6</a></td> - <td class='c002'>to make the necess[s]ary progress</td> - <td class='c003'>Removed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'><a id='c_40.25'></a><a href='#corr40.25'>40.25</a></td> - <td class='c002'>Practice it all the time.[”]</td> - <td class='c003'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'><a id='c_50.4'></a><a href='#corr50.4'>50.4</a></td> - <td class='c002'>“What has hap[p]ened?”</td> - <td class='c003'>Inserted.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'><a id='c_68.17'></a><a href='#corr68.17'>68.17</a></td> - <td class='c002'>an ink-well and writing-materials[.]</td> - <td class='c003'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'><a id='c_78.11'></a><a href='#corr78.11'>78.11</a></td> - <td class='c002'>Defarge remained motion[e]less</td> - <td class='c003'>Removed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'><a id='c_78.13'></a><a href='#corr78.13'>78.13</a></td> - <td class='c002'>[“]You will do so!”</td> - <td class='c003'>Removed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'><a id='c_92.14'></a><a href='#corr92.14'>92.14</a></td> - <td class='c002'>[“]No one could mistake</td> - <td class='c003'>Removed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'><a id='c_94.14'></a><a href='#corr94.14'>94.14</a></td> - <td class='c002'>“Yes[,/.”]</td> - <td class='c003'>Replaced.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'><a id='c_161.12'></a><a href='#corr161.12'>161.12</a></td> - <td class='c002'>[“]Three cheers for Frank Merriwell</td> - <td class='c003'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'><a id='c_182.20'></a><a href='#corr182.20'>182.20</a></td> - <td class='c002'>It will cheer you up[.]</td> - <td class='c003'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'><a id='c_208.30'></a><a href='#corr208.30'>208.30</a></td> - <td class='c002'>to make it anything but a snake[.]”</td> - <td class='c003'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'><a id='c_228.12'></a><a href='#corr228.12'>228.12</a></td> - <td class='c002'>the style of wrestling[./,]</td> - <td class='c003'>Replaced.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'><a id='c_254.16'></a><a href='#corr254.16'>254.16</a></td> - <td class='c002'>gave the four crews the op[p]ortunity</td> - <td class='c003'>Inserted.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'><a id='c_277.4'></a><a href='#corr277.4'>277.4</a></td> - <td class='c002'>Are you [y/g]oing</td> - <td class='c003'>Replaced.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'><a id='c_311.12'></a><a href='#corr311.12'>311.12</a></td> - <td class='c002'>Look closer![”]</td> - <td class='c003'>Removed.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Frank Merriwell's False Friend, by Burt L. 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