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Standish - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Dick Merriwell's Fighting Chance - The Split in the Varsity - -Author: Burt L. Standish - -Release Date: August 23, 2020 [EBook #63024] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK MERRIWELL'S FIGHTING CHANCE *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Barry Abrahamsen, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p><span class='small'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>BOOKS FOR YOUNG MEN</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xxlarge'>MERRIWELL SERIES</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xlarge'>ALL BY BURT L. STANDISH</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'><b>Stories of Frank and Dick Merriwell</b></span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'>Fascinating Stories of Athletics</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c002'>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='c002'>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='c002'>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 c003'> - <div><i>ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c004'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>1—Frank Merriwell’s School Days</div> - <div class='line in2'>2—Frank Merriwell’s Chums</div> - <div class='line in2'>3—Frank Merriwell’s Foes</div> - <div class='line in2'>4—Frank Merriwell’s Trip West</div> - <div class='line in2'>5—Frank Merriwell Down South</div> - <div class='line in2'>6—Frank Merriwell’s Bravery</div> - <div class='line in2'>7—Frank Merriwell’s Hunting Tour</div> - <div class='line in2'>8—Frank Merriwell in Europe</div> - <div class='line in2'>9—Frank Merriwell at Yale</div> - <div class='line in1'>10—Frank Merriwell’s Sports Afield</div> - <div class='line in1'>11—Frank Merriwell’s Races</div> - <div class='line in1'>12—Frank Merriwell’s Party</div> - <div class='line in1'>13—Frank Merriwell’s Bicycle Tour</div> - <div class='line in1'>14—Frank Merriwell’s Courage</div> - <div class='line in1'>15—Frank Merriwell’s Daring</div> - <div class='line in1'>16—Frank Merriwell’s Alarm</div> - <div class='line in1'>17—Frank Merriwell’s Athletes</div> - <div class='line in1'>18—Frank Merriwell’s Skill</div> - <div class='line in1'>19—Frank Merriwell’s Champions</div> - <div class='line in1'>20—Frank Merriwell’s Return to Yale</div> - <div class='line in1'>21—Frank Merriwell’s Secret</div> - <div class='line in1'>22—Frank Merriwell’s Danger</div> - <div class='line in1'>23—Frank Merriwell’s Loyalty</div> - <div class='line in1'>24—Frank Merriwell in Camp</div> - <div class='line in1'>25—Frank Merriwell’s Vacation</div> - <div class='line in1'>26—Frank Merriwell’s Cruise</div> - <div class='line in1'>27—Frank Merriwell’s Chase</div> - <div class='line in1'>28—Frank Merriwell in Maine</div> - <div class='line in1'>29—Frank Merriwell’s Struggle</div> - <div class='line in1'>30—Frank Merriwell’s First Job</div> - <div class='line in1'>31—Frank Merriwell’s Opportunity</div> - <div class='line in1'>32—Frank Merriwell’s Hard Luck</div> - <div class='line in1'>33—Frank Merriwell’s Protégé</div> - <div class='line in1'>34—Frank Merriwell on the Road</div> - <div class='line in1'>35—Frank Merriwell’s Own Company</div> - <div class='line in1'>36—Frank Merriwell’s Fame</div> - <div class='line in1'>37—Frank Merriwell’s College Chums</div> - <div class='line in1'>38—Frank Merriwell’s Problem</div> - <div class='line in1'>39—Frank Merriwell’s Fortune</div> - <div class='line in1'>40—Frank Merriwell’s New Comedian</div> - <div class='line in1'>41—Frank Merriwell’s Prosperity</div> - <div class='line in1'>42—Frank Merriwell’s Stage Hit</div> - <div class='line in1'>43—Frank Merriwell’s Great Scheme</div> - <div class='line in1'>44—Frank Merriwell in England</div> - <div class='line in1'>45—Frank Merriwell on the Boulevards</div> - <div class='line in1'>46—Frank Merriwell’s Duel</div> - <div class='line in1'>47—Frank Merriwell’s Double Shot</div> - <div class='line in1'>48—Frank Merriwell’s Baseball Victories</div> - <div class='line in1'>49—Frank Merriwell’s Confidence</div> - <div class='line in1'>50—Frank Merriwell’s Auto</div> - <div class='line in1'>51—Frank Merriwell’s Fun</div> - <div class='line in1'>52—Frank Merriwell’s Generosity</div> - <div class='line in1'>53—Frank Merriwell’s Tricks</div> - <div class='line in1'>54—Frank Merriwell’s Temptation</div> - <div class='line in1'>55—Frank Merriwell on Top</div> - <div class='line in1'>56—Frank Merriwell’s Luck</div> - <div class='line in1'>57—Frank Merriwell’s Mascot</div> - <div class='line in1'>58—Frank Merriwell’s Reward</div> - <div class='line in1'>59—Frank Merriwell’s Phantom</div> - <div class='line in1'>60—Frank Merriwell’s Faith</div> - <div class='line in1'>61—Frank Merriwell’s Victories</div> - <div class='line in1'>62—Frank Merriwell’s Iron Nerve</div> - <div class='line in1'>63—Frank Merriwell in Kentucky</div> - <div class='line in1'>64—Frank Merriwell’s Power</div> - <div class='line in1'>65—Frank Merriwell’s Shrewdness</div> - <div class='line in1'>66—Frank Merriwell’s Setback</div> - <div class='line in1'>67—Frank Merriwell’s Search</div> - <div class='line in1'>68—Frank Merriwell’s Club</div> - <div class='line in1'>69—Frank Merriwell’s Trust</div> - <div class='line in1'>70—Frank Merriwell’s False Friend</div> - <div class='line in1'>71—Frank Merriwell’s Strong Arm</div> - <div class='line in1'>72—Frank Merriwell as Coach</div> - <div class='line in1'>73—Frank Merriwell’s Brother</div> - <div class='line in1'>74—Frank Merriwell’s Marvel</div> - <div class='line in1'>75—Frank Merriwell’s Support</div> - <div class='line in1'>76—Dick Merriwell at Fardale</div> - <div class='line in1'>77—Dick Merriwell’s Glory</div> - <div class='line in1'>78—Dick Merriwell’s Promise</div> - <div class='line in1'>79—Dick Merriwell’s Rescue</div> - <div class='line in1'>80—Dick Merriwell’s Narrow Escape</div> - <div class='line in1'>81—Dick Merriwell’s Racket</div> - <div class='line in1'>82—Dick Merriwell’s Revenge</div> - <div class='line in1'>83—Dick Merriwell’s Ruse</div> - <div class='line in1'>84—Dick Merriwell’s Delivery</div> - <div class='line in1'>85—Dick Merriwell’s Wonders</div> - <div class='line in1'>86—Frank Merriwell’s Honor</div> - <div class='line in1'>87—Dick Merriwell’s Diamond</div> - <div class='line in1'>88—Frank Merriwell’s Winners</div> - <div class='line in1'>89—Dick Merriwell’s Dash</div> - <div class='line in1'>90—Dick Merriwell’s Ability</div> - <div class='line in1'>91—Dick Merriwell’s Trap</div> - <div class='line in1'>92—Dick Merriwell’s Defense</div> - <div class='line in1'>93—Dick Merriwell’s Model</div> - <div class='line in1'>94—Dick Merriwell’s Mystery</div> - <div class='line in1'>95—Frank Merriwell’s Backers</div> - <div class='line in1'>96—Dick Merriwell’s Backstop</div> - <div class='line in1'>97—Dick Merriwell’s Western Mission</div> - <div class='line in1'>98—Frank Merriwell’s Rescue</div> - <div class='line in1'>99—Frank Merriwell’s Encounter</div> - <div class='line'>100—Dick Merriwell’s Marked Money</div> - <div class='line'>101—Frank Merriwell’s Nomads</div> - <div class='line'>102—Dick Merriwell on the Gridiron</div> - <div class='line'>103—Dick Merriwell’s Disguise</div> - <div class='line'>104—Dick Merriwell’s Test</div> - <div class='line'>105—Frank Merriwell’s Trump Card</div> - <div class='line'>106—Frank Merriwell’s Strategy</div> - <div class='line'>107—Frank Merriwell’s Triumph</div> - <div class='line'>108—Dick Merriwell’s Grit</div> - <div class='line'>109—Dick Merriwell’s Assurance</div> - <div class='line'>110—Dick Merriwell’s Long Slide</div> - <div class='line'>111—Frank Merriwell’s Rough Deal</div> - <div class='line'>112—Dick Merriwell’s Threat</div> - <div class='line'>113—Dick Merriwell’s Persistence</div> - <div class='line'>114—Dick Merriwell’s Day</div> - <div class='line'>115—Frank Merriwell’s Peril</div> - <div class='line'>116—Dick Merriwell’s Downfall</div> - <div class='line'>117—Frank Merriwell’s Pursuit</div> - <div class='line'>118—Dick Merriwell Abroad</div> - <div class='line'>119—Frank Merriwell in the Rockies</div> - <div class='line'>120—Dick Merriwell’s Pranks</div> - <div class='line'>121—Frank Merriwell’s Pride</div> - <div class='line'>122—Frank Merriwell’s Challengers</div> - <div class='line'>123—Frank Merriwell’s Endurance</div> - <div class='line'>124—Dick Merriwell’s Cleverness</div> - <div class='line'>125—Frank Merriwell’s Marriage</div> - <div class='line'>126—Dick Merriwell, the Wizard</div> - <div class='line'>127—Dick Merriwell’s Stroke</div> - <div class='line'>128—Dick Merriwell’s Return</div> - <div class='line'>129—Dick Merriwell’s Resource</div> - <div class='line'>130—Dick Merriwell’s Five</div> - <div class='line'>131—Frank Merriwell’s Tigers</div> - <div class='line'>132—Dick Merriwell’s Polo Team</div> - <div class='line'>133—Frank Merriwell’s Pupils</div> - <div class='line'>134—Frank Merriwell’s New Boy</div> - <div class='line'>135—Dick Merriwell’s Home Run</div> - <div class='line'>136—Dick Merriwell’s Dare</div> - <div class='line'>137—Frank Merriwell’s Son</div> - <div class='line'>138—Dick Merriwell’s Team Mate</div> - <div class='line'>139—Frank Merriwell’s Leaguers</div> - <div class='line'>140—Frank Merriwell’s Happy Camp</div> - <div class='line'>141—Dick Merriwell’s Influence</div> - <div class='line'>142—Dick Merriwell, Freshman</div> - <div class='line'>143—Dick Merriwell’s Staying Power</div> - <div class='line'>144—Dick Merriwell’s Joke</div> - <div class='line'>145—Frank Merriwell’s Talisman</div> - <div class='line'>146—Frank Merriwell’s Horse</div> - <div class='line'>147—Dick Merriwell’s Regret</div> - <div class='line'>148—Dick Merriwell’s Magnetism</div> - <div class='line'>149—Dick Merriwell’s Backers</div> - <div class='line'>150—Dick Merriwell’s Best Work</div> - <div class='line'>151—Dick Merriwell’s Distrust</div> - <div class='line'>152—Dick Merriwell’s Debt</div> - <div class='line'>153—Dick Merriwell’s Mastery</div> - <div class='line'>154—Dick Merriwell Adrift</div> - <div class='line'>155—Frank Merriwell’s Worst Boy</div> - <div class='line'>156—Dick Merriwell’s Close Call</div> - <div class='line'>157—Frank Merriwell’s Air Voyage</div> - <div class='line'>158—Dick Merriwell’s Black Star</div> - <div class='line'>159—Frank Merriwell in Wall Street</div> - <div class='line'>160—Frank Merriwell Facing His Foes</div> - <div class='line'>161—Dick Merriwell’s Stanchness</div> - <div class='line'>162—Frank Merriwell’s Hard Case</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div> - <h1 class='c005'><span class='xxlarge'>Dick Merriwell’s Fighting Chance</span><br /> <br />OR<br /> <br /><span class='xlarge'>THE SPLIT IN THE VARSITY</span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c006'> - <div>By</div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>BURT L. STANDISH</span></div> - <div>Author of the famous Merriwell stories.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/publogo.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>STREET & SMITH CORPORATION</span></div> - <div>PUBLISHERS</div> - <div><span class='large'>79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<p class='c007'> </p> -<div class='box2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Copyright, 1910</div> - <div>By STREET & SMITH</div> - <div>————</div> - <div>Dick Merriwell’s Fighting Chance</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<p class='c002'> </p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c006'> - <div>All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign</div> - <div>languages, including the Scandinavian.</div> - <div class='c000'>Printed in the U. S. A.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='xxlarge'>DICK MERRIWELL’S FIGHTING CHANCE.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c008' /> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER I<br /> <br /><span class='small'>A GATHERING IN DURFEE.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>The comfortable sitting room in Durfee Hall, occupied -by Dick Merriwell and his Texas chum, Brad -Buckhart, was filled to overflowing. Sprawling among -the cushions of the divan was Rudolph Rose, handsome, -high-spirited, and rather quick-tempered, but -happy in the knowledge that he had at last conquered -the latter failing and thereby won a place in Merriwell’s -friendship.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Close beside him was Terry Baxter, quiet, almost too -serious, but with a keen sense of humor which showed -in the appreciative gleam in his brown eyes and the -occasional terse, pithy remarks which he uttered in a -solemn manner, but which invariably sent the others -into an uproar.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Eric Fitzgerald, slim, slight, and curly haired, dangled -his legs from one end of the table. He was so -full of vim and life and go that he reminded one of -a particle of quicksilver, forever on the move; and on -the rare occasions when he did settle down for a moment, -he usually perched himself somewhere in a temporary -manner, as if he were only pausing for an -instant before making another flight.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Samp Elwell, the Hoosier, whose dry wit was a -source of never-ending delight to his friends, occupied -the piano stool. Across the room sat his chum, Lance -Fair, who was not nearly so unsophisticated as his -smooth, rosy cheeks and almost girlish manner would -lead one to imagine.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Buckhart was hunched down on the back of his neck -in one of the big easy-chairs near the table, while -Merriwell himself was tilted back against the wall in -the desk chair, his dark eyes sparkling with mirth and -a smile curving the corners of his sensitive mouth.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You fellows ought to have been in Pierson’s classroom -this morning,” he remarked. “After the lecture -he started in to quiz us, and happened to spy Hollister -gazing dreamily out of the window. I suppose Bob -was thinking out some new football stunt. Anyway, -he was miles away from Roman history, and Pierson -caught him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“‘Mr. Hollister,’ he said, in that short, snappy way -he has, ‘can you mention one memorable date in Roman -history?’</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Bob came out of his trance with a jump and -snapped back without thinking, ‘Anthony’s with Cleopatra, -sir.’ It brought down the house.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was a shout of delighted laughter, and when -it had died down Samp Elwell looked up, grinning.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“He did,” chimed in Fitzgerald from the table. -“Piercy was mad as thunder. It isn’t the first time -Bob’s flunked by a long shot, either. He’s been awful -punky this term.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’d like to have seen old Pierson’s face,” he chuckled. -“I reckon Bob drew a goose egg for that.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Too much football, I opine,” growled the Texan. -“He can’t get his mind off the game long enough to -feed his face, let alone keep track of lectures. He’s -plumb locoed about it. You hear me gently warble!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, say,” Elwell spoke up suddenly; “how about -that new stunt of old Bill’s. That forward——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The Texan straightened up like a flash, and, grabbing -a book from the table, shied it with swiftness and -remarkable accuracy at the Hoosier’s head. Elwell -ducked, and the book struck the piano, falling to the -keyboard with a discordant crash.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What in time——” began the indignant sophomore, -straightening up again.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You don’t seem to recollect what I tried to drill -into that solid ivory skull of yours a brief time back,” -Buckhart drawled with perfect composure. “Talking -shop has got to be cut out around this bunk house. -I’m plumb sick of hearing about football. For six -weeks I’ve heard nothing else, and now that Tempest is -back on the job I’m going to take a rest.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Great Scott, Brad!” Rose exclaimed aghast. -“You’re not going to leave the team!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thunderation, no!” the Texan retorted. “I’ll hold -down my job till the cows come home; but off the field -I’m going to forget it and take a whack at the books -I have hardly got a squint at since the term began. So, -unless you gents want to start a row promiscuous like, -kindly refrain from holding forth on the subject while -I’m around.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Say, fellows, isn’t it pretty near time we organized -a little fishing party up to the lake?” asked Fitzgerald.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Trout fishing was one of his pet hobbies.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Any trout there?” inquired Fair quickly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thousands of ’em,” returned Fitz.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Will they bite easily?” asked Lance.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Will they?” exclaimed the slim chap. “Well, I -should say they would! Why, they’re absolutely vicious. -A man has to hide behind a tree to bait his -hook.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It wouldn’t be a bad idea,” Dick remarked. “We -haven’t gone on a trip like that this fall. Say, -Samp, why don’t you take a comfortable chair? -You’ve been holding down that piano stool all evening, -and you know you can’t play a note.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The Hoosier winked significantly and cast a meaning -glance at Fitzgerald, one of whose many accomplishments -was the singing of popular ditties to improvised -accompaniments consisting of a more or less -skillful variation of two chords.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I know that,” Elwell returned composedly, “but -neither can any one else while I’m here.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitz instantly took up the gantlet.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Talk about hogs!” he exclaimed, springing from his -seat on the table. “And here I am fairly bursting with -a perfectly punk song I just learned this afternoon. -Avaunt, creature!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He made a dive at Elwell, and, before the stalwart -Hoosier realized what was happening, the piano stool -was deftly upset and he sprawled on the floor. By -the time he had scrambled to his feet, the slim chap was -seated calmly at the keyboard and had struck an opening -chord.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Come into the garden, Maud,” he began dramatically. -He got no farther. A united yell of protest -arose which effectually drowned him out.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, what a chestnut!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Noah sang that to the animals in the ark!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Give us something that’s not more than two thousand -years old!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitz turned slowly around, a look of pained surprise -on his freckled face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Peace, prithee—peace!” he chided. “I assure you -that the song is quite new, save the first line, which -may be a little reminiscent. Kindly refrain from any -more rude, vulgar interruptions.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Before the others could recover their breath he -struck the chords and began to sing again, this time -rather hurriedly:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c011'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Come into the garden, Maud”;</div> - <div class='line in3'>But Maud was much too wise.</div> - <div class='line'>‘Oh, no,’ said she, ‘the corn has ears</div> - <div class='line in3'>And the potatoes eyes.’</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>His voice, dwelling lingeringly and fondly on the last -note, was drowned in a shout of laughter.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Great!” choked Buckhart. “Maud was a wise -child, all right.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Give us another verse, old fellow,” chuckled Elwell.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m afraid I’m not in very good voice to-night,” -simpered Fitz, looking coyly down at the keys. “Such -a critical audience always makes me so nervous. However——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He lifted his voice again in the same serious chant.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c011'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“The rain it falls upon the just,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And also on the unjust fellers;</div> - <div class='line'>But chiefly on the just, because</div> - <div class='line in2'>The unjust have the justs’ umbrellers.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>This verse was received with equal applause, and -Fitz was entreated to give them another.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Sing another song,” urged Rose. “You must know -a pile of them.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, I’ll give you a very short one,” the slim chap -returned with much apparent reluctance. “It’s a little -old, but you mustn’t mind a thing like that.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Striking a single chord, he began the first line.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c011'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Mary had a little——”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>He paused, and, clearing his throat, glanced around -at his audience, plainly surprised that there had been -no interruption. Having been caught once, however, -the fellows were not going to repeat the performance, -and remained expectantly silent.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Seeing that he could not get a rise out of them, -Fitzgerald turned back to the piano and began the -song over again.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c011'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Mary had a little skirt</div> - <div class='line in2'>Tied tightly in a bow,</div> - <div class='line'>And everywhere that Mary went</div> - <div class='line in2'>She simply couldn’t go.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>“That’s all,” he announced, springing up and skipping -over to the table again. “Somebody else can do -parlor tricks now.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Before any one had a chance to reply, the door was -opened rather unceremoniously, and a tall, curly haired, -sun-burned fellow, with an attractive face and the -figure of an athlete, entered composedly, and closed -the door behind him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>From the uproarious nature of the greeting he received, -it was quite evident that he was a general favorite.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hello, Bob!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Come in and rest your face and hands.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“How about Anthony’s date with Cleopatra?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bob Hollister grinned a little sheepishly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Heard about that, have you?” he inquired, as he -dropped down on a chair. “I suppose that’ll be rubbed -into me for the next six months. What the deuce did -I know about Roman history? I was doping out a new -around-the-end combination.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Sh! Careful!” cautioned Elwell, with upraised -finger.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister looked bewildered.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What’s the matter?” he asked quickly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No football talk,” returned the Hoosier, with a -grin. “Our esteemed, ex-temporary captain objects to -it in the sacred privacy of his apartment.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, I’ll be hanged!” gasped Hollister. “Not talk -about football! What in the mischief else is there to -talk about?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick smiled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You have got it bad, Bob,” he remarked. “Don’t -you ever think about anything else?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister shook his head.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hardly ever,” he confessed. “I couldn’t keep it -out of my head if I tried, with the big game so close. -Why, I even wake up in the middle of the night wondering -how to work certain combinations, or thinking -up some new way of getting the ball through their line. -I haven’t had time to open a book in weeks.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He gave a sudden start, and, diving down into one -pocket, drew out a rather crumpled envelope.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Just look at that,” he remarked, tossing it over to -Dick.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell caught it and extracted a square, printed -slip, which proved to be one of the warning notices -sent out from the dean’s office when a student has -fallen behind the required grade in any particular -study.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“A warning in Latin,” he said thoughtfully. “You -must have been pretty rotten lately, Bob. Goodhue is -one of the easiest profs in college.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I have flunked a bunch of times,” Hollister confessed. -“And that isn’t all, either. Got one in German -day before yesterday. I suppose Schlemmer got -on his ear after the mess I made of Heine last week.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You want to look out, Bobby,” Fitzgerald put in -lightly. “After this morning, you’re due for still another. -Dear old Piercy was purple when you made -that cute remark about Anthony’s date. I’ll bet he hot-footed -to the dean the minute the class was over.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“And three warnings means a general one,” supplemented -Elwell. “By hocus, Bobby! You’ll have to do -a little cramming, or you’ll have the whole faculty -down on your neck.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“They are now!” Hollister burst out petulantly. “I -believe it’s a put-up job. Every one of them takes a -special delight in getting me up every chance they can -and making a monkey out of me. They ought to know -I don’t have any chance to grind right in the middle -of the football season. But what do they care about -football! A lot of dried-up fossils! They don’t give -a rap whether we’re licked or not. I don’t believe the -biggest part of ’em even see one game a season.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’re wrong there, Bob,” Dick put in quietly. -“Some of the profs are daffy about the game. The -dean wouldn’t miss one for any amount of money.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, and old Piercy is the worst of the lot,” chimed -in Fitzgerald. “You ought to have seen him Saturday—standing -up on the bench, his hat off, hair rumpled, -and eyes popping out of his head, waving his -arms like a windmill, and yelling like a fiend. He’s -a good old sport, even if he does like to catch a fellow -napping in the classroom.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The clock struck ten, and the sound had scarcely -died away when Buckhart threw out his arms and -yawned, loudly and ostentatiously.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Humph!” remarked Fitzgerald tartly. “Why don’t -you tell us plainly that it’s time to go home?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I was waiting to see if you wouldn’t wake up to -the fact yourselves,” the Texan returned tranquilly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The slim chap eyed him mischievously.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’ve a good mind to stay here just to spite you,” -he said presently.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Buckhart yawned again.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Stay right along, if you like, little one,” he drawled. -“That wouldn’t bother me a whole lot. In about ten -minutes I’m going to hit the pillow; but if you gents -want to sit here for the rest of the night chinning, -you’ve sure got my permission.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Most of the other fellows were about ready to turn -in themselves, and there was a general movement toward -the door. Hollister got up with the rest, and -then glanced hesitatingly toward Merriwell.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Got a couple of minutes to spare, Dick?” he asked, -in a low tone.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Sure thing,” Merriwell returned quickly. “Sit -down and I’ll be with you in a minute.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister dropped back onto his chair, and Dick -followed the others to the door. With a chorus of -good nights, they trooped out in a body and clattered -downstairs. Then Merriwell came back into the room -and resumed his seat, while Buckhart made tracks for -the bedroom.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You gents will have to excuse me,” he mumbled. -“Can’t keep my blinkers propped open another minute. -Good night.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Without waiting for their response, he disappeared, -and the next moment the sound of shoes being thrown -to the floor was heard, followed with amazing swiftness -by the creak of springs as the Texan crawled into -bed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Gee! I wish I could do that,” Hollister murmured.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick raised his eyebrows inquiringly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Go to sleep the minute I hit the pillow,” Hollister -explained. “I toss around for an hour or more, thinking -about all kinds of things. Seems as if I could -think better at night when everything’s quiet and -there’s no one to disturb me.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Football, I suppose?” Dick questioned, looking at -him thoughtfully.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister nodded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, but that wasn’t what I wanted to talk to you -about,” he said quickly. “It’s these confounded warnings. -I never got one of them before this fall.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>His tone was almost angry.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“As I remember,” Dick remarked, “you never used -to have any trouble keeping up in your studies, but -still had plenty of time for almost anything in the line -of athletics you wanted to do.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>A frown corrugated Hollister’s forehead.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Exactly,” he returned. “It looks to me as if the -profs did the thing on purpose just to worry me when -they ought to know I’ve got to give all my time to football. -It’s a rotten shame!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick did not answer for a moment.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I hardly think that’s it, Bob,” he said presently. -“There wouldn’t be any object in their doing that. I -don’t believe they like giving a fellow’s name to the -dean. I know Goodhue doesn’t, for he’s told me so. -He doesn’t have a man warned until it’s absolutely -necessary. No, I’m afraid the trouble is altogether -with you. You don’t bone enough.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister smiled wryly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I don’t grind at all,” he said quickly. “Somehow, -there doesn’t seem to be any time.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick smiled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Shucks! You’ve got as much time as the rest of -us. Somehow we manage to make a passable showing.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister flushed a little.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I suppose I have got the time,” he said slowly, “but -I can’t seem to make use of it. The minute I sit down -with a book, my mind flies off to the field as regular -as clockwork, and before I know it it’s time to turn -in, and I haven’t done an earthly thing with the Latin -or math, or whatever it may be; but very likely I’ve -thought out some corking new formation or trick -play.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I see,” Dick said quietly; “but what good does it -all do?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Good!” exclaimed Hollister, in surprise. “Why, I -put the idea up to Tempest or Fullerton, and often -they can make use of it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Of course I know that,” Dick returned. “There -isn’t a fellow on the team who has a better, broader -conception of the strategy of the game; but you’re -not in college just to play football and let everything -else go to smash. That sounds sort of priggish, I -know, but it’s really the truth. What you’ve got to -do is to put it out of your mind the moment you leave -the field. If you don’t, Bob, you’ll be plucked as sure -as fate.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Brad has realized that, and you know there isn’t -a fellow in college who thinks more of the game. -But while he was taking Tempest’s place as captain, -he just about dropped everything else and got frightfully -behind in his work. Since Don came back last -week, Brad has been doing his best not to think of -football except on the field, and he’s done such a lot -of hard grinding that he’s beginning to catch up.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s what I ought to do, of course,” Hollister -agreed. “But I don’t see how I can, Dick. I start in, -really intending to study, but somehow, I never get -anywhere.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s all nonsense,” Dick said emphatically. “You -can do it if you really make up your mind to. Great -Scott, man! You don’t want to develop into a fellow -with just one idea, do you? If you keep on this -way, you won’t be able to think of another earthly -thing but football. And if you don’t take a brace in -your real work, you’re more than likely to be dropped. -Then where would you be?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister’s face had grown very serious. He seemed -to realize for the first time the gravity of the situation -and the end toward which he was rapidly drifting. -Somehow it had never occurred to him that there was -a possibility of being dropped. If that should happen, -what earthly good would his ability to play football -be to him? It was not a pleasant thought.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I expect you’re right, old man,” he said slowly, -with a rather futile attempt at a smile. “Looks as if -I’d have to take a big brace before something drops. -It’s going to be a hard pull, though.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Of course, it will be hard, Bob,” Dick said earnestly, -“but you’ve got to do it. Just make up your -mind that you positively won’t give the game a thought -off the field. Banish it entirely from your mind, and -take a fresh spurt with the books. Then I think you’ll -come out all right.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister arose slowly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s what I’ll do,” he said quickly; “at least, -that’s what I’ll try to do.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Don’t say try,” Merriwell put in swiftly. “Don’t -let there be a doubt in your mind of your ability to -succeed, and I think you’ll make good.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Right you are,” Hollister smiled. “I’ll start in to-morrow -morning. I’m awfully obliged, Dick, for your -advice. I didn’t seem to realize before how serious a -fix I was in, but I’ll pull up now, and I think things -will come around in good shape.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Of course, they will,” Merriwell answered heartily. -“See you to-morrow, old fellow. Good night.”</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER II<br /> <br /><span class='small'>THE THIRD WARNING.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>Bob Hollister played right end on the varsity, and -was one of the most valuable men on the team. He -was remarkably speedy, quite equaling the Indian, -Joe Crowfoot; absolutely tireless, with the added advantage -of having played the game ever since his prep -school days, so he was familiar with every phase of it.</p> - -<p class='c002'>No matter in what apparently direful straits the -team might be, Bob never gave up hope. Not until the -final whistle blew, announcing that the game was finished, -would he acknowledge that he was beaten, and -his cheery optimism always had an inspiring effect on -the discouraged members of the team, more than once -being the means of pulling them out of the slough of -despondency and changing defeat into victory.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Perhaps more than anything else, the quality which -made him valuable was the fact that he never lost his -head. No matter what might be happening, Bob Hollister -could always be depended on to use his brains. -And not only did he use them to advantage during the -progress of a game, but he was noted for the ingenious -combinations and strategic plays which he worked out -and submitted to Bill Fullerton, the head coach.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The latter had often remarked that Hollister had -either a perfectly phenomenal mind, or else he spent -his entire waking hours doping out these plays, so -many of which had proved invaluable to the eleven.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His latter supposition had been the correct one. -Hollister’s brain did, indeed, work very quickly; and -that, together with his perfect knowledge of football, -enabled him to work out clever schemes in far less -time than the ordinary mortal; but what had at first -started as a more or less interesting pastime now -reached a point when it absorbed almost every conscious -moment.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick Merriwell’s words opened his eyes to the truth, -and, as he crossed the campus to his rooms in Vanderbilt, -he gave them very serious thought and attention.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He would start in the very next day with the necessary -reform. He would do as Dick advised, and cut -out thinking about football except when he was on the -field. It was too bad the profs hadn’t let him alone -until after the end of the season, for then he could -have turned his attention to his books with a much -freer mind; but since they hadn’t, he must simply -make the best of it. It would be a hard pull, but he -did not doubt his ability to succeed.</p> - -<p class='c002'><i>He went to sleep that night thinking over a new -variation of the forward pass.</i></p> - -<p class='c002'>Before leaving his rooms next morning, the expected -warning from the dean, regarding his extremely -poor showing in history, appeared.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister read it with an expression of whimsical -annoyance on his pleasant face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Darn his buttons!” he muttered. “Why couldn’t -Piercy have passed over that break of mine! He -might have known I wasn’t paying attention. I suppose -he thought I was trying to be funny and cod him. -Well, I’ll have to make the best of it. I hope he -doesn’t get after me again to-day, though. I haven’t -the most remote idea what his lecture was about yesterday.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Nor had he a much clearer conception of any of the -other recitations or lectures he was to attend that day, -and his face was rather glum as he ran downstairs -and out onto the campus. He was due at the chemical -lab at ten o’clock, and, as he hurried across one of -the walks, head down and thoughts, sad to say, very -far away from chemistry, he suddenly heard some one -calling his name.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What’s your hurry, Bob? Where you rushing -to?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister looked up quickly, and when he saw who -the speaker was, his face brightened.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hello, Jarv,” he said quickly. “I’m due at the lab -at ten o’clock.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“As it lacks just sixteen minutes of that hour, and -you can’t possibly use up more than five getting over -there, I fail to see the reason for your hurry,” commented -Jarvis Blake, as he continued to advance slowly -and leisurely. “I’m going there myself, but I don’t -propose to run my legs off.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was a big, blond fellow, with thick, straight, -almost tow-colored hair, eyelashes and eyebrows so -light as to be nearly invisible. He wore a neatly -clipped yellow mustache, which was the exact color -of corn silk.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His eyes were dark blue and set wide apart, his features -clean-cut and handsome, except that his mouth -was large and loosely set. He was one of the best -subs on the varsity and played an exceedingly good, -brainy game.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Men about college said he had a pronounced case -of swelled head. Certainly he was not likely to undervalue -himself, but for all that he was well liked among -a certain class, and Hollister had always found him -genial and entertaining, a good fellow in every respect.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Didn’t know I had so much time,” the latter explained, -as they pursued their way along the walk together.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“How are things?” inquired Jarvis. “Strikes me -you look a bit glum this morning.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister hesitated for an instant.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, it’s those warnings, I suppose,” he said, at -length. “I got the third one right after breakfast.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Blake whistled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, what have you been doing to get the profs -down on you?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s what I haven’t done that’s got them going, I -reckon,” Hollister returned. “I don’t know as I blame -them much after the way I’ve flunked lately.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Rot!” exclaimed Blake emphatically. “You’re no -worse than half the other fellows in the class.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I don’t know about that,” Hollister said doubtfully. -“I’d hate to count up the number of goose eggs I’ve -accumulated this term. You heard the fool thing I -said to Piercy yesterday?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Blake grinned.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Say, that was sort of funny, wasn’t it?” he remarked. -“But anybody could see you weren’t paying -attention. You heard from old Pierson, then?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister nodded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s the one I got this morning.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, I wouldn’t let a thing like that worry me,” -Blake went on quickly. “The profs don’t seem to -realize that a fellow can’t give much time to work -during the football season. They get down on a man, -too, and, once he flunks, they keep pounding him out -of sheer spite. I haven’t got any warnings so far, but -I’d be willing to bet that one or two will come along -within the next two weeks.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hope you don’t, I’m sure,” Hollister returned -absently. “There’s no doubt about it, though, I’ve got -to take a brace and cut out thinking about football at -all off the field, if I want to stay on with the class.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>A look of dismay came into Blake’s sun-burned -face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why, what the mischief are you thinking of, -Bob?” he asked quickly. “Stop thinking about football -when you’re the brains, practically, of the team! -Why, only a couple of days ago I heard old Bill saying -that three-quarters of the clever stunts he had made -use of this fall were due to you.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister’s face flushed a little and his eyes gleamed -with pleasure.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Is that straight?” he asked eagerly. “Did he really -say all that?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“He certainly did, and a lot more, which I won’t -repeat for fear you’ll have to buy a bigger-sized hat. -You can’t stop now, Bob, when we’re all counting on -you for so much. The new rules have practically made -a different game out of football, and you’ve been one -of the few that have risen to the occasion and doped -out a bunch of new tricks which will knock spots out -of Harvard. All this warning business is tommyrot. -They won’t drop you, and after the season is over you -can buckle down to work and make up for lost -time.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Blake’s words made a deep impression on Hollister, -especially since they coincided exactly with his own -ideas. After all, what was the use in worrying himself -about the matter when there were only a few -more weeks left before the season would be over? He -would have no trouble then in recovering the ground he -had lost, once his mind was freed from the constant -consideration of football problems. And, according -to Jarvis Blake, his help was really needed by the -team.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Better reconsider,” Blake urged presently. “Don’t -give up the ship just yet.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>They were going into the laboratory as he spoke, -and Hollister hesitated an instant in the doorway.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I will, Jarv,” he said slowly. “Much obliged for -all you told me about old Bill. That sort of thing is -mighty encouraging, you know.”</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER III<br /> <br /><span class='small'>A TALK WITH THE DEAN.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>Bob Hollister fully expected to find a general warning -awaiting him in his rooms, when he returned at -noon. He had been surprised that it had not appeared -in the morning, but supposed it to have been delayed in -the mail.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Consequently, he was not a little dismayed to find, -instead, a typewritten note signed by the dean himself, -asking him kindly to call at the latter’s office at -half-past two.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What in calamity does he mean by that?” he muttered, -crinkling his forehead into a dozen worried -wrinkles. “I reckon I’m in for a good roast this time.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Outwardly calm, but with considerable inward trepidation, -he reached the dean’s office five minutes before -the appointed time, and, on sending in his name, was -at once summoned to the inner office.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The dean looked up from his desk as the senior entered.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Sit down, Mr. Hollister,” he said, indicating a chair -which stood near the desk.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister dropped down in the chair and crossed his -legs. There was silence for a moment while the older -man reached out to take up several papers which had -been pinned together, and glanced them over. Then -he leaned back in his chair and surveyed Bob meditatively -through his gold-rimmed glasses.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You are aware, of course, Mr. Hollister,” he remarked -presently, “that an undergraduate who has -been the recipient of three separate notices warning -him that his rank in as many different studies is not -satisfactory, has sent to him what is called a general -warning?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, sir,” Bob returned quietly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You know, I suppose, the meaning of this general -warning?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, sir—er—well, not exactly,” Bob said hastily. -“I haven’t had one so far myself, but I always thought -that they were a pretty emphatic hint for a fellow to -brace up and attend to business.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The dean’s eyes twinkled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You have the right notion,” he remarked. “To -deserve a general warning, a man’s record must be -pretty bad. I am sorry to say that yours is more than -bad. It is atrocious.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister’s face flushed and he dropped his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m sorry,” he murmured.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The dean placed the tips of his fingers lightly together -and surveyed the troubled face of the senior -over the tops of them.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It is in such marked contrast to your record of the -past three years,” he went on quietly, “that I decided -to have a talk with you and find out what was the -matter. Can you tell me, Mr. Hollister, why it is -that you seem to have done absolutely nothing in any -class this term?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’ve—been thinking—a lot about—football,” stammered -Bob.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Ah! Giving time to it away from the field, you -mean?” the older man inquired.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister nodded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Is that necessary to a proper performance of the -game?” the dean asked quietly. “I do not seem to -recall any such complaints as these about the work -of other members of the eleven.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He tapped the papers on the desk in front of him -lightly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister glanced up quickly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It isn’t absolutely necessary,” he answered. “But -the new rules have changed the game a lot and made -it necessary to devise a great many different tricks and -combinations to make up for those which have been -barred out. I’ve been awfully interested in it, and -I’ve spent a good deal of time thinking these things -out, which should, no doubt, have been put to better -use.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The older man nodded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I understand,” he said slowly. “I have observed -your excellent work on the field, and that is one of the -reasons why I wished to find out what was the matter. -Football, like many other athletic games, is extremely -valuable, Mr. Hollister, as an aid to character development. -But, like almost every other good thing, it is -liable to be done to death. I’m sure you don’t wish to -develop into a man with only one idea, one purpose -in life.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Such a man gets into a rut—becomes narrow, ineffective, -and finally useless. It’s a common failing in -the business world, and has resulted in thousands upon -thousands of the merest machines and human automatons. -While you’re on the field play the game for -all that is in you, but don’t carry the thought of it -always with you, to the exclusion of every other -duty. I shall not send you the general warning just -yet, Mr. Hollister, until I see whether you take this -little talk to heart. Your playing on the eleven has -earned you a little latitude, but it must be understood -that from this moment there has to be a very marked -change for the better in your class records, or I shall -be obliged to let things take their regular course. I -hope you understand my meaning.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Perfectly, sir,” Hollister answered gratefully, “and -I mean to take it to heart as well. I hope that you -won’t have cause for any more complaints.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The dean smiled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Good,” he said quickly. “If you persist in your -determination, I am sure I shall not. I think that’s -all. No doubt you are eager to get down to the field. -Good afternoon.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Good afternoon, sir,” Hollister answered, as he -arose and walked toward the door.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Once outside, he dashed out of Lampson Hall, tore -across to the car, and in a few minutes was on his -way to the field.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“He certainly is a good sort,” he said to himself as -he got a seat well forward in the car. “I expected to -be handed out a cold calldown, and it was a regular -fatherly talk. He’s right, though, I really ought to -brace up; but how the mischief can I until the season’s -over?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Once on the gridiron, Hollister was in his element. -He flung himself into the practice game with tremendous -enthusiasm, playing with all the vim and go and -energy which he would have exhibited in a hot contest -with another college.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was not the sort that hold back and do just -enough to make a fairly good showing. He must do -his best or nothing, and for that reason he was very -valuable in practice. He always kept his temper, disdained -hard knocks—they were all part of the game; -and he was never too tired to try “just one more formation.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He had worked out his forward pass in detail and -Fullerton approved of it so highly that he tried it out -with complete success that afternoon, much to Hollister’s -delight.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Great stunt of yours,” Jarvis Blake said, as they -were trotting across the field toward the athletic house. -“I thought you’d realize that you couldn’t leave off -helping the team out just yet a while.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Again Hollister felt that pleasant, satisfying glow -of ability fitly recognized. Fullerton’s commendations -had been especially emphatic, too, and they had a long -discussion about a new move which the coach had -not been able to plan out in detail, and which he was -anxious to have Bob think over.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Even Don Tempest, the captain, usually very chary -with his praise, had held him up as an example to one -or two lagging members of the team; and, altogether, -Hollister was feeling pretty good as he entered the -house.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He joined Dick Merriwell, who was hastily dressing -in front of his locker.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Did you get that general warning you were expecting?” -Dick asked.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bob grinned.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No; but I got a talking to from the dean,” he returned.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick whistled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Calldown?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Not so much of a one as I thought it was going to -be,” Hollister confessed. “Told me I had to brace up -and cut out football off the field. I’d like to have told -him that it was just what you advised last night, but -I didn’t.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick laughed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Glad to have my judgment confirmed from so eminent -a source,” he smiled. “I hope you’ll take some -of this advice which is being thrown at you so plentifully.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister’s face fell.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“After to-night I will,” he said hastily. “I’ve got -to think out that combination of Fullerton’s, you know; -but to-morrow I really will begin to dig good and -hard.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell’s face grew a little serious.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Think that’s wise, Bob?” he asked quietly. “I’ve -noticed that the resolutions which we put off until to-morrow -never materialize. They always get shoved -on to another to-morrow. It’s none of my business, -old fellow, but I should hate like the mischief to have -anything happen so that you couldn’t keep on with the -class.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, they won’t drop me,” Hollister said confidently. -“Even the dean said he’d noticed my work -on the field and thought I ought to have a little latitude. -I’ll make it up after the season’s over, Dick. -I’ll turn into such a grind you won’t know me. Gee! -I’ve got to get a hustle on or I won’t get round to -supper.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He hurried off without giving Dick a chance to reply. -It almost seemed as if he were afraid of what his -friend might say, but there was no fear of Merriwell’s -following him up with advice which was apparently -not wanted.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As he glanced after Hollister there was a look of -regret in Dick’s dark eyes. He knew just about how -far Bob would go with his resolutions of turning over -a new leaf, and it worried him a little to think of the -chances his friend was taking.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then, with a shrug of his shoulders, he slipped into -his coat, slapped a cap on his head, and, gathering in -Buckhart, left the house.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER IV<br /> <br /><span class='small'>FROM BAD TO WORSE.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>For the next few days, Bob Hollister saw more of -Jarvis Blake than he had in as many weeks before -that. The big, blond fellow took to dropping in at -his rooms at all hours of the day or night, and, though -he usually had some plausible reason for so doing, -it might have been observed that he invariably turned -the talk into the channel of football matters before he -had been there five minutes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>This was not difficult to do. More often than not, -he did not have to introduce the matter at all, for -Bob was always ready to meet him even more than -halfway. But the result was that the occasional half-hearted -attempts of Hollister to do a little studying -were completely frustrated.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bob really meant well. He fully intended to take -a brace and follow the advice which had been given -him by Merriwell, and by the dean himself, and had -it not been for these regular visits of Blake, he might -possibly have succeeded in occasionally absorbing a -few facts from his textbooks which would have staved -off for a little while the inevitable smash; for his roommate, -Jim Townsend, though a fellow who took an -absorbing interest in all branches of athletics, had long -ago seen whither his chum was drifting, and had -resolutely refused to discuss anything pertaining to -football with him during the evenings.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But Blake had no such compunctions. He seemed to -take a particular delight in running in about eight -o’clock with some idea about the game which had -occurred to him, and about which he wanted Bob’s -opinion. The natural result was that the entire evening -was spent in discussion, and absolutely no studying -was done.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As an equally natural consequence, Hollister continued -to make a fearful showing in the classroom, -accumulating zero after zero with a regularity which -was appalling.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Townsend tried persuasion at first, urging his friend -to take a brace before it was too late, and pointing -out what the extremely unpleasant result would be if -he did not. Each time Bob would acknowledge in a -good-natured way that he was in the wrong, and vow -that he would turn over a new leaf and do some cramming -that very night.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But when the evening came and Blake appeared with -his insidious questions and arguments on football matters, -books would be thrown quickly aside and Hollister -would enter joyfully into the discussion which generally -lasted until bedtime.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Once or twice Townsend tackled Blake himself, -showing him clearly how much harm his visits were -doing Hollister; but the big, blond chap laughed down -his arguments, treated the matter as something which -Townsend’s fears had greatly exaggerated, and calmly -went on his way.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Very soon Jim began to have a more than sneaking -suspicion that there was some method in Blake’s behavior. -The thing occurred with entirely too much -regularity for it to be merely accidental, especially as -the fellow had not been in the habit of coming into -their rooms more than once or twice a week until -very lately.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Gradually this suspicion became a certainty, and, -before very long, Townsend felt sure that he had hit -upon the reason for it all.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The thought made his blood boil, and he lost no -time in broaching the matter to his roommate.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bob was rather late coming in from the training -table that night, but the instant he opened the door -Townsend, who had been waiting impatiently for him, -opened fire.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Has it occurred to you, Bob,” he remarked, with -apparent casualness, “that Blake’s been dropping in -here an awful lot lately?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister threw his hat on a chair and plumped himself -down on another.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why, I don’t know,” he said carelessly; “perhaps -he has. We’ve had a bunch of things to talk over, -though. He’s really got some very good ideas and -has helped me a lot.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Townsend sniffed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Helped you! Humph!” he exclaimed sarcastically. -“Yes, I believe it!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister glanced inquiringly at him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What’s the matter, Jim?” he asked. “What you -got against Jarv?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What’s he come in here every night for, I’d like -to know?” Townsend demanded. “He gets you going -on football, and the result is you haven’t opened a book -since you had that talk with the dean, and your flunks -in the classrooms are something fierce.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister’s face took on an expression of whimsical -annoyance.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thunder, Jim!” he exclaimed petulantly. “What -do you want to start preaching for? You know I’m -going to settle down into a fierce grind the minute the -last game is over. I just can’t find time to do it now -with so much else to think about.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Rot!” growled Townsend. “You talk nutty! -You’d have time enough if that tow-headed son of a -gun didn’t come butting in every night and break you -all up.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister made no reply, but his heavy brows drew -down into a scowl. Townsend, too full of his grievance -to notice this, presently continued his argument.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hasn’t it ever occurred to you, Bob,” he said significantly, -“how very nice it would be for Blake if you -were conditioned and had to leave the team? He’s -one of the best subs for your position, and there’s -hardly a question but what he would step into your -shoes at once. I’ll bet that’s the reason which brings -him here so often, with his football talk and his sneers -about there being no danger of the dean doing anything -radical. He’s keeping you from boning on purpose. -He’d be tickled to death to see you dropped so -he could——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Stop!” interrupted Hollister, in an angry voice. -“Just cut out that line of talk, Jim. You forget that -Blake is my friend. You never liked him, I know, -but that’s no reason why you should blackguard him -this way.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>His face was dark, and there was an angry flash -in his usually merry brown eyes; for he was a fellow -who was loyal to the very core. Absolutely upright -and honorable himself, it never occurred to him that -there was the most remote possibility that a fellow he -liked as much as he did Jarvis Blake was not entirely -fair and square in every way. The idea to which his -roommate had given voice was incredible. He refused -to tolerate the thought for a single instant, and at once -proceeded to thrust it from his mind with the greatest -expedition.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Townsend lapsed into a sullen silence. He had done -his best to warn his chum, but, if Bob was so thick-headed -as all that, he could go his own way without -hindrance.</p> - -<p class='c002'>This point of view lasted exactly ten minutes, however. -By that time Jim had cooled down and was -thinking over some other way by which Hollister -could be brought to his senses. Fond as he was of his -roommate, he could not bear the thought of his being -dropped. There must be some way of making him -realize the gravity of the situation.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Not for an instant did Townsend waver in his fixed -belief that Blake was deliberately working to bring -about Bob’s downfall so that he could step into his -place on the varsity; and when the blond chap presently -appeared and the usual talk commenced Jim’s -temper soon reached a boiling point. He knew that -if he remained in the room much longer he would have -to blow off steam, and, in the present condition of affairs, -that was not at all to be desired.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Consequently, some twenty minutes later, he -slammed down his book, and, without a word of explanation, -picked up his hat and went out.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Blake glanced up with a curious smile.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Our friend seems to be somewhat pettish to-night,” -he remarked, in a languid drawl.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister flushed a little. He knew quite well why -Townsend had departed, and it irritated him to think -that his roommate had such a small, narrow nature as -to suspect this big, bluff, frank fellow of any sort of -double dealing.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, I suppose he thought of something he wanted -to do,” he said, rather lamely. “But about that formation -we were speaking of. I’ve doped it all out. -Let me show you.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Reaching for a piece of paper, he drew a few swift -lines on it.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“See, it’s that way,” he said eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Blake leaned over him, a swift gleam of triumph -in his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, that’s the idea,” he returned quietly.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER V<br /> <br /><span class='small'>THE QUARREL.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>By the time Jim Townsend reached the campus he -was at a white heat.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hang him!” he snapped viciously. “I know that’s -what he’s up to, but how in the mischief can I make -Bob understand? He’s such a softy he simply won’t -believe a thing against Blake, just because he likes -him. The double-faced skunk!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The last remark was intended for Blake, but Jim -was too wrought up to talk coherently. He wandered -around the campus for a few minutes and then decided -to take his troubles to Blair Hildebrand, one of his -particular chums, whose cool, level-headed advice had -helped him out on more than one occasion.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He found the big, blue-eyed senior alone, glancing -over the latest issue of the <i>Lit</i>, and evidently very -tired of his own company.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hello, old man,” he said cordially, as Townsend -appeared. “You’re a perfect godsend. George has -gone to New York, and I was just thinking of looking -up some congenial spirit and painting the town red. -How’s everything?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Rotten!” returned Townsend shortly, as he dropped -onto a chair. “That dub, Jarvis Blake, is over at the -rooms jabbering football and keeping Bob from doing -an earthly thing with to-morrow’s work. And you -know how the dean warned him the other day.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hildebrand nodded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, I heard about it,” he returned. “Isn’t that -something new—Blake’s coming around, I mean?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“He’s done it every night this week,” Jim explained -morosely. “I’ll bet any money, Blair, that he’s doing -it on purpose so Bob will be dropped and he’ll get -on the varsity. I told Bob as much to-night.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“How did he take it?” Hildebrand asked interestedly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Wouldn’t listen to a word against the man,” returned -Townsend. “Thinks he’s all to the good. You -know Bob never will hear anything against a fellow -he likes.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, he’s a dandy chap that way,” Hildebrand answered -absently. “That’s one of the reasons why -every one likes him so well.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was evidently thinking about something else.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s all very nice,” Jim retorted quickly; “but -a fellow can carry it too far. He’s making a fool of -himself going on the way he’s been all this term. He’ll -be dropped unless he wakes up mighty sudden. And -I don’t want him dropped. He’s too good a fellow for -that.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Townsend’s voice was mournful and his face downcast -and dejected at the thought of what might happen -to his chum.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Presently Hildebrand looked up.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I shouldn’t wonder a bit if you were right about -Blake, Jim,” he said. “He makes a mighty good -showing with his frank, hearty manner, but I have -every reason to think that he’s far from being above -just such a trick as this.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Townsend sat up suddenly, his face aglow with interest.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You have?” he exclaimed quickly. “What was it? -Anything which Bob would listen to?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Just a little experience I had with him last year,” -the stalwart guard returned quietly; “but it proved -pretty conclusively that Blake was mighty poor stuff. -Whether it would have any effect on Bob or not, is -quite another question.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Can’t you tell a fellow what it was?” Jim asked -eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hildebrand shook his head slowly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What’s the use?” he said, with a quiet smile. “I -don’t believe in knocking a man unless it’s necessary, -even if he isn’t straight. I haven’t told a soul about -this; but if you really think that’s what Blake’s up -to, I have no objection to putting Bob wise on the quiet -some time.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m sure it is,” Townsend said decidedly. “He -never used to come around, but ever since Bob got -that talking to from the dean, he’s been in every solitary -night, and insists on jawing football from the -time he sets foot in the room until he leaves. I’ll -take my oath that he’s got a reason for it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“If that’s the case,” Hildebrand returned, “I’ll brace -Bob the first chance I get and tell him a thing or two -which will open his eyes.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The opportunity came the very next afternoon. -Both Hollister and Hildebrand were late getting away -from the field, and it happened that, quite without premeditation -on the part of the latter, they came out of -the gate together. In the bustle and turmoil of practice, -the big guard had quite forgotten his promise to -Townsend, but now it suddenly came back into his -mind.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Say, Bob,” he said slowly, “do you mind walking -for a few minutes? I just remembered something -I wanted to tell you.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister looked a little surprised.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why, no, not at all,” he returned quickly. “Anything -about the team?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hildebrand hesitated. He had suddenly discovered -that what he had to say was not going to be at all -easy.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Partly, yes,” he answered presently. “I hope you -won’t think I’m a beastly butter-in, Bob, if I touch on -something which is rather personal. I wouldn’t do it -if I didn’t think so much of you and hate to see you -knifed.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister frowned and a puzzled look came into his -eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I don’t see quite what you’re driving at,” he said, -a bit shortly; “but go ahead.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The guard’s pleasant face was flushed. He almost -wished he hadn’t promised Jim; but at length, he drew -a long breath and took the plunge.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s about Blake,” he said quickly. “Jim tells me -he’s been coming in every night and keeping you from -your work. I think you ought to know that he isn’t—well, -he isn’t quite—a fellow to be trusted. I know, because -I caught him cheating in a poker game last -spring—a game for money.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>An ominous silence followed. In the light of a -near-by street lamp, Hildebrand saw his companion’s -lithe figure stiffen and his pleasant face harden.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, is that all?” inquired Hollister at length, in -a cold, cutting voice.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why, yes,” Hildebrand answered in surprise. “I -should think it was enough.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister was evidently keeping his temper with an -effort.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Entirely too much!” he snapped. “I hope you’re -pleased with your attempt to blacken the character of -one of my friends. Nice, pleasant occupation, isn’t -it, running down a man when he isn’t around to defend -himself? However, you’ve had your trouble for -your pains. I don’t believe a word of it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hildebrand caught his breath suddenly and his face -turned scarlet. Stopping abruptly, he turned fiercely -on Hollister, with blazing eyes and clenched fists. Another -moment and he would have landed a smashing -blow on the face of the man who had called him a -liar, but, just in time, he got a grip on himself and -realized the utter impossibility of two seniors indulging -in a fist fight in the street.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’ll be sorry for that, Hollister!” he said, in a -voice which quivered with suppressed anger. “I might -have known that this would be all the thanks I’d get -for trying to do you a good turn. I’ll send you written -proof of the statement I just made. Luckily there -were two other men in the game.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Without another word, he walked quickly away, -leaving Hollister alone, a feeling of regret that he had -been so hasty, struggling with the anger which Hildebrand’s -accusation against his friend had aroused in -him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I suppose I shouldn’t have said that,” he murmured -regretfully. “But he made me mad with those rotten -insinuations against Jarv.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then the thought came to him that Hildebrand had -not contented himself with insinuations. He had made -a downright, matter-of-fact statement, which he proposed -to back with written proof. But even then Bob -could not bring himself to believe that Blake would -descend so low as to cheat at cards.</p> - -<p class='c002'>There must have been a mistake made somewhere—must -be some explanation of the thing. Blake was -one of his special friends whom he had known and -liked ever since they first entered college together, and -in all that time he had never known Jarvis to do anything -which was not quite square and honorable.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister was not at all a good judge of character. -His likes and dislikes were very strong, but they were -governed by his heart and not by his head. If he once -came to care for a fellow he was ready to stick to -him through thick and thin, stand up for him at all -times and places, and refused to listen to a word -against him. Once or twice during his college life he -had been disappointed in a man who had been admitted -to the inner circle of his friendship. One notable instance -was that of a perfectly charming fellow who -was possessed of almost every known accomplishment -and talent, but in whom the sense of right and wrong -was strangely, inexplicably lacking.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister had taken to him tremendously from the -very first, and the fellow’s charm of manner and personal -magnetism had blinded him to a realizing sense -of his sinister failings. For months Bob stuck to him, -refusing to listen to the advice of other friends who -had discovered the man’s real character, and had only -been brought to his senses by coming in suddenly -one day and catching the fellow in the act of taking -money out of the bill case he had left carelessly on the -table.</p> - -<p class='c002'>So he had been all through his college career; honest, -loyal, true-hearted, but strangely blinded by prejudice, -sometimes almost lacking in common sense when -it came to judging the real character of a man.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Presently a car appeared, but Hollister let it go. -Hildebrand would probably take it, and at the present -moment he did not feel like riding back to the campus -face to face with the man he had just insulted.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The more he thought over the matter the sorrier he -was that he had allowed his temper to get the best of -him. He liked Blair, and, now that he had calmed -down, he realized that the big guard must have been -perfectly sincere when he made the charge against -Blake. He had probably done it with the best intentions -in the world.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Though why everybody is so down on Jarv I can’t -imagine,” Bob muttered to himself. “He’s a good fellow, -and we’ve had some dandy talks about football -lately. It’s all rot about his keeping me from work. -I can’t get down to boning, anyway.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The next car was a long time coming, and, as he -stood on the curb waiting for it, he remembered his -roommate’s somewhat heated talk of the night before. -But that was perfectly absurd. There could not -be anything in that. Why, Blake had been actually -helping him out with some of the football problems, -giving him some really clever ideas, and he was not -at all likely to do that if he were scheming for his -place on the varsity.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“This is worse than trying to study!” he exclaimed -presently, in a tone of exasperation. “I wish people -wouldn’t take such an infernal interest in what I am -doing! Why can’t they let me alone to do as I like?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The answer was simple, though he would never -have guessed it in a thousand years. He was too -decent a fellow to be let alone to ruin himself by his -own blind folly so long as any of his friends could prevent -it.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Just then a car came along and Hollister took it. -He did his best to forget his regrettable quarrel with -Hildebrand, but all the way back to the campus it kept -recurring to his mind, bringing with it curious, disturbing -little doubts as to whether there might not be -something after all in the statements the stalwart guard -had made, and which fitted in so patly with Jim Townsend’s -petulant outburst.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Consequently, by the time he reached the training -table his condition of mind was not enviable. Hildebrand -was already in his place and seemed to have -recovered completely from his fit of anger; but, though -he was pleasant and genial to the others, he paid no -attention to Bob, ignoring his existence quietly, but -completely.</p> - -<p class='c002'>In spite of the fact that he had brought it on himself, -Hollister was hurt by this, and unconsciously his -attitude toward Jarvis Blake underwent a change.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As a result of all these wheels within wheels, a sort -of damper was thrown over the whole table which was -felt by every one, though few understood the cause. -They only saw that the jokes fell flat, laughter was -forced, or absent altogether, and the resulting silences -long drawn out.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick Merriwell was quick to see that something unusual -had happened, and long before the meal was over -he was sure that Hollister and Hildebrand had fallen -out in some way. Knowing that there was nothing -worse for the discipline of the team or more productive -of poor work than internal dissensions, he resolved -to find out what the trouble was; and, as they walked -back to the campus through “Grub Alley,” he slipped -his hand through Hollister’s arm.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Say, Bob, what’s the trouble between you and -Blair?” he asked, in a low tone.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister hesitated.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, we had a run-in this afternoon about Blake,” -he said, in a rather pettish tone. “He told me that -Jarv had been caught cheating at poker, and I as much -as said he was a liar. I reckon I shouldn’t have been -so strong, but he made me mad. He had no business -to say such a thing about a friend of mine.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I see,” Merriwell returned thoughtfully. “Do you -mind telling me what his object was in giving you -that information?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s all come about through Jim!” Hollister burst -out. “He needs to have his head punched. He’s got -the insane idea that Jarv wants to see me dropped so -he can cinch my place in the line. He came out with -that silly story last night. Said Blake comes around -on purpose to keep me from boning so that I’ll flunk -in the classes and be thrown out. Of course, I shut -him up quick, and I suppose he went to Blair with his -fool story.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Blake been coming around much lately?” Dick -asked casually.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Quite a little.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Almost every night, hasn’t he?” Dick persisted.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well—yes,” Hollister acknowledged. “This week, -that is.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was silence for a few moments, which was -broken by Merriwell.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m not much on knocking a man, Bob,” he said -quietly; “but if I were you I wouldn’t trust Blake too -far. I know of one or two things he’s done which -weren’t quite——Well, you wouldn’t have done them -yourself, old fellow.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Without waiting for a reply, he dropped Bob’s arm -and walked quickly away, leaving Hollister more of -a prey to doubt and suspicions than he had been before.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He knew that Merriwell was a man who almost -never said anything against a fellow student. If he -did not like a man, or disapproved of him for any -reason, he had as little to do with him as possible, but -his lips were generally sealed. If he could not say -anything good of a fellow, he preferred keeping silent.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was only on very rare occasions when something -important was at stake that he gave an adverse opinion -of a man, and, consequently, the few words he -had just uttered concerning Blake were especially significant. -They must have some foundation or Merriwell -would never have given voice to them.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister’s mind was in a turmoil. Unwilling to believe -the worst of Blake, it was impossible not to -realize that there must be something underhand about -him or two such fellows as Merriwell and Hildebrand -would never have said what they had against him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bewildered and sick at heart, Bob made his way -slowly to his rooms. Jim had gone out for the evening, -so that he was alone, and, having tossed hat and -overcoat aside, he dropped down in a chair.</p> - -<p class='c002'>At any rate, he did not want to see Blake that night. -With this thing on his mind, he could not feel at ease -with him, and he would rather not see the man until -he had come to some final decision as to what his -course would be. All at once he glanced quickly at -the clock.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“By Jove!” he exclaimed, springing up. “He’s likely -to be here any time.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Snatching up his coat and hat, he was about to -hurry out when he heard the muffled slam of the big -entrance door below.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’ll bet that’s him now,” he muttered.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The next moment he had switched off the light and -hurried into the bedroom, where he softly drew the -door partly shut and stood behind it.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Presently a step sounded in the hall, followed by a -knock at the door. Then the latch clicked and some -one entered the room.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hello, Bobby,” called a familiar voice.</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was no response. Presently Blake stepped -over to the electric light and switched it on.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Not here,” he murmured, his eyes traveling swiftly -about the room. “That’s funny. He was ahead of me -crossing the campus.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was a pause during which the big, blond fellow -whistled softly, as he walked up and down the -room.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What’s the good of waiting?” he muttered at -length. “He may not come in for an hour or two. -His hash is as good as settled, anyhow. After the exhibition -he made of himself to-day, the dean can’t help -doing something. Maybe little Jarvie will play in the -Harvard game after all.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He laughed softly; there was a click and the room -was shrouded in darkness; the door closed and silence -fell.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER VI<br /> <br /><span class='small'>THE CRASH.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>In the bedroom Bob Hollister stood silent, a rush of -bitter anger and regret overwhelming him. Merriwell -and Hildebrand and old Jim had all been right. What -a blind fool he had been not to have seen through Blake -before! What a perfect idiot they must think him!</p> - -<p class='c002'>Presently he came back into the sitting room, and, -turning on the light, stood hesitating in the middle of -the room. It was up to him to get busy and do something -pretty quick. He must not let Blake triumph.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The sudden shock had made him realize his precarious -position more clearly than a dozen arguments -would have done, and there was now an added incentive -to work. He was determined that Blake should -not accomplish the purpose for which he had schemed. -His blood was aroused to a boiling point. He would -not be dropped!</p> - -<p class='c002'>But, first of all, he must see Blair. He had behaved -shamefully that afternoon to the fellow who had done -a distasteful thing purely for his own good, and Bob -felt that he could not rest until he had apologized.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Slipping into his coat, he hurried out of Vanderbilt -and made his way swiftly across to Lawrence. It -must be confessed that his heart rather failed him as -he mounted the stairs and stood before Hildebrand’s -door, but without hesitation he raised his hand and -knocked.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Come in,” called a voice.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister opened the door and stood hesitating on -the threshold.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hildebrand sat alone by the table, and, as he glanced -up and saw who his caller was, his face darkened.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well?” he said curtly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister flushed and took a step forward.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I—I’ve been—a fool, Blair,” he stammered. “I -beg your pardon for what I said this afternoon.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, you’ve found that out, have you?” Hildebrand -inquired sarcastically.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was still sore over the result of his attempt that -afternoon to open Hollister’s eyes as to the real character -of Blake. It had not been a pleasant nor an -easy thing to do, and Bob’s reception of it had cut -him to the quick, besides making him furiously angry.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes; he’s all you said of him and more,” Hollister -returned in a low tone. “I just found out, and I -couldn’t rest until I had told you how sorry I am about -the way I talked to you.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>His manner was so dejected, and the look of penitence -in his eyes was so very real as he turned toward -the door again, that Hildebrand could not help but -relent.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Come back here, you old idiot!” he exclaimed, -springing to his feet. “You certainly did made me -hot this afternoon, but what’s the use of keeping mad? -Give us your fist, and the next time don’t be so infernally -set in your way.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister’s eyes brightened as he gripped the proffered -hand.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’re all to the good, Blair,” he said quickly. -“Most fellows would have felt like kicking me downstairs.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I felt worse than that this afternoon,” the big -guard grinned. “But nobody can stay mad with you -very long, Bobby. Sit down and let’s hear about it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister told the story briefly, and then, in spite of -his friend’s urging, he departed to put in the rest of the -evening in hard studying. Since it was the first time -he had really applied himself to his books in weeks, he -naturally did not make much progress, but at least it -was a beginning.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The blow came the next morning, when the first -mail brought him a letter from the dean’s office. He -opened it with trembling fingers and glanced through -the brief contents. The typewritten communication -was short, terse, very much to the point, and bore the -scrawly signature of the dean himself.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“<span class='sc'>Dear Sir</span>: Since you have seen fit utterly to disregard -my advice of a week ago, I am forced to tell -you that unless you attain a grade of at least sixty -in every recitation from now until the beginning of -the winter vacation your name will be dropped from -the rolls of the senior class.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>In perfect silence, jaws set and face a little pale, -Hollister read the short note through the second time.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Holy cats!” he muttered. “That’s the end of yours -truly, all right! Sixty per cent.! Why don’t he say a -hundred and be done with it? I stand about as much -show of getting it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Now that it was too late, he saw with vivid clearness -the extent of his amazing folly. Merriwell had -done his utmost to make him realize the seriousness -of his position a week ago. Jim had been trying his -best to help him for a longer time than that. Even -the dean had strained a point of college discipline in -his favor. And in spite of all this he had gone his -way blithely and blindly, living only in the present, -with a perfectly suicidal disregard for the future.</p> - -<p class='c002'>What could he do? What was there possible for -him to do? He was in despair. He had no more than -a glimmering of the work for that day. It would need -nothing less than a miracle for him to get the required -percentage.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The more he thought over the matter, the more -despondent he became. At length, as a last resort, he -resolved to go to Dick with his troubles. He did not -hope for any happy solution of the difficulty, but there -is always a little comfort in talking over one’s miseries -with somebody; and Bob knew that Dick would -never say, “I told you so.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Happily, the first recitation was scheduled for eleven -o’clock, and Hollister found Dick alone in his rooms -working over some math problems. He looked up -smiling as the dismayed fellow entered.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hello, Bobby,” he greeted. “What’s the matter? -You look as if life held no further joys for you.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Without a word, Hollister thrust the dean’s letter -into Merriwell’s hand. Dick read it through with -knitted brows, and, having finished, folded it methodically -and handed it back.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Wouldn’t that kill you dead!” he exclaimed. “Sixty -per cent.! Let’s see how we can dope that out.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister looked at him blankly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Dope it out!” he exclaimed. “What is there to -dope out? I’m done!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Rot!” Dick returned emphatically. “You’re not -going to give up without an effort, are you? We’ll -get you through somehow. But you’ll have to buckle -down and work like a terror.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’ll work, all right,” Hollister returned, in a dispirited -voice; “but I can’t make that average. Why, -I’ve got to start in and make it this very day, man, and -I haven’t the haziest notion of what the Latin lesson -is, though I did grind some on chemistry last night.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Never know what you can do till you try, Bobby,” -Dick said cheerily. “Why, we can’t let you be dropped, -old fellow. Rather than that, I’ll turn tutor and drag -you through by the hair of your head.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He paused and his face grew serious.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“There’s one thing sure, though,” he went on, his -eyes fixed on Hollister’s face; “you’ll have to give up -football, and drop it like a hot cake this very day.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>For an instant Hollister looked at him blankly as if -he did not comprehend what the other had said. Then -he understood, and a look of utter despair came into -his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Give it up!” he cried. “Oh, Dick, I can’t!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’ve got to,” Merriwell retorted firmly. “Can’t -you see that if you don’t you’ll be dropped sure as fate? -You can’t play football and study at the same time. -You’re not made that way. It’s a question of giving -it up voluntarily or of being dropped from the class -and, consequently, from the varsity.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister groaned. How could he give up the thing -he loved better than anything else in the world! What -would college life be without it? He almost felt as -if he’d rather be dropped than voluntarily give it up, -except that such a course would mean the same thing -in the end.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He looked at Merriwell pleadingly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But I could still play in the games, even if I didn’t -show up for practice, couldn’t I?” he urged.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick shook his head.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You couldn’t,” he said decidedly. “You’ve got to -the point when you have to give every atom of your -mind to your work. The minute you begin to think -about playing in a game your attention will be distracted. -You won’t be able to study. It can’t be done, -Bob. You don’t suppose I’m anxious to see you leave -the team, do you? Great Scott, man! I don’t know -what we’ll do without you. But it’s your only chance. -Don’t you see that?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister saw it only too clearly. He realized perfectly -the truth of Merriwell’s words. He knew quite -well that if he were going to play in a game he would -be thinking for days beforehand about it. Unconsciously -his mind would wander and he would cease -giving the proper attention to his books. Bitterly he -regretted the moment when he first began to let things -slide. If he had only not let his enthusiasm for the -game get the better of him he would be all right -now.</p> - -<p class='c002'>And suddenly into his mind came the thought of -Jarvis Blake and his treachery. The fellow would triumph -now and would very likely get his place on the -varsity. He could not bear the idea.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“If I quit the team Blake will be put on,” he said -aloud. “I couldn’t stand that, Dick. It’s what he’s -been after right along. Last night—I heard——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>A gleam of combat came into Merriwell’s eyes and -his chin squared.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I thought so,” he said emphatically. “I had a notion -that was his game. But it won’t work if I can -put a spoke in his wheel. There are a couple of other -subs who are as good as he is. I rather think one -of them will take your place.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“If you could only work it, Dick!” Hollister said -eagerly. “Of course, I’m not trying to blame him for -what’s happened. That’s all up to me. But I do know -that he did his best to have me dropped, and if he -got my place in the line I couldn’t stand it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Don’t worry,” Merriwell said quickly. “I don’t -think he will.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He paused and looked Hollister keenly in the eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well,” he said slowly, “have you made up your -mind?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Still Bob wavered, unwilling to take the step which, -deep down in his heart, he knew would have to come.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell showed no signs of impatience. With -rare sympathy, he realized what a struggle must be -going on in the man’s mind. The thought of all it -would mean to him if, for any reason, <i>he</i> were forced -to give up football was appalling, and he knew that -Hollister was even more devoted to the game.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I know how hard it is, Bobby,” he said quietly. -“But after a little you’ll come to see that it’s the only -thing for you to do. Football—any game, in fact—is -a splendid thing when it keeps its proper proportions -as something incidental to the college course. But the -minute it begins to dominate a man, as it has done you -to the exclusion of everything else, it’s time to cut -it out. You didn’t come to Yale to play football, but -to get your degree and the other benefits which a college -course gives a man. Think how you’d feel if you -were dropped at the very beginning of your senior -year. Think of the humiliation of being thrown out -with such a record as you have made this fall.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I can’t even play in the Yale-Princeton game on -Saturday?” Hollister questioned sadly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick shook his head firmly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No, sir,” he returned with emphasis. “You give -me your promise never to play football again while -you’re in college, and I’ll do my very best to pull you -through in your studies. How about it?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“All right,” Hollister said, in a low voice. “I promise.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Good,” Dick smiled. “That’s the stuff. Now let’s -get down to business.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He glanced swiftly at the clock.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“An hour and a half before Latin,” he murmured. -“We’ve got to get busy.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Before Hollister knew what he was doing, Dick had -him sitting at the table, the open book before him, -and together they proceeded to go through the day’s -allotment of Horace.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell did his work thoroughly, translating -slowly and stopping to explain the derivation of every -word about which Bob had the least doubt. He had a -natural gift of making things plain, and in an hour’s -time Hollister had acquired a pretty good notion of -what it was all about. Then, after a hurried review -of the chemistry lesson, they sallied forth to the lecture -room.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I think you’ll do in the Horace, old fellow,” Dick -assured him. “Just keep your head and take it slowly, -and you’ll come out all right.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Such proved to be the case. About halfway through -the hour, Professor Goodhue called Hollister’s name -in a rather weary tone of voice, fully expecting a repetition -of the absolute failures for which the fellow had -become noted.</p> - -<p class='c002'>To his amazement, Hollister arose slowly and gave -a very good rendering of the passage, even to construing -accurately the few words the dazed professor -asked him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That will do, Mr. Hollister,” the latter managed to -say when Bob had finished. “Very good indeed. I -should—er—like to congratulate you on the extraordinary -improvement in your work.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thank you, sir,” Bob murmured, his face a bit -red.</p> - -<p class='c002'>On the campus outside, Dick slapped him on the -back.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well done!” he exclaimed. “That was more than -sixty, all right. You’ll do. Now for the lab. That’s -going to be harder, for we didn’t give any time to it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>As they mounted the steps to the chemical laboratory, -Bob happened to catch a glimpse of Blake’s face, -and the look of ill-tempered annoyance he saw there -was an added incentive to renewed endeavor. The big, -blond fellow was evidently not at all pleased with the -surprising turn things had taken.</p> - -<p class='c002'>By some fortunate chance, Hollister was not called -upon at all in chemistry. Perhaps the professor had -grown weary of his constant failures and did not think -it worth while. At all events, it gave Bob a little -respite. There were no other recitations that day, -and by to-morrow, he hoped, with Dick’s assistance, -to have made up a little of the lost time.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell realized perfectly that what he had undertaken -was not going to be any easy task. There was -no fun at all in coaching a fellow who had done absolutely -no work for almost six weeks, and was, consequently, -totally ignorant of what had been gone -over so far that term. But this fact did not deter him -in the least. He knew that it was the only way by -which Hollister could be saved, and, though it meant -that every spare moment must be devoted to tutoring -Bob for a few weeks at least, he was fond enough of -the fellow to go to that extreme.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister’s announcement at the training table that -he had to leave the team was one of the hardest things -he had ever done. It had the effect of a bombshell on -the assembled players.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Instantly the room was in an uproar. The fellows -all crowded around him, unable to believe their ears.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You can’t leave, Bobby!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Cut it out, old man, and have another think.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Stop your kidding!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thunderation! What’ll we do without you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>These and a dozen other incredulous exclamations -were hurled at the wretched fellow, but Bob persisted -in his resolve; and when the men saw that he was really -in earnest, they were in despair.</p> - -<p class='c002'>All, that is, save Jarvis Blake. Dick, his eye on the -fellow, noticed the sudden expression of amazed incredulity -which flashed into his face, to be followed -instantly by a look of joy and unmistakable triumph. -Evidently he had not expected this turn of affairs, but -he was none the less more than satisfied with it.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’ll put a spoke in your wheel, my bucko,” Dick -muttered fiercely. “All your dirty scheming won’t do -you a bit of good.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He put in an hour’s work with Hollister after dinner, -and, laying out enough to keep the man busy that -afternoon, he got out the car and drove down to the -field.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His first move was to seek out Tempest and Bill Fullerton, -and for ten minutes the three men remained in -close confab. When they separated there was a look -of extreme satisfaction on Dick’s face. He hurried -into the athletic house to get into his togs.</p> - -<p class='c002'>A little later, when the men were all assembled on -the field, Don Tempest held up his hand for silence.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You fellows all know that Hollister has been -obliged to leave the team,” he said quietly. “You -also know why. It’s something which can’t be helped, -but I’m sure you will agree with me that it hits us -pretty hard and will make a big hole in the line. I’m -sorry it couldn’t have been postponed until after the -game on Saturday, but since that was impossible we’ll -just have to make the best of it. In regard to filling -his place——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He hesitated and his eyes wandered over the eager, -expectant faces of the subs. Many of them knew that -there was no possible chance of their being picked for -the important position, but there were three or four -who evidently had hopes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Jarvis Blake had more than hopes, if one could judge -from the look of assurance on his face. There was -plainly small doubt in his mind that he would be the -lucky man, and Dick watched him with a distinct feeling -of satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“In talking it over,” Tempest continued, “we have -decided that Keran had better try out for end until -further notice.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Blake gave a gasp of dismay. The blow was so sudden -and so absolutely unexpected that, for an instant, -he could not believe his ears.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then his face turned scarlet, his eyes flashed, and he -took a quick step forward. Dick was watching him -quietly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I think——” began the big, blond fellow, speaking -with evident difficulty.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Tempest eyed him coldly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I said Keran,” he remarked significantly; “Phil -Keran.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was an undercurrent of contempt in his voice -which cut Blake like the lash of a whip and made him -step back involuntarily. Before he could recover his -customary poise, the fellows spread out in the regular -formation, Keran, grinning from ear to ear, in the -coveted place at right end.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Blake had never been so furious in his life. He -could not understand how it had all come about. For -a moment he was tempted to leave the field. He had -even turned and was about to stride off without a -word, when he realized that such a move would be -folly. He would gain nothing by it, and his chances -for ever accomplishing his end would be totally ruined.</p> - -<p class='c002'>With a sullen scowl on his face, he walked over to -his place on the scrub. After all, Keran was only in -the varsity on sufferance. He might not make good, -and then Blake’s chance would come.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER VII<br /> <br /><span class='small'>THE BEGINNING OF THE GAME.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>It must not be supposed that Bob Hollister’s course -was an easy one. It was, on the contrary, desperately -hard. A dozen times a day bitter thoughts and regrets -for what he had given up assailed him, but he -managed to thrust these aside, and, with Dick’s help, -he kept doggedly at his work, encouraged by the very -evident progress he made in his studies.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The story of his renunciation of football and his -steady application to his books seemed to have become -known to the faculty. Certain it was that, one and -all, they realized what an effort he was making to -stick with the class, and most of them did their best -to help him along.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As for Merriwell, every minute he could spare was -devoted to coaching Bob. The latter almost lived in -Dick’s rooms. Every evening they went over the work -for the next day together, Dick patiently explaining -every point, bolstering up Hollister’s failing courage, -making a regular hermit of himself for the sake of the -other man’s future.</p> - -<p class='c002'>In the afternoons Bob spent his time grinding on the -back work, for occasionally the professors had an -annoying way of having little quizzes which covered -the subjects they had gone over that term.</p> - -<p class='c002'>That was the hardest part of it all, to sit alone with -a book before him, knowing all the time that the others -were out on the field where he longed to be more than -anywhere else in the world. At first he had to grit -his teeth and exercise the utmost self-control to keep -his mind from wandering; but, after a little, it came -easier, though he was never wholly resigned.</p> - -<p class='c002'>At last came the day of the Yale-Princeton game. -Hollister wondered desperately whether he would have -to stay away from the field that afternoon. It seemed -as if that would be more than he could bear. In the -morning he broached the subject to Merriwell.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“About the game this afternoon, Dick,” he began -hesitatingly. “It don’t seem as if I could study while -that’s going on. Couldn’t I go down and watch it, -just this once?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick looked at him thoughtfully.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Do you think that’s a good idea, Bobby?” he asked -slowly. “Wouldn’t you feel worse on the field, not -being able to play, than you would if you stayed -away?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Gee, no!” exclaimed Hollister. “Even if I don’t -play, there’d be some satisfaction watching it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Come on, then,” Merriwell said quickly. “You’ve -certainly done well enough to take the afternoon off.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Thus it was that Hollister sat in the tonneau of -Dick’s car as the <i>Wizard</i> tore down to the field that -afternoon. Tempest and Blair Hildebrand sat with -him, Rudolph Rose crumpled his long legs in the body -of the car at their feet, while Teddy Baxter clung -precariously to the running board.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister felt a thrill of the old joyful enthusiasm -as the car whirled through the streets. Once more he -seemed to be one of them, and, as he entered the -grounds and swept his eye over the already filling -stands, he sniffed the air like a war horse that scents -combat from afar.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But once in the dressing room, the reaction came. -He saw the others strip and hurriedly don their togs; -listened to their eager, excited discussion of their -chances for victory; watched them troop out in a body -and lope across to the gridiron; and, as he followed -slowly, dispiritedly, he realized with a bitter pang that -he was out of it. Instead of plunging into the contest -with tingling blood and every sense alert, doing his -best for his Alma Mater, straining every nerve to win -a victory for the blue, he must stand on the side lines -and just watch.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The thrilling, deep-toned cheers of the excited thousands -would ring in his ears as before, but they would -have a different sound. They would be meant for -others, not for him. Somehow, he felt that if he could -only have played in this one game he could be resigned -about never going on the field again. If he -could only show just once more what he could do—play -just one more game for all that was in him, and -perhaps help to win a victory, it would content him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But it was too late. He had given his word, and -the team was finally made up. With downcast eyes -and bitter heart, he entered the inclosure and, walking -past the grand stands, dropped down on the side -lines with the subs. At least he would watch the game -from the field. He couldn’t bear sitting in a stand. -He had never done that in all the time he had first come -out for the team.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The stands were filled to overflowing, a sea of eager, -enthusiastic faces rising, tier upon tier, from the field. -Flags fluttered by the hundreds, blue, mostly, but with -a liberal sprinkling of the orange and black. The hum -of many voices sounded like the drone of a gigantic -hive of bees. The flash of many faces turned impatiently -toward the closed gates as the hour approached.</p> - -<p class='c002'>At last the gates were flung open and the teams appeared. -Princeton came first, and cantered briskly -across the field. They were greeted by a round of applause -from their adherents.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then Yale appeared, and the stands rose to them -with a yell which sent a thrill through Hollister’s heart—a -thrill followed swiftly by a stab of pain. Perhaps -Dick had been right when he said it would be -harder here than if he had stayed away.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Yale won the toss, and, there being a rather brisk -wind blowing, chose the protected goal and gave the -enemy the ball. The fellows swiftly took their places -to await the kick off. Presently the whistle sounded, -and from that moment Bob Hollister was oblivious to -time and space, the shouting crowd, the excited subs—everything, -in short, except the progress of the contest -before him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Almost at once he saw that Princeton had an unusually -strong team. He had expected something of -the sort, for all reports agreed in stating that it was -the best eleven the New Jersey college had turned -out in several years; but Hollister had not thought it -would be quite so good as it now appeared.</p> - -<p class='c002'>With knitted brows, he watched the progress of the -ball down the field toward Yale’s goal. There was -no doubt in his mind that the orange-and-black fellows -had made the most of some very efficient coaching. -Their teamwork was splendid, and every now and -then they made use of some novel play which caused -Hollister to bestow upon them a sincere, if somewhat -grudging, admiration.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But presently he ceased to watch their good points -and bent an anxious, scrutinizing eye upon his former -comrades. Something seemed to be the matter with -their playing. A subtle, impalpable something, hard -to define, but plainly evident to the quick mind of the -man on the side line.</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was a slight absence of snap, of unity, which -perhaps another might not have seen. Hollister was -entirely too modest to realize that his absence from -the team could make any difference. He did not see -that the lack of his swift, perfect brainwork, his cheering -encouragement, would be felt to any appreciable -extent. And yet, that was actually the case.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell was playing a perfect game, Buckhart -was at his best; but they could not carry the whole -team. Don Tempest, still not perfectly strong after -his long illness, and feeling the lack of the practice -which he had lost, did not make a very good showing. -While Phil Keran, though he was a good steady player -and did his best, could never take the place of Hollister, -one of the best ends Yale had ever had.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Slowly the ball was forced back. Nearer and nearer -it came to the goal. Bob’s heart leaped into his throat -and he could not swallow. They must not make a goal—they -must not!</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then the line stiffened, the advance ceased. Two -downs brought barely five yards gain. Not daring to -risk another forward pass, Princeton tried a kick from -the field.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The ball soared over the heads of the scrimage line. -To Hollister, tense, breathless, it seemed as if it would -pass over the bar, and he groaned aloud as the orange-and-black -line surged forward in its wake.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The groan changed to a gasp of joy as the pigskin -carromed from an upright and a tall, lithe figure leaped -into the air, clutched it and dropped back.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was Merriwell. Bob could have shouted aloud -in his relief had he not been too intent on watching -the outcome. For an instant the men were so involved -in a tangle of flying figures and waving arms that he -could not see what had become of the ball.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then, all at once, a man darted around the end, -closely followed by two others, and sped over the -ground in an oblique course toward the farther side -line.</p> - -<p class='c002'>In an instant Bob recognized him as Crowfoot, and -realized that Dick had in some way passed the ball -swiftly to the Indian, who, assisted by Elwell and -Kenny, the quarter back, was covering the ground like -a streak of light.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny was bowled over instantly; Elwell met his -Waterloo a minute afterward; but by the time Crowfoot -was tackled by one of the Princeton guards he -had covered thirty yards and the ball was back out of -danger.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then the whistle sounded and Hollister realized that -the first quarter was over.</p> - -<p class='c002'>After the brief three-minute interval, Yale started -in with a rush, carrying the ball down the field in a -series of brilliant plays which did full credit to every -man on the team.</p> - -<p class='c002'>They seemed to have recovered from their strange -lassitude and were evidently determined to utterly annihilate -their opponents.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But that was not to be done easily. Oddly enough, -Princeton blandly refused to be annihilated. And so -the hard-fought battle continued. Back and forth -surged the lines of tattered, gasping, breathless men. -At one moment it would seem that Yale had the advantage, -and apparently nothing could prevent her -from scoring. Then Princeton would rally and force -the blue line slowly, but surely, back from the danger -zone.</p> - -<p class='c002'>To the man on the side line it was sheer agony. His -trained eye saw the weak points of his team even more -swiftly than did Tempest, the captain. His alert brain, -feverishly active, took in lost opportunities which the -men on the field did not even perceive, and he was constantly -thinking of how he would have made a successful -play if he had only been out there with the rest.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then began a series of minor accidents which played -havoc with the Yale line. First of all, Rose was -knocked senseless and had to leave the field. Then -Samp Elwell twisted his ankle so that he could not -stand on it; and another sub threw off his enveloping -blanket, jerked off his sweater, and raced into the -arena in response to Tempest’s peremptory gesture.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Last of all, Phil Keran gave out, and, after a momentary -hesitation, Tempest reluctantly summoned -Jarvis Blake from the side line. He was the best man -left, and, perhaps, had it not been for what he had -heard from Dick about the fellow, Tempest might have -put him in before; for Blake had always showed up -well in practice.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As Hollister saw his enemy race out and take his -own place at right end, he clenched his fists so tightly -that the nails cut into the flesh of his palm. This was -the worst of all. Blake was now just where he had -been scheming to get.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then the teams lined up and Bob forgot even that. -It became apparent at once that the change had not -been for the better. Princeton had been obliged to put -in only one substitute, and her advantage showed very -plainly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Strive as the Yale line did against them, the solid -phalanx of the opposing team made its way inexorably -down the field. There were occasional rallies, to be -sure, but never once did the orange and black fail to -make their required gain; and at last, with a sob in -his throat, Hollister saw the pigskin forced over the -line and heard the Princeton crowd thundering its -joy.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The goal was kicked, and, before the second quarter -was over, Princeton had scored again on a drop kick, -and was nine points to the good.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Things looked very black for Yale.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister did not leave his place on the grass. He -could not bring himself to go back to the house with -the team. He had not the heart. And so he lay there -viciously jabbing the blade of his knife into the ground, -his brow drawn into a scowl, his brown eyes full of a -strange mixture of longing and pain.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He had been watching Blake’s playing, and it had -taken him only a few moments to see how much it -fell short of his own. Hollister was not in the least -conceited, but he had a keen sense of sizing a fellow -up on the field and had always viewed his own good -points and shortcomings as dispassionately as he did -those of any one else.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Watching Jarvis Blake, he knew that he himself -could have done better. Blake was a good player, but -he was deficient in some important qualifications, principally -initiative and speed in starting.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Time and time again, Bob saw him fail to take advantage -of an opportunity which might have meant a -gain of yards to his team. Once, in his excitement, -he had shouted a warning to the substitute, only to -realize what he was doing and choke himself into silence.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The third quarter started off with a fresh swing. -The rest had done all the men good, and evidently there -had been some straight talk in the athletic house which -heartened them and brought them to a realizing sense -of the gravity of their position.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The ball was forced down to within the thirty-yard -line without a pause. Hollister, watching eagerly, soon -saw whose brain was dominating the work. Almost -every time the pigskin was passed to Merriwell. And, -with quite as much regularity, the brilliant senior responded -nobly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He seemed to be everywhere at once, slippery as an -eel, dodging hither and thither in a most bewildering -fashion, sometimes passing the ball to Crowfoot, or -another on whom he could depend, but always making -gains, ever advancing, until Bob found himself sitting -erect, his cheeks burning and his eyes sparkling as he -watched this amazing exhibition of almost perfect football.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Would he make it? Could he possibly hold out to -reach the line? Suddenly his question was answered.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The quarter back ripped out a rapid signal which Bob -could not hear perfectly; the ball was snapped back; -there was a bewildering, lightninglike, intricate pass. -Hollister gasped. It was his improved crisscross play, -the last thing he had worked out before he had left the -team.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The pigskin seemed to leap from one man to another -like a thing endowed with life. For a minute he lost -track of it, and then he caught his breath swiftly as -Merriwell sprang out of the mêlée, the pigskin tucked -under his arm, and raced over the turf as if he were as -fresh as the moment he had first set foot on the field.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The Princeton crowd was taken by surprise. The -pass had been so cleverly made that most of them -thought the ball was being sent around the other end, -and there was a surging rush in that direction, which -left a comparatively free field for Dick.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Too late they saw their error and trailed after him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>There were but two men between him and the coveted -goal. He could easily outdistance the first, who -was a little to one side, but the full back would have -to be dodged.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As he ran, he watched the man keenly, wondering -just what trick he would have to bring into play to -get away from him. The fellow stood alertly on his -toes, watching, waiting, ready to spring to one side -or the other, as the case might be.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick came on without slackening his speed, swerved -suddenly to the right, whirled, darted the other way, -and all in such a brief moment that to this day Princeton’s -full back hasn’t the least notion of how he was -fooled. He only knew that by the time he had turned -Dick was a dozen feet away, speeding on toward the -goal.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The next instant the full back gave a grunt of triumph -and stretched himself, for the Yale man suddenly -staggered, tried wildly to recover, and then fell -full length to the sod.</p> - -<p class='c002'>A groan of horror went up from the stands, followed -by deathlike stillness.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then, to the amazement of the onlookers, they saw -that, instead of lying where he had fallen, Merriwell -spun end over end, and the next instant he was on -his feet again. But he ran with an appreciable limp.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was a tense moment. The full back was gaining. -Slowly, but surely, he crept up and the distance between -the two lessened. Dick ran with more and -more apparent effort, and it was plain to all that he -must be suffering tortures.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Now the full back’s fingers touched him, but could -find no hold on the smooth canvas. The next instant -they clutched his waist, and clung there with a firm, -dragging grip.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Five yards more! Could he ever make it?</p> - -<p class='c002'>Struggling, dragging, straining every nerve and -muscle, Merriwell flung himself over the line; and, -as he did so, a great sigh arose from the spectators, -merging into a crashing burst of sound, for they realized -that the ball was over.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER VIII<br /> <br /><span class='small'>A BROKEN PROMISE AND A VICTORY.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>Despite his sprained ankle, Merriwell kicked the -goal, straight and true, and the teams lined up again. -But that run had been a last desperate attempt to -wrest victory from defeat.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Unable to count longer on Dick, who, though he was -still able to play, could not be expected to continue -the extraordinary efforts which had made him an -object of wonder to every man on the field, the team -went to pieces as nearly as any Yale team can.</p> - -<p class='c002'>They played despairingly, doggedly, disputing every -inch on the part of the Princeton organization, but for -all that being borne slowly down the field.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The ginger was gone out of them. They had no -life, and their playing had become more or less machinelike.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bob Hollister realized this swiftly. He knew the -signs only too well.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“They can’t do it!” he almost sobbed. “They can’t -beat them that way!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>If he could only go into the game. Just for that -last quarter. Surely it could not do any harm. He -must do it. He could not sit there and see the fellows -beaten.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The third quarter was nearly over when he leaped -to his feet, his face white and determined, and ran -swiftly toward the house. Dashing inside, he encountered -Keran, his face a network of scowling -lines, his fists clenched, and one foot tied up in -bandages.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Gimme your clothes!” Hollister exclaimed. -“Quick!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What——” gasped Keran.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Blazes!” ripped out the excited fellow. “Your -clothes, I tell you! Get ’em off! Mine aren’t here!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>With an exclamation of joy, the other realized -what he meant to do. Snatching off his jacket and -jersey, he tossed them to Bob, who was already half -undressed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Glory be!” he cried. “You’re going to play! You’ll -brace ’em up!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister made no answer. His eyes were gleaming. -One thought only was in his mind. He must -get into those togs and back to the field before the -beginning of the last quarter. He meant to play if -he never did another thing in all his life. His promise -to Merriwell was forgotten. He thought of nothing -but that line of gasping, tattered men out there, striving -vainly against black defeat.</p> - -<p class='c002'>With eager, trembling fingers, Keran helped him lace -his jacket. Rudolph Rose staggered up from where -he lay full length on a bench, and, dropping down on -the floor, laced up his shoes. Neither of them spoke -a word, for words were unnecessary. They understood.</p> - -<p class='c002'>In a miraculously short time Bob was ready, and, -snatching up a nose guard, he tore out of the house.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bill Fullerton, his face black as a thundercloud, was -talking to Tempest on the side lines. The brief intermission -was almost over as Bob dashed up to them.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I want to go in, Don!” he exclaimed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Both men looked at him in astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I thought——” Tempest began.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Never mind that,” Hollister interrupted. “I’ve got -to go in! That’s the only way. The fellows have -gone all to pieces since Merriwell hurt himself!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Still the captain of the varsity hesitated. He knew -quite well of the promise Hollister had made Merriwell -that he would not play football again during his -college course.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I swear to you, Don, by all that’s holy,” Bob said -earnestly, “that if you let me play out this game I’ll -never touch football again! It’s only fifteen minutes, -Don! Just fifteen little minutes! If I sit here watching -it, I shall go mad. Let me play, Don.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>His pleading voice quivered with the emotion which -was tearing him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Tempest was in somewhat of a quandary. He -wanted to put Hollister in, for he felt that it was -barely possible that Bob might succeed in putting spirit -into the jaded, discouraged men. He was fresh, too, -and wrought up to a white heat of enthusiasm. It -would be strange if he did not accomplish something. -Don glanced at Fullerton questioningly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The coach nodded emphatically.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s the only thing that can possible save the day,” -he said decidedly. “Better let him in.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Who——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Blake, of course!” Fullerton said tersely. “He’s -rotten!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister’s face lit up joyfully as he listened to this -brief conversation. Then the signal came, and there -was a general movement to get out on the field.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Tempest walked rapidly to Blake’s side and said a -few words to him in a low tone. The big, blond fellow -flushed scarlet and darted a venomous glance at -Bob. Then, without a word, he turned on his heel -and walked rapidly toward the athletic house, his -face sullen, and the angry flush still in his cheeks.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister followed the other men with a springy -step and a heart fairly bursting with joy. At last -he was back with the boys. It seemed almost as if -he had never left them. He did not worry over the -fact that, after these brief, fleeting minutes were over, -he could never play again. He only knew that the -team was in a bad way and needed him, and he resolved -that he would play as he had never played before.</p> - -<p class='c002'>One after the other the fellows recognized him and -greeted him with short, hurried words, which were -an odd blending of surprise, joy, and relief; but all -had such a ring of sincerity and truth that Hollister -was more touched than he would have thought possible.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He dared not meet Merriwell’s glance. He had -broken his promise, and he was not sorry; he hated -to think of what Dick’s opinion of him would be from -this time forth.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then, as he crouched in his place, he forgot Merriwell, -forgot everything but the fact that he was back -in the line again.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Are you all ready?” asked the referee.</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was no reply. Only here and there a foot -moved uneasily as weights were thrown forward, and -there was a general, almost imperceptible, tightening -of nerves and muscles.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then the whistle shrilled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Those who watched the game that day said afterward -that, in all their experience, they had never seen -such an amazing rallying on the part of any team -as was shown by the Yale eleven during that last -quarter.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Three minutes before they had gone off the field -with dragging steps and gloomy, discouraged faces. -The followers of the blue, who crowded the stands, -felt a wave of despair sweep over them as they thought -of what might happen in that last fifteen minutes. -Many of them fully expected to see Princeton make -another touchdown, if not two, and they waited with -perfunctory, mechanical cheers, and swiftly ebbing -spirit for the beginning of the end.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But the sudden, totally unexpected appearance of -Hollister seemed to work almost a miracle.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bob responded nobly. Never had he put up such -a game before. Tireless, never failing, swift as lightning, -with his brain in splendid working order, he -seemed to be all over the field at once. Dodging, -slipping through holes in the line where one would -not have thought any advance possible, blocking, cutting -off opposing runners, and interfering for runners -of his own team, it seemed as if all the pent-up, -thwarted energy of the last few days of deprivation -was being poured out now in this brief, brilliant exhibition.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His work thrilled the other men with a new hope, -and stirred them to fresh endeavor, so that they were -with him heart and soul; and the pigskin was rushed -down the field swiftly and irresistibly, until the forty-yard -line was reached.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Here the orange-and-black fellows seemed to recover, -and, rallying, presented such a solid line that -two downs brought barely six yards; and Yale had -to resort to a drop kick, which sent the ball forward -thirty yards, but gave it to Princeton.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then the great struggle of the day began. Inspired -by the brilliant Hollister, Yale made a strenuous, -dogged effort to score, while her opponents were -equally determined that she should not. Back and -forth surged the lines of men, never reaching within -kicking distance of either goal, and using up the -precious minutes in fiercely contesting every inch of -progress.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was a battle royal, and the spectators were so -thrilled with interest and excitement that they almost -forgot to cheer.</p> - -<p class='c002'>At last, when there were but six minutes left to -play, Kenny decided to make use of one of the most -intricate and most daring of the combinations of -double plays and crisscrossing which the coaches had -worked out from Hollister’s suggestion. It was only -to be used as a last resort, and Kenny decided that -the time had come.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Sixty-seven—twenty-four—thirty-two——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny paused. Merriwell sprang back a yard. -Buckhart crept a few feet in.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Fifty-four—seventeen!” finished Kenny swiftly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The ball was snapped, Brad ran forward three -strides, Kenny turned, and the pigskin flew back. The -next instant Merriwell had the ball, and sped toward -the right end of the line. The quarter crossed in front -of him; the tackle and guard thrust back their opponents; -the Princeton line surged forward with a rush.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister plunged forward, too, as if he were intent -only on interfering in Merriwell’s behalf; but -he had a more important duty than that to perform. -Swiftly, before their opponents realized what was -being done, he and Dick changed places, Merriwell -was blocking with all his might, while Hollister, the -ball clutched tightly to him, sped round, shot through -and out onto the field, leaving a mass of waving legs -and arms many yards behind.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Joy was the supreme sensation in Bob’s breast. Only -the Princeton full back threatened. The ball was safely -clutched in his right arm, his breath came easily, his -legs were strong, and the goal posts loomed down the -field and beckoned him on. This, he thought exultingly, -was the best moment that life could give.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Behind, although he could not hear it for the din -of shouting from the stands, he knew the pursuit to -be in full cry. He edged farther out from the dangerous -touch line and sped on. The Princeton full back -had been deceived by the play, and had gone farther up -the field for a kick, and now down he came at full -speed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister seemed to hesitate and falter. The full -back prepared to tackle. His broad back was bent -far over, his sturdy legs squared themselves, and, when -Bob was almost within his reach, he dove forward.</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was a sudden gasp from the spectators, a -breathless hush, and then a thunderous roar of joy, -as Hollister leaped high in the air, cleared the hooking -arms, stumbled, got his balance again, and ran on, -free, the ball still cupped in the curve of his arm.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The momentary pause had served to bring the foremost -of the other pursuers almost to Bob’s heels.</p> - -<p class='c002'>And now the plucky end began to feel the effects -of his strenuous work. His breath came irregularly, -his throat was parching, his legs ached with every -bound, but still he never wavered. Behind him sounded -the thud of relentless feet. He dared not look back -lest he stumble. Every second he expected to feel the -clutch of the enemy. Presently he gave up trying -to breathe; it was too hard. His head was swimming -and his lungs seemed bursting.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then his wandering faculties rushed back at a -bound as he fancied he felt a touch—just the lightest -fingering—and, gathering all his remaining strength, -he increased his pace for a few steps.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The ten-yard line passed, slowly, reluctantly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“One more,” he thought. “Only one more!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The great stands were hoarse with shouting, for -here ended the game.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Nearer and nearer crept the five-yard line; nearer -and nearer crept the pursuers. Once more Hollister -called upon his strength, and tried to draw away, but -it was useless. And, with the goal line but four -yards distant, stout arms were clasped tightly around -his waist.</p> - -<p class='c002'>One—two—three strides he made. The goal line -writhed before his dizzy sight. Relentlessly the clutching -grasp fastened tighter and tighter about him like -bands of steel, and settled lower and lower until his -legs were clasped and he could move no farther. Despairingly -he thrust the ball out at arm’s length, and -tried to throw himself forward; the trampled turf -rose to meet him, and then blackness came.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bob’s first waking thought was that he must be -back on the rocky shores of Maine, where he had spent -the past summer. Surely those were breakers which -roared and thundered in his ears. Then he opened -his eyes, and found that he was lying on the sod, a -sweater under his head, and several vaguely familiar -faces swimming above him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>A moment later he knew that it was not surf, but -the wild yelling and cheering of excited, enthusiastic -thousands. Back and forth rolled the mighty torrents -of sound, breaking and crashing in reverberations.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Suddenly there was a pause, and then a fresh outburst, -this time deliberate and controlled:</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Rah, rah rah! Rah, rah, rah! Rah, rah, rah! -Hollister! Hollister! Hollister!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>No need to tell him in so many words that the ball -had gone over. This was enough. They were cheering -for him, and, as he opened his eyes again, something -like a mist came over them. Presently this -cleared away, and he found himself looking into Merriwell’s -face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“How are you feeling, old fellow?” the senior asked -anxiously. “Hurt any place? Or is it just wind you -want?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister smiled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s all,” he said quickly. “Be all right in a -minute.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He hesitated for an instant.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Say, Dick.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell bent lower.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes?” he questioned.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I couldn’t help it, old man,” Bob said in a low -tone. “I broke my promise, and I reckon you must -think me an awful rotter. I held out as long as I -could; but you needed me, Dick, and I couldn’t sit -there and see the fellows licked. But it’s the last -time.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Do you really mean that, Bob?” Merriwell asked -slowly. “Don’t you think that the next game you -see will tempt you just as you have been tempted to-day?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hollister shook his head decidedly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No, sir!” he said emphatically. “I’m through. This -is the last. I’ll be content now to cut it out for good. -I’ve shown what I could do, and——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Another thunderous burst of cheering came from -the stands.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hollister! Hollister! Hollister!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Not even for that would I break my word to you -again, Merriwell. You believe me, don’t you, old fellow?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>For an instant Dick gazed keenly into the anxious -eyes of his friend. Then his face cleared and a smile -curved the corners of his mouth.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Sure,” he said simply.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER IX<br /> <br /><span class='small'>A CHARGE OF BIRD SHOT.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>It was late afternoon. Dick and several of his -friends were enjoying a brief holiday after the football -season. The sun had dropped below the line of -forest trees, but its golden rays slanted through the -naked ranks of oak and chestnut and hickory, casting -long, grotesque shadows on the mottled blanket of dead -leaves which covered the earth. Here and there a -white birch gleamed with startling distinctness against -a dark background of spruce or pine.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The few remaining leaves rustled crisply in the -sharp breeze which came from the distant Sound. -Now and then one of them, loosened from its hold, -sailed slowly and silently downward in many erratic -circles, coming to rest at length on the thick carpet -of red and yellow and golden brown.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The tang of autumn was in the air. The sense of -nature’s decay was evident everywhere. The very -smell of fall, subtle and impalpable, but nevertheless -unmistakable, was in the nostrils of the five men who -rustled, single file, along the scarcely perceptible path -which wound through the trees.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Even Lysander Cobmore, the lean, wrinkled, weatherworn -farmer who led the way, felt it in his blood, -though he was not, perhaps, so acutely conscious of it -as were the four Yale men who followed him. He -viewed the coming of autumn with more or less mixed -feelings. It heralded the approach of a long season of -rest and hibernation which would be welcome after -the strenuous work of the past summer. But it also -meant snow and ice and many days of bitter cold -when one would not venture far from the glowing -kitchen stove. However, the crops had been successfully -harvested and were under cover, and he was content -to take things easy until the coming of the spring -should start the ball rolling again.</p> - -<p class='c002'>To Dick Merriwell and his three college mates, Brad -Buckhart, Eric Fitzgerald, and Teddy Baxter, there -was almost a feeling of intoxication in the crisp, cool -air which sent their blood racing through their veins; -in the delightful, earthy, leafy smell of everything; -even in the gaunt, wintry look of the naked trees -through which one could follow so easily the whirring -flight of the partridge, or the swift, low scurry of a -covey of quail.</p> - -<p class='c002'>They had escaped the trammels of work for a few -days’ shooting, and were like a party of schoolboys as -they left Dick’s car, the <i>Wizard</i>, in one of Cobmore’s -barns and followed their guide with springy steps and -eagerly sniffing nostrils through the rustling woods -toward the spot where they proposed to make their -headquarters.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“The house hasn’t been vacant very long, then?” -Dick remarked presently.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Three weeks gone ter-morrer since old man Hickey -was buried,” returned Cobmore, without glancing -around. “Fur all he lived so long alone, you folks’ll -find everythin’ neat’s a pin. I’ve bin over twice sence -young Lawrence give me charge of it, an’ thar ain’t a -thing out of place.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Is that Barry Lawrence?” Merriwell asked quickly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yep. Know him?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes; he’s a Yale man. You remember him, don’t -you, Brad? He graduated three years ago.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You bet I do,” returned the Texan promptly. -“Didn’t he play end on the varsity? Nice chap, too.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What relation was he to Mr. Hickey?” Dick inquired.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Nephy. Folks was sorter surprised when Hickey -left everythin’ to him an’ cut out his darter’s husband, -Andy Jellison, but I kinder smelled a rat myself, -knowin’ that they wan’t on speakin’ terms sence the -darter died three years ago come next spring. They -do say he treated her like a dog, an’ she wan’t in her -grave two months before he up an’ married another -woman. Andy done his best to make up with the old -man, but it wan’t no use. Reckon he was thinkin’ o’ -the spondulicks the old man would leave—he had a -tidy little pile besides the place—an’ I s’pose he was -arter his share.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, I remember the first time he come for a -visit arter the darter died. He driv over to my place -from the village an’ put his team up in the barn. Had -a couple of grips with him an’ I nachurally thinks he’d -want help to git ’em over, but don’t you believe it. -Said he’d go by himself. I wan’t so surprised when -I happens to lift up one o’ the grips an’ finds it light’s -a feather. Couldn’t have bin nothin’ in it at all, -though why he wants to lug two empty grips three -miles through the woods, goodness knows.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Howsomever, that was his business, an’ I didn’t -ask no questions, though I couldn’t help wonderin’. -He starts off about five o’clock, an’ drat my buttons if -he wan’t back about sundown, cussin’, swearin’ mad. -He was a turrible profane man, was Jellison, but that -night he beat the record. He calls Hickey all the -names on the calendar, and got so bad I had to shet -the kitchen door so Maria wouldn’t hear him, she bein’ -a good church member an’ pious.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“When he calms down a bit I finds that the old man -wouldn’t let him in the house. Said he never wanted -to set eyes on him ag’in, an’ told him to go to the hot -place, I reckon. Andy had to stop with me that night, -an’ next mornin’ he went back to the city, where he -works in a bank.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, sir, all that summer he kep’ tryin’ to make up -with old Hickey. ‘Bout every two weeks he’d show up -for another try, but it wan’t any use. I could ‘a’ told -him he was wastin’ his time, fer when the old man -made up his mind, he stayed sot. But it wan’t none o’ -my business, so I jest let him keep on ‘till he found -out hisself. As I says, he kep’ comin’ all summer -long, an’ then, about this time two years gone, he giv -it up, an’ I ain’t seen him sence. I allus wondered -though why in time he kep’ packin’ them empty grips -along with him; but I ain’t never discovered it, an’ -don’t reckon I ever will.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell smiled at the old fellow’s tone of regret.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Maybe he had left some clothes, or something like -that, in the house, which he wanted to take away,” he -suggested.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Lysander Cobmore considered this for a moment in -silence. Then he shook his head slowly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That don’t seem nachural, some ways,” he returned. -“Old man Hickey was that set agin’ Jellison -he’d ‘a’ throwed anythin’ he owned outer the winder.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“On account of the way he behaved to the daughter, -I suppose?” Dick mused.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Cobmore wagged his stubby chin whisker emphatically.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s what,” he returned quickly. “Some said he -took to runnin’ with this other woman, an’ that’s what -killed her. Waal, I ain’t sorry the way things has -turned out. Jellison ain’t the sort of man I like to -have dealings with. Tew cantankerous, you know. -Now Lawrence is a nice, pleasant-spoken young feller, -an’ lets me make what I kin, lettin’ the house to folks -as is out huntin’ like you boys. ’Tain’t likely Jellison -would——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He broke off abruptly as the crash of a gun sounded -with startling distinctness from the silent woods. The -next instant came a pattering shower of fine shot -which cut the twigs and branches of the near-by -bushes, and caused each man to duck instinctively.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell was the first of the party to recover his -presence of mind.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Stop that, you lunatic!” he shouted, his face dark -with anger.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Came mighty near losing an eye,” growled Buckhart, -wiping away a drop of blood where one of the -shots had grazed his face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Come out here and show yourself!” cried Fitzgerald, -replacing the soft felt hat which had been -knocked off.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, consarn ye!” exclaimed Lysander Cobmore, -shaking a lean fist toward the woods. “What in time -d’ye mean?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was no reply, but Merriwell’s keen ear caught -a faint rustling among the leaves.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m going to see who the idiot is,” he said, in a -low tone. “If we’re to stay around here, we can’t -be running the risk of being shot in the back any -minute.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Without waiting for a reply, he darted through the -undergrowth and disappeared. Brad was at his heels, -and a moment later the remainder of the party heard a -smothered exclamation, followed by the sound of -talking, in which they distinguished the tones of a -strange voice.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then the crashing through the bushes was resumed, -and presently three figures appeared in sight. Fitzgerald -chuckled suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Pipe the willie-boy, Teddy,” he said, in a low -tone. “Wouldn’t that frost you! Bet he took us for -deer.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“He looks like the kind that would,” Baxter returned, -with a grin.</p> - -<p class='c002'>They watched with considerable curiosity the approach -of the stranger, who walked between Brad and -Dick and was talking in a high-pitched, excited voice.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was small and undersized, with stooping shoulders -and a rather insignificant face. He was dressed -from head to foot in khaki, which was very palpably -brand new and made him ludicrously resemble one of -the wooden dummies which tailors use to show off -their goods.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Apparently he had gone into a sporting-goods establishment -and purchased everything the clerk offered, -even to a revolver which hung in a leather -holster at one side of the broad belt, and a large hunting -knife stuck into the other. In one gloved hand -he held a double-barrel, sixteen-gauge shotgun which -he clasped by the end of the barrel, letting the stock -drag through the leaves behind him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Grathious thakes!” he lisped excitedly, as he came -up to the path. “I was never tho dithurbed in all my -life. I give you my word I thought ith wath a deer, -or I thould never have fired in thith world.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Brad looked at him contemptuously.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I should think any fool would know the difference -between a deer and five men!” he snapped. “Besides, -there aren’t any deer around here; and if there were, -how in thunder did you expect to hit one with that -gun?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The stranger’s eyes widened with surprise.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You don’t thay tho!” he exclaimed in a distressed -tone. “Why, I thought there were deer all over.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Did you expect to kill one with a sixteen-gauge -shotgun?” Dick asked, a twinkle in his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The hunter looked puzzled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What’th the matter with it?” he asked. “Theemth -to me the bulletth are big enough to kill anything.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitzgerald shrieked with laughter.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Bullets!” he cried hysterically. “He don’t know -the difference between shells and bullets!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell and Baxter smiled broadly. In spite of -his anger, the Texan could not repress a grin. Even -Lysander Cobmore chuckled dryly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The stranger glanced from one laughing face to -another, and then drew himself up with a comical expression -of dignity.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I can’t thay I thee the point,” he remarked stiffly. -“Thomthing theems to thrike you gentlemen ath very -funny.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitz looked at his face and went off into another -peal of laughter.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Do you really mean to say you thought the shells -you put into your gun consisted of a single bullet?” -Dick asked quietly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why, I thuppothed tho,” the small man answered -shortly. “I don’t know that I thought much about it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He rested one hand over the barrel of his gun as if -it were a walking stick.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Merriwell said -quickly. “That gun’s loaded, isn’t it?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why, no. I jutht thot it off.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Didn’t you have two shells in it?” Dick asked.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The stranger suddenly snatched his hand away with -a look of horror.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Bah Jove!” he cried excitedly. “You’re wight -about that. Mercy thakes! I might have thot a hole -wight through my hand.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The thought of his narrow escape seemed to trouble -him considerably more than anything which had yet -occurred. Dick reached forward, and, picking up the -gun, broke it and extracted the shell.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s the safest way,” he said quietly. “It’s much -better not to walk through the woods with your gun -loaded.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Holding the shell in his hand, he took out a knife -and slit the pasteboard across, exposing the contents.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“There’s what’s inside of it,” he explained, handing -it to the stranger.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The latter took it gingerly and inspected it with -much curiosity.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, well,” he commented. “Tho thatth what it -ith. A lot of little bulletth. Quite a cute idea, ithn’t -it? Giveth a chap more chance to hit thomething, I -thuppothe.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitzgerald threatening another outburst, Dick -abruptly changed the subject.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Are you stopping near here, Mr. ——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He paused significantly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Jobloth,” supplied the stranger promptly. “Perthy -Jobloth, of Commonwealth Avenue, Bothton. No, I -jutht came up for the day, but I thuppoth there will -be no trouble getting accomodations in the village -hotel.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell glanced at Cobmore rather dubiously.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thar ain’t no hotel,” returned the farmer with -twinkling eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Joblots looked aghast.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No hotel!” he gasped. “Grathiouth thaketh! -Whatever thall I do? It’th much too late to get back -to the city.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yep,” Cobmore said with a distinct relish. “Ain’t -no train now till mornin’. You should hev took the -five-ten.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He seemed to be extracting considerable amusement -out of Mr. Percy Joblots’ predicament.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The latter was most distressed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’th what I meant to do,” he explained sadly; -“but I got tho interethted in my thooting, and the -woodth looked tho lovely, that I mithed it. My goodneth -grathouth! I don’t know what to do. Whoever -would think there wath no hotel!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He looked so utterly woebegone and crestfallen that -Dick felt sorry for him. Of course they could take -him in for the night, but he wasn’t particularly anxious -to have a stranger around who was apt to be a -damper on their fun. Still the man could not stay -out in the woods all night, and it seemed foolish to -insist on his going back to Lysander Cobmore’s when -their own destination was so close at hand.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He glanced questioningly at his three friends. They -had quite as much say as he had.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Buckhart shrugged his shoulders indifferently; apparently -it made no difference to him what became -of Mr. Joblots. Fitz nodded emphatically, a broad -grin on his expressive face. Evidently he saw possibilities -for mirth in the presence of the stranger. Baxter -seemed not to care one way or another.</p> - -<p class='c002'>At least it would only be for one night, Dick reflected, -turning to the dapper little fellow.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’d better come along with us, Mr. Joblots,” he -said. “We are on our way to a farmhouse which we -are going to make our headquarters for a few days. I -imagine there will be room enough for you to stay to-night.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He glanced inquiringly at the farmer, who nodded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Room an’ to spare,” he said tersely, “an’ you gents -had better be gittin’ on if you want to git thar before -dark.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Percy Joblots was overjoyed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That-th extremely kind of you,” he said gratefully. -“It relievth me from a motht unpleathant -prediciment. I really don’t know what I thould have -done but for you, bah Jove!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, that’s settled,” Dick said shortly, “and we’d -better get on. My name is Dick Merriwell, and these -are my friends, Brad Buckhart, Eric Fitzgerald, and -Teddy Baxter, all of Yale.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Delighted, I’m thure,” murmured Joblots, as the -party resumed their way along the path. “Of Yale! -Dear me! How many dear friendth I have had from -New Haven.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You didn’t graduate from there yourself, by any -chance, did you?” inquired Fitz.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No, I—er—wath educated at home by—er—tutorth,” -returned the little fellow hastily.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Perhaps you know some one who is there now,” -persisted Fitzgerald.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, no, I think not. Motht of my friendth have -graduated. Let me thee, though. Do you know a -chap named McCormick?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, of course,” returned Fitz quickly. “Archie -McCormick. Dandy fellow, he is, too. Know him?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Joblots hesitated.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why, I——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He broke off abruptly as they emerged from the -thicket into a wide clearing which sloped gently down -from the forest to the shores of a beautiful little lake, -whose waters, ruffled by the brisk breeze, reflected -the riotous crimson and gold of the autumn sunset -until it seemed almost like a radiant opal.</p> - -<p class='c002'>A little way down the slope to their right loomed the -spreading bulk of a commodious, weatherworn farmhouse, -with big, hospitable, chimneys and many small -paned windows, each one of which reflected the sunset -in flaming crimson until it looked as if the whole -house was ablaze.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Waal, boys,” remarked Cobmore. “Here we be. -This is Cranberry Lake, an’ old man Hickey’s house -still stands. I reckon you feel like gittin’ a fire started -an’ cookin’ grub. It’s nigh onto supper time.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’re right, there,” Fitzgerald said, smacking -his lips. “This air has given me such a thundering -appetite I could pretty near eat the soles of my shoes.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The farmer chuckled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Ain’t quite that far gone, I expect,” he said. “You -got somethin’ a bit tastier than that to fall to on. -Let’s git around to the front door.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The house faced the lake, and on that side was a -narrow veranda which ran the full width of the -building. As they turned the corner they were surprised -beyond measure to see a tall figure rise from -the steps and look inquiringly toward them.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The next instant Buckhart gave a sudden exclamation.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“By thunder! If it isn’t Mac! What the mischief -are you doing here, old fellow?”</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER X<br /> <br /><span class='small'>AN UNEXPECTED MEETING.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>Archie McCormick hesitated for the fraction of a -second and then laughed heartily.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, of all the coincidences!” he exclaimed. -“Dick, too, and Fitz and Teddy! That doesn’t happen -to be Barry Lawrence behind you, does it?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick looked a little surprised.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Lawrence? No,” he returned as they reached the -steps. “This is Mr. Percy Joblots, of Boston. I had -an idea he was a friend of yours.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>McCormick looked frankly puzzled, and, as Dick -shot a quick glance at Joblots, he caught an odd expression -of keen alertness in his eyes which was so -much at variance with their usual blank inanity that -the Yale man was puzzled. The next instant it had -disappeared and the dapper fellow stepped forward -with outstretched hand.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Delighted, I’m thure, Mr. McCormick,” he said. -“I’ve heard about you from thomebody, but at the -moment I can’t for the life of me think which of my -friendth it wath.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Glad to meet you,” McCormick said rather shortly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then he turned quickly to Dick.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I was hoping Barry might be with you,” he said. -“I met him in Hartford yesterday, and we planned -to come up here for a couple of days’ gunning. You -know he owns the shack here, and he was to be here -at five o’clock. I’ve been waiting here since a little -after four, but haven’t seen hide or hair of him. I -was just beginning to think of breaking through a -window and making myself as comfortable as I could -for the night, when you appeared.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s funny,” Dick said thoughtfully. “We came -over with exactly that same idea in view. Made arrangements -with Cobmore here, who is Lawrence’s -agent, to take the place for the rest of the week. Did -he say anything to you about coming here himself?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He looked at Cobmore as he spoke, and the farmer -shook his head decidedly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Nary a word,” he returned emphatically. “It’s -news to me. He most generally lets me know a couple -of days before he wants it, so thar won’t be nobody -else here. Be you sure, young feller, it was Barry -Lawrence you made them arrangements with?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was a faint, but unmistakable note of incredulity -in his voice which brought the color into -McCormick’s face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Of course it was,” he said tartly. “You don’t -think I’d take it upon myself to come here without his -invitation, do you? We made all the arrangements -last night, and would have come down together, but -Barry had to go to New York this morning and wasn’t -sure what train he would make back. So we decided -to meet here. He said he wouldn’t be later than five, -but I suppose something has happened to detain him. -Very likely he’ll be down later.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’ll be a hang sight later, then,” the farmer grumbled, -as he mounted the steps and drew out a bunch -of keys. “There ain’t no train on this branch till te-rmorrer -morning.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What difference does it make, anyway?” Dick said -lightly. “We’ll have a bang-up time together, and if -Lawrence shows up he’ll just have to join in with -us. After getting this far I don’t feel like turning -around and going back, especially when he hasn’t -even appeared on the scene.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Cobmore turned the key in the lock and swung the -door open.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thar you be, gents,” he said. “Make yourselves -to hum. You’ve got all the grub you need to-night, -an’ ter-morrer I’ll send Jake over with milk and butter -an’ a few eggs. I got to be gittin’ back, or the old -lady’ll raise my hair.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>They bade him good night and he disappeared into -the rapidly falling shadows, while the young fellows -trooped riotously into the house.</p> - -<p class='c002'>On a stand in the hall they found a candle and -matches, which they lit at once and commenced a tour -of inspection.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was a typical New England farmhouse of the better -class, rather more spacious, perhaps, than the majority, -and certainly more rambling. The original -central building, square and severely plain, had been -added to from time to time, a room here, a wing there, -until the size of the house had been more than doubled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>This effect was heightened by the long kitchen extension -protruding at the rear, which was connected, -through the milk room and woodsheds, to the big barn -behind, so that the whole mass of buildings, all weatherworn -to a harmonious gray, had quite an imposing -appearance.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The explorers passed through a room on the right -of the hall, which seemed to have been used as a -sitting room, and into the dining room behind, which -had evidently been the original kitchen. There was -a huge chimney here which was not plastered up as -it is in many old houses, but gaped wide, a glorious, -cavernous opening so vast that it took up almost the -entire end of the room, and could accommodate five-foot -logs with ease. The hearth, which extended far -out into the room, was made of square stone slabs -of varying sizes, all of which had been worn smooth -by the feet of many generations.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Gee! What a dandy fireplace!” Fitzgerald exclaimed, -as he paused before it in admiration. “The -late Mr. Hickey certainly had good taste. Can’t you -imagine toasting your feet here of a cold winter’s -night, with the wind howling around outside and a -regular blizzard raging?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“We’ll have to try it after supper,” Dick said. “We -can’t scrape up a blizzard for you, Fitz, but I expect -it will be cold enough for a fire, all the same.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You bet your boots,” Buckhart put in. “I’m cold -already.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“My goodneth, yeth!” agreed Joblots, shivering in -his resplendant hunting suit. “No furnace heat, I -thuppoth.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitz snickered, and they passed on to the kitchen, -which proved to be fitted up with a modern range and -all the conveniences. In fact, the whole house was -comfortably furnished to the smallest detail, and everything -was so clean and neat and attractive that the -fellows were highly elated at their good fortune.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s too comfortable altogether,” Baxter said, as -they congregated in the kitchen, unpacking the supplies -they had brought along. “We won’t feel as if -we were camping out at all.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You have my full permission to spread a blanket -out in the grass, my child, if this is too rich for your -blood,” Fitz remarked as he perched himself on the -table and proceeded to slice bacon. “Me for the comforts -of home, though, when they’re around. Camping -out is all very nice when you’ve got to; but I fail -to see the fun in waking up so stiff you can hardly -move, with a cold in your head, sand all through your -clothes, and covered from head to foot with nasty, -itching bites from black flies or mosquitoes.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, come off, little one!” Buckhart put in. “It’s -clear you’re not wise to the real joys of camping out -when you talk like that. Who cares for such little -things as black flies and sand when you’re lying on a -bed of balsam boughs, wrapped up in a good blanket, -with your feet to the fire and three or four good -chums around to talk to or not, as you like? Nothing -but the stars above your head, no walls to keep you -from breathing all of God’s clean air you can get into -your lungs. I tell you, tender one, that’s the best sort -of a life to live. You hear me gently warble!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Sounds good,” Fitz retorted airily; “but how -about the times when there aren’t any stars above your -head and when God’s clean rain washes you off that -nice balsam bed and gives you a bath when you’d a -heap sight rather stay dirty. Not for this child! I -have a foolish preference for a roof over me and some -kind of a mattress, even if it’s only corn husks, to -sleep on.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Buckhart was about to make an emphatic rejoinder -when he caught Dick’s laughing eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’re wasting your breath, old fellow,” the latter -said quickly. “Fitz is awfully fond of hearing -himself talk, but don’t ever ask him to go camping if -you don’t expect to be taken up.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Slander,” retorted the slim chap; “vile slander!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He dived into the basket of provisions and brought -forth a bottle wrapped in a newspaper.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Pickles!” he exclaimed, holding it up. “Joy of my -heart! How blessed of you, Richard, to remember -my fondness——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He stopped abruptly as his quick eye caught something -on the printed page which was around the bottle. -For a moment there was silence. Then his eyes -widened alarmingly and his whole face took on an -expression of mock horror as he fixed an accusing -glare on the placid countenance of Archie McCormick.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, gay deceiver!” he exclaimed severely. “Oh, -sly fox! Oh, foolish mortal to think you could keep -a secret from the sharp eyes of Desperate Desmond, -the Demon Detective of—er—Duluth.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>McCormick grinned.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Discovered!” he moaned. “And I thought I had -covered me tracks so well! Out with it, Dessy. Keep -me no longer in suspenders.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitzgerald rolled his eyes ceilingward.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“All day long have I felt a presentiment of approaching -evil,” he groaned. “This morning a perfectly -black cat winked at me——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“The saucy thing!” interrupted Baxter. “I hope -it wasn’t a lady cat.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Winked at me,” continued Fitz, frowning at him; -“and that is always a bad omen. But I never thought -of this. Even when you announced your trip to Hartford -two days ago upon a most flimsy pretext, I did -not suspect, but now I know.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He paused and glared again at McCormick who was -grinning from ear to ear. By this time the others -were rather curious; Percy Joblots, in particular, sat -gaping in astonishment, apparently not knowing quite -how to take the erratic Fitzgerald.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Spit it out, why don’t you?” demanded Buckhart. -“You’ll throw a fit if you don’t.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitz swallowed hard and rolled his eyes again.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s my sympathetic nature struggling with an innate -sense of justice,” he explained. “But justice triumphs. -I know now why you made that mysterious -trip to Hartford. On this scrap of paper placed providentially -before my eyes—redeemed thus from the -ignomy of being a mere wrapper of plebeian pickles, -I see a horrible—an appalling—thing.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He paused again, dramatically, and Buckhart, exasperated -beyond endurance, made a sudden dive for -him. The slim chap leaped from the table and slipped -around behind it.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Peace, creature!” he declaimed. “Listen to my -news. The Second National Bank of Hartford was -robbed last night of thirty thousand dollars in cold -cash!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>For a moment there was silence. Then a roar of -laughter went up.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’re pinched, Mac,” Dick gasped. “Desperate -Desmond has found you out.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, bucko,” the Texan exclaimed; “better confess -and divvy up the swag.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>McCormick flushed a little, and the smile on his -pleasant face grew a bit forced.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Looks that way, doesn’t it?” he said, in a bantering -tone. “I didn’t know he was so smart.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>At that moment Merriwell, happening to glance at -Percy Joblots, noticed that he was watching McCormick -covertly, but with a strange intentness. In his -eyes was that curious look of keenness which Dick -had seen once before that night.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But even as he looked, the expression disappeared -and the dapper fellow’s face resumed its customary -repose.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But, I thay!” he exclaimed, turning to Fitzgerald. -“Thurely you don’t weally mean that?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The slim chap choked and turned red, but his face -was quite serious.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Isn’t it an awful thing?” he questioned sadly. “I -don’t think I shall ever recover from the shock.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell noticed McCormick’s distress, and it suddenly -occurred to him that Archie’s only brother had -been sentenced unjustly to a term in Sing Sing for -embezzlement. Naturally the youth would think of -him whenever the subject of bank robberies was -broached, and he decided that the joke had gone a -little too far.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Stop your nonsense, Fitz,” he said quickly, “and -fry that bacon. You’ve been idling there quite long -enough.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But how about this robbery?” persisted Buckhart, -who had become interested. “Did they get away?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“See for yourself,” Fitzgerald returned, tossing the -paper to him. “I have work to do.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Brad caught the scrap of newspaper and carried it -to the lamp.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thirty thousand dollars,” he mumbled. “Regular -professional job—confederate—traced to——By -thunder, boys! They were traced to Middleberry. -What do you think of that? Traced to Middleberry -and then lost track of.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Middleberry being the nearest railroad town and -not more than twelve miles away, this announcement -created considerable interest. Every one desired to -learn all the particulars, which were meager enough; -and then they began to speculate on where the robbers -would naturally hide themselves. The country -thereabouts was sparsely settled, many of the farms -having been abandoned, and the thick woods offered -plenty of chances for secure retreats.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitz was quite excited over the possibility of their -coming upon the thieves and had even decided how -he would spend his portion of the reward, when the -ravishing odor of frying bacon, combined with the -equally alluring fragrance of the coffee, drove all -other thoughts out of their heads; and presently they -settled down to supper with appetites which only a -long tramp through the woods in the crisp, bracing air -of mid-November can give, and for a time conversation -languished, while everything eatable in sight was -disposed of with remarkable rapidity and thoroughness.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“There!” sighed Fitzgerald, with a searching look -at the empty dishes. “No more worlds to conquer.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thunder, little one!” exploded the Texan. “You -sure aren’t looking for anything more to eat! You’ve -stowed away twice as much as any man here. Where -do you put it all?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Where do you suppose?” demanded the slim chap. -“I’ve got a good healthy appetite, that’s all. I notice -you haven’t been exactly backward yourself.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick sprang up and began gathering the dishes together.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You fellows go ahead and start the fire in the next -room while Mac and I wash up,” he said. “There’s a -lot of big logs out in the woodshed.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Brad, Fitz and Baxter promptly departed thither, -while McCormick filled the dish pan with water from -the kettle and Merriwell dumped his armful of dishes -into it. Percy Joblots hovered about as if he did not -know exactly what to do.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Ithn’t there thomething I can do?” he asked presently, -in a helpless sort of manner. “I never wathed -dithes, but I might try.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick’s lips twitched, but he managed to keep a -straight face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Two’s about enough for that, I think,” he returned. -“You might see if you can find some newspapers to -start the fire with.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The dapper fellow looked vaguely about the kitchen, -but, there being nothing of the sort in sight, his eyes -returned blankly to Dick’s face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I don’t thee any,” he said plaintively.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Take a candle, then, and look through the other -rooms,” Merriwell retorted rather sharply.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was beginning to tire a little of the fellow’s absolute -thick-headedness.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Joblots still hesitated. It seemed almost as if he -did not wish to leave the kitchen, but presently he -lighted a candle and departed reluctantly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Where in the mischief did you get hold of that?” -McCormick asked quickly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick smiled at the other’s tone of contempt.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Picked him up in the woods about a mile down -the path,” he explained. “He fired a charge of bird -shot at us, and when we got hold of him we found -he’d come out for the day’s shooting, missed the last -train back, and hadn’t a notion of where he was going -to put up to-night. There’s plenty of room here, -so we thought he might as well stay and go back in the -morning. He doesn’t know one end of a gun from the -other, and I shall feel safer when he’s out of the -woods.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Humph!” grunted McCormick. “I never ran up -against such a chump in all my life. He’s a blockhead.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick did not answer at once. He was thinking of -the expression he had surprised on the face of the -would-be sportsman a little while ago. It was not in -the least like the look of a man lacking in sense. He -wondered whether Mr. Percy Joblots was quite such -a fool as appeared at first sight.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“He does seem pretty inane, doesn’t he?” Merriwell -remarked presently. “Funny thing, though, Mac. He -was saying that he knew a lot of Yale men, and, when -Fitz asked him if they were still at New Haven, he -asked about you!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“About me?” Archie exclaimed incredulously. -“Why I never saw the jackass before in my life!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I don’t know that he said he knew you,” Dick returned, -“but he gave that impression. Anyway, he -knew your name.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>McCormick’s face took on a puzzled look.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s queer,” he mused. “Wonder where the -deuce he got hold of it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick did not answer. His quick ear had caught -the sound of a soft footfall in the adjoining room, and -the next moment Joblots appeared in the doorway.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I found thome,” he said, holding up a bunch of -newspapers. “Big pile of them in the fwont woom. -What thall I do with them?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Just crumple them up and put them in the fireplace,” -Merriwell answered. “Never mind. Here are -some of the fellows now. They’ll fix it up all right.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>As he spoke the door to the woodshed opened and -the three men appeared carrying four or five big logs -and a lot of kindling. They proceeded at once to lay -them in the dining-room fireplace, and by the time the -dishes were washed a roaring fire was blazing up the -cavernous chimney.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s all to the good,” Dick remarked, as he and -Archie joined the circle about the hearth. “It certainly -is cold outside.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It sure is, pard,” Buckhart agreed. “That woodshed -was like an ice house.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitzgerald had dragged a sofa up to one side of the -blaze and sprawled full length on it.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I tell you, fellows, we’ll want to put in the night -right here,” he remarked. “I hate to think of leaving -this lovely warm spot and crawling in between icy -sheets.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Humph!” snorted the Texan. “How about that -mattress you were making such a time about a while -back?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The slim chap patted the stuffed couch appreciatively.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“This is as good as any mattress,” he retorted.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Where do we come in?” demanded McCormick. -“I suppose we can sit up all night on plain chairs.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Buckhart’s mouth drew down into a firm line.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Nix on that!” he said emphatically. “No breaking -away from the bunch. When we go to bed, little Fitzy -will toddle along, too, if I have to tuck him in myself.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitzgerald lay back comfortably, his eyes fixed -dreamily on the dancing flames.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“When we capture those bank robbers and divide -up the reward,” he mused presently, “I think I’ll buy -just such a place as this with my share.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell’s eyes gleamed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Counting your chickens a little previously, aren’t -you, Fitz?” he smiled. “There hasn’t been any reward -offered yet. How do you know there will be?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why, of course there will,” the slim chap blurted. -“Who ever heard of a bank robbery and no reward. -Absurd!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I wonder if that paper got it straight about their -being traced to Middleberry,” Baxter put in. “It -would be funny if we should run into them while -we’re out to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hard to tell,” Dick returned. “Personally I’m not -going to bother my head about them. We came out to -shoot, and that’s what I’m going to do.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But still,” persisted Fitzgerald, “if we——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He stopped abruptly, and his eyes opened wide. -Merriwell also stiffened with a look of keen attention, -and in the stillness which followed there came the -sound of the front door being opened and closed again.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Barry!” McCormick exclaimed, his eyes brightening.</p> - -<p class='c002'>No one else spoke. They had all turned toward the -door of the sitting room and were watching it with -intent interest, for, after a momentary pause in the -hall, the sound of footsteps on the bare floor was unmistakable, -coming nearer and nearer.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The next instant the figure of a man loomed in the -doorway and stopped still, his keen, dark eyes flashing -swiftly from one surprised face to another. He was -fairly tall, and rather dark, with coal-black hair and a -crisp, well-clipped, black mustache. His features were -good, but his face wore an expression of domineering -harshness which did not improve it. It was evident -that he was a man accustomed to having his own way. -It was equally plain that at the present moment he was -restraining his anger with difficulty.</p> - -<p class='c002'>And he was not Barry Lawrence, nor had any one -of the party ever laid eyes on him before.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XI<br /> <br /><span class='small'>THROUGH THE CRACK OF THE DOOR.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>For a moment the silence was unbroken. Then the -stranger stepped inside the room and set down the -suit case he carried.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well!” he snapped. “Might I ask what this -means?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He looked at Merriwell, who happened to be seated -nearest the door, and his voice quivered with suppressed -rage. Dick returned his glance calmly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You are quite at liberty to ask anything you -please,” he replied coolly; “but if you expect an answer -you’ll have to be considerably more definite.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The man’s teeth clicked together.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What do you mean by taking possession of this -house?” he ripped out. “How dare you break into -another man’s place and make yourselves at home -here? A lot of tramps and loafers! It’s outrageous!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was true that, excepting the resplendant Joblots, -the Yale men were all attired in flannel shirts and -rather worn, rough-looking clothes; but any one in his -senses would scarcely mistake them for tramps.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick arose slowly to his feet, his face calm but his -eyes narrowing slightly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I think that will be about enough,” he said quietly, -but with an ominous undercurrent in his voice. “We’re -not tramps, and you know it. Neither have we broken -into this house. You ought to know that, too. Before -you loosen up any more on that tongue of yours, -kindly let us know who you might be and what business -you have butting in here.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The stranger’s black eyes fairly flashed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Butting in!” he exploded. “I’ll have you know -that I am Andrew Jellison, son of the man who owned -this place!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell eyed him with a new interest.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Ah, indeed,” he remarked pleasantly. “Wouldn’t -son-in-law be a little more accurate?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Jellison gave a start and darted a quick look at Dick.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What difference does that make?” he snapped.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Quite a little, I should think,” Merriwell returned -calmly. “But you haven’t told us what right you have -here.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Right!” frothed Jellison. “Right! I’m the heir. -I own every stick and stone of the place!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Really?” Dick questioned. “I was under the impression -that it was the property of Barry Lawrence, -from whom we rented it for a few days.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Jellison’s pompous self-assertion collapsed with the -swiftness of a pricked balloon. He had evidently tried -to bluff the Yale men, having no idea that they knew -the truth, and for a moment he was nonplused.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His eyes shifted about the room and he moistened -his dry lips with an equally dry tongue.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Impossible!” he muttered at length. “There wasn’t -any will. I am the heir-at-law.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick smiled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I think you have been misinformed,” he said significantly. -“There was a will, which left everything to -Barry Lawrence, Mr. Hickey’s nephew.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Jellison dropped into a chair, and, taking out his -handkerchief, mopped his forehead.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’ll excuse my somewhat hasty words, I’m -sure,” he said presently. “I didn’t understand what -you were doing here, or I shouldn’t have spoken as I -did. This has been a great shock!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick dropped back into his chair without replying. -He wondered whether the shock had been as great as -Jellison would have it appear. He had a shrewd suspicion -that the man was acting. It seemed incredible -that he could really be ignorant of the fact that Hickey -had cut him off without a cent and that everything -had been left to Lawrence.</p> - -<p class='c002'>What was Jellison doing here, anyway? What object -had he in appearing at nine o’clock at night, alone, -at a probably deserted farmhouse? Such conduct was -extraordinary, to say the least.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You—er—say you have rented the place for a few -days?” Jellison inquired at that moment.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick nodded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes. We have taken it for the remainder of the -week.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Shooting, I suppose?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was silence for a moment. Jellison appeared -to be thinking intently.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I came down for a few days’ rest,” he volunteered. -“The late flurry in the Street has pretty well worn me -out, and I knew how peaceful and quiet this place was. -I had no idea I should find any one here.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He hesitated and looked questioningly at Dick.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m afraid I shall have to ask you to tolerate me -for to-night,” he went on slowly. “There’s no place -nearer than Cobmore’s where I could stay.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell was not at all pleased with the turn things -had taken. He and his friends had come out for a few -days’ rest and recreation. They had looked forward -for a long time to this little holiday when they would -get away by themselves and be absolutely free from -cares or worries of any sort, and they had been at -considerable pains to arrange things so they could get -off.</p> - -<p class='c002'>And now three people had turned up unexpectedly—two -of them utter strangers. He did not mind McCormick, -for he was a good fellow and one of them; -but it was annoying beyond measure to have first Joblots -and then this Jellison thrust themselves in. The -whole outing would be spoiled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But he failed to see how he could very well get out -of it. It would not be decent to refuse Jellison a bed -and make him walk three miles through the forest to -Lysander Cobmore, who would, no doubt, be asleep by -the time the man got there. And, after all, it was only -for one night. They could put up with him for that -length of time.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why, I guess there’s room enough,” he said slowly. -“We haven’t been upstairs yet, but I should imagine -there would be no lack of beds in a house of this -size.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, I don’t care about a bed,” Jellison said, with a -sort of suppressed eagerness. “I can turn in on that -couch there. Anything like that will be good enough.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I don’t think you’ll have to do that,” Merriwell -returned quickly. “Suppose we take a look upstairs -and see what there is. It’s about time to hit the pillow, -anyhow.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>His suggestion was received with much approbation. -The other fellows had grown rather restless since the -appearance of Andrew Jellison. Joblots was such an -insignificant fellow—almost a fool, in fact—that they -had not paid much attention to him and had continued -their talk and joking quite as if he were not there; but -the presence of Jellison seemed, somehow, to throw a -damper over everything, and, since the evening was -spoiled, they might just as well go to bed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>One and all, they arose with alacrity, and, hunting -up candles, lighted them and started in a procession -upstairs.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Their discoveries on the second floor were most satisfactory. -There were bedrooms enough to give each -one of the party a separate one if he wished it, and -Fitzgerald observed, on punching the mattresses, that -they were all of a good quality of hair.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Here, even more than downstairs, the effect of the -hit-or-miss enlarging of the house was apparent. There -was very little hallway, most of the rooms opening -one out of another; but, with a crowd of this sort, -that was no inconvenience.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It being decidedly cold; the fellows at once hunted -up sheets and blankets and proceeded with the greatest -expedition to make up the beds required.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Andrew Jellison persisted in his desire to spend -the night on the sofa downstairs.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“There’s no use in my bothering to make a bed just -for one night,” he said. “That sofa is comfortable -enough, and I shall sleep very well on it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He seemed to make such a point of it that Dick -began to wonder whether he could possibly have any -ulterior motive in wanting to be away from the rest -of the bunch, and he resolved to thwart the man just -on the chance of such a thing being the case.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Nonsense!” he said positively. “There’s no trouble -making a bed. It would be perfectly absurd for -you to spend the night on a sofa. Just you take this -room off ours. It’s got a nice little single bed, and -you’ll sleep like a top.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was so emphatical that Jellison finally gave -way, though it was with a very palpable reluctance, -and proceeded to make up the bed in the little room -which opened out of the larger bedroom at the head -of the stairs, which Merriwell had taken possession of -for Buckhart and himself.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitzgerald and Baxter slept in one just back of that, -and McCormick chose one across the hall for himself -and Percy Joblots. When the idea was mentioned to -the dapper little fellow, however, he objected strenuously.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Weally, now, I couldn’t think of thleeping with another -perthon,” he said plaintively. “I wouldn’t clothe -an eye all night. There’th a nice little room jutht -back of thith one. I’ll make the bed all by mythelf.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He made such a point of it that Dick gave in readily -and laughingly told him to take whatever room he -chose. It at once became evident, however, that Percy -had not the most remote conception of how to make -the bed, and McCormick finally took pity on him and -did the job up in short order.</p> - -<p class='c002'>At last, when matters were settled satisfactorily, -they pulled off their clothes and crawled between the -cold sheets with many shivers and gasps, which quickly -ceased; and presently, one by one, they dropped off -to sleep.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Several hours later Dick Merriwell awoke with a -start and lay still listening. Just what had roused him -he did not know, but he felt that it must have been -some unusual noise, or he would never have been wakened -out of a sound sleep.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The house was silent as a tomb, except for the regular -breathing which came from the Texan beside him -and from the room where Jellison lay. His first waking -thought had been that the latter was prowling -about the house for some purpose, but the heavy -breathing from the room showed that the stranger was -either sound asleep or giving a very good imitation of -it. At least he was there.</p> - -<p class='c002'>What could it have been? For a long time Dick -strained his ears for a repetition of the noise, but -nothing came. At last he decided that he must have -imagined or dreamed it, and, relaxing himself, he -closed his eyes and was just dropping off again when -he opened them with a jerk and sat bolt upright in bed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His quick ear had caught the faint but unmistakable -sound of grating, as if two stones were being rubbed -against each other, which came from somewhere -downstairs.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The next moment Dick crept cautiously out of bed -and slipped noiselessly into the hall. Bending over -the railing, his eyes lighted up with triumph as he -caught the faint gleam of light from the open door of -the sitting room.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was bitter cold, and he was clad in the thinnest of -pajamas, but he did not notice this as he crept cautiously -downstairs and approached the door. He was -too interested in what was going on in that room to -think of anything else.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Softly he crossed the lower hall and peered through -the crack of the partly opened door. Then he saw that -the light was in the dining room, and even as he advanced -he heard a labored breathing as if some one -was either making a great physical effort, or else was -struggling under a tremendous mental strain.</p> - -<p class='c002'>With every nerve tingling and his curiosity at its -highest pitch, Dick reached the door of the dining -room and looked through the crack.</p> - -<p class='c002'>What he saw fairly paralyzed him with amazement. -It was only with the greatest difficulty that he caught -himself in time to prevent a gasp of surprise.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The great fire had died down and only a few embers -glowed dully in the mammoth opening. The light he -had seen came from a candle which was set down on -the stone hearth, and close beside it knelt the figure of -a man clad only in pajamas. His head was bent so -that Merriwell could not see his face, but Dick was -not thinking of him at the moment. His eyes were -riveted on the gaping hole in the hearth over which -the fellow was bending. It had been made by the removal -of one of the stone slabs about eighteen inches -square, and from where he stood Dick could see the -interior quite distinctly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was filled almost to the brim with packages of -bank notes, packed so tightly together that one could -not have inserted a finger between them.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell could scarcely believe his senses. He -rubbed his eyes in bewilderment and looked again. It -was quite true. They were bank notes—mostly yellow-backs—and -from the way they were packed together -they must represent a tremendous sum.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Where had they come from? What were they doing -there? The thought of the bank robbery at Hartford -flashed into his mind, and at the same instant the -kneeling man raised his head and revealed to Merriwell’s -amazed gaze the face of Archie McCormick, -ghastly white, sweat dewed, the eyes wide and shining, -and the pale lips trembling spasmodically.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XII<br /> <br /><span class='small'>IN THE SILENT NIGHT.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>Dick could not take his eyes off the face of his -friend, drawn, pale, stamped with the print of some -vital emotion. What did it mean? What could it -mean? Why had Archie stolen down here in the dead -of night? Where had the money come from?</p> - -<p class='c002'>These, and a dozen other questions, equally unanswerable, -flashed through his half-dazed mind in the -brief interval before the fellow kneeling on the hearth -could move a finger. McCormick was gazing straight -at the door, and Dick half expected him to call his -name. It did not seem possible that the man could be -so blind as not to see who was watching him through -the crack.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then he saw that Archie was absolutely oblivious -to his surroundings. His eyes were cloudy and unseeing. -He was not walking in his sleep, but his mind -was so concentrated on some problem that he was blind -to all outward things.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Presently he uttered a shuddering sigh and reached -slowly for the stone slab which lay close at hand.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick waited until he had replaced it over the hole -and was leaning forward for a handful of ashes to -dust into the cracks, and then softly made his way back -to the hall and upstairs.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His first impulse had been to confront Archie then -and there and get the truth from him, but now he -shrank from doing that until he had had time to think. -He knew that appearances were often deceptive and -that there might be a perfectly reasonable explanation -for the position in which he had found McCormick; -but the latter had an extremely sensitive, high-spirited -nature, and Dick felt that he would be likely to resent -any inquiries he himself might make which could not -help but show more or less suspicion.</p> - -<p class='c002'>For Merriwell was suspicious. Fight as he might -against the thought, he could not help connecting what -he had just seen with the robbery of the Hartford -bank just twenty-four hours before.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He did not wish to believe anything against Archie -McCormick. He had always known him as a perfectly -straightforward, truthful fellow with a very -keen sense of honor. It was incredible that he could -be connected in any way with the robbery, and yet -facts were facts and Merriwell could not help putting -two and two together.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Archie had gone to Hartford two days before, ostensibly -to see a friend who lived there. That was all -right, but, unfortunately, he had reached there the -very afternoon of the night in which the bank had been -broken open. He had suddenly shown up in this deserted -spot, and the man at whose invitation he was -supposed to have come, had not yet appeared.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick remembered Cobmore’s very evident doubt of -the story that Barry Lawrence would think of visiting -the farmhouse without giving him notice.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The robbers had been tracked to Middleberry and -their trail lost. Middleberry was barely twelve miles -away, and it would be a very simple matter for any -one to make their way unseen through the woods to -the house on the shores of Cranberry Lake.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Last, but not least, was the presence of this hoard -of bank notes concealed under the stone hearth downstairs. -Dick felt sure that they had not belonged to -the late occupant of the place. Whatever other eccentricities -he might have had, Hickey was not a miser, -but a very shrewd old man with a decided belief in the -safety of banks. He was not the sort who would -keep his savings in the house, and, besides, Merriwell -had noticed that the packages of notes had been all -neatly tied up just as they had come from the bank. -And if they were not the spoil from the late robbery, -what were they?</p> - -<p class='c002'>Lying there in the dark, Dick heard McCormick -come stealthily back upstairs and slip into his room. -And, after that, hour after hour passed as he thought -over the problem from every conceivable point of -view.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He did not wish to believe his friend guilty. Some how, -he could not quite bring himself to that point, and -yet every scrap of evidence was strongly against him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He began to remember little things which he had -scarcely noticed at the time, but which now, in the -light of this new discovery, came vividly back into -his mind.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Archie had not taken Fitzgerald’s joshing about the -robbery with anything like his usual good grace. He -had been palpably annoyed, and his assumption of -careless laughter had seemed a little forced.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then there was Joblots. Where did he come in? -It did not seem possible that any human being could -be such an absolute ass, though once or twice in his life -Dick had met fellows with mannerisms of which the -dapper little fellow had made a very good copy. But -Merriwell had an instinctive feeling that he was nothing -but a copy. For some reason he was playing a -part, and Merriwell felt sure that the real man was -something far different from his outward appearance. -He had been interested in McCormick from the very -first. All evening he had been watching him—covertly, -to be sure, but none the less constantly. Was it -possible that he could be following Archie?</p> - -<p class='c002'>Jellison, too, was a puzzle. The absurdity of a -man’s coming alone to such a deserted spot as this and -landing there late at night, simply because he wanted -to take a few days’ rest, was palpable. There must -be some ulterior motive, and a very strong one at -that, to cause him to do what he had done; but, try -as he would, Dick could not fathom it. Presently his -mind left Jellison and leaped back to McCormick.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Archie’s only brother had been sentenced to two -years in State’s prison. He had been at liberty for -six months. To be sure, both Archie and his brother -swore that the latter had been wrongly convicted, -that some one high up in the bank had in reality stolen -the money and then succeeded in weaving such a web -of false evidence around the innocent man that he -had been convicted and sentenced, the thief himself -escaping scot-free.</p> - -<p class='c002'>That was possible. It was also possible that both -men had lied. They might have inherited a single bad -streak—an irresistible tendency to steal, perhaps. -Such things had been known. Jim might have committed -the actual robbery and Archie helped him get -away with the spoils.</p> - -<p class='c002'>So Merriwell tossed about through the long hours -of the night, struggling between his innate loyalty and -devotion to his friend and the evidence of his eyesight -and his common sense. At last, toward morning, he -fell into a troubled sleep and dreamed strange, fantastic -dreams in which Archie and Jellison and Percy -Joblots were mixed up in a vague, shadowy, perfectly -idiotic manner with a fountain of silver dollars which -spouted out of the stone hearth of the dining room and -filled the whole house.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He awoke when the first beams of the morning sun -streamed through the open window and slanted across -the bed. He was on the floor in a twinkling, dragging -the blankets off Brad and causing the Texan to awake -with a grunt and a shiver.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Come out and take a plunge,” Dick invited him. -“It’ll clear the cobwebs out of your brains.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>To tell the truth, he felt more need of that process -than did his chum; for his cogitating of the night before -had brought no satisfactory solution to the problem -which was perplexing him, and he was in quite as -much of a quandary as ever regarding the stand he -sought to take.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“B-r-r!” chattered Buckhart. “I reckon I might as -well, pard. I couldn’t be much colder than I am now. -Come on.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Slipping off his pajamas, he snatched up a blanket, -and, wrapping it around him, started downstairs.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick lingered long enough to arouse the others, and -then followed. Together they raced across the grass, -silvery with hoar frost, and, without a pause, dashed -into the icy water.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Both of them let out a yell which raised weird -echoes from across the silent lake, and then settled -down to a brisk swim. Presently the other three fellows -appeared and took the plunge with even more -vociferousness, and five minutes later they all trooped -back to the house, glowing from head to foot and feeling -ready for anything which the day had to offer.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Joblots, dragging on his clothes with shivering haste, -chattering teeth and fumbling fingers, was horror-stricken -when he found out what they had been doing.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“My grathiouth thaketh!” he gasped. “How could -you do it? I thould have perithed of the cold. My -conthtitution would never thtand the thtrain.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Brad slapped him on the back with a powerful hand -which caused Percy to wince and step back.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Do you good, kiddo!” he grinned. “We’re warm -as toast now, and you’re blue with the cold. Better -try it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No, thankth,” Joblots returned hastily. “I’ll be all -wight ath thoon ath I get my clotheth on.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>When the Yale men got downstairs they found him -trying to crawl into the chimney, while Jellison had -departed to the woodshed for material with which to -build up the fire.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick had decided to take no steps in any direction -regarding his discovery of the night before. A little -delay would do no harm and might be productive of -infinite good. The money was safe enough for the -present, now that he knew it was there, and while he -hustled around getting breakfast ready he kept a keen -watch on McCormick.</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was no mistaking the fact that Archie had -something on his mind. Always light-hearted and -prompt to join in with any joshing or bantering give-and-take -which might be going on, he seemed decidedly -serious as he helped Dick with the breakfast. More -than once Merriwell caught him gazing absently out -of the window, and once when he spoke to him suddenly -the fellow gave a sudden start and the dish he -was holding slipped from his hands and crashed in -pieces on the floor.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I don’t know what’s the matter with me,” he said -regretfully as he stooped to pick up the pieces. “I -didn’t sleep very well last night.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What was the trouble?” Dick asked carelessly. -“Didn’t you feel well?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, yes, I felt all right. Strange bed, I suppose.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You didn’t happen to get up, did you?” Merriwell -inquired, as he broke an egg into the frying pan.</p> - -<p class='c002'>McCormick gave a slight start and darted a keen -look at Dick, but the latter’s countenance was as free -from guile as that of a child-in-arms.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Did you hear any one?” Archie countered evasively.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I awoke some time during the night and thought -I heard some one walking around downstairs,” Dick -explained easily.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I did get up and go down,” McCormick said, after -a moment’s hesitation. “I was restless and finally got -up and took a walk through the rooms down there. -It was plagued cold, too, I can tell you.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell did not ask any more questions. He -had given Archie plenty of opportunity to explain -what had taken him down to the dining room if the -fellow were so inclined, but apparently he did not propose -to do any explaining.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Despite McCormick’s absent state of mind and Merriwell’s -preoccupation, breakfast proved to be a jovial -meal. Fitzgerald was quite lively enough to keep -things going, and Buckhart and Baxter were good -seconds. Even Percy Joblots, now that he was warm -again, piped up now and then with some foolish remark -which sent them all into roars of laughter, while -Jellison seemed to have recovered from his grouch of -the night before and was absolutely genial.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Neither of the two strangers, however, made any -mention of leaving the farmhouse that morning. They -could not decently stay there much longer, and Dick -rather expected them to announce their departure directly -breakfast was over. But they did not.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Instead, Jellison took a comfortable seat in front of -the fire in the dining room, and, opening a newspaper, -which he had brought with him the night before, became -instantly absorbed in its contents. Joblots hung -around the kitchen while the dishes were being washed, -fluttering helplessly about, but really accomplishing -nothing.</p> - -<p class='c002'>McCormick evidently had something he wanted to -say to Dick, but seemed to find rather difficult. Several -times he started a remark, only to break off -abruptly; but at last, when he was drying the last -plate, he made the break.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I don’t believe I’ll go out with you fellows this -morning,” he said, in a low tone. “I’ve got to go to -Middleberry for something special. I’ll be back by -noon, though, and perhaps I may run across Barry -somewhere. I can’t imagine what’s become of him.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick did not reply at once. He wondered what this -unexpected move could mean. What sudden business -could take Archie to Middleberry? However, he -could think of no plausible objection, and so long as -the money remained safely under the hearth McCormick -was not likely to stay away permanently.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Just as you please, Mac,” he said quietly. “You’ll -miss some good sport, though. The first day may be -the best. I don’t want you to feel that you’re in the -way, or that we don’t want you, simply because you -didn’t start out with our party.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, no, it isn’t that,” Archie returned promptly. -“It’s just something which I have got to attend to this -morning. I’m sure I’ll be able to get back by lunch -time.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, if you don’t find us here, you’ll have to trace -us by the guns,” Dick remarked, drying his hands. -“We’ll take some sandwiches with us and probably -won’t come back until night.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>A sudden, worried look flashed into McCormick’s -face. He glanced swiftly through the open door at -Jellison, who sat reading before the fire. Then his -eyes returned to Dick’s face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Dick,” he whispered softly, “take him along with -you, won’t you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He made a quick, almost imperceptible motion of his -head toward the other room.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell’s eyes narrowed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Jellison?” he asked in the same low tone.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Archie nodded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes. Don’t let him stay in the house alone. Give -him my gun, if you want to. I can’t tell you just now -why I ask this, but it’s very important to me.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But he’ll be leaving this morning,” Dick objected.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No, he won’t,” McCormick returned positively. -“You mark my words, he’ll ask if he can’t stay through -the day. Tell him yes, and ask him to go out with you. -Will you do this much for me, Dick?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell looked keenly at the face of the man before -him, and Archie returned his gaze steadfastly. -His eyes were anxious and pleading, but Dick could -see no signs of guilt in them. Either the fellow was -innocent, or he had amazing powers of dissimulation.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why can’t you confide in me, Mac?” Merriwell -asked quickly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Archie looked distressed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’d like to, but I can’t—now,” he said, in a low -tone. “Won’t you take me on faith?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’ll have to, I reckon, Mac,” he returned. “All -right. I’ll do my best to help you out.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He walked into the other room where the Yale men -were busily engaged in putting together their guns, -filling cartridge belts with shells, and making general -preparations for the day’s sport. Joblots stood watching -them, a look of awed admiration on his face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“My grathiouth!” he exclaimed. “I with I could -do that ath quick ath you do. It taketh me about an -hour to fixth my gun wight.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitzgerald grinned.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I guess you haven’t had much practice with a gun, -have you?” he inquired slyly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Not much,” Joblots returned sadly. “I with I -wath going with you thith morning. I’d learn a lot.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Mac’s got to go in to the village,” Dick announced. -“Anybody want him to get anything?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was a general negative, and Dick turned to -Joblots.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Perhaps you’d like to stay with us this morning -and shoot?” he suggested pleasantly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His tone was quite casual, but he had a distinct object -in giving the invitation.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The dapper little fellow seemed suddenly to experience -a change of heart.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thank you very much,” he returned hastily, “but -I think I’d better not thtay. I’d better be getting back, -and it will be pleathanter having thome one to go -with.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Just as you please,” Dick said carelessly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But he turned away with a feeling of distinct satisfaction. -He had found out what he wanted to know. -Joblots was evidently determined not to let McCormick -out of his sight. And now arose the question: Why -was he following Archie? Dick’s thoughts were suddenly -broken in upon by Andrew Jellison.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Perhaps, since Mr. Joblots doesn’t wish to shoot,” -he said, in the pleasantest tone of voice, “you wouldn’t -mind if I took his place for the morning. I am very -fond of shooting, and I don’t suppose you will object -to my staying here until this afternoon when I can -start back in time to get the last train to the city?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>So Archie was right. Jellison did want to stay, -after all.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No objection whatever,” Merriwell returned. “You -can take McCormick’s gun, for he won’t use it till -afternoon.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thanks very much,” Jellison said. “You are most -kind. Now my little holiday will not be spoiled after -all.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Without further delay, Archie departed, striding -across the field toward the woods with Joblots trotting -after him, taking short, quick, mincing steps which set -Fitzgerald off into a paroxysm of laughter. He at -once pranced across the room in a very lifelike imitation -of the dapper little fellow, but the exhibition came -to an untimely end when he stumbled over one of the -spreading claw feet of the mahagony table and nearly -fell.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Drat the thing!” he exclaimed crossly. “What in -thunder does any one want to have table legs all over -the room for?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Peace, brother!” droned a sanctimonious voice -from the doorway. “Blessed is he who speaks from -a pure heart, but the curser and reviler is an abomination.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitz gave a gasp and whirled round, while the other -fellows looked up in astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Standing on the threshold was a most extraordinary -figure of a man. He was very tall and very thin, his -lank garments of rusty black clinging to his skinny -frame in a manner that gave him a ludicrous resemblance -to a scarecrow. His face was long and pointed -like a razor edge. His hooked nose curved over his -thin-lipped mouth like the beak of a bird, and was of a -distinctly fiery hue, especially toward the end. His -long hair straggled down from under the broken brim -of an ancient silk hat which had weathered the storms -of many winters. His eyes were rolled piously upward -so that little but the whites could be seen, while both -hands were clasped over the handle of a grayish-green -umbrella of extraordinary size.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The Yale men gazed at him for a moment in petrified -silence.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, who are you?” Fitzgerald inquired presently, -in a choking voice.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The strange man slowly withdrew his eyes from the -ceiling and looked at the little fellow disapprovingly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“A rebuker of iniquity,” he returned ponderously, -“moved by a direct intervention of providence to bring -you to a full perception of the error of your ways.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Humph!” snorted Fitz. “I like your cheek. -What’s the matter with my ways, I’d like to know? -They suit me all right.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Confirmed in sin,” murmured the stranger. “Wallowing -in profanity. A sad case—very sad.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Buckhart chuckled gleefully.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Ah-ha, Fitzy!” he grinned. “I knew you’d sure -be pinched some day with your thundering cussing.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>A look of pain came into the face of the tall man -and he lifted one thin hand reprovingly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hush, I beg of you,” he said severely. “First -search out your own heart and find whether it be -clean before you venture to reprove a brother.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitzgerald chortled joyfully.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s right!” he exclaimed. “Go for him, old -duck. Pick out your own beams, you Texas steer, before -you go hunting for my moats.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Though the man’s appearance and manner were -amusing enough, Dick wanted to get started with the -guns, and he felt that time was being wasted.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Might I ask who you are?” he inquired, struggling -to repress a smile, “and what your business here is?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The stranger glanced at him critically.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You may, sir,” he returned at length. “I am -pleased to observe that you do not appear to be steeped -in sin. At least, your language is not sprinkled with -the oaths which have cut my sensitive nature to the -quick. I am the Reverend Jeremy Pennyfeather, a -preacher and expounder of the Word. On my morning -ramble through the clean, sweet, dewy world, I -chanced to pass this house, and finding the door ajar, I -entered, seeking a moment’s rest, and, perhaps—er—a -little—er—sustenance, without which these poor carnal -bodies of ours cannot uphold the burdens of life.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick gazed at him in astonishment. He certainly -did not speak as if he were quite right in the head.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Your morning ramble?” he repeated. “You live -somewhere near here?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The Reverend Pennyfeather hesitated.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“At the moment I am without a—er—fixed charge,” -he explained. “I travel about carrying the Word and -doing what little good I can by the way. It sometimes -happens, as in the present instance, that I am temporarily -without a roof over my head or—only for -the moment, I assure you—the necessary fuel to keep -this poor machine of mine—er—going.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick’s face cleared. The fellow was some wandering -preacher, possibly crack-brained, and apparently -little better than a tramp. He had simply come in -there for breakfast.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, I see,” he said quickly. “You want something -to eat. Just come out to the kitchen, will you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The man followed him slowly, with majestic steps, -but there was no mistaking the hungry glitter in his -eyes or the suppressed eagerness with which he fell -to on the simple fare which Dick laid before him. He -certainly ate as if he were half starved, and Merriwell -was far from regretting the time wasted in waiting -until he had finished.</p> - -<p class='c002'>When there was nothing more left in sight, Pennyfeather -arose with a sigh.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Young man, I thank you,” he said sonorously. -“Has it ever occurred to you what a degrading thing -it is that these frail bodies of ours cannot long exist -without carnal food?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick smiled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I can’t say it has,” he returned promptly. “I have -a decided partiality to good things to eat, especially -when I come in after a day’s tramp through the woods, -with an appetite like a horse.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But what a shame it is that our soaring, ethereal -spirits should be tied to earth by such carnal bonds,” -persisted the preacher. “Were it not for the baleful -necessity of food and drink what might not man accomplish!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He rolled his eyes in ecstasy and then slowly lowered -them to Merriwell’s face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“A painful affliction which I have carried uncomplainingly -from the cradle of childhood, compels occasional -recourse to—er—stimulant,” he said blandly. -“Periods of faintness, you know, from which nothing -else seems to revive me. If, by any chance, you -have something of the sort at hand——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The pause was expressive. Dick glanced swiftly -at the thin man’s hushed nose. It would seem that -the periods of faintness had been more or less frequent.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Sorry,” he said shortly, “but I haven’t.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The Reverend Pennyfeather sighed and clasped his -hands together resignedly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Ah, well, perhaps ’tis better so,” he murmured. -“No doubt I shall get along without it. So far none -of the attacks have been fatal. Perhaps you have -no objection to my resting for a while before I resume -my way.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick had a very decided objection. Enough time -had been wasted already with this humbug.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You can take a chair out on the porch and sit there -as long as you please,” he said shortly. “We are just -leaving the house for the morning, however, and I -want to lock up.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That will do very nicely,” returned Pennyfeather -quickly. “I hope, however, you will allow me a scant -five minutes in which to bring to a realizing sense of -the evil of their ways, the two very profane young -men whom I first talked with.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He moved swiftly through the dining room as he -spoke, with Merriwell at his heels, but when they -reached the sitting room, it was found to be quite deserted. -Evidently the fellows, scenting a probable -continuance of the stranger’s moral lecture, had decamped.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“The wicked flee when no man pursueth,” breathed -Pennyfeather. “What is so tormenting as a guilty -conscience, my dear sir? I should have liked one more -chance to plead with them, but life is full of disappointments, -which are always discipline for the soul, -sir—discipline for the soul. This chair will do nicely.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>His sudden change of subject was due to a glimpse -of Dick’s impatient face as he stood significantly by -the door, gun in one hand, ready to be gone.</p> - -<p class='c002'>With a swift judgment which had little of the spiritual -in it, the preacher picked instantly the most comfortable -chair in the room, and proceeded to roll it out -to the veranda with considerable expedition. Dick -closed and locked the door behind him, thrusting the -key into his pocket.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Rest yourself as long as you please,” he said briefly, -leaping to the ground. “Nobody will disturb you.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Without waiting for a reply, he started across the -open at a brisk pace to join the fellows who were -waiting for him at the edge of the woods.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Blessed is he who sits on a tack, for he shall rise -again,” intoned Fitzgerald, rolling his eyes heavenward -and drawing down the corners of his mouth.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Did he start in to give you a jawing, too, pard?” -Buckhart inquired, with a grin. “Hope you didn’t -say ‘dash it’ in his highness’ presence.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What’s he doing in that chair on the porch?” Teddy -Baxter asked curiously.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Resting,” Dick explained. “He’s subject to spells -of faintness which need—er—stimulant. Painful affliction -from childhood, you know. Nothing else -helps. When he found there was nothing doing in that -line, he asked for a chair upon which to rest his -weary limbs and recover from said spell, so I let him -take it. He can’t get away with that. It weighs about -a ton.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Dotty, isn’t he?” Fitz asked, as he leaped down -from the fence rail.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I guess so,” Dick returned. “Either that, or just -plain faker. Come on, let’s get busy. We’ve wasted -enough time.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Leaping the fence, they at once plunged into the -woods and started in a northerly direction toward the -wilder, rocky country beyond, where Farmer Cobmore -had told them the partridges were remarkably -thick this fall. Already they were planning to get -up with the dawn next morning and try for wild ducks -at their feeding ground at the upper end of Cranberry -Lake.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Andrew Jellison, carrying McCormick’s gun, seemed -to be thoroughly enjoying himself. He was pleasant -and genial, entering into the conversation now and -then in a perfectly natural way, while not thrusting -himself forward too much, and was, in short, so -totally different in every way from what he had been—ill-tempered -and overbearing of manner—the night -before, that he scarcely seemed the same man.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was almost as if a great load had been removed -from his mind and the reaction made him as light-hearted -and free from care as a boy. Merriwell wondered -at the change. Perhaps he had misjudged the -man when he credited him with an ulterior motive -in intruding upon them. Possibly the man’s nerves -really had been worn to a shred and he had wanted -nothing more than a little while in the peaceful quiet -of the wilderness to brace him up.</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was no question of his ability to handle a -gun, nor of his interest and enthusiasm in the pursuit -of game. To him belonged the credit of the first -bird bagged, and throughout the morning he kept up -to the good record he made at the beginning.</p> - -<p class='c002'>For a time they all kept pretty well together. Then, -little by little, they split up, each man taking the route -which he thought most favorable, having planned to -meet at a certain point about twelve o’clock for lunch.</p> - -<p class='c002'>About eleven Dick started up a covey of birds and -became so interested in their pursuit that he forgot -all about the time and was consequently late reaching -the point of meeting.</p> - -<p class='c002'>When he came out of the bushes to the broad, rocky -spur of the low mountain, he found the others seated -near at hand busily engaged in devouring sandwiches.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Better hustle, Richard, if you want anything,” Fitzgerald -admonished, rather indistinctly. “We were so -hungry we couldn’t wait another minute.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell came forward and dropped down on the -rock.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“How many?” Buckhart asked.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Nine,” returned his chum.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Great! That beats the record so far.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Where’s Jellison?” Dick asked suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He had been conscious of something or some one -missing ever since he came out of the thicket.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitzgerald shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Search me,” he returned airily. “Haven’t seen -him since we split up.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was a little furrow of anxiety on Dick’s brow. -He was thinking of McCormick’s very evident worry -lest Jellison be left alone in the house. The fellow -had come with them that morning quite of his own -accord, but that did not prevent his hurrying back -there as soon as he could do so without attracting -attention. What had Mac to fear from him, anyway? -Was it possible that the man knew what lay under -the hearth?</p> - -<p class='c002'>As Dick puzzled over the problem, all his doubts and -fears and perplexities returned in full force, and did -not add in the least to his pleasure in their little outing.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XIII<br /> <br /><span class='small'>NOT A MOMENT TOO SOON.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>As Archie McCormick struck out along the forest -path which led to Lysander Cobmore’s farm he was -not especially pleased to have Percy Joblots tagging -along behind. He would much rather have been alone. -There was so much to think of and plan out that he -would have liked to be able to give his whole mind to -it instead of having to think of this little whipper-snapper -who, from the first, seemed to have considerable -difficulty in keeping up with the Yale man’s long -stride.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You mutht be in an awful hurry,” he panted, after -they had gone about half a mile.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I am,” snapped McCormick, without looking back.</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was silence for a few moments, broken only -by the labored breathing of Percy.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Grathiouth thaketh!” he gasped presently. “I’m -motht dead. Couldn’t you walk a little thlower for -jutlit a few minuteth?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Growling an irritated response, Archie slowed down -a little, but very soon was back at the old speed. He -really did not intend to hustle so, but his mind was so -wholly given over to the problem which he had to solve -that, unconsciously, he almost flew over the rough -path.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Merthy!” moaned Joblots, mopping his face with -a delicate linen handkerchief. “Thith ith awful!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>McCormick did not hear him, so preoccupied was -he, and the dapper little fellow struggled on for a -quarter of a mile farther in panting silence.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Can’t we retht for jutht a minute?” he begged, at -the end of that time.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Archie whirled around swiftly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why the dickens do you want to rest?” he demanded -fiercely. “I didn’t ask you to come with me! -I’ve got to get to Middleberry as quick as I possibly -can, and here you drag along and talk about wanting -to rest. Gee! It’s enough to try the patience of a -saint.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Joblots shrank back and instinctively put up a defensive -arm. Apparently he was afraid Mac was going -to hit him, and the look of fear on his puny, insignificant -face brought the big Yale man swiftly to his -senses.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Don’t be a fool!” he growled, in an apologetic tone. -“You don’t think I’d hit you, I hope? I suppose I -was a bit sharp, but you mustn’t mind what I said. I’m -worried clean out of my head, almost, about something. -We’ll rest a little and then take it slower.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Joblots instantly plucked up heart at this and became -all smiles. They stopped for a few minutes and -then went on again at moderate speed, and all the way -through the woods he drove McCormick almost wild -with his well-meant, but perfectly idiotic, chatter.</p> - -<p class='c002'>At last, to McCormick’s infinite relief, the farmhouse -was in sight.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Cobmore was at home, and, after a little persuasion, -was induced to let Archie borrow a horse and buggy to -take him in to town.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He seemed to be a little curious as to the reason -for the trip, but the Yale man was not communicative, -so the farmer was obliged to content himself -with sly twitting of Joblots, who appeared to be absolutely -oblivious to his banter.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was a little after eight when they left Cobmore’s. -At half-past nine McCormick drove recklessly through -the long village street, and, pulling up with a jerk -in front of the small station building, leaped out and -ran inside, leaving Joblots staring in dismay at the -reins which had been tossed into his lap, as if he hadn’t -the least idea what he was to do with them.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Presently he laid them cautiously on the seat and -slipped quietly out of the buggy. Luckily one of the -natives lounging by the door, took it upon himself -to tie the horse to a hitching post, or there is no telling -how McCormick would have managed to return -the rig intact.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Percy Joblots, safe from the perilous position alone -in the buggy, drew a quick breath and hastily followed -Archie into the building. He found him at the window -in the act of handing a telegraph message to the -station agent, but the latter had read it aloud to verify -it so quickly that it was all over before the dapper little -fellow could sidle quietly within hearing distance.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Will you please send it off at once?” McCormick -asked, handing the man a dollar bill. “Just keep the -change for your trouble.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The fellow’s eyes brightened instantly, and he lost -much of his languid, indifferent manner.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, sir,” he returned promptly. “If I can get an -open wire, I’ll push it right along.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He dropped down in his chair and the sharp click-click -of the instrument sounded through the office.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s all right,” the man said, as he looked up. “She’s -gone.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“How long will it take for an answer to come back?” -McCormick asked eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“All depends. Couple of hours, anyhow.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The Yale man frowned. Two hours seemed a long -time to wait, but there was no help for it. As he -turned away from the window, his eyes fell upon the -dapper Joblots standing quietly beside him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Humph!” he exclaimed in surprise. “What are -you doing here? Where’d you leave the horse?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Percy gasped.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thaketh alive! Outthide, of courthe. You -thouldn’t have left me alone with him. I never could -thand hortheth.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Idiot!” growled McCormick, rushing to the door.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He gave an exclamation of relief as he saw the animal -safely tied, and then turned back to Joblots.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’ve got about an hour to wait for your train,” -he said shortly. “I’m going for a walk, so I’ll say -good-by to you now.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The little fellow seemed reluctant to part company -with the Yale man, but Archie had reached the point -when very little more of the other’s company would -drive him distracted, so he made short work of the -parting and hurried out of the station to the street -and thence for a tramp along the country road.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His astonishment can better be imagined than described -when, returning a couple of hours later, the -first thing which greeted his eyes as he pushed open the -station door was the familiar form of the little pest -he fancied he was rid of for good, sitting complacently -on one of the benches.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Joblots smiled quite happily into the frowning countenance -of the Yale man.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Tho glad you’re back,” he lisped. “Motht annoying -thing! I actually mithed the beathtly train. I -went acroth the stweet to thee if I couldn’t find thome -thigaretth, and while I wath talking to the man—motht -amuthing perthon, he wath—the bally thing came in -and I never thaw it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I never heard of such a fool trick!” snapped McCormick. -“Now you’ve got to wait till after one.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yeth,” Percy sighed, “and not a thingle plathe to -get a bite to eat.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, that’s your fault,” Archie said callously. -“You’ll have to go without.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Walking over to the window, he found that the -answer to his message had not yet arrived. Consequently -he had to put in another half hour in listening -to Percy’s idiotic prattle before the agent called -to him that the telegram had come.</p> - -<p class='c002'>McCormick sprang up eagerly and snatched the -yellow sheet from the man’s hand. His eyes eagerly -scanned the contents of the rather long communication -and, when he had read it all, they lighted up joyfully.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I was right,” he muttered under his breath. “I -knew it must be so. Now if I can only work it right. -Gee! I can hardly wait to get back to the house.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He hurried to the door, calling a brief good-by to -Percy as he passed that amazed person, leaped into -the buggy outside, and a moment later the clatter of -the flying horse’s hoofs died away down the village -street.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He made good time back to Cobmore’s, drove the -horse into the stable and left him to the care of the -hired man. Then he darted into the woods, found the -path and fairly flew along it.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His face was flushed and his eyes shining with eagerness -as he hurried along. Everything was coming his -way now, if he only used a few precautions.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As he came out of the woods within sight of the -farmhouse, he stopped abruptly and looked sharply at -the building.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Who in thunder’s that?” he muttered.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Close against the side of the house, beside one of -the windows, was a man, tall, thin, and dressed in -frayed, black garments. His back was toward McCormick, -and he seemed to be intent on something -which he was watching through a crack in the closed -blind.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As Archie watched him, not knowing quite what to -do, the fellow suddenly turned and saw him. The -next instant his flying coat tails were vanishing around -the corner of the house.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Must be a tramp,” the Yale man murmured uneasily.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He did not like the thought of any one spying -around that house, particularly around that room. -There was entirely too much at stake.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Crossing the field, he reached the front of the -house. The door was closed and apparently locked. -The big armchair on the veranda puzzled him for a -moment, but he swiftly forgot that and everything -else as his eyes fell on the partly open window near at -hand.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He drew his breath sharply and his face paled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“By heavens!” he exclaimed. “Somebody’s broken -in!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The next moment he was on the veranda and had -slipped through the window. A sound came from -the dining room on the other side of the hall which -made him stiffen like a hound on the scent.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Three strides took him past the stairs and into the -sitting room. A second later he stood in the doorway -of the dining room. He was just in time.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The slab had been removed from the hearth, and before -the opening knelt Andrew Jellison. Near him -was a large suit case, and he was busily engaged in -lifting the packages of bank notes from the hole and -stowing them away in the case. He was so absorbed -in what he was doing that he did not hear the soft approach -of the Yale man, nor see him pause in the -doorway.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Caught with the goods, Jellison!” McCormick said, -in a tone of triumph.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You pretty near turned the trick, but not quite.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Andrew Jellison jerked up his head swiftly and drew -his breath with a quick, sharp intake. His face turned -the color of chalk, the package of bank notes dropped -from his limp hand into the hole, and for an instant -he gazed at the Yale man with a kind of horror-stricken -fascination.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then he leaped to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Pretty clever, but not quite clever enough,” McCormick -went on. “You didn’t know I heard you -steal downstairs last night and followed you. You -didn’t see me standing behind this very door while you -opened up your hiding place to make sure the stolen -money was still there. But I was here, Jellison. I -watched you put that slab back and slip upstairs again. -I even waited a full half hour, though it was the -hardest thing I ever did, so that you might have time -to go to sleep, before I went to find what you had -hidden here. It must have worried you a lot, Jellison, -to have to leave it here two years and never -have a chance to see whether any one had found it or -not.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The Yale man paused and gazed with brightly -gleaming eyes at the sullen face of the man before him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“How do you think I felt, Jellison,” McCormick -went on swiftly, “when I saw the label on the wrappers -around those notes? The Metropolis Bank, of -New York, Harlem Branch. Your bank, Jellison, -and—my brother’s!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The black-browed man gave a sudden start, and a -look of amazed incredulity leaped into his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, my brother’s,” Archie repeated. “You didn’t -know that I was a brother of the man you ruined and -sent to prison, did you? You didn’t know that I had -sworn to ferret out the man who was responsible for -his disgrace and bring him to justice, if it took all my -life. You played your cards cleverly. The evidence -you faked deceived even the judge who tried the case. -You didn’t neglect a single step to throw the blame -from your guilty shoulders to those of an innocent -man. I wonder if you’ve ever thought since then about -that life you ruined, that reputation you blackened beyond -repair. But, thank God, I’ve found you out! All -your devilish plotting has come to nothing. Jim will -be cleared, and you’ll have a taste of Sing Sing yourself. -I hope you’ll like it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>McCormick’s face was hard and relentless. He -loved his older brother better than any one else in -the world. The sight of Jim’s agony and disgrace had -made him suffer torments. The man’s life had been almost -ruined by the fiendish ingenuity of Andrew Jellison.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Released from prison some six months before, Jim -McCormick had done his best to live a new life, but -the stigma of the ex-convict clung to him wherever -he went. No one would trust him. He drifted from -place to place, always dropping lower in the social -scale, until at last Dick Merriwell had found him and, -learning his story, sent him to his brother Frank, in -the hopes that the latter might do something toward -clearing his name and finding out the real criminal.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was small wonder, therefore, that Archie felt a -bitter, relentless hatred for the man before him and -was determined to mete out to him a full measure of -justice.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Jellison seemed to read this in the clear, cold eyes of -the younger man. He was in a desperate position -from which there seemed no possible escape. Unconsciously -he drew one hand across his sweat-stained -forehead.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I suppose you wonder why I didn’t nab you this -morning,” Archie continued presently. “I wasn’t sure -of you. I didn’t know your first name nor what you -looked like. I couldn’t afford to make any mistake, so -I went to Middleberry and wired my brother for a -full description. It came all right, and I was the -happiest fellow alive.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The bank cashier moistened his dry lips.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I wonder you said nothing to your friends,” he -said, in a voice which held a ring of attempted bravado. -“They would have kept me here. How did you know -I wouldn’t get away before you came back?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>His eyes glittered strangely as he watched the Yale -man with an eager, furtive look. Something more -than mere curiosity seemed to be beneath the question.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You wouldn’t leave without the coin,” Archie answered. -“There’s no way out of here but by the path -through the woods, and I was sure you couldn’t make -it before I got back from the village. Besides, I asked -Merriwell to get you out shooting with them this -morning so as to prevent your doing anything while -I was gone. I didn’t tell the boys about it because I -wanted to clear Jim myself. I didn’t want anybody -else to have a hand in it, and they haven’t. No one -else knows yet, Jellison; but they will mighty quick.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I think not!” snarled the older man ferociously.</p> - -<p class='c002'>With a lightninglike motion of his arm, his right -hand slid into a hip pocket and flashed out again, gripping -a very serviceable-looking revolver.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I think not!” he repeated triumphantly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>McCormick’s face paled a little as he gazed straight -into the steady barrel of the weapon. But, though -his face remained unmoved, his heart sank within him. -What an idiot he had been not to prepare for this! -Somehow, the idea that Jellison would be armed had -never entered his head. He was so much superior, -physically, to the older man that his ability to capture -him had seemed a thing beyond question.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You fool!” sneered Jellison. “Did you think I’d -let myself be pinched by a kid like you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Archie smiled rather wryly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I was careless, I admit,” he acknowledged. “But -I don’t see that you’re out of the woods yet. What -are you going to do about it, now that you have got -the drop on me?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Jellison did not answer at once. As he stood thinking, -a little of the triumph died out of his face and -his forehead crinkled with a network of worried -wrinkles.</p> - -<p class='c002'>What was he going to do about it? He might get -away himself—might even carry off the money; but -would he get far? McCormick knew the truth, and, -though the cashier might tie him up long enough to -get a good start, the fellow would be released the instant -his friends came back from their shooting, and -the whole lot of them would be on his trail like a pack -of hounds.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Even if he did manage to get out of the country, -what could he do then? The arm of the law was long. -It would reach out inexorably after him over land -and sea. He would be hounded from place to place, -never resting, never secure, always knowing that he -was followed, feeling sure that in the end tireless, -never sleeping justice would find him out.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was maddening. To think that all his carefully -laid plans should be thwarted by a mere boy! He had -waited so many weary months for this moment only -to have his triumph turn to dust and ashes in his -mouth. Everything had gone so smoothly, too, from -the very first. No one had suspected him for an instant. -He had played his cards too well. The only -stumbling block had been the sudden, unexpected turning -against him of old Hickey. That had worried him -intensely, but now Hickey was dead, and he had anticipated -no further difficulty. To have the whole -carefully reared edifice topple about his head like a -ruined house of cards nearly drove him mad.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His mind flashed swiftly on into the future. He -saw the grip of the law closing about him inexorably. -He would be captured, tried, sentenced. He would be -a convict, walled into that hideous gray prison up the -river, known only by a number, forced to do menial -tasks.</p> - -<p class='c002'>And what of his wife—the only human being in the -world that he cared for, besides himself. What would -she do? Cling to him? Help and comfort him, and -buoy up his broken spirits? Visit him in his cell and -wait faithfully for his release? No! Marion was not -that sort. She would be furiously angry—hysterical, -no doubt. She would bitterly bewail the moment when -she first set eyes on him. Her love for him would -turn to hate, and he would never see her again.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He writhed inwardly at the thought. He could not -stand it—he would not. He glared ferociously at McCormick. -But for this fool who had accidentally -stumbled upon his secret he would be safe. No one -would suspect in a thousand years.</p> - -<p class='c002'>A sudden thought came into his mind, making even -his callous nature shrink. He thrust it from him, but -it returned again and again, whispering insidiously -that it was the only way out.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He stole a stealthy glance at the youth before him. -It would be possible. Only one life stood between -him and utter ruin. He had an instinctive horror of -staining his hands with blood, but what other course -was there left him? With this fellow out of the way, -he could hold up his head once more—could go his -way through the world, apparently without a stigma.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It would be simple, too. He could manage it without -suspicion falling upon him, if he used ordinary -care. He had heard enough to know that McCormick -was not one of the original hunting party. The fellow -had gone to Middleberry that morning on an errand -which he had not explained to the others. If he did -not return, they would not be surprised. They would -think he had gone back to New Haven.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It would be easy enough to get him into the woods. -He could force him to carry the suit case full of money. -That would be natural enough. The fellow would not -suspect any other motive. Jellison knew something of -the wide extent of the forest thereabouts. A body -might lie hidden there for years without any one -finding it.</p> - -<p class='c002'>These and a hundred other thoughts flashed through -his mind as he stood there silent. Archie wondered -what the fellow was thinking about which kept him -quiet so long. He was curious to know what step the -man proposed taking to escape from the web in which -he was involved.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Suddenly Jellison seemed to have made up his mind.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Put the rest of those bills in the suit case,” he -commanded, with a threatening motion of his revolver.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Archie hesitated an instant.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Do what I tell you!” snapped Jellison. “I’m a desperate -man, and I won’t answer for the consequences.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then McCormick obeyed him. He could not see -just what the fellow was going to do. There was no -chance at all for him to escape entirely. Dropping -down on the floor, he hastily crammed the rest of the -bank notes into the bag and then closed and locked it.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Now take it up and walk ahead of me,” Jellison -said, in an icy voice. “You’ve been so smart butting -into my game that I’m going to get a little use out -of you. March!”</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XIV<br /> <br /><span class='small'>THE END OF THE GAME.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>Having finished lunch and lounged on the rocks for -a little while, the four Yale men set out toward the -lower fields and thickets in search of quail.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As before, they did not keep together long. Each -one had his own ideas as to where the birds were to -be found, so presently they broke up and continued on -their way alone.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell did not get much pleasure out of it, however. -The day was perfect, the birds fairly abundant, -but his mind persisted in flying back to the farmhouse -and the mystery it contained, decidedly to the detriment -of his gunning.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He kept wondering whether Jellison had returned to -the house, and, if so, what he was doing there. Did -Jellison know of the money under the hearth? What -had taken Mac to the village?</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was so preoccupied with all these questions that -he made a number of wretched misses, and at last he -broke his gun with a snap and slipped out the shells.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s about all for to-day,” he grumbled. “I -can’t do a thing with this on my mind. I’m going -back.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Now that he had at last come to this decision, he -wished he had done so long ago. There was no telling -what might be going on in the house by the lake. -He was a fool to have come out at all and left the -treasure unguarded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As he tore his way through the tangle of briars and -undergrowth it seemed as if the very bushes were -trying to hinder his progress. He could not get along -fast enough, and the result was that when he emerged -into the more open forest back of the house he was -a mass of cuts and scratches and his hands were full -of thorns.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He did not stop for that, however, but kept on his -way through the trees at a dogtrot. The woods were -pleasantly free from undergrowth, and underfoot the -soft, springy moss carpeted the ground as far as the -eye could reach and made his progress almost noiseless.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He had almost reached the cleared ground about -the house—had just caught a glimpse of the bright -sky line ahead, in fact—when he made out the figure -of a man slipping through the trees in front of him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Who the mischief is that?” he muttered, with a -perplexed frown.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It looked a little like Joblots, but he supposed that -the dapper little fellow was by this time hundreds of -miles away. At any rate, he was determined to find -out, and, quickening his pace, he rapidly and noiselessly -approached the fellow, whose back was toward -him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>A moment later he saw that it was Joblots. There -was no mistaking the shape of the little fellow’s back -and head, and certainly there could be no duplicate -hereabouts of that giddy, gaudy, shiny, new khaki -shooting rig.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Percy evidently had some very definite object in -view. He did not loiter as one enjoying the beauties -of the forest, but pressed steadily forward toward the -line of clearing, darting keen glances to right and -left in a manner which was not at all like the absurd -little creature they had come upon the day before. -Moreover, his gun was nowhere to be seen.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As he approached, swiftly and noiselessly, a conviction -that this time he was watching the real man, -came upon Dick with overwhelming force. The next -moment, as he reached Joblots’ side and caught his -arm, he was sure. The expression on the fellow’s face, -startled and annoyed, but not in the least idiotic, was -proof positive.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The next instant a mask fell over the small man’s -countenance.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Grathiouth thaketh!” he gasped. “How you thurprithed——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Cut that!” Dick broke in sharply. “That went last -night, but there’s no use in trying to fool me now. -Who are you? and what are you after here?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>A bewildered look came into the pale-blue eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I weally don’t know what——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Cut it, I say!” Merriwell repeated, his eyes flashing. -“Spit out the truth or I’ll knock it out of you! -Quick, now! Who are you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>A slowly dawning expression of keen shrewdness -came over the other’s face, and for an instant he eyed -Dick coolly and appraisingly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’re no fool, are you?” he said at length, in a -totally different voice. “I reckon you’ve got me -straight this time.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He hesitated for an instant.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Reckon I’ll have to trust you,” he went on quickly. -“I’m after the guys who cracked the Hartford bank. -Now, the question is, are you going to help me or try -to trip me up?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick’s chin squared and his eyes narrowed as the -thought of Archie flashed into his mind. It was incredible—impossible. -He would not believe.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Who are you after?” he asked at length.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That feller McCormick,” returned the detective -quickly. “He was seen around the bank just before -the robbery. Him an’ his two pals took the train out -in the morning. At Milton they separated. He come -here with the swag, an’ the other two went on. My -partner is following them.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What makes you think McCormick has the swag?” -Dick asked, though his heart was cold within him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I don’t think; I know,” the man answered. “He -brought it in a big bag, and last night he hid it under -the hearth in the dining room. I heard him sneak -downstairs, and I slipped through the kitchen and -watched him. There ain’t no doubt about it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick did not speak. His heart was too full for -words. What he had tried not to believe was true. -All the time that he had been watching Mac through -the crack in the door the detective had been on the -lookout from the kitchen. In spite of all, he could -not seem to think of Archie as a thief. How had he -ever been roped into such a thing?</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, what are you going to do?” he inquired presently, -in a listless voice.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Pinch him,” returned the detective tersely. “I’ve -been holding off in hopes of getting his pals. Thought -he telegraphed ’em this morning, but he didn’t. The -agent wouldn’t tell me what was in the message he -sent, but I did find out that the reply came from -Bloomfield. It ain’t likely his pals are there. It’s too -far away.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick caught his breath suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Bloomfield!” he exclaimed, and then was silent.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bloomfield was where his brother Frank’s school -was located. Just now Archie McCormick’s brother, -the one who had served a term in State’s prison, happened -also to be there. What did it all mean? Why -was Archie telegraphing to Jim? His thoughts were -suddenly broken in upon by the detective’s voice.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well,” he said briskly, “what are you going to do, -help me or hinder me?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Neither one or the other,” Merriwell said shortly. -“I can’t hinder you, and I certainly don’t propose to -help you arrest a friend of mine, especially when I -don’t believe he’s had anything to do with this robbery.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s all rot,” Joblots said quickly. “The thing’s -as good as proved. Well, I’ve got to get busy. There -ain’t no time to waste.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He started on toward the edge of the woods, Dick -following him listlessly. His mind absolutely refused -to credit the truth of the detective’s assertions, even -with the proof seemingly as unassailable as it was. -He would not believe that Archie was a thief. There -must be some other explanation of his peculiar actions.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Suddenly Joblots, reaching the fringe of trees which -bordered the field, stopped short.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thunder!” he exclaimed. “Here he comes now -with the swag. Jellison, too. What do you think of -that! I never suspected Jellison.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Leaning over his shoulder, Merriwell saw that he -was right. Coming toward the woods from the -house were two men, walking in single file. The first -one, unmistakably Archie, carried a large dress suit -case under the weight of which he seemed barely able -to stagger. Behind him walked Andrew Jellison. -What did it mean? Was it possible that the two were -friends and partners in this crime? Had Archie deceived -him from the first?</p> - -<p class='c002'>Suddenly his eyes narrowed and he drew a quick -breath. The next instant he was slipping back through -the trees and doubling toward the point where the path -entered the forest. Joblots caught up with him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You said you wouldn’t hinder,” he whispered -hoarsely. “You’re going to warn them.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m going to help you,” Dick snapped. “Are you -blind, man? Don’t you see what’s happened? Jellison -is forcing Mac to go with him. He’s driving him -along with a gun! Hush, now! Don’t make a sound.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bewildered, incredulous, the detective followed Merriwell -closely. He could not believe what the Yale man -had said, but there was nothing else to do, except -follow in the other’s lead.</p> - -<p class='c002'>In a moment they had reached the edge of the path -and crouched in the bushes. They were just in time. -Already the feet of the two men rustled in the leaves -near at hand.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“How long are you going to keep up this farce?” -they heard McCormick say. “You certainly can’t expect -to force me to go on to Middleberry.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Never you mind!” snapped Jellison. “Shut your -face and do as I tell you!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The next instant Archie passed Dick’s hiding place, -staggering under the weight of the heavy bag. A -moment later Jellison appeared.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Without a single preliminary sound, Merriwell’s -lithe body, launched from the thicket with a spring like -that of a panther, struck the cashier full on the back, -and the two crashed to the ground together. The -shock knocked the revolver from the fellow’s hand, -and, though he struggled hard, Dick had no difficulty -in holding him down. Then he looked about him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Archie had dropped the bag and was staring at the -tangle of arms and legs in a dazed fashion. As he -recognized Dick, he gave a shout of joy.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thank Heaven, you came in time, old fellow!” he -exclaimed. “I’ve been an awful fool. He was just -getting away with all the money.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>A look of triumph appeared on Joblots’ face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Ah! ha!” he muttered. “What did I tell you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What money?” Dick demanded. “Quick, Archie! -What are you talking about?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>His face was strained with the suspense of waiting.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“The money he stole from the Metropolis Bank two -years ago,” McCormick answered eagerly. “He’s the -thief. He’s the one who sent Jim to prison. He hid -the money under the hearth, expecting to get it after -everything was safe, but old man Hickey wouldn’t -let him in. He came last night for it. I was awake and -heard him slip downstairs. I followed him and saw -him take up the stone to see if it was still there. -After he had gone, I looked myself. There’s no doubt -about it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Joblots listened with a growing expression of mortification -and chagrin.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yah!” he snapped. “I don’t believe it! You stole -that money from the Hartford bank two nights ago!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Archie looked at him in utter bewilderment. Then -his face darkened.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You fool!” he ripped out. “How dare you accuse -me of such a thing! Look and see. The wrappers are -still around the bills.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Scowling fiercely at Joblots, he kicked the bag with -one foot.</p> - -<p class='c002'>In an instant the detective was on his knees, fumbling -with the catch. Then, as it yielded, he threw back -the cover and snatched up one of the packages. His -face was incredulous. Tossing down the packet he -picked up another, and yet another. They were all -the same. Presently he arose slowly to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“By thunder!” he muttered. “Looks like there -was something in it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then he looked keenly at Archie.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What were you doing around the bank in Hartford -at twelve o’clock the night of the robbery?” he asked -significantly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Coming home from a smoker,” the Yale man returned -quickly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“How about those guys you were chummy with on -the train yesterday?” persisted Joblots.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Never saw them before in my life,” McCormick -smiled. “We got talking to each other in the train.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The detective looked nonplused. Before he had -time to think of any more questions, a sanctimonious -voice sounded from the path behind the little group.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Behold the wicked man who diggeth a pit and -falleth into it himself. Look’s as if you’d got him this -time, gents.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick loosened his grip on Jellison and sprang to his -feet. The ruddy face of the Reverend Jeremy Pennyfeather -grinned at him from a little distance. His -eyes were twinkling shrewdly, and he did not look quite -so pious as he had that morning.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well!” Dick remarked. “Are you another detective?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The fellow laughed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Guessed right the first crack, my friend,” he returned -easily. “I was sent out by Mr. Frank Merriwell -to keep watch of this here gent.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He indicated the sullen, lowering Jellison, who had -raised himself to a sitting posture.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Looks like you boys had saved me a lot of trouble. -Caught him with the goods, didn’t you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick nodded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, and I hope he gets the biggest penalty that -can be imposed,” he said sternly. “He’s pretty near -ruined one man’s life.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“There ain’t any doubt he’ll git all that’s coming to -him,” the lank fellow said, in a tone of satisfaction. -“We ought to be able to catch the last train down and -give him his first taste of jail to-night.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“And I’ll go with you,” Archie said decidedly. “I -want to see him good and safe.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>They all finally decided to go as far as Lysander -Cobmore’s place, from which Archie and the detective -could proceed alone with the guilty man. Making -their way quickly through the woods, they found the -farmer standing by the barn, a yellow envelope in his -hand. His eyes lit up as they fell upon the dapper -figure of Joblots.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Waal, waal,” he drawled. “If you ain’t saved me a -heap o’ trouble. This here telegram was jest brought -from town, and I hadn’t no more notion than a cat -what to do with it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He handed the envelope to the detective, who tore -it open eagerly. As he took in the contents, his face -darkened and he bit his lips angrily.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Two days wasted!” he snapped, crumpling the -message in his hand, and tossing it to the ground. -“Wouldn’t that frost you!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The Reverend Pennyfeather made no bones about -picking it up, and, when he had spread it out, this was -what he read:</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hartford crooks nabbed at Westfield. Swag recovered. -You are on false trail. Report at office at -once.”</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XV<br /> <br /><span class='small'>AS IN A LOOKING-GLASS.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>The day was overcast and lowery. It was not actually -raining, but the raw wind from the Sound brought -with it a heavy mist, damp and clogging, which was -almost as bad. The crispness was taken out of everything, -the sidewalks were dank and slippery, and pedestrians -hurried along the streets with turned-up collars, -turned-down hat brims, and a general air of shivery -unpleasantness, as if they hated themselves, the people -they brushed elbows with, and, above all else, the business -which made it necessary for them to be out in -such sloppy weather.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick Merriwell, who had returned to New Haven, -was no exception to the general rule as he walked -along Chapel Street toward the campus. His long, -loose, tightly buttoned coat, with the collar turned above -the ears, was covered with a multitude of tiny drips -of moisture, almost like hoarfrost. The brim of his -soft felt hat was pulled down over his eyes, and now -and then a drop of water gathered at the point and -splashed to the sidewalk.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He had been out on a rather important errand -and, being anxious to get over to the dining hall on -time, he did not dawdle, but strode along, gloved -hands deep down in his pockets, growling under his -breath maledictions on the weather which would effectually -prevent any football practice on the field that -afternoon.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was walking on the inside of the sidewalk, close -to the shop windows, and had almost reached the corner -of Temple Street when he collided violently with -a man who came dashing out of a store without a -glance to see where he was going.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Both men staggered a little from the shock and the -stranger’s black derby was knocked off. It was rolling -toward the gutter when Dick caught it and turned to -restore it to its owner.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Beg pardon,” he said regretfully. “I had no -idea——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He stopped abruptly, his eyes widening with astonishment. -For a second he stared in bewilderment at -the young man before him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, I’ll be hanged!” he ejaculated.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The other man looked scarcely less surprised.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Exactly!” he returned. “You took the very words -out of my mouth.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>His keen, dark eyes were surveying Merriwell in -much the same way that the Yale man looked at him, -and his handsome face wore on it just such a look of -whimsical perplexity as distinguished Dick’s countenance.</p> - -<p class='c002'>And smaller wonder. Had the two been twin -brothers they could scarcely have been more alike. -There was not a fraction of an inch variation in their -heights. Both were well set-up, broad-shouldered, -slim-hipped, with the lithe grace of carriage which distinguishes -the well-developed athlete. Both had dark -hair and equally dark eyes, straight noses, and well-shaped, -sensitive mouths.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The fellow who had come out of the shop looked -a trifle older than the Yale senior, and there were a -number of minor points about his face and figure which -would be quite apparent to a close observer when the -two men were together; but, taken all in all, the resemblance -was quite close enough to warrant the surprise -which each one manifested at the sight of the -other.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell recovered his customary poise first.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It certainly does give a fellow a queer feeling to -run up against his double in this casual sort of way,” -he remarked lightly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Doesn’t it?” replied the stranger. “You don’t -happen to be some long-lost brother that I’ve never -heard of, do you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick smiled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I doubt it,” he returned. “I never had but one, -and he looks less like me than you do. Perhaps somewhere -back in the dark ages our ancestors were the -same. My name is Merriwell, by the bye.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The other gave a sudden start and a look of chagrin -flashed over his face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Merriwell!” he exclaimed. “Dick Merriwell, of -Yale! Of course. If I wasn’t the thickest sort of a -blockhead that ever walked, I’d have caught on before.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The Yale man looked puzzled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It isn’t possible we’ve ever met before,” he said -quickly. “You’re not the sort of man I’d be likely to -forget in a hurry.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The stranger laughed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“We’ve never met, though I’ve tried to meet you a -number of times,” he laughed. “But I’ve seen you -more than once. I can’t think why I didn’t recognize -you at once. I suppose it’s because I’ve never had a -really good, close look at you before. It has always -been a long-distance glimpse from the bleachers or the -grand stand out on the athletic field, and you know how -football paraphernalia disguises a fellow.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“By Jove! I’m glad I was Johnny-on-the-spot just -now, even if I did nearly knock you down. My name -is Austin Demarest, and I certainly am glad to meet -you.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He held out a slim, brown hand with such an air of -pleasure and camaraderie that Merriwell could not help -a feeling of satisfaction as he clasped it in his own.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“And I you, Mr. Demarest,” he returned quickly. -“I have a notion that I could like you a lot if I ever -had a chance. Perhaps that sounds rather conceited, -though.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Sort of in the nature of self-praise, eh?” chuckled -Demarest. “It would be tough if a fellow couldn’t -get along pretty well with himself, wouldn’t it?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Unconsciously they had turned and were walking -slowly along Chapel Street. Each one seemed unable -to refrain from throwing occasional swift glances at -the other, as if to satisfy himself that the odd resemblance -was really a concrete fact and not some chance -figment of the imagination.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Presently their eyes met and both burst out laughing.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It doesn’t seem right,” chuckled Demarest. “I -can’t get used to looking at you as if I were gazing at -a mirror.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Nor I,” Merriwell agreed. “What sport we could -have if you were only in the university. I can conjure -up all sorts of attractive possibilities.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Such as substitution in lecture rooms?” suggested -Demarest slyly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Not so much that as the fun we could have outside,” -Dick answered. “By the way, what was the -reason you wanted to meet me so much?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Demarest did not answer at once. His face clouded -and the laughter died out of his eyes. It was as if -the question had recalled to his mind something disagreeable -which had, for the moment, been forgotten. -Twice he glanced hesitatingly at Merriwell in a troubled, -doubtful sort of way as one who does not know -quite what course to pursue.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s a rather long story,” he said, at length; “and -yet I think I’d like to tell it, if you have time to listen. -Have you got anything on for a couple of hours? -Couldn’t you come in and lunch with me?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He made a quick gesture toward the New Haven -House, at the entrance to which they had stopped an -instant before.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why, yes,” Dick returned readily, “I’ll be very -glad to. I was on my way to the dining hall, but -this will be much better.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Demarest’s face cleared.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Good,” he said tersely. “I’m in the deuce of a -hole, and perhaps you can help me out of it. Even -if you can’t, there’s always a certain satisfaction in -pouring one’s woes into a sympathetic ear.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick smiled as they entered the hotel lobby and -walked toward the cloakroom.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What makes you so sure my ear will be sympathetic?” -he asked. “You may get a terrible disappointment.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I guess not,” Demarest returned quickly. “We look -so much alike that the resemblance can’t possibly stop -at that. And I’m so blamed sorry for myself that -sometimes I could fairly weep at my own misfortunes. -Haven’t you felt sad sometimes without knowing -the reason why?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell nodded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Once in a while, yes.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I knew it!” Demarest exclaimed. “Those were the -times when I was being more severely mauled by the -Goddess of Misfortune than usual. Sort of mental -telepathy, you know. But come, let’s not waste any -more precious minutes. I fairly pine to let loose the -floodgates of self-confession, and over there in the -corner I see an empty table which had been saved for -us by a special dispensation of providence.”</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XVI<br /> <br /><span class='small'>AUSTIN DEMAREST, ACTOR.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>As Dick settled down on one side of the cozy little -table near one of the windows and unfolded his napkin -he felt a pleasant glow of satisfaction stealing over -him. Short as was their acquaintance, he already felt -a distinct liking for the man opposite him, whose handsome -face still impressed him with the odd sensation -of looking into a mirror and seeing his own countenance -reflected there.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The fellow was very evidently a gentleman by birth -and breeding. That had been plain from the first moment -of their unconventional meeting. His manners -were unexceptionable, and he had a certain air of -polished refinement which was manifest to Merriwell’s -keen perception in a dozen unobtrusive ways.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But more than all else the Yale man was attracted -by the other’s manner of talking. Whimsical, half -bantering, almost careless, there was yet about it an -undercurrent of seriousness, which gave the barest -hint of the real man beneath that disguising mask -and made Dick eager for a more thorough knowledge -of the character which he felt would prove more interesting -by far than that of the majority of men.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Demarest picked up the card and ordered luncheon -with the swiftness and taste of a connoisseur. He -evidently had the rare art of selecting an attractive -meal without spending a half hour at it. Then, folding -his arms loosely, he leaned forward.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Let’s begin at the beginning,” he said with twinkling -eyes. “That sounds a little unnecessary, I know, -but so few people really do begin a story where they -ought. Probably you’ve noticed it, though. For instance, -I am strongly tempted to plunge headfirst into -the maelstrom of my troubles, and it is only by a -strong effort of will that I bring myself to begin where -I ought to lead you gradually thence to a consideration -of the worst.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>While he was talking, Dick became conscious of -the remarkable beauty and purity of his voice. His -tones were rather low, and he spoke with just a hint -of the fascinating Southern drawl; but every syllable -was clear and distinct, and now and then there was a -sudden raising or lowering of the pitch which had a -distinctly dramatic effect. Merriwell found himself -thinking what an admirable actor the man would make, -if his histrionic ability only matched his voice. He was -consequently almost startled when Demarest went on:</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Know, kind second self, that I am an actor. From -my earliest days I longed to tread the magic boards -and pour out my soul to vast applauding audiences -through the medium of our immortal dramatists. At -the age of twelve I had learned the parts of <i>Hamlet</i> and -<i>Brutus</i>. Can you fancy it? Two years later I had -built a puppet stage in the attic of our country home -and organized a company of which I was, of course, -the star. In times of need and scarcity of talent, I -have been known to play several parts in one performance. -The admission to those matchless performances -was, I recollect, a penny. You will perceive -that those were the good old days before the -trust came upon us and before the régime of the -ubiquitous ticket speculator.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick smiled appreciatively. There was something -fascinating in the fellow’s whimsical, airy manner.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But why linger on those far-away times?” Demarest -went on quickly. “I only touch upon them that -you may see beyond peradventure that I was destined -for the stage. Sad to say, my esteemed family thought -otherwise. What was cute and cunning in a child became -mad folly—in their estimation—when I reached -the age of manhood and still persisted in my determination. -I haunted the theatre, breathing in the indescribable -atmosphere of the place as if it were the -nectar and ambrosia of the gods. Then my people -became seriously alarmed and packed me off to Cambridge. -At first I was in despair and planned to run -away, but in the end I stuck it out and I have always -been thankful. Unknown to my family, who thought -I was following the old-fashioned, stereotyped course, -I specialized in elocution, English literature, and the -modern languages, which have been of inestimable -service to me ever since.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He paused, as the waiter appeared with the first -course and deftly placed it before the two men. Dick -was much interested in the recital.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Of course you persisted in your determination to -go on the stage,” he said quickly. “I imagine you had -a rather strenuous time after you graduated.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Demarest sighed and made an expressive gesture -with his shapely, brown hands.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Precisely,” he returned. “Over that let us draw a -veil. I won out in the end, but it was only by a display -of the utmost firmness. My father called it pigheadedness. -To this day they are not reconciled, -though I fancy they are beginning to be resigned.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I took a course in the best dramatic school in New -York, and, when I left that, got a minor position in -the company of one of our leading actor dramatists. -It was the merest trifle. I think I had barely half a -dozen lines, but I was rejoiced, for it was a foothold. -I had reached the bottom rung of the ladder up which -I meant to climb to the very top. I worked hard. -Before the company left New York I had mastered -half a dozen rôles and was letter-perfect. I had a -fancy that I could not improve on several of them, -but my chance did not come until we were playing in -Chicago, where the leading juvenile was suddenly -seized with appendicitis. He had no understudy—happily -for me. I went at once to Mr. Manton and boldly -asked for the part. To my astonishment, almost without -word, he agreed to try me out at a rehearsal. I -found out afterward that he had been keeping an eye -on me ever since I entered the company. He was -the best friend I ever had.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He stopped, took a few sips of his bouillon, and -leaned back in his chair.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You made good?” Dick questioned eagerly. “But -of course you must have.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thanks to Mr. Manton, I did,” returned Demarest. -“He took infinite pains with me, as he always did -with any one he thought worth the trouble. I kept that -part for the remainder of the season, and the next fall -I had one almost as good, though of a totally different -sort. Then came my patron’s sudden death. It -was a terrible blow to me, quite apart from the fact -that I was thrown out of a job; for I had grown to be -amazingly fond of him. But I had little time for repining. -I had to find something to do and it did not -prove to be so easy as I had supposed. It was then -that I had my first experience with the so-called theatrical -trust, the members of which control many of -the companies and theatres, in this country.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“At last I landed a job, but it was a good deal of a -come-down both in salary and importance. But even -under their auspices I kept on going slowly upward -until I reached a point which would have contented -most men. Perhaps it should have contented me, but -I knew I hadn’t reached the very top, and that I was -determined to do, or perish in the attempt.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“About that time—which was last fall, to be explicit—I -suddenly decided to write a play. The germ -had been in my mind for a long period, but I lacked -the time to follow it out. Happily the company disbanded -earlier than usual last spring, and I at once -set to work on my pet idea. I succeeded even better -than I had hoped, for the play was good stuff and -the leading part a crackajack.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He paused and smiled at Merriwell.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“This is the point where you step upon the stage,” -he went on. “It’s taken a long time to get there, -hasn’t it?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick’s face was full of puzzled curiosity.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You are the hero of the play,” Demarest explained, -with twinkling eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I?” gasped the Yale man. “I don’t understand.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The actor pushed aside his salad and rested one arm -lightly on the table.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s this way,” he said, in his low, musical voice. -“Though I had never met you, I had heard a lot about -you from mutual friends and had seen you more than -once on the diamond and gridiron. Consequently, -when I decided that the play should be one of college -life with the scene laid in New Haven, I felt that you -would make an admirable character for the leading -man. Of course, I ran you in under a different name, -but I took the liberty of using a good many of your -characteristics, and while I wrote I had you constantly -in mind. I hope you don’t object, for it was rather -cheeky.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell laughed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why, no, I don’t mind; but I’m afraid you’ve -been stung. There’s nothing of the hero about me.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, modesty, thou rare and precious quality!” -murmured Demarest. “I’ve made a hero of you, then, -against your will. When you’ve read the play you will -see yourself in a different light. But I suppose by -this time you, are wondering where my troubles -come in.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“A little,” Dick confessed. “So far your career -seems to have been an unqualified success.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Listen, and you shall hear the dire story. Having -the play, it never occurred to me that I could fail to -find an opening. Plenty of actors with no more ability -than I have been advanced to stellar rôles. That -sounds conceited, but it isn’t. It’s a fact. But when -I approached my managers, Buffer and Lane, with the -proposition, they turned me down. Said the play was -all right and wanted to buy it, but wouldn’t give me -the leading part. They wanted that for one of their -pets. Of course, I refused to let them have it and -went to another firm, who were not supposedly connected -with Buffer and Lane.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It was the same story there. Nothing doing for -me. I tried still another man with the same result, -and then I got mad. If they wouldn’t bring me out -I’d produce the play myself. I knew it would make -a hit if it got a chance, and I had lately received a -legacy from my grandmother, which was enough to -cover all initial expenses of the production. So I -went blithely on my way, had the scenery done, engaged -the company, got the costumes made. I went -to one of the independent managers in New York -and got him to promise to put me on at his theatre -providing the play tried out successfully. And he -insisted that the opening performance should be given -in New Haven. Of course, he was right. College men -are the best critics in the world, and if a play, especially -of this sort, succeeds here, it will go anywhere.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick nodded understandingly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Of course,” he agreed quickly. “What’s your trouble, -then? Why don’t you produce it at one of the -small theatres?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Demarest shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Simply because Buffer and Lane object, and the -trust, booking Buffer and Lane’s companies, has lent -an acquiescent ear. They absolutely refuse to give -me a single date at either place. They say every -night is booked for the remainder of the season.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What nonsense!” Merriwell exclaimed. “Surely -there must be some open nights.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Of course there are,” Demarest returned quickly. -“But not for yours truly. Don’t you see their game? -If they can prevent my appearing in New Haven, they -figure that I won’t get a show anywhere, and then -they probably imagine that I’ll crawl and let them have -the play.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick’s face flushed and his eyes flashed angrily.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What a lot of sharks they must be!” he exclaimed. -“By Jove! I wish you could find some place they don’t -control and beat them out at their own game.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You can’t wish it any more fervently than I do,” -Demarest returned seriously.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Have you tried the Strand?” Merriwell asked presently.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The actor nodded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, and was politely but firmly turned down.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>For a few minutes there was silence. Demarest -toyed with his ice, while Merriwell gazed thoughtfully -at the tablecloth. Suddenly he raised his head -and his eyes brightened.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’ve got it!” he exclaimed eagerly. “The old -Concert Hall. I’ll bet none of the New York managers -control that!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Demarest looked dubious.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“The Concert Hall!” he echoed. “But that’s got a—a—well, -a reputation, hasn’t it?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, it has,” Dick admitted, “but I don’t see why -that should stand in your way. If it was made clear -that you were unable to bring out a play at any of -the other houses, I don’t think people would stay -away on account of the reputation of that house. Certainly -the fellows wouldn’t. They go to see everything -in the nature of college plays which comes to -town. I admit that, more often than not, they go -with the idea of picking flaws in the piece, but if it’s -what you say it is, it ought to succeed. At any rate, -you’d have your audience, and it would be up to you -to do the rest.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Demarest’s eyes brightened and he nodded emphatically.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You can trust me for that,” he said decidedly. “All -I want is the audience. The play’s all right. Buffer -and Lane would never have made an offer for it if it -hadn’t been pretty good. I don’t know but that idea -of yours will prove a life saver, Merriwell. I was -just about at my wit’s end, but you’ve put new heart -into me.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Summoning the waiter, he paid the check, and they -walked out to the lobby.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I believe I’ll go down there right away,” Demarest -said, after a moment’s consideration. “It’s the only -chance left, and I have got to decide one way or another -at once. It isn’t fair for me to keep the company -on a string any longer if there’s not going to be -an opportunity of opening here. Won’t you come -along with me? You’ve started the thing going, and -it’s only fair to see me through.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Of course I will,” Dick said quickly. “I’m so -keen about it, I don’t want to miss a single trick.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Getting into their coats, they hurried out of the -hotel and five minutes later had reached the old Concert -Hall. It was a house of good size and in its prime had -been the scene of many well-known productions, but -for years having been given over to vaudeville, moving -pictures, and shows of a certain grade, it was in a -wretched state of dinginess.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Demarest was almost discouraged as he stood in the -centre of the orchestra and looked about him. The -place seemed utterly impossible, but presently his -trained eye took in the various good points, which included -an ample stage, though, at present, it was cluttered -with odds and ends and backed with faded, -crude, fearfully painted scenery.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Pretty bad, isn’t it?” he remarked. “I can’t imagine -a high-grade audience consenting to spend three -hours here.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“All the same,” Dick said quickly, “a little work -will make a wonderful improvement. How’s the stage? -Is it big enough?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Plenty. My sets will fit all right, but I shudder -to think what that drop curtain looks like.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He smiled wryly as he glanced up at the rolled-up -curtain.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’ve never seen it, but I should imagine it was -the limit,” Merriwell answered. “Couldn’t it be -painted over, or something like that?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I suppose so.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>After another searching look around, Demarest led -the way through a door back of the boxes to the stage -itself. It certainly was dilapidated, and the dressing -rooms were cramped and bad, but the young actor -was at his wit’s end; and when he left the place an -hour later he had engaged the house for Thursday -night of that week, had the signed lease in his pocket -and, more than that, had paid the money down. He -had learned to leave nothing to chance. He had a feeling -that the moment the members of the trust learned -of the step he had taken they would do their best to -prevent his opening even at the Concert Hall, and he -was determined that they should not succeed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>That afternoon was a busy one. Before dark, Demarest -had engaged an army of cleaners, scrubwomen, -and painters, to report the first thing in the morning -at the theatre. He had gone to the printer’s and ordered -special paper printed in which was stated that, -owing to the impossibility of obtaining a date at any -other theatre, Austin Demarest, the talented young -actor who had done such good work in the productions -of the late Richard Manton, and latterly under the -management of Buffer and Lane, was forced to bring -out his new drama of college life, “Jarvis of Yale,” -at the Concert Hall, which had been especially renovated -and redecorated for the occasion.</p> - -<p class='c002'>These bills were to be spread broadcast on the boards -all over the city the next morning, and when Demarest -reached the hotel toward five o’clock he had reason to -be thoroughly satisfied with the afternoon’s work.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell had accompanied him on his rounds -through the city. His interest and enthusiasm were -wrought to a high pitch, and his suggestions on various -points had been of much service to the actor.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It certainly was a lucky moment when I ran you down -this morning,” Demarest said, as they dropped down -in some chairs in the lobby. “I was simply up against -a dead wall, and now things seem to be coming around -all right, thanks to your advice and suggestions. I -really think we’ll be able to make a halfway decent -place out of the old barn. Of course it won’t be anything -like one of the other houses, but it will be clean.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“And the best part of it is that you will get ahead -of the fellows who have tried to keep you under,” Dick -said quickly. “It makes me hot under the collar every -time I think of the way they’ve tried to keep you down -so that they can get the play for themselves. By the -way, old fellow, I hope you have a copy of it here. I’m -no end anxious to read it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“And I want you to,” Demarest returned emphatically. -“I want your critical opinion of it. I expect -there’s a lot of places in it where you can suggest improvements. -I’ll give you a copy before you go to-night, -and you can read it and let me know what you -think of it in the morning.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>As he spoke, he picked up a newspaper which lay -on the next chair and glanced carelessly down the -columns. Suddenly he stiffened and drew a quick -breath.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Blazes!” he burst out the next instant.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What’s the matter?” Dick asked quickly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Demarest’s face was set and a little pale. He was -evidently keeping a grip on himself only by a great -effort.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Look at that!” he cried, extending the paper. “Just -look at that, will you? If that isn’t a put-up job, I’d -like to know what you’d call it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick snatched the paper from his nervous fingers -and bent over the page. As he read the paragraph -which the actor had pointed out, his eyes narrowed -and a frown appeared on his forehead.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Friday—Arcadian Theatre,” he murmured swiftly, -“first production on any stage—John Tennant’s great -drama of college life, ‘Fenwick of Yale’—management -Ralph Bryton.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Great Scott!” Merriwell exclaimed, looking up -swiftly. “They’re trying to get ahead of you! Trying -to cut you out by producing a college play with -almost exactly the same name! What a dirty trick!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Read the rest of it!” Demarest exclaimed angrily.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Unable to contain himself, he took the paper from -Dick’s hand.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Listen: ‘Great football scene. Nothing like it -ever shown on the stage.’ My scene, Merriwell, I’ll -wager anything! ‘Tremendously strong third act.’ -My third act is the climax of the play! ‘The whole -play from start to finish is so true to life, and so filled -with the atmosphere of a real college town, that the -spectator will find it hard to believe he is not watching -a concrete segment taken directly from the life -in the greatest university in America. The management -has been fortunate in securing the services of -the following actors and actresses for this important -production.’”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Crumpling the paper in a shapeless mass, Demarest -tossed it angrily aside.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’d be willing to take my oath, Merriwell,” he -said bitterly, “that those villains have stolen the very -plot of my play; or, if they haven’t, they’ve got something -which follows as close on the lines of ‘Jarvis, of -Yale,’ as they dared, and still be within the law. They -open Friday, you see. I did not intend having my -first night until next Monday, until we got the Concert -Hall to-day, so they thought they’d get ahead of -me. Great Scott, man! If they put their play on -first, there wouldn’t be a handful come to my opening. -It would be the greatest frost you ever saw.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But you’re all right,” Dick said eagerly. “You -open Thursday. They’ll be the ones to get the frost.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m not so sure about that,” Demarest said, in a -worried tone. “People seeing a college play billed at -the Arcadian for Friday are not likely to go to such -a hole as the Concert Hall the night before for practically -the same thing. They’ll think that I am the one -who is copying their play, and Ralph Bryton will do -his best to have that impression circulated. He hates -me like poison and has been the one more responsible -than any one else for the trust turning me down.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Suddenly the actor gave a start.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“The paper!” he cried. “I never thought! They’ll -get theirs out ahead of ours, and there won’t be a -square foot of boarding left by the time mine are -printed in the morning.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But they don’t know about what you’ve done to-day,” -Dick objected. “They don’t know you’ve hired -the Concert Hall.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“They’ll find out quick enough when they go to -Lawford in the morning,” Demarest said despairingly. -“He’ll tell them about my bills. The printer won’t -have them ready until ten o’clock, and they’ll pay Lawford -a bonus to put theirs up instead of mine. I know -them and their tricks. And if the town isn’t well -papered, we might as well give up on the spot.”</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XVII<br /> <br /><span class='small'>THE POWER OF PERSUASION.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>It seemed as if this final catastrophe was the last -straw which broke the camel’s back. Austin Demarest -had held out bravely against the many blows which -fickle fortune had showered upon him. He had deliberately -placed himself in opposition to a great power, -and, with smiling face and never-failing courage, had -resolutely held out against their machinations.</p> - -<p class='c002'>They had shut the doors of most reputable theatres -against him, and he had circumvented them. They -had threatened members of the theatrical profession -with their displeasure if any of them agreed to play -for Demarest, but in spite of that, the young actor had -gathered together a very fair company, many of whom -had signed with him knowing full well that they were -spoiling their chances with the syndicate, but trusting -to the talented, magnetic young actor-manager to pull -things through. The leading lady, Marion Gray, had -refused an offer from Buffer and Lane of twice the -money Demarest was able to give her, but it was rumored -that she was so attached to the latter that she -would have played for him without any salary at all. -Demarest himself seemed to be the only one of the -company who had not observed the significant signs -on the part of the very attractive young lady, and had -gone on his way seeming serenely unconscious of the -state of affairs.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But now this last blow had utterly unnerved him. -It was so totally unexpected and had come at a time -when he had at last begun to see light through the dark -clouds, that it was no wonder he was discouraged. -There seemed to be no way by which he could come -out ahead this time, and he sat there in the big leather -chair, a feeling of hopeless failure in his heart.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick Merriwell was not so easily downed. He -snatched out his watch and, with a swift glance at it, -sprang to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Come on, old fellow,” he said incisively. “We -haven’t got a minute to lose.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Demarest stood up slowly, instinctively. His eyes -were puzzled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What——” he began.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick caught him by the arm and drew him toward -the door.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hustle!” he cried. “Don’t stop to argue!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But where——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“The printer’s!” broke in Merriwell. “We’ve got -to get those bills done to-night!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>By this time they were outside the hotel and hurrying -down the street. Though he did not quite see -what his new friend had in mind, Demarest was unconsciously -heartened by the Yale man’s decisive manner, -and hope began to dawn again in his breast.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You can’t give up now,” urged Merriwell, as they -dodged around a corner and went down the side street -almost at a run. “You’ve got to beat them. You’ve -got your regular paper ready. We must get this -special work printed and placed before morning. It’s -the only way. It’s simply got to be done!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But how can you?” objected the actor. “The -printers won’t stay over hours. Lawford won’t put -them up in the dark.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“We can try,” Dick ripped out. “If he won’t put -them up, somebody else can. It’s a question of your -whole future; you can’t lay down now.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Little by little, under the dominating influence of -Merriwell’s personality, Demarest’s courage returned -and his face brightened. They reached the printing -house just as the whistle blew and, dashing upstairs, -encountered a swarm of men hurrying down.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Stop a minute, fellows, will you?” Dick said -quickly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The men paused, a wondering throng, on the stairs. -They could see Merriwell’s face but dimly in the light -from the single flaring gas jet.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That order for the bills of the ‘Jarvis of Yale’ -production at the Concert Hall which was brought in -this afternoon,” he said rapidly but distinctly. “Have -they been started yet?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was a moment’s pause, and then a voice from -the back of the crowd growled:</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Ain’t mor’n half set up.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“They’ve got to be done by midnight,” Merriwell -went on swiftly. “It’s a matter of life and death to -my friend, here, boys. He’s simply got to have them -then, or he goes under. Won’t enough of your fellows -stay to-night to get them out? Every one who -helps us out will get a ten-dollar bill.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“The day’s work is done,” grumbled one man. “I -ain’t goin’ ter work no overtime.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Me neither,” growled another.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why in thunder didn’t yer bring ’em in this morning, -if yer wanted ’em in such a rush?” snapped a -third.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I wants me supper.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was a restless, forward movement of the -crowd, eager to be gone, and Demarest groaned softly. -In that single instant he saw his well-laid plans crumbling -into nothingness, his fortune swept away, himself -ruined. Then Merriwell began to speak again.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Just a minute, boys, till I tell you a little more,” -he said quickly. “My friend is an actor who has got -the theatrical trust down on him. He wanted to bring -out his play in New Haven, at the Arcadian. They -wouldn’t let him have that theatre—nor any other in -town. They shut him out, but they forgot the old -Concert Hall. That’s why the show is coming off there. -And now the trust is going to put a play on at the -Arcadian Friday night which is as near my friend’s -play as they can make it. They think they’ll get ahead -of him and make him draw a frost. If these bills -aren’t up before daybreak that’s what will happen. -Won’t you fellow change your minds and help us?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He had chosen his argument skillfully. The mention -of a trust to the average workingman is like a red -flag to a bull. They hated the thought of these monstrous -creations of modern commerce, and perhaps -there was reason for that hate. At any rate, the prospect -of foiling a great combination of capital was the -only thing which could possibly have induced those -printers to work overtime that night, and even at that -their consent was rather grudging.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, if yer puts it that way,” one said hesitatingly. -“I s’pose I kin stay. How about it, Bill?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’ll stay if you will.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Say, mister,” piped up a small boy, one of the -devils, “who are you, anyhow?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Dick Merriwell,” the Yale man answered.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Golly!” exclaimed the youngster, open-mouthed. -“The twirler! What d’yer think of dat, Pete?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He grinned engagingly at Merriwell.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’ll help yer out, Dick,” he said impudently.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Good boy, kid,” the Yale man laughed. “You’re -the stuff, all right.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>That seemed to be the turning point. Many of the -men knew Merriwell, who was a popular idol among -all classes of baseball fans, and the prospect of doing -him a good turn, and at the same time thwarting a -trust, so appealed to the men that the majority of -them turned about and went back to the printing -rooms.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The foreman was won over without a great deal of -trouble. He was a thrifty Scotchman, and the prospect -of the twenty dollars which Dick promised him -considerably more than overbalanced the inconvenience -of going without his supper and curtailing his night’s -rest.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Consequently, when Dick and the young actor left -the place half an hour later, the men were all busy -setting up the bills, which would be ready for the -presses in very short order.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The two stopped at a near-by restaurant and ordered -a good supply of sandwiches and coffee sent up to the -printers, and then hustled off to find Lawford, the -billposter.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“By Jove, old fellow!” Demarest said, as they turned -into Chapel Street again and walked swiftly past the -green. “You certainly did that trick to perfection. -I shall be your debtor all my life for having saved -the situation.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“We’re not out of the wood yet, by a long shot,” -Merriwell returned. “I have a notion that this Lawford -will be more of a proposition to bring around. -By this time he must have the bills of the Arcadian -play, and your friend Bryton has learned about your -leasing the Concert Hall. He’s probably paid Lawford -well for running his bills in ahead of yours.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m afraid so,” Demarest agreed. “But it’s the -limit, when I made the bargain with him first.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Still, Lawford gets all of his business from the -trust, and he can’t afford to have them down on him,” -Dick said. “However, I think we can manage it -some way.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Reaching the billposter’s place of business, they -found that the proprietor had gone, leaving one of his -men to shut up the place.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You don’t know where he can be found, then?” -Dick questioned.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The fellow shook his head.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“He didn’t say. Likely he’s home, though.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Where does he live?” Merriwell asked.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Down to West Haven.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick considered a moment. That was a good ways -off, and it was extremely questionable whether the -results of a trip down there would repay the effort. -He had a pretty accurate notion that the billposter -had been primed by Ralph Bryton. As he hesitated, he -looked swiftly about the office, and his eyes lit up -suddenly as they fell upon the great piles of paper -stacked in one corner. On the top sheet he caught a -glimpse of the words, “Fenwick, of Yale.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>That was enough. Bryton had been here, and it -would be quite useless to approach Lawford.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XVIII<br /> <br /><span class='small'>WHILE OTHERS SLEPT.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>After his discovery of the syndicate bills, Merriwell -turned back and bestowed a brief, but comprehensive -glance at the man before him. He was a young fellow -of medium height, with a rather pleasant face and -fiery-red hair. He was roughly dressed and his faded -overalls were smeared with paste. Dick decided that -he was one of the laborers who did the actual work of -billposting. He seemed like a pretty good sort, and -the Yale man seldom went wrong in sizing up a man. -Still he hesitated, wondering whether he had better -put into execution the plan which was in his mind.</p> - -<p class='c002'>At last he determined to risk it. He could think of -no other way, and the bills must be on the boards before -daylight.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Do you want to earn ten dollars?” he asked presently.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The fellow grinned all over his freckled face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s me, guv’ner,” he replied promptly. “I -sure do.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Would you be willing to stay up all night to do -it?” Merriwell went on.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Sure, Mike!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The Yale man’s eyes wandered to the big buckets -of paste which ranged along the wall.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“How long would it take you to mix up a lot of -paste like that?” he inquired.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The billposter looked puzzled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“About an hour or so,” he returned. “What yer -after?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick smiled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I want about that much ready at twelve o’clock -sharp,” he returned. “I also want three or four big -brushes that you put it on with. Where do you suppose -I could get those?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The fellow waved his hand to where a lot of them -hung in rows against the wall.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What’s the matter with them?” he inquired. “The -old man’ll never miss ’em if you get ’em back by -six o’clock. He’s got a big job on for to-morrer, an’ -he’s going to start at six.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I don’t want to use his brushes,” Dick said quickly. -“Isn’t there some place around town where I could -buy some?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The billposter shook his head.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Not as I knows of,” he answered. “Them brushes -is made special.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell hesitated for a moment. Then he shrugged -his shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“All right,” he said, “we’ll use those, then. I can -pay Lawford well for the use of them after the business -is over. Got that straight, now? Have the paste -and brushes ready for me at midnight. We’d better -take a couple of those small ladders, too. And -you are to stay here till we bring the things back. -See?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The fellow nodded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yep. But, say, guv’ner, this here ain’t goin’ to do -me no harm with the boss, is it?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Not unless you tell him yourself about it,” the Yale -man answered. “I promise you no one will ever get it -from me, but I’ll be frank with you——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He paused, and looked inquiringly at the fellow.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Brown’s me name,” the latter informed him. “Bill -Brown.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, Bill,” Dick continued, “I may as well tell you -that if Lawford ever found out that you had made -paste for me, and loaned me his brushes, he would -probably fire you on the spot. But, as I say, I don’t -see how he’s going to find it out. I’ll leave the money -for the brushes, and all the rest, in his desk, and he’ll -have no way of knowing where it came from.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Brown hesitated, apparently turning the matter over -in his mind. Presently he looked up.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Make it fifteen, and I’m your man,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick smiled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’ll go you one better. It’s worth twenty to me, -and here’s half of it now.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He handed the fellow a ten-dollar bill.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“T’anks, guv’ner,” Brown said fervently. “You’re -a sure-enough gent. I’ll have the stuff ready fur you -at eleven. Might a bloke ask what you’re going to do -with it?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I reckon I’d better not tell you, Bill,” Merriwell -smiled. “Then you won’t be forced to hide anything -more than necessary.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>As soon as they were out of the building, Demarest -gave vent to his enthusiasm.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“By Jove, Merriwell!” he exclaimed admiringly. -“You certainly have got a great head. You remind -me of a general laying out the details of a campaign. -What’s the next step?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick chuckled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Get enough of the fellows to put up the bills,” he -explained.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Demarest roared with laughter.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Great,” he gasped; “simply great! That’s a master -stroke, getting Yale students to turn billposters! But, -say, will they do it, do you think?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Do it!” Dick echoed. “They’ll fairly fall over -themselves to get the chance. Perhaps you Cambridge -boys were too staid for this sort of diversion, -but I don’t think I shall have any difficulty persuading -some of my friends, especially when it’s in such a -righteous cause.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>It took but a short time to reach the campus, and -Dick led the way up the stairs of Durfee, taking the -steps three at a time, while Demarest followed him -more slowly. Bursting into his room, he found quite -a crowd of fellows there, who at once set up a shout -at the sight of him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“By thunder!” Brad Buckhart, his roommate, exclaimed. -“It’s about time you showed up, you old -maverick. Had us worrying our heads clean off wondering -whether Harvard had roped you.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes,” put in Eric Fitzgerald. “We were just about -to organize a posse to hunt you up. Where’ve you——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He broke off abruptly, his eyes fastened with a look -of horror on the entering Demarest, while he threw -out both hands as if to ward off something unspeakably -awful.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Take him away!” he gasped, rolling his eyes ceilingward. -“This is dreadful! I haven’t had a drink -in weeks, and yet I see two Merriwells. It’s worse -than snakes! For heaven sakes, somebody take one of -’em away!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Exclamations of astonishment arose from the other -fellows at the sight of the amazing resemblance between -the two men.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Stop your nonsense, Fitz!” Dick admonished. -“Fellows, this is my friend, Austin Demarest, who is -going to bring out a corking Yale play here next -Thursday.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What’s the relation, pard?” Buckhart grinned, as -he shook hands with the actor. “You sure had me -guessing for a minute.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Me, too,” put in Rudolph Rose. “It’s the greatest -thing I ever saw.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“None whatever,” Dick explained. “I met Mr. -Demarest for the first time this morning, but I can -assure you he’s the goods, all right.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fitzgerald withdrew his gaze from the ceiling, with -a profound sigh of relief.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Delighted to meet you,” he said fervently, as he -clasped Demarest’s hand. “For a moment I had a -horrid thought—— However, we won’t dwell on -that. Jove! I can’t get used to the two of you yet.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>After everybody had met the stranger, and the -crowd settled down to comparative quiet, Dick took -the floor.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“We’ve got a ticklish job on hand to-night, boys,” -he said earnestly, “and I want your help. Demarest -has a dandy play, which he has got to bring out in -New Haven. He’s up against the trust, and they -won’t let him have a decent theatre, so he’s taken the -old Concert Hall. We thought everything was settled -all right this afternoon, but now it appears that the -trust has a play as nearly like Demarest’s as possible, -even to the name, which they are going to shove into -the Arcadian on Friday. It’s a put-up job, you see, -to give him a frost. They’ve hired Lawford to cover -the boards with their bills to-morrow morning, though -Demarest had a previous understanding with the fellow -that his paper would go up as soon as it was -printed. We’ve persuaded the printers to work overtime, -and the bills will be ready at midnight. Now, -what I want to do is to get them on the boards before -daylight. Also every dead wall we can get the privilege -on. Catch on?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You bet!” exclaimed Fitz joyfully. “You want us -to turn billposters.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Exactly,” Dick nodded. “How about it?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Of course we will!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Great!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Gee! What a circus that will be!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Bring on your bills, pard, and we’ll get ’em up or -perish in the attempt.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The assent was perfectly unanimous. Every one -seemed to think it a great lark, and was eager for the -fun to commence. But there was still two hours before -the bills would be ready, so Dick took the opportunity -of giving the boys a more comprehensive sketch -of what Demarest was up against, and the troubles he -had had to get a hearing for the play.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The fellows were all much interested, and then and -there they resolved themselves into an informal committee -of six to spread the news throughout the university, -and collect as large an audience as possible for -Thursday night.</p> - -<p class='c002'>About eleven o’clock they all sallied forth in high -spirits, and made at once for the printing establishment. -Here they found that the presses were all running full -blast, and the bills close to completion. The foreman -assured Dick that the last one would be run off in -about half an hour, so the latter dispatched Buckhart -to see if he couldn’t find some sort of a vehicle in -which they could transport the paper. That was the -one point on which he had slipped up. He had expected -that they would be able to carry the bills, but a -sight of the volume already printed showed him at once -that this was impossible.</p> - -<p class='c002'>While Buckhart was gone, Merriwell and Demarest -paid all the men off, and thanked them heartily for the -help they had given, besides presenting each of them -with two tickets for the show.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Precisely at half-past eleven the last bill was run off, -the great presses stopped, and the printers grabbed -up coats and hats, and hurried out of the place. The -foreman remained a few minutes to show Dick which -were the large bills to be posted up, and which the -smaller posters to attach to the colored lithographs for -the store windows, which they proposed distributing -the moment the shops opened in the morning. They -were really counting more on these than the announcements -on the boards, for they felt pretty certain that -the latter would not remain uncovered long, once Lawford -got started with his work for the trust in the -morning. They would be up long enough, however, to -attract considerable attention, and Dick had a little -scheme by which he hoped to circumvent Lawford if -the latter did cover them.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Presently Brad appeared, with the announcement -that he had a cab below, and all hands turned to to -carry the bills downstairs. In the street outside they -found a rather dilapidated specimen of four-wheeler, -which the Texan had picked up at the station, into -which they piled the paper until there was room for -nothing else.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The driver seemed to take it as some college prank, -and, assured of his money, which he had obtained in -advance, looked upon them with a tolerant eye.</p> - -<p class='c002'>At the billposter’s, they found Brown on the alert, -and the paste and brushes ready for them. His eyes -bulged a little when he saw the cab full of paper, but -he asked no questions. He rather hoped that the -night’s work would hit his boss hard, for Lawford -was a hard man to work for, and was cordially hated -by the fellows under him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Several buckets of the paste, the brushes, and two -ladders were wedged into the cab somehow, and then -the fun commenced.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell’s plan of campaign was masterly. He -avoided carefully the central part of the town, in which -the cops were apt to be more or less wide awake, and -proceeded at once to the outskirts, where they could -work undisturbed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Quietly and swiftly, board after board was covered -with the flaring announcements. Many of them were -slapped on crooked, and several times they got the -different sections misplaced, so that the bottom part -came first, but Demarest was rather pleased at that -than otherwise. He thought it would attract more attention -than if they had been put on with the customary -skill and regularity.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The fellows were having the time of their lives. Before -long they were smeared with paste from head to -foot, but that did not matter. They slathered the -bills on as if their lives depended on their speed, and -the little spice of risk—for the cops were pretty sure -to question such proceedings if they got onto the game—only -added to the enjoyment.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Working with the utmost method, they slowly circled -the town, approaching nearer and nearer to the -central zone of danger. Several times they had narrow -escapes, but they always managed to pull out -before the cops actually caught them, though more -than once they were obliged to run, leaving only the -top section of the bill affixed to the board. It is safe -to say, however, that those incomplete sections, breaking -off abruptly in the middle of the announcement, -attracted more attention from the passers-by in the -morning, and stimulated their curiosity to a much -greater extent than anything else.</p> - -<p class='c002'>At last they reached Chapel Street, just opposite the -campus, and here Fitz conceived the audacious scheme -of putting one of their bills on the board in front of -the Arcadian Theatre. This was carrying the war -into the enemy’s camp with a vengeance, but Dick at -once perceived the advertising value of such a thing, -and they proceeded to plan it with care.</p> - -<p class='c002'>An officer’s beat took in Chapel Street between York -and Orange, a matter of five blocks. Merriwell stationed -the cab well around the corner on High Street, -and then carried the paste and one of the bills into a -doorway nearer the corner. There they thoroughly -pasted the first part of the bill, while Buckhart, keeping -watch at the corner, gave the word when the cop -was well away from the front of the theatre.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As soon as the coast was clear, Dick and Fitz dashed -out, carrying the pasted sheet between them, while -Rudolph Rose came along with the brush. A few deft -dabs with the latter served to fix the paper to the -board, and then they darted into concealment again, to -await another round on the part of the officer.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He passed the billboard the first time without noticing -the change, but on his return trip, he seemed to be -attracted by the unfinished look of the thing.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Begorrah!” the listening fellows heard him mutter. -“It’s careless Johnny Lawford’s min is gettin’ to be. -Runnin’ off an’ l’avin’ the board half done. ‘Jarvis of -Yale.’ A foine show’, I doubt not.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The moment his back was turned, the next sheet -was added to the board, and the announcement completed. -The fellows did not stay to hear the officer’s -comments on his return trip. But they laughed gleefully -as they pictured his astonishment when he saw, -the bill of a Concert Hall production before the Arcadian -Theatre.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was nearly five o’clock when the empty pails and -brushes were returned to the billposter’s establishment. -Bill Brown promptly hung the latter in their -place, washed out the pails, and put them away. Then, -locking the door, he departed with a hearty good -night, one hand clutching two crisp ten-dollar notes, -thrust deep in his trousers pocket.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The Yale men accompanied Demarest to the hotel, -and helped him carry in what remained of the bills. -Then they left him, and made their way to their various -quarters in high glee at the success of the night’s -work.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XIX<br /> <br /><span class='small'>THE RAGE OF RALPH BRYTON.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>A good many people in New Haven were surprised -next morning when they read the bills announcing the -production of an apparently decent play at the old -Concert Hall. Some of the older inhabitants harked -back to the good old days, when that was the only -theatre in town, and were thereby moved to read the -bill to the very end, thus becoming interested in the -contest between the young actor-manager and the trust, -which was exactly what Demarest wanted.</p> - -<p class='c002'>John Lawford, the billposter, was more than surprised. -He was puzzled, perplexed, and furiously -angry. He saw at once that Demarest had stolen a -march on him, and he did his best to nullify the -advantage gained, by covering the boards as swiftly as -possible with the announcements of the Arcadian production. -Although he had made a verbal agreement -with the young actor to give his paper space, he was -able to slide out of it because there had been no written -contract, and he dared not disobey the emphatic commands -of Ralph Bryton, on whom his bread and butter -depended.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But all this took time. It was nearly noon before -he had obliterated the greater part of the work of the -Yale students last night, and a good many people had -seen the original bills, and read them through. Their -interest was only stimulated when they noticed them, -one by one, being covered by the announcements of -the trust. It seemed to bear out Demarest’s statement -that he was being hounded by the syndicate men, and -a good many citizens decided on the spot to attend the -performance of “Jarvis of Yale,” and see what it was -like.</p> - -<p class='c002'>While Lawford was working so hard, Austin -Demarest was putting in some equally effective licks. -Bright and early he started out with two boys and a -quantity of lithographing, his regular paper, and in a -very short time had obtained points of vantage in all -the important shop windows, for which he paid on the -spot, and about eleven he returned to the hotel empty-handed, -but with a feeling of intense satisfaction at -having circumvented Ralph Bryton effectually.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He had scarcely entered the lobby before his eyes -fell upon that gentleman himself, and he saw at once -that the representative of the trust was not in the best -sort of humor. He was striding up and down the -floor, pulling his heavy mustache, and scowling fiercely -under beetling brows.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was a man of about forty, heavily built, and a -little inclined toward corpulency. His features were -good, but his expression was domineering, as if he -were accustomed to have his own way, and would -fly into a passion when thwarted.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He had slept late that morning, secure in the consciousness -that he had done a good day’s work, and -effectually prevented the man he hated from having -any sort of a success in New Haven, even if he once -secured a foothold.</p> - -<p class='c002'>After a leisurely breakfast, he took a stroll down the -street, and his astonishment and anger can better be -imagined than described when his eyes fell upon the -announcement which graced the board in front of the -Arcadian Theatre. Lawford had not yet reached that -part of the city.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bryton stormed and raged, and even went so far as -to try and tear the paper off, but the paste had been -well mixed, and his efforts were in vain.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fairly foaming at the mouth, he dashed back to the -hotel, and tried to get Lawford on the telephone, but -no one answered him. He had just come away from -the booth after a second attempt when his eyes fell -upon the smiling face of Austin Demarest, and he -promptly crossed the lobby, and confronted the young -actor.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You young blackguard!” he frothed. “How dare -you put up posters in front of my theatre? How dare -you use any of the boards which I control for your -rotten paper?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Demarest’s eyes narrowed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Just keep a civil tongue in your mouth, Bryton,” -he said coldly. “I suppose it is rather difficult for you -to behave like a gentleman, but a little more of such -talk as that, and I’ll have to hand you something.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The older man glared at his antagonist, and his face -grew purple, but he managed to keep a grip on his -temper, for he realized that his anger had carried him -farther than he had meant.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’ve no right to use the boards in this city, -which I control,” he said, in a calmer tone.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I wasn’t aware that you controlled any of them,” -Demarest returned coolly. “I labored under the impression -that they were the property of John Lawford, -with whom I made arrangements early yesterday -afternoon to post my paper.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bryton gasped.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But I told him not——” he began, and then stopped -abruptly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Exactly,” put in the actor. “You ordered him to -throw me down after he had explicitly agreed to do -my work. That’s like you, Bryton. You can’t blame -me for taking things into my own hands.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bryton’s eyes flashed angrily.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Much good it will do you!” he snapped. “By noon -your stuff will be covered.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Just the same, my purpose will have been accomplished,” -Demarest smiled tauntingly. “People will -have all morning to see the announcements, and then -they will wonder why your paper is plastered over -them. I shall take care that they find out. I have a -friend or two on the New Haven press. You slipped -up on the shop windows, didn’t you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>His voice held a note of malicious satisfaction. The -older man gave a sudden start.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Lawford was to go around after——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Too late,” the actor returned quickly. “I have the -best locations cinched. They’re paid for, and an agreement -signed. If any of them try to take out my lithographs, -or cover them up with yours, I’ll sue for breach -of contract.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>If looks could kill, Demarest would have been slain -on the spot by the ferocious glare from the older man’s -eyes. Bryton knew that he had suffered a serious -check, for the window advertising had always been -considered of equal or greater importance than the -billboards.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He realized, however, that he could accomplish -nothing by going off his head, so he made a great -effort, and managed to get control of his temper.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“After all, I don’t know why I’m going to all this -trouble,” he said sarcastically. “You’re a fool if you -think anybody will go to the Concert Hall. Why, the -place is rotten!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s my business,” Demarest retorted. “I rather -think if you drop in to the opening Thursday night -you’ll be surprised. But I really must tear myself -away. This has been a great pleasure, and I trust I -shall see you again.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Without waiting for an answer, he turned on his -heel, and started toward the door. The next minute -he stopped and looked back.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Can’t I give you a couple of seats for Thursday?” -he smiled. “I should be delighted to have your critical -opinion of the performance.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Bah!” snarled Bryton, his face purpling dangerously.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The young actor shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Too bad you’re feeling that way this morning,” -he said airily. “You really ought to take something—a -bromo seltzer might do.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bryton gazed loweringly after the graceful figure of -the young man as he disappeared through the door.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’ll get you yet, my young cockerel!” he muttered -fiercely. “You think you’ve got the best of Ralph -Bryton, but you’re mistaken. You won’t crow so loud -before I’m through with you.”</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XX<br /> <br /><span class='small'>THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>Happily his work was so arranged that morning that -Dick Merriwell was through for the day at eleven -o’clock. Truth to tell, he might just as well have absented -himself altogether for all the good the lectures -did him, for his mind was so full of the brave struggle -his new friend was making for success that he -gave little thought to anything else.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Chancing upon G. Grossman, editor in chief of the -<i>Comet</i>, he took the opportunity of giving him a full -account of Demarest, his play, and the trouble he was -having to get a hearing. Grossman was much interested, -and promised to write the matter up for the -paper, which was exactly what Dick wanted.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The moment he escaped from the Chemical Lab, he -made his way as quickly as he could to the Concert -Hall, which he found a scene of the utmost bustle and -confusion.</p> - -<p class='c002'>An army of scrubwomen were busy in the auditorium -and balcony; painters were at work on the -boxes, and in various other parts of the house, while -from the flies came the sound of sawing and hammering.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Demarest seemed to be everywhere at once, directing, -advising, joking with the workmen, and generally -hustling things along. His eyes brightened as he saw -Dick.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“The top of the morning to you, Richard!” he cried -from the stage. “You’re a sight for sore eyes. Come -up and hear the news.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Vaulting over the orchestra space, the Yale man -leaped lightly to the stage, and joined his friend.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Demarest narrated with gusto his success in placing -the lithographs, and then went on to tell about the -interview with Bryton.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It was a bitter pill for him to swallow,” he concluded. -“He looked as if he could have knifed me -with all the pleasure in the world. He’s always hated -me like poison, you know, ever since I came to Buffer -and Lane.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What’s he got against you?” Merriwell asked curiously.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Search me,” Demarest returned. “The only reason -I can think of is that I played opposite to Marion -Gray all last season. He’s stuck on her, you know, -and I suppose he got jealous seeing me make love to -her every night, and twice on Saturday. They said he -nearly went off his head when she refused to sign with -them this season, but came to me instead. Marion’s a -jolly good sort, and one of the best leading women in -the country. I was mighty lucky to get her. She’ll be -here with all the rest of the company this afternoon.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick was about to inquire further about Bryton, -when the drays appeared at the stage entrance with -the scenery, which had, up to this time, been left in -the cars on a siding.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I couldn’t rest till I got them safely here,” the -actor explained, as he hurried over to direct the unloading. -“It would be just like Bryton to hire somebody -to slash them up, and ruin them. He’d do anything -to prevent this performance, but I think we have -him in a hole. I’ve got the stuff here before he’s had -time to think.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The arrival of the sets added considerably to the -general confusion, but nothing could daunt Demarest. -In spite of the fact that he had had practically no sleep -the night before, he was in the highest of spirits over -his success, for which he gave Merriwell every credit, -and all afternoon he did not stir from the theatre, -with the result that a tremendous amount of work was -done before the workmen left the place. The young -actor was confident that another two days would see -a remarkable transformation in the dingy edifice.</p> - -<p class='c002'>On account of football practice, Dick could not be -with him after three o’clock, but he stopped at the -theatre on his way back from the field, and found -Demarest on the point of leaving.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Jump in, and I’ll take you back to the hotel,” he -said, without leaving his seat at the wheel of his car. -“How have things gone?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Splendidly!” Demarest exclaimed enthusiastically, -as he stepped into the tonneau. “Another two days -will see everything in first-class shape. The men have -caught on to what I want, and are going at it with a -will, for they understand the need for haste. I shan’t -have to spend so much of my time looking after them -to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Company come yet?” Dick inquired.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes; they arrived at four-fifty,” the actor returned. -“Haven’t seen them yet, but they phoned me from the -hotel. Yes, thanks to you, I think we’re going to pull -through in fine shape.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The car drew up before the New Haven House, and -the actor leaped out.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Come in, won’t you?” he urged. “I’d like to have -you meet the people. They’re a nice lot.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Guess I’d better wait until to-morrow,” Merriwell -said. “We’ve got a football meeting on hand right -after supper, and I’ll have to hustle to get through in -time. I wish you’d let me have that manuscript of the -play you spoke about, though. I want to read it to-night, -if I can manage to stay awake.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Of course!” Demarest exclaimed. “I’d forgotten -all about it. Just wait a second while I get it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He disappeared into the hotel, returning five minutes -later with a square, flat parcel, which he handed to Dick.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“There. Don’t hesitate to blue pencil it wherever -you find any faults,” he said. “We’ll have the dress -rehearsal Thursday morning, and can introduce any -changes then. We’ve rehearsed so much that the people -are all letter-perfect, and there isn’t any need for -holding one until Thursday to give them an idea of this -stage. Well, good night. If you feel as weary as I -do, you’ll sleep like the dead. See you to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell and Buckhart returned his greeting, and -he stood for a moment on the sidewalk, while the car -slid on down the street. Dick had a last, swift glimpse -of his handsome, happy face, with the sensitive lips -curved in a smile of perfect friendliness, and then the -car rounded a corner, and the picture vanished.</p> - -<p class='c002'>If the Yale man could have had any conception of -the extraordinary events which were to take place before -he set eyes on Austin Demarest again, he would -have been amazed beyond measure.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Luckily, however, he was troubled with no premonitions -of evil. He ate his usual hearty supper with -his customary appetite, took part in the football meeting -afterward, and helped decide several important -points relative to the great Yale-Harvard game, which -was coming off the following week. Then he went -promptly back to his rooms, and, getting out the manuscript -of “Jarvis of Yale,” settled himself by the table, -and commenced to read.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Here Buckhart found him an hour later, oblivious to -everything but the typewritten sheets before him. His -lips were parted, his eyes bright, and a faint flush of -excitement was on his cheeks.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The Texan paused in astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“By the great horn spoon!” he ejaculated. “What -in thunder is the matter with you, pard?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Don’t bother me!” muttered Dick, without raising -his eyes. “I’m almost through.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Humph!” grunted Buckhart, dropping into a chair.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Ten minutes later his roommate looked up, with a -sigh.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s a dandy play!” he exclaimed, with satisfaction. -“A perfect corker! If that don’t go with the -people hereabouts, it’ll be because they’re a lot of dead -ones. The part of <i>Lance Jarvis</i> is a peach, but I don’t -see where I come in.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Huh?” questioned the Westerner.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, nothing,” Dick said hastily.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He did not want even Brad to know that Demarest -had taken him as a model for the hero of the play. -Excepting in a few minor points, he could see no resemblance -whatever to himself. The clever young -actor had made <i>Jarvis</i> a wonderfully attractive character, -fascinating, wholly sympathetic, and lovable. -It was what actors term a “fat part,” and, strangely -enough, Demarest had succeeded in hitting Merriwell -off to a T, in spite of the fact that he had never actually -met the Yale man. But Dick, keen as he was in -sizing up the character of another man, would never -see the resemblance in a hundred years. He was too -modest. It seemed to him the height of conceit to -imagine for a moment that he was anything like this -fellow in the play, who had interested and fascinated -him. Consequently he evaded Brad’s question.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“So you think it will go, do you?” the Texan inquired -presently.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I certainly do,” Merriwell answered. “You want -to get all the fellows you can to see it. We must fill -the house full for Demarest.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Buckhart looked a little doubtful.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s got to be pretty darned good, you know, pard,” -he said slowly, “for the boys to keep from guying. -You know how many performances have been broken -up that way.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick stood up, and laid the manuscript on the table.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I know,” he agreed; “but you do your best to fill -the theatre, and I’ll guarantee they won’t waste much -time guying. They’ll be too much interested in the -play.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He yawned. Now that the tension was over, he felt -desperately sleepy.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m going to bed,” he announced. “I’d have to -prop my eyelids up to keep them open five minutes -longer.”</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XXI<br /> <br /><span class='small'>MARION GRAY PLAYS FAIR.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>Marion Gray was a very charming young woman. -Slight, and rather tiny, she had a piquant face which -was fascinating. Taken separately, scarcely one of -her features would be found quite perfect, but one -never scrutinized Marion Gray’s face that way. The -ensemble disarmed criticism.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Some one had once said that had she been positively -ugly she would still have remained none the -less attractive; for she had that wonderful, illusive -quality of magnetism, without which there is no real -success on the stage.</p> - -<p class='c002'>And, more than that, she had brains, and knew how -to use them. In the comparative short space of three -years she had made a place for herself, alone and -unaided, in the hearts of the theatre-going public of -New York, which is about as difficult as a passage -through the eye of a needle by the proverbial camel.</p> - -<p class='c002'>In three years she had acquired a personal following, -and a large one, at that. When Buffer and Lane -had threatened her with their displeasure if she persisted -in going with Austin Demarest, she had laughed -at them. She knew, and so did they, that such threats -amounted to nothing. The moment she was at leisure—and -probably long before—they would be after her -on bended knee, begging, beseeching, offering a fabulous -salary, to secure the actress for which New York -was clamoring.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But she had reasons of her own for wishing to play -for the talented young actor-manager. Perhaps the -reasons were no longer her own. During the long rehearsals -of “Jarvis of Yale,” it had been almost impossible -to hide from the penetrating eyes of the other -members in the cast the interest she felt in the person -of the author and star. They had long ago sized up -the situation, and confided to each other that Marion -was daffier than ever about “Demmy.” They had -all seen it but the one she cared more for than any one -else in the world.</p> - -<p class='c002'>This morning, as she sat alone at breakfast in the -dining room of the New Haven House, she sighed a -little as she thought of it. He was very blind. They -had always been good pals. Once she thought that -his feeling for her was something more than that, but -now she was not sure.</p> - -<p class='c002'>They had been separated all summer. He was writing -his play, and she resting in the mountains. Since -their return to the city he had been so full of his wonderful -new venture that he seemed scarcely to have -time to eat and sleep.</p> - -<p class='c002'>All at once she glanced toward the door, and her -eyes brightened. He had entered the room, and was -striding toward her table. In one hand he held an -open telegram. His face was full of perplexity and -annoyance.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I can’t understand it!” he exclaimed, dropping -down opposite her. “Hemingway wants me to come -to town at once. Has something important to talk -over. I don’t dare put him off, for all our chances of -getting a New York date depend on him, and yet it’s -deucedly inconvenient with so much here to look -after.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Marion Gray hesitated an instant.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“How very provoking,” she agreed presently. “But, -of course, you must go. It would never do to offend -Hemingway, and you know how erratic he is sometimes. -Is there anything here to do except keep an -eye on the theatre?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Not much,” Demarest returned. “They have a -good start there, and know what to do next, but I had -expected to run over two or three times to be sure they -were getting things straight.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why don’t you ask that nice Mr. Merriwell you -were telling me about to look after things for you?” -she suggested.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Demarest’s face brightened.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s a good idea,” he returned quickly, “only it -seems cheeky. However, I know he’ll do it if he can, -and it’s the only way out. I’ll phone him.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He pushed back his chair, and stood up.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, I’ll be off. Just about time to make the train. -Don’t worry if I’m not back to-night. There might be -something to detain me, but I’ll make the first train out -in the morning at the latest. Dress rehearsal at eleven, -you know. Look after that for me, will you? And be -sure everybody understands. By-by.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>She nodded gayly to him, but her face sobered as -she went on with her breakfast. The success of this -venture meant almost as much to her as it did to -Demarest, and she was wrapped up in it.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Presently she finished, and arose from the table. -She meant to go for a little stroll, and for that reason -she wore her hat, and carried a long fur coat on her -arm. One of the bell boys held this while she slipped -into it, and then she turned toward the door, drawing -on her gloves as she made her way slowly toward it.</p> - -<p class='c002'>All at once she gave a quick little gasp, as her eyes -fell upon a man standing by the desk, and turned her -head swiftly the other way. But she was too late. -The next instant Ralph Bryton had spied her, and -stepped to her side.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Good morning, my dear,” he said, with an attempt -at geniality. “I saw by the register that you had arrived -last night.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The girl did not glance at him, but went steadily on -her way.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Good morning, Mr. Bryton,” she returned frigidly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was a disagreeable note in the man’s laugh.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“How very formal we are,” he said sarcastically. -“I can remember the time, not so very long ago, when -it was Ralph.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You know perfectly well that was on your father’s -account,” she retorted. “Brought up as I was in his -house, I could scarcely have called you anything else -while he was alive. Now I can follow my own inclinations.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The man’s face darkened. They had reached the -door, and, as she was about to pass out, he put out one -hand swiftly, and held the knob.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“One moment,” he said shortly. “I must have a few -minutes’ talk with you before you go out. Oh, it’s -about business,” he went on bitterly, as a repugnance -flashed across her face. “I want to talk to you about -Demarest and this fool play of his.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>She glanced at him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What is it you wish to say?” she inquired briefly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bryton indicated with his hand a couple of chairs in -a corner near by, and, after a moment’s hesitation, she -took one of them.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’ve got to pull out of this company of his at -once,” he said, in a hard voice, as he dropped down beside -her.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Marion Gray’s eyes widened, and a little color crept -into her face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’re a cool proposition,” she remarked, “to tell -me what I must, or must not, do. Do you imagine for -an instant that I would break a contract, and desert a -man the very day before the opening? I thought you -knew that I always played fair.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yah!” snarled Bryton. “You—play fair! A lot -you do! Where’s your gratitude? Tell me that! You -owe everything you’ve got—the very clothes on your -back—to my father. Didn’t he take you in when you -were starving, and treat you like a daughter? Didn’t he -give you his name, which wasn’t good enough for you -when you took to the stage? Didn’t he leave you a pile -of money, which kept you till you got a job with Rosenbaum? -That was my money! It should have come -to me! You practically robbed me of it. And now -you stick by Demarest, who doesn’t care a hang about -you, and let me go——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Stop!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The girl’s face was pale, but her eyes flashed angrily.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’ve said quite enough, Ralph Bryton,” she went -on, in a cold, cutting voice, “to show me what sort of -a man you really are, even if I hadn’t a pretty good notion -of it before. A good deal of what you have said -is true, but no one but a contemptible hound would -have said it in the way you did. Your father did adopt -me, and as long as he lived I loved him. He was more -of a man than you’ll ever be. The money he left me -wasn’t much, but it enabled me to live until I found -something to do. The reason I didn’t take your father’s -name was because it was yours, too.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Bryton winced at the contempt in her voice. She -caught her breath, and went on swiftly:</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Now, not content with pestering me to marry you, -when you know I loathe the very sight of you, you -want me to do a dishonorable thing which would make -me hate myself all my life long. But I won’t do it! -You knew that long ago, didn’t you? I’d play my part -to-morrow night if I was dying, and I mean to play it -for all that is in me. If ‘Jarvis of Yale’ isn’t a success, -it won’t be because Marion Gray hasn’t done her -best to make it so.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>With the last word, she sprang swiftly to her feet, -and, before the angry man realized what had happened, -she reached the door and disappeared.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XXII<br /> <br /><span class='small'>OUT OF A CLEAR SKY.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>Dick Merriwell was rather surprised to get a note -from Demarest—the latter had not been able to reach -him on the telephone—saying that he had been unexpectedly -called to New York for the day, and asking -Dick if he would not keep an eye on the workmen at -the theatre that afternoon, if possible.</p> - -<p class='c002'>This Merriwell was, of course, very ready to do. He -made three trips down there before going to the field, -and found matters progressing as well as could be expected.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was amused, and, for an instant, surprised, at -being mistaken for Demarest, but he did not disabuse -the men of their error. It would be just as well for -them to think that he was the actor. They would perhaps -work the better while he was looking on. Knowing -the work which had to be done, he was able to -straighten out several doubtful matters, and when he -stopped again on his way home from practice, he was -more than pleased at the strides they had made during -his absence. The place was neat as a pin, and only a -few more hours’ work was necessary to finish everything -up.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He rather expected that Demarest would call him -up that evening, but no message came. Finally, about -half-past eight, he got the hotel on the wire, and found -that the actor had not returned.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“He’ll probably get the early train in the morning,” -he said to himself. “I’ll hear from him then.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Having no lecture until ten o’clock, he spent the time -getting up back work. He was just slipping into his -coat to leave the room when the telephone bell rang -insistently, and, stepping over to the instrument, he -took down the receiver.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Is this Mr. Merriwell?” came in a woman’s voice.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“This is Miss Gray—Miss Marion Gray. I’m dreadfully -worried about Mr. Demarest. Two trains are in, -and he hasn’t appeared. The rehearsal is set for eleven, -and I don’t know what to do. I phoned Hemingway’s -office, and they said he hadn’t been there since last -night, late. Could you—would you come over to the -hotel for a few minutes? You see, there’s no one I -can get to advise me what to do, and I knew you were -Mr. Demarest’s friend, so I thought——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The sweet voice trailed off in a questioning silence.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Certainly, I’ll come, Miss Gray,” Merriwell answered -promptly. “Be over in three minutes.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Hanging up the receiver, he took up his hat and left -the rooms.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I don’t understand it,” he murmured, as he ran -downstairs. “He should have been here two hours ago. -Great Scott. I hope nothing’s happened to him. If -he didn’t show up in time for the performance, everything -would be ruined. But he must show up—he -will!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Flinging open the outer door, he almost fell over a -telegraph boy. His heart gave a sudden throb of fear.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Merriwell live here?” inquired the boy.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes,” Dick said quickly. “That’s my name. Give -it to me.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He snatched the ominous yellow missive from the -other’s hand, and tore it open in breathless haste. The -boy saw his face pale suddenly, and heard him draw -his breath swiftly as his eyes flew rapidly over the -crowded lines on the single sheet. But experience had -calloused him to such sights as these, and, eager to be -gone, he drawled out:</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Any answer?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No,” Dick said, in a strange voice; “none.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The boy departed, whistling carelessly, but Merriwell -still stood on the stone steps, gazing blankly at -the paper in his hand. Presently he drew one hand -across his forehead in a bewildered manner.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I can’t!” he breathed. “I could never do it in this -world! What is he thinking of?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He turned mechanically and went back to his room.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dropping down in a chair, he spread the telegram -out on his knee, and read it aloud.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Arrested here on absurd charge. Cannot be tried -until to-morrow. Put-up job to hold me, and ruin performance. -You must take my part, and save play. -Otherwise I shall be ruined. <i>Jarvis</i> is really you. If -you can only learn the lines it will be all right. Business -will take care of itself. Do this as you love me, -Richard, and I shall be your debtor forever. Don’t -tell a soul where I am. I can’t afford to have my name -smirched, even by false charge.</p> -<div class='c014'><span class='sc'>Austin.</span>”</div> - -<p class='c012'>For a moment or two Dick sat looking at the paper -blankly. Then he suddenly crumpled it into a ball, -and thrust it into his pocket. At least, that was what -he meant to do, but, instead of going into the pocket, -it slipped through the slit in his overcoat, and lodged -in the chair seat, close against one of the arms.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The next moment Merriwell had sprung to his feet, -and was striding back and forth across the room.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The prospect which had at first appalled him was -gradually becoming more reasonable, more possible, as -he recovered from the suddenness of the shock, and -swiftly regained his poise and self-control. He had a -remarkably retentive memory, and felt that if he put -his mind to it, excluding every other thing, he might -be able to get the part before night, or possibly even in -time for a hasty dress rehearsal that afternoon.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As for doing anything more than that, he would -have to trust to luck. He had no idea what Demarest’s -conception was of the character of <i>Lance Jarvis</i>. All -he could do would be to forget that he was acting, and -simply be himself. It was the only way by which the -young actor’s reputation could be saved, and his success -assured; for, if the performance did not come off -on Thursday, Dick had a feeling that Ralph Bryton -would see that it was indefinitely postponed. He had -seen enough of the man’s methods not to realize that -no stone would be left unturned to thwart Demarest.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Presently he yanked off his overcoat, and tossed it -on a chair.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’ll do it!” he muttered. “I’ve got to do it! There’s -no other way out!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then, springing to the telephone, he called up the -New Haven House, and asked for Miss Gray. In a -moment he heard her voice at the other end of the -wire.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“This is Mr. Merriwell, Miss Gray,” he said quickly. -“I’ve heard from Austin. He’s unavoidably detained, -and cannot get here before two o’clock. Can the dress -rehearsal be postponed until then, do you think?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>She gave a gasp of relief, which was almost a sob.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, of course,” she said swiftly. “That will give -us time enough to get through before the evening performance. -Oh, I’m so glad everything is right with -him! I was so afraid something had happened. You -know, Bryton would stop at nothing to prevent this -opening.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, I understood that from Austin,” Merriwell -returned quietly. “But I don’t see what he can do now. -You’ll have every one at the theatre at two, will you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Surely. Thank you so much, Mr. Merriwell, and -do forgive me for putting you to so much trouble.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It hasn’t been any trouble at all,” Dick assured -her. “I was terribly worried about Austin myself, but -everything will be all right now. If you don’t mind, -I won’t come over just now. I have some rather important -work to do, but I’ll meet you later, I hope.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Of course. You must come behind the scenes to-night, -and meet the company. Thank you again. -Good-by.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>As he hung up the receiver, a whimsical smile flashed -into Merriwell’s face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, I certainly expect to come behind the scenes, -and meet the company,” he murmured. “I’m glad she -didn’t ask any more questions. As it was, I escaped -without telling an actual untruth. I suppose Demarest -is wise in not wanting any one to know. It would -probably break them all up; but I wonder if I can possibly -keep up the deception. Gee! It makes me cold -all over to think about it! Just have to trust to luck, I -reckon. Now for it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Snatching up the manuscript of the play, he dragged -a chair close to the window, and started to work.</p> - -<p class='c002'>In something over an hour, he got up, and, dropping -the play, began to walk the floor, reeling off the -part at lightning speed. When he came to the end of -the first act, he gave a sigh of relief.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“One gone,” he muttered. “Pretty superficial, but -it will have to do. I must see that the prompter is on -the job to-night.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>When he next came to himself another act had been -memorized, and it was half-past twelve. He had expected -Brad to come in and interrupt, but happily the -Texan did not appear. He must have gone directly -to the dining hall from his last recitation.</p> - -<p class='c002'>By a quarter of two the last words had been committed, -and Dick snatched overcoat and hat, stuffed the -manuscript into his pocket, and flew downstairs.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Not ten minutes later the door was flung open, and -Brad Buckhart entered hastily.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Not here!” he exclaimed, with a swift look about -the room. “Where in thunder is he? Cut everything -this morning, without a word of explanation! Didn’t -even show up to dinner! It sure beats everything, the -bad ways he’s getting into!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He plumped down in the chair beside the table, his -brows drawn down into a scowl. A moment later he -slid his hand down the arm of the chair, and drew -forth a crumpled wad of yellow paper.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Humph!” he grunted. “What’s this?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Smoothing it out, he saw that it was a telegram, and, -scarcely realizing what he was doing, his eyes took in -the first line. After that nothing could have prevented -his reading it to the very end, so interested was he.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Suffering catamounts!” he exclaimed. “If that -don’t beat all! Arrested! Wants Dick to take the -part! Great tarantulas! That’s what the old galoot’s -been up to all morning—learning the stuff. It’s sure -it!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>For a moment he sat there in thoughtful silence. -Then a slow smile broke out all over his face, and the -next moment he threw back his head, and laughed till -the tears came into his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“By the great horn spoon!” he cried. “That’s the -best thing I ever heard. Think of old Dick going on -the stage, and half of Yale College looking on, and not -knowing it’s him. Gee! If we don’t have a circus -to-night with Richard I’ll eat my hat!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He broke off, and glanced again at the telegram.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I can’t tell ’em, though, can I?” he muttered. “Dick -never meant I should see this. But you bet the Untamed -Maverick of the Pecos will have his share of -joy out of it. You hear me talk!”</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XXIII<br /> <br /><span class='small'>THE CURTAIN RISES.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>Dick slipped cautiously into the stage entrance of -the Concert Hall, and went directly to Demarest’s -dressing room. No one must see him until he was -made up, or the fat would be all in the fire.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Swiftly lighting the gas jets, he locked the door, -and opened the make-up box, which stood on a bare -table underneath a large mirror. It was not the first -time he had disguised himself so that his best friend -did not know him, but he found that the very strength -of the likeness between Demarest and himself was -more a hindrance than a help.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His keen sense of observation, however, had taken -in the several important differences in their faces, and -he proceeded to skillfully make his own an exact duplicate -of the actor’s. It was delicate work, but he did -it well; and, ten minutes later, after he had rearranged -his hair in the manner Demarest wore it, it would have -taken an amazingly keen eye to see that he was not -the actor himself. He had scarcely put down the -brushes, when there came a light, quick knock at the -door.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Inwardly a little nervous, but to all appearances -perfectly at ease, he stepped across the room, turned -the key, and flung the door open. Marion Gray was -standing on the threshold, her face worried and anxious, -but, as she saw him, her eyes brightened, and she -gave a gasp of relief.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, Austin, I’m so glad!” she cried. “What a -fright you have given us! I’ve been worried nearly to -death for fear you wouldn’t get here in time. What -in the world kept you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m sorry, Marion,” Dick returned, “but it really -couldn’t be helped. There isn’t a question now about -Hemingway giving us a show if we make good here.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Putting all his powers of mimicry into play, Merriwell -reproduced the tones of Austin Demarest’s voice -with an accuracy which surprised even himself. The girl -evidently had no suspicion of the substitution, for -she went on quickly:</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Austin, I’m afraid of Bryton. I’m afraid he’ll try -to prevent the performance in some way. I saw him -in the street outside just now, and yesterday he did -his best to persuade me to throw up my part.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What a scoundrel he is!” Dick exclaimed. “But, -of course, I have no fear of his succeeding. You’d -never throw me down that way.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Marion Gray caught her breath suddenly. Her eyes -were full of tears, and she was evidently in a very -nervous condition.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m glad you realize that much,” she faltered. “I -couldn’t do such a thing as that, though sometimes it’s -dreadfully hard——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>She broke off abruptly, and Merriwell looked at her -questioningly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hard?” he repeated.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Her face was turned away from him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes—hard to have you—make love—to me—on -the stage,” she whispered chokingly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick drew a quick breath. Great heavens! The -girl was madly in love with Demarest, and she was as -much as telling him so. There was no mistaking the -tones of her voice. He had not thought of this complication, -and for a moment he did not know what -to do or say. He had no idea what the actor’s general -attitude was toward this extremely attractive young -woman, and, even if he had, he could never bring himself -to behave in a sentimental manner toward the girl -who was mistaking him for another man.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“There, my dear,” he ventured presently, in Demarest’s -whimsical tones, “you’re worried sick over this -fellow Bryton. There’s nothing to be afraid of. He -can’t stop the performance now. Come, it’s time we -started the ball moving. The stage must be waiting -for us.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Drawing her arm gently through his, he led her out -of the dressing room, and a moment later they were -upon the stage, which was thronged with the members -of the company, who greeted him enthusiastically, and -in tones of distinct relief. They, too, had been worried, -and with good reason. Capable actors as they -were, they well knew that if Demarest’s play failed to -make a hit, many of them would be in a pretty bad way -for a job. Unlike Marion Gray, they were far from -being indespensable to the trust.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was a trying moment for Dick. He did not even -know one name from another, though he had thoroughly -memorized the cast, and as soon as the rehearsal -commenced, he would find out their various identities -from the parts they took. Consequently, he plunged -at once into the business at hand.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Howdy, everybody,” he began cheerily. “Beastly -sorry to have kept you all on the fence this way, but -it couldn’t be helped. We’ll have to make up for lost -time by hustling things along. Let’s get busy at once. -Clear the stage for the first act.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Once the plunge was taken, things came easier. The -first act went through with a rush. Dick made few -slips, and covered them so skillfully that no one noticed -them. The cast was letter-perfect in their parts, -and had rehearsed so often that they had the business -at their finger ends.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell made several changes in the latter, which -were all improvements. It was evident that Demarest -knew Cambridge, and the ways of Harvard men to -perfection, but he had slipped up a number of times in -transplanting those ways to New Haven and Yale. -They were little things, but Dick knew that the boys -would notice them and probably josh, so he took it -upon himself to do a little altering.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The big scene in the third act went with a dash -which brought exclamations of enthusiastic appreciation -from the actors. It was a scene which the star -practically carried on his own shoulders, and they had -never seen Demarest do better.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The last act followed swiftly, and, with a sigh of -thankfulness, Dick realized that this ordeal was over.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He had decided not to go back to his rooms. In fact, -he could not separate himself from the company now -without creating suspicion. There was barely time for -a hurried dinner before they would have to be back at -the theatre, so every one made a swift rush to their -dressing rooms, and in ten minutes they began to leave -by the stage entrance.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell waited for Marion Gray. He felt that -Demarest would have done that, and while she was -changing her gown, he stepped out to the box office to -see what the chances for a good house that evening -were.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The ticket seller was enthusiastic. With the exception -of a few seats in the rear of the orchestra and -balcony, the entire house was sold out. Applications -were constantly coming in over the phone, and he predicted -that in half an hour only standing room would -be left.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“By Jove!” Merriwell muttered, as he went back to -the stage. “I’ve got to do it now!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>A moment later he was sitting beside Miss Gray in -a cab, being borne rapidly toward the hotel. The girl -did not say much, but she seemed to have recovered -her self-control, and was rejoiced when Dick told her -of the splendid audience they would have to play to.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Entering the hotel, they went directly to the dining -room. As he passed the desk, Merriwell saw a tall, -dark, rather imposing-looking man start suddenly, and -glare at the Yale man with open mouth and swiftly -paling face, as if he could not believe the evidence of -his eyes. At the same moment he heard the girl beside -him draw her breath quickly, and in that instant -he felt intuitively that the man must be Ralph Bryton. -No wonder the manager was astounded to see Demarest -here, if, as the latter supposed, he was responsible -for the actor’s detention in New York.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick raised his head, and sent a taunting, irritating -smile toward the fellow. Then he passed on into -the dining room.</p> - -<p class='c002'>From that moment things went with such a rush and -dash that there was no time at all to grow nervous. -The meal was hurried along at breakneck speed. The -actors were all more or less nervous, for any first night -is an ordeal, and this one particularly so.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick did his best to cheer them up, as he knew -Demarest would have done. He told them of the sold-out -house, and kept up a continual string of whimsical, -amusing comment all the time they were at table.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dinner over, they returned to the theatre again, and -at once dressed for the first act.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Presently the doors opened, and the house began to -fill. Dick had finished dressing, and was strolling -about the stage, resolutely trying to keep his thoughts -from what was coming. Seat after seat in the auditorium -without banged down. The low murmur of -conversation gradually grew louder as the house filled. -Presently he heard the sound of tramping, followed -swiftly by jest and laughter, as a crowd of college -fellows made their way to the front.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He shivered a little. They would do their best to -break him up, he knew. They always did. Then -suddenly a wave of obstinate determination swept over -him. He would not let them guy him. He would -spite them all, and play the part so well that they would -have no time for that.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Presently the musicians began to tune up, and a little -later the first bars of a popular air crashed out. -Demarest had had the forethought to secure an especially -fine orchestra, and he was wise. The boys would -have hooted into silence anything less good. As it -was, they contented themselves with keeping time with -their feet, and when the chorus of the song began, they -joined in, singing the words.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The thunderous burst of voices was awe-inspiring—almost -terrifying. Those of the company upon the -stage shivered, and several turned pale under their -rouge as they realized what they would have to face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick noticed it, and turned swiftly toward them.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You mustn’t mind them,” he said reassuringly. -“They may josh a little at first, but don’t pay any attention -to them. Play your parts for all that is in -you, and they’ll stop pretty quick. We can’t fail, you -know, with such a play as ‘Jarvis of Yale.’”</p> - -<p class='c002'>A moment later he realized that this must sound decidedly -conceited, but apparently the others did not -notice the break. They were too much intent on their -own feelings to think of anything else, but Merriwell’s -cheery words put heart into them, and braced them up.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The music stopped with a crashing bar, and was -followed by loud applause.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Clear the stage!” Dick said swiftly. “All ready -for the first act?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The first set was on the campus, with Farnum Hall -on the drop, and Battle Chapel looming to the left. A -crowd of fellows were sitting on the steps of the hall, -singing in the moonlight. The men took their places, -while the other actors scurried into the wings. Dick -was with them. He did not appear until after the curtain -was up. He raised his hand in a signal, and instantly -the trained voices of the quartette broke the -stillness. Softly, at first, they crooned the words of -the familiar college air. Gradually it grew louder and -louder, until the volume filled the wings. Dick felt his -heart beating unevenly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was another signal, and the curtain slowly -lifted, and revealed the stage.</p> - -<p class='c002'>A prolonged burst of genuine applause greeted the -beautiful set, which had been painted by one of the -best artists in New York. The fellows had found -nothing so far to guy. They were fair enough according -to their lights. They never jeered a performance -simply for the sake of breaking up the play. It -was only their method of showing displeasure for inferior -acting.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The quartette finished the last verse of the song, -and, taking a quick breath, Dick walked quietly onto -the stage.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He spoke the first few words of his lines uninterrupted. -Then there came a prolonged burst of hand-clapping, -which seemed to continue indefinitely. -Either this was simply a mode of expressing their approval -of the actor who had produced the play under -such disadvantages, or else the fellows were trying to -break him up.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But they did not succeed. Dick waited until the -applause had died away, and then continued his lines as -if there had been no interruption.</p> - -<p class='c002'>After a first swift glance at the audience, which -seemed to him like nothing else but a sea of faces -rising, tier upon tier, to the very roof, the Yale man -had not felt a particle of nervousness. And with his -first lines he plunged himself into the part he was -taking, and from that moment there was not the least -sign of hesitancy in his manner.</p> - -<p class='c002'>In truth, he was not acting at all. He was simply -himself, and the college fellows in the audience became -instantly plunged into a controversy as to whether -it was Dick Merriwell or some one else, which lasted -off and on to the end of the play.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Once the plunge was taken, the first act went -smoothly, gathering interest as the plot developed. At -first Dick’s lines were punctuated by bursts of applause, -which usually started from a certain quarter -of the orchestra where Buckhart was seated, but, as -the play progressed, these became less frequent, until -at length the Texan sat gaping at the stage, growing -more and more certain that there had been some mistake, -and this was not his chum at all.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The first act finished with a brisk round of clapping, -which did not cease until the curtain had risen upon -the stage several times, and was only stilled by Dick’s -leading Marion Gray before the footlights. Evidently -the boys were very well pleased. That was plain from -the buzz of talk and favorable comment which arose -after the curtain finally dropped.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You were splendid, Austin!” Marion Gray exclaimed, -as they hurried off the stage. “I never saw -you do better. Oh, I’m so glad! It can’t help but go -now.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“They seemed to like it, all right, didn’t they?” -Merriwell smiled. “We must keep up the good work.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Wait till they see the third act,” she smiled, as she -slipped into the dressing room. “That’ll fetch them.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The next act went with rush and vim. Demarest -had written better than he knew. There was not an -unnecessary word. The plot unfolded swiftly and -naturally, with an ever-increasing interest. The business -was splendid, thanks to Merriwell’s blue-penciling -of the afternoon, and more than one burst of applause -greeted some particularly apt sally. The scene ended -with a dramatic encounter between the heroine, played -with grace and spirit, by Marion Gray, and the villain, -in which the girl heard the latter plotting to have -<i>Jarvis</i> thrown off the team by means of false statements -that he had betrayed signals to Harvard, and -vowed that she would save <i>Jarvis</i>, whom she loved, by -going to the captain of the eleven with what she had -just learned.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The curtain fell to a prolonged burst of applause, -and again Dick had to go before it with Miss Gray. -Then he hustled back to get into his football rig for -the great scene.</p> - -<p class='c002'>This took place in the track house on the field. -Through a great window at the back could be seen one -end of a tier of seats crowded with spectators, in which -the real actors blended into the figures painted on the -drop so perfectly that the effect was one of a vast, -shouting, flag-waving mob of people.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As the curtain rose, the entire football team was -on the stage, receiving final instructions from the -coaches before the game. <i>Hicks</i>, the villain, accused -<i>Jarvis</i> of selling their signals to Harvard. The latter -indignantly denied it, and was only restrained from -pitching into his enemy by the efforts of the other -men.</p> - -<p class='c002'><i>Hicks</i> produced his forged proofs, and <i>Jarvis</i> was -thrown off the team. The team rushed off to the field, -and <i>Jarvis</i>, left alone, threw himself into a chair, and -dropped his head on his arms, outstretched across a -table, in an agony of heartbroken despair.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was a thrilling moment. The whole vast audience -was so still that one could almost have heard a pin -drop. Then a shrill whistle from the field outside the -window split the silence, and the mimic crowd on the -grand stand burst forth into a roar. Still <i>Jarvis</i> did -not raise his head.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then came the sounds of the game. The thudding -of many feet upon a mimic turf, the shrill cries and -shouts of the excited spectators, the waving of many -flags.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Slowly <i>Jarvis</i> lifted his head, and looked toward the -window. The game was going on, and he was out of -it. He would not look! He did not want to, but, little -by little, against his will, he crept to the window. -The game was in full swing; his blood was thrilled as -his eyes were riveted on the field; unconsciously he -followed the progress of the struggle aloud.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick Merriwell’s work in this scene was masterly -in its simplicity. He had forgotten that he was playing -a part—had almost forgotten that he was on the -stage. For the time he really was <i>Lance Jarvis</i>, and -his expression of the heartbreaking agony of the man -ruled off his team at the crucial moment, watching the -progress of the game with straining eyes and sweating -brow, seeing the weakness of his team, and yet not -able to help, was something which could never be forgotten.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The crowded house was thrilled into silence. Men -sat on the edges of their seats, with eyes riveted on that -single figure at the window, scarcely daring to breathe, -for fear they would break the spell.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Presently the game began to go against the Yale -team. Slowly the line was forced down the field. The -vivid words of the unconscious actor painted the scene -for the excited audience as clearly as if they had been -looking on the game itself.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“They’re gaining!” he cried desperately. “They’re -going through the line with every rush! <i>Lawrence</i> is -groggy! They’re hammering him! Another ten yards -and they’ll make a touchdown!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>As if unable to longer watch the failure of his team, -Merriwell turned from the window, and put one hand -over his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>This was the cue for the newsboy to rush in with -word that the heroine had been intercepted by the villain’s -friends while on her way to save <i>Jarvis</i>, but to -Dick’s surprise the boy did not appear. He waited a -moment, and then, turning back for an instant to the -window, improvised a line or two.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Suddenly the door burst open, and the belated boy -appeared. His face was white, his eyes shining with -excitement, a smear of blood trickled from a cut on his -face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Leaping across the stage, he caught Dick’s arm.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“They’ve got her!” he shrilled. “They’re trying to -get Miss Gray into a cab. Hurry! Hurry, or you’ll be -too late!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>These were not the proper words at all, but they -seemed very appropriate to the audience, who burst -into applause. Dick, knowing full well that something -was wrong, rushed from the stage, with the boy at his -heels.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Outside he stopped, and faced the actor.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What is it?” he demanded. “What are you talking -about? What’s the matter?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“They’ve got Miss Gray!” gasped the boy. “Down -at the stage door. They’re carrying her off. One of -’em hit me a crack——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He found himself talking to empty air. Merriwell -rushed through the wings, flung himself down the -short flight of stairs, and burst out into the street.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The boy was right. A cab was drawn up close to -the curb, into which two men were trying to force -Marion Gray. The girl was struggling desperately, -and trying to drag away the hand of one of them, -which was pressed close against her mouth to prevent -her crying out.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Like a panther, Merriwell sprang at them. With a -grip of iron he seized the collar of one, and tore him -away from the girl, planting a smashing blow on his -face as he did so. The next minute the other was -stretched on the ground, and Marion was free.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The Yale man would like to have stayed to complete -the job, but he knew that there was not a moment -to lose. They must get back to the stage. Half -lifting, half supporting the girl, who was sobbing hysterically, -he carried her through the stage door, back -to the wings.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s all right,” he soothed. “You must brace up, -Marion. You’ve got to think of the play. We’ll have -to go on in a minute.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>She caught her breath, and brought all her will to -bear to calm herself.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’re right,” she faltered. “I mustn’t fail. -That’s what he wanted to carry me off for—to spoil -the play.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It was Bryton, I suppose?” Dick questioned.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>She put her hand up, and mechanically smoothed -her hair. As she did so, Dick heard their cue to enter.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“There’s the cue,” he said quickly. “Can you go -on?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, I’m all right now.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>They hurried to the entrance, and stepped onto the -stage. Luckily the situation in the play was enough to -account for any signs of emotion which Marion Gray -displayed, but she was very soon herself again.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The first half of the game was over. The men came -into the track house, worn and exhausted by their -struggles, discouraged by their failure—for Harvard -had scored. Marion Gray told her story, swiftly, -dramatically. The villain was unmasked, and <i>Jarvis</i> -restored to the team to play out the second half.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The curtain dropped to the sound of thunderous -applause. The audience fairly broke loose. Yells and -catcalls made bedlam of the place. Time and time again -Merriwell came before the curtain with Miss Gray. -At length he was forced to appear alone, and shouts of -“Speech! Speech!” rent the air.</p> - -<p class='c002'>This nearly broke him up, but he managed to say a -few words of thanks before he backed out of sight.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The last act was a short one, which simply rounded -things out, and tied up loose ends. The game was over. -<i>Jarvis</i> had won a victory for Yale by a phenomenal -play, and appeared on the stage, borne on the shoulders -of his enthusiastic comrades. The play ended -with a pretty bit of love-making between the heroine -and <i>Lance Jarvis</i>, which Marion Gray played with all -the fascination and art she possessed. It fairly -brought down the house, and Dick found himself wondering -how Austin Demarest could go through that -every night of the week without falling head over -heels in love with the attractive actress.</p> - -<p class='c002'>When the curtain dropped it was past eleven o’clock, -but no one made a move to leave the theatre. They -simply sat in their seats, thundering on the floor with -their feet, clapping their hands sore, and raising such a -din that the actors on the stage could not hear a spoken -word.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The curtin rolled up again and again, revealing the -long semicircle of smiling faces, happy in the knowledge -that they had helped score a phenomenal success. -Already they saw themselves booked for a long run at -a Broadway playhouse.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Up and down the curtain went, almost continuously, -and still the crashing bursts of sound reverberated -from orchestra to gallery, and back again.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Presently there was a momentary pause, and then -came the deep, thunderous, blood-stirring roar of marshaled -cheering, from a thousand throats:</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Demarest! Demarest! Demarest!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>As he stood in the centre of the stage, with Marion -Gray at his side, Dick felt an odd lump in his throat, -and something like a mist came before his eyes. He -had never known such a sensation before.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Aren’t you happy?” whispered the girl.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick looked down into her eyes, which were bright -with tears.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes,” he said simply.</p> - -<p class='c002'>And he was. He had won out for his friend. He -had also done a piece of good work which Demarest -would find it hard to equal, but the Yale man did not -realize that at the time. He had simply done his best, -and had succeeded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>At last, after Merriwell had appeared alone before -the curtain eight or ten times, the enthusiastic audience -seemed to be content, and, leaving their seats, began -to file slowly out of the theatre. But throughout -the college buildings that night, and in a good many -other parts of New Haven, “Jarvis of Yale,” and the -superb acting of Austin Demarest, were the sole topics -of conversation.</p> - -<hr class='c015' /> - -<p class='c002'>About eleven o’clock next morning Merriwell sat -alone in his room, waiting for Demarest. A wire had -come two hours before, saying that he was at liberty, -and would take the next train to New Haven, so that -Dick momentarily expected to see him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was feeling a little of the mental strain which he -had undergone, but otherwise was in splendid shape. -His one reply to the inquiries as to where he had been -last night was to tell the fellows that he had had a -chance to go behind the scenes, and had stayed there -throughout the play. One and all, his friends had -commented on the amazing resemblance between himself -and the author of the play, and he had agreed with -them that it was most extraordinary.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was a little annoyed to find out that Buckhart -knew the truth, but, after all, it mattered very little -now, especially when he knew that the Texan would -never divulge the secret. Brad’s utter astonishment -when he found that Dick really had played the part of -<i>Jarvis</i> was very funny. He pronounced the performance -as the very “corkingest” thing he had ever seen.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Suddenly Dick’s quick ear caught the sound of -hurried feet on the stairs, a moment later the door was -burst open, and Demarest, his face aglow with joyous -enthusiasm, dashed into the room.</p> - -<p class='c002'>With a sweep of his arms, he caught Dick about the -shoulders, and gave him a great hug.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, you brick!” he cried. “I didn’t know there was -such a bully fellow alive! As long as I live I’ll never -forget what you did for me last night. It was splendid! -But what an old bluffer you are.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He took a step backward, and gazed at the Yale man -affectionately.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick looked a little puzzled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What do you mean?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why, pretending you couldn’t act, of course.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But I can’t,” Dick objected. “At least, I didn’t -think I could.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s good!” laughed Demarest. “Why, your -performance last night is the talk of the town. Have -you seen the papers yet?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick shook his head smilingly, and the actor raised -his eyes to the ceiling.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Great Scott!” he cried, in astonishment. “Not -looked at the papers! What do you think of that!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He dragged a large bundle of newspapers from his -pocket and held them up.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Notices in every decent New York daily!” he cried -triumphantly. “And such notices! Listen to this!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Swiftly unfolding one, he found the right place and -read unctuously:</p> - -<p class='c002'>“‘Jarvis of Yale,’ produced last night—um—um—— The -acting of Austin Demarest in the title -part was a treat which has not been our privilege to -witness in many moons. His rendering of <i>Lance -Jarvis</i> was masterly in its simple directness, its naturalness -and truth, while at the same time his emotional -range was wide and his pathos quite distinguished -from bathos. He seemed, more than almost -any actor which we can at present recall, to get under -the skin of the character he was portraying. He -was the typical college man. Manly, true-hearted, -generous, full of the eternal joy of youth. One would -almost have supposed that he had stepped directly on -the stage from the college campus so near at hand. A -tremendous, and widely enthusiastic audience crowded -the old theatre to the very doors. It is quite safe to -predict that ‘Jarvis of Yale’ will settle down very -shortly for a long Broadway run. Certainly it would -be hard to find a more clean-cut, dramatic, thoroughly -wholesome play, without a dull moment from start -to finish, than this maiden effort of the most popular -and able leading man of the past season, who received -much of his early training in the company of the late -Richard Manton.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Demarest tossed the paper aside and turned to -Dick.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“There! What do you think of that? There’s a -lot more about you and the rest of the company that -I skipped. Not act, indeed!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell’s face was serious and his eyes very -bright.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But I didn’t act at all,” he said quickly. “I just -learned the lines and left the rest to luck. All I did -was to try and imagine what I would feel like and -what I’d do if I were in <i>Lance Jarvis’</i> place.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The young actor laughed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s what we all try to do,” he returned; “but -we don’t always succeed. It’s a shame, though, that I -should get all the credit of this! It doesn’t seem a -bit fair. People ought to know that I wasn’t the fellow -who played last night. I tell you it makes me feel -pretty mean to take another man’s laurels.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But that’s the only reason why I did it,” Dick -objected. “It was to save you.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“And you succeeded,” the other put in quickly. “I -builded better than I knew when I sent you that wire. -Now tell me all about it. How did everything go off? -Did any one suspect? How did Marion take things?”</p> - -<hr class='c015' /> - -<p class='c002'>Two months later, when “Jarvis of Yale” was at -the height of its metropolitan success, Dick Merriwell -received the following note:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“<span class='sc'>Dear Old Boy</span>: Perhaps you won’t be awfully -surprised when I tell you that Marion and I have agreed -to travel henceforth through this weary world in double -harness. She knows the secret of my first performance -in New Haven, and when I told her that you took -my place she was perfectly horrified. She won’t tell -me anything, but I gather that something happened -that night which wasn’t on the program. She did say -she’d never be able to look you in the face again. If -I didn’t know you so well, I should be writhing in -the grip of the green-eyed monster. As it is, I’m only -curious. Perhaps you’ll put me wise next time you -see me. Yours ever, <span class='sc'>Austin</span>.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>But Dick never did, and was soon back deep in the -athletic sports of the college.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XXIV<br /> <br /><span class='small'>THE FELLOW WITH A GROUCH.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>Jack Kenny was sore. He had been out of humor -for a long time—to be exact, ever since the football -election last year, in which Don Tempest had been -chosen captain of the varsity—but he had done his best -to hide this feeling from those about him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick Merriwell, himself the best all-around athlete -in college, had more than once expressed his belief -that many of the triumphs of the very satisfactory -season of a year ago had been due to Kenny’s amazingly -clever headwork.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But the quarter back was not a fellow to foster a -long-continued grouch if he could help it. He had a -decided strain of real sporting blood in his make-up, -and, after the first flare-up of rage and disappointment -when he learned the result of the election, he had -calmed down and tried to take things philosophically.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But with the return of Don Tempest to the helm just -before the Princeton game, the old feelings of doubt -and resentment came back with renewed force, in spite -of the plucky efforts on Kenny’s part to take his medicine -like a man.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Tempest himself was not a fellow to help matters -much. He was a splendid player, and, what was more, -a born general in his ability to plan out a game and -play it scientifically; but, like many generals in the -bigger game of life, he had a supreme belief in his -own ability, an intolerance of criticism and advice, and -a certain lack of sympathy and tact in his handling of -the other players, which resulted in his being far from -popular.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Men recognized his ability and appreciated the value -of his generalship, while they did not care for him -personally, which was well enough so long as everything -went along without a hitch and there were no -fall-downs.</p> - -<p class='c002'>All this did not help Jack Kenny in his effort—quite -determined and sincere—to conquer the feeling of resentment -and sense of having been used unfairly, which -kept constantly cropping up in his mind. Hearing now -and then little jibes and flings against the captain from -other fellows only confirmed his own impression that -Tempest was unfit for the position.</p> - -<p class='c002'>This belief was fostered by his own keen observation -during the progress of a game or on the practice field. -More than once he saw opportunities which Tempest -seemed to miss. Latterly they had had several run-ins -about certain plays and formations, of which -Kenny could not see the value, but which Tempest insisted -should be used.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The result was that the quarter back’s usually even -temper had become more and more rasped as time -went on, until he reached a point when the slightest -admonition from Tempest irritated him almost beyond -endurance, and a decided coolness had developed between -the two men.</p> - -<p class='c002'>This afternoon had been a particularly trying one. -Tempest had seemed even more unreasonable and -domineering than usual, compelling Kenny to exercise -every bit of will power he possessed to refrain from -flaring up and causing an open outbreak.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He did not want to do this. He knew the fatal nature -of a team playing at loggerheads, and the great -game of the season—the contest with Harvard—was -too close at hand to run any chances. But he felt that -if Tempest continued in his present course very much -longer no power on earth could prevent an explosion.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“He’s so darned thick-headed and set in his ways -that it makes a fellow wild,” he grumbled to himself -as he crossed the field toward the track house. “If it -wasn’t for the game Saturday, I’d have let him have -a piece of my mind to-day, and he could have done -what he liked about it. Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad -thing for him to hear what some of the boys really -think about him.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Still scowling fiercely, he entered the house and -found several of the fellows there ahead of him. They -were gathered in a little group on the farther side of -the locker room, and had evidently been discussing -something with a relish; but as Kenny entered they -all stopped abruptly and glanced swiftly toward the -door.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, it’s only Ken,” remarked Phil Keran, who had -taken Hollister’s place at right end. “He’s all right. -We were just talking about the crazy stunts Tempest -went through this afternoon.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes,” chimed in Rudolph Rose; “did you ever see -anything more senseless than that fool double pass he -wasted half the afternoon on. Why a child would -catch on to it, and it couldn’t be used more than once -during the entire game.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“And that crisscross play with Baxter and Merriwell,” -spoke up Bud Baulsir, who played centre. “You -didn’t like that for a cent, did you, Ken? I heard -you kicking about it to Tempest, but a fellow might -as well argue with a stone wall as to try and convince -him he’s wrong.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“He’s so thick-headed and stuffed full of conceit that -it drives a man wild!” Kenny burst out, unable to -contain himself any longer. “He seems to think nobody -but himself knows anything about the game. It -was all I could do to keep from giving him some talk -straight from the shoulder, when he spent the whole -afternoon on those two pet stunts of his.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why didn’t you?” Rose asked quickly. “Might -have done him good.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny’s lip curled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Him—good!” he exclaimed sarcastically. “Take -another guess, Rudie. Bah! The only thing that -would do him good would be to have Harvard wipe -up the field with us, and then he’d blame it on some -one else. I’m sick of his high and mighty airs, and -I tell you one thing, fellows, if he nags me to-morrow -the way he did to-day there’ll be something doing.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s the way to talk!” Baulsir said approvingly. -“What business had he got interfering with the quarter, -anyhow?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“He hasn’t any, if I show results,” retorted Kenny. -“It’s all right to tell me what he wants before we start, -but I can’t stand this nag, nag all through the playing. -If he’s so crazy about deciding every play himself, -why doesn’t he take my place?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I notice things went pretty well while Brad was at -the helm,” Rose commented; “and he didn’t try any -tricks like that. He played the game as it should be -played, and not——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“’Sh!” interrupted Keran. “Here they come.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The thud of feet sounded on the turf outside, and a -moment later the rest of the team appeared, filling the -room with the sound of talk, argument, and discussion. -The group by the window melted away, and -Kenny made haste to appropriate one of the showers -before they were all taken.</p> - -<p class='c002'>At the training table that night the football squad -was not in the liveliest sort of humor. Kenny still retained -symptoms of his grouch of the afternoon, and, -besides that, there was a subtle undercurrent of discord -which made itself felt insensibly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick Merriwell noticed the symptoms at once. He -had, in fact, realized for some days past that things -were not as they should be with the team, and that -afternoon he had quite expected an outburst from -Kenny over the rather exacting ways of Tempest.</p> - -<p class='c002'>When it had not come, he was rather sorry, though -he gave the quarter back full credit for his admirable -self-control. An angry outbreak or open flare-up is -much easier to contend with than the grudge which is -nursed and fostered in secret, ever gaining in strength -and volume like a snowball rolling downhill, until -at length it proves a serious menace to discipline and -effectiveness.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He had noticed Tempest’s methods of running the -team and had observed with regret some of the mistakes -the fellow made in handling the men. But he -realized that it was Tempest’s way of doing things. It -was as much a part of his make-up as his admirable -executive ability, and quite as impossible to change.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell’s keen sense of observation took in what -Kenny either would not or could not see—that Tempest -was the better man of the two for the place. His -judgment was sounder and his knowledge of the tactics -and stratagem of the game better than Kenny’s. It -was only his methods of handling the men which were -at fault and which prevented him from obtaining perfect -results.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick had worried a good deal over the matter, for he -knew how much depended on there being perfect concord -among the members of the team. To do their -best, it was necessary for each individual to throw -aside all personal feelings and subordinate himself to -the general good. The slightest rift in the lute showed -itself promptly in the lowered <i>esprit de corps</i> of the -organization.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As yet he had not said anything definite to Tempest. -He knew the fellow was doing his best to secure results. -His whole heart was fixed on gaining a victory -in the great game of the season, and to that end he -strained every effort. Merriwell had tried several -times by means of gentle hints to bring about an improvement -in the condition of affairs, but he was afraid -that he should very soon feel like seeking recourse in -other methods.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Thinking the matter over at the table that night -made him, too, rather silent, and added to the general -impression of uneasiness and disquiet which prevailed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny was one of the first to finish supper and leave -the table. Phil Keran caught up with him as he was -walking back through “Grub Alley.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What’s your hurry?” he questioned.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, nothing special,” the quarter back returned -shortly. “I just didn’t feel like hanging around there -and hearing Tempest shoot off his face.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Keran laughed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I should think you had had about enough of him -for one day,” he rejoined. “Got anything on to-night?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No. What’s up?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I just thought you might like to come around to -our rooms and meet Clarence Carr, Archie’s brother,” -Keran answered. “You remember Archie Carr, who -graduated two years ago, don’t you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Surest thing you know,” Kenny returned, brightening -up a little. “He substituted on the varsity the -year I was captain of the scrub. I don’t ever remember -his brother, though.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Nice chap,” commented Keran. “Broker, I understand, -and is taking a few days off to rest up after -a bear raid on the market. He’s stopping at the New -Haven House.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yale man?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Nope, Brown. But he’s all for old Eli on his -brother’s account. Crazy about football, and is going -to stay over for the game Saturday.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>They crossed Elm Street and struck into the campus -by Durfee. Keran and Kenny both had quarters in -Vanderbilt, and five minutes later they were settled in -the latter’s comfortable sitting room on the third floor. -Carr had not yet arrived, but presently a couple of -other fellows strolled in, and about half-past seven -there came a brisk knock on the door.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Keran at once sprang up, and, opening it, ushered in -a slim, erect man of about thirty, with keen, dark -eyes, rather good-looking features, and fairly bubbling -over with vim and good spirits.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“How are you, old fellow!” he exclaimed, shaking -Keran’s hand. “Great of you to have me here. Archie -said I mustn’t lose any time in looking up ‘Old Phil,’ -as he calls you, the minute I set foot in New Haven.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Glad to see you again, Mr. Carr,” Keran returned -cordially, as he took his guest’s coat and hat. “I recognized -your voice perfectly over the phone this morning.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Really?” exclaimed Carr. “You’ve got a good -memory. Why, we only met once, and that was three -years ago.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He greeted Kenny and the other men with a smile -and hearty handclasp, and then settled down in an -easy-chair and pulled out a cigar case.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I won’t offer you one, Keran,” he smiled, “because -I know you shouldn’t take it, but perhaps your friends -will indulge. I’ll guarantee they’re pretty good.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He extended the case to Kenny, who sat nearest him. -The quarter back shook his head.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No, thanks. I’m in Phil’s class.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Don’t you believe it,” grinned Keran. “He’s a -sight more important to the varsity than I ever could -be. Why, I only got in after the Princeton game by -the skin of my teeth, whereas he’s been quarter back -for two years running.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Mr. Carr seemed much interested. Proffering the -case to the other two men, who each took a cigar, he -selected a weed himself and returned the rest to his -pocket.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, well,” he remarked briskly. “Quarter, eh? -That’s a pretty responsible job. In my day the quarter -back was the brains of the team.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“So he is to-day,” Keran said quickly. “He would -be at New Haven if we didn’t have a fellow like -Tempest trying to——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He stopped abruptly, and his face flushed a little. -In his haste he had said rather more than he had intended, -considering that Carr was a comparative -stranger.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The latter held the lighted match suspended in the -air about six inches away from his cigar, while he surveyed -Keran’s embarrassed face with his keen black -eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Tempest?” he questioned. “He’s the captain, isn’t -he?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Keran nodded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was a momentary pause, during which Carr -applied the match to his cigar and took a puff or two -to make sure that it was well lighted. Then he leaned -back comfortably on his chair.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s always a mistake for the captain to butt in too -much with the quarter back,” he remarked casually. -“Of course, if the quarter isn’t onto his job he should -be coached; but if he can’t stand on his own legs at -this stage of the game he ought to be dropped and -some one found who could. Constant nagging of the -quarter back has been the cause of a good many defeats. -Why, I remember just such a case in my last -year at Brown. I was one of the subs in the game -with Cornell. The captain had a grudge against the -quarter, and his continual interference got the fellow -so on his ear that we lost the game. Ballard—that was -the captain—certainly got his when it was all over -with. Coaches, alumni, and about all the team landed -on his neck and roasted him good and plenty. He -never repeated the trick.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny felt a sort of warming toward his new acquaintance. -He seemed to be a man of a good deal of -understanding, and the instance he had cited fitted -Kenny’s own case exactly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Of course, a fellow doesn’t mind suggestions, or -even orders, when they’re given at the proper time and -place,” he put in hastily. “I hope I haven’t got such a -case of swelled head as to think that nobody can give -me points; but what’s the use of being quarter if you -can’t do a little thinking now and then on your own -hook?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Carr nodded understandingly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Exactly my point of view,” he returned quickly, -exhaling a cloud of smoke as he spoke. “I fancy the -trouble with this Tempest is that he wants to have his -finger in everything.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was a momentary pause. Neither Kenny nor -Keran seemed inclined to pursue the subject farther. -Presently Carr looked up at the latter.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Of course you boys are going to wipe up the gridiron -with Harvard on Saturday?” he smiled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Keran grinned.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, sure,” he returned quickly. “There won’t be -anything left of them to carry back to Cambridge.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Carr laughed heartily; then his face sobered.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But honestly, haven’t the crimson boys got a crackerjack -eleven this year?” he questioned seriously. “The -splendid game they put up the other day got me a little -worried. I certainly don’t want to see old Yale -thrown down.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I don’t think you need have any fear of that,” -Keran said slowly, “unless——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He hesitated. Carr’s bright eyes were fixed questioningly -on his face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Unless—— Oh, well, you can’t tell what might -happen,” Keran finished with an attempt at carelessness. -“When Bob Hollister dropped out just before -the Princeton game it was the very last thing that any -of us expected.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>A gleam of comprehension flickered across Carr’s -mobile face and was gone.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“True,” he murmured, “one never can tell what -might turn up. But we’ll certainly hope nothing does. -If I were betting on the game, I think I should have no -hesitation in putting my money on the blue.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The talk drifted to other subjects, and for half an -hour Carr entertained the fellows with stories and -amusing anecdotes. He was a good talker and had apparently -had all sorts of interesting experiences, but -he also knew when to leave off. As the clock struck -half-past nine he arose briskly to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, boys, I must be running along,” he said, with -a smile. “Had a bully evening, Keran, and no end glad -to meet these friends of yours. I’ll see you all again -before Saturday, I hope.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He slipped into his overcoat and started toward the -door. At that moment Kenny recollected that he ought -to do some studying that night, so he followed the -older man out.</p> - -<p class='c002'>At the head of the stairs they said good night again, -and, as they shook hands, the quarter back said carelessly:</p> - -<p class='c002'>“If you’d care to drop in and see me some night, I’d -be awfully glad to have you. My rooms are on the -next floor.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thanks very much,” returned Carr. “I’ll take you -up some night and smoke a cigar with you. By-by.”</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XXV<br /> <br /><span class='small'>THE EXPLOSION.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>Jack Kenny, arrayed in his well-worn, faded football -togs, sat lacing up his shoes. He was feeling fine. -His grouch of the night before had pretty well worn -off, and, as he pulled the laces tight, he warbled a little -ditty which had just been going the rounds of New -Haven:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c011'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“There was a girl in our town,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And she was good to scan.</div> - <div class='line'>She spent her days in playing games</div> - <div class='line in2'>Where she got lots of tan.</div> - <div class='line'>And when she saw the tan was on,</div> - <div class='line in2'>With all her might and main,</div> - <div class='line'>She rushed into a beauty shop</div> - <div class='line in2'>And took it off again.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>The air was insidiously catchy, and, without realizing -it, most of the dozen fellows who thronged the -locker room in various stages of undress, hustling to -clothe themselves for the afternoon practice, began to -hum it.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny stood up and stamped each foot hard. Then, -in his droning, monotonous undertone—he had very -little voice and less ear—he commenced the second -verse:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c011'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“There was a girl in our town</div> - <div class='line in1'>Built on a mammoth plan.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>Then the fellows woke up.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Cut it out!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Shut up!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Close your trap, you old idiot!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You sound like a scissor grinder!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny ceased his musical efforts and looked around -in wild-eyed surprise.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Thought you liked it,” he grinned. “You were -all humming it to beat the cars.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Of course we were!” retorted Rudolph Rose. -“Why wouldn’t we when you start us going?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’d just got the beastly thing out of my head after -whistling it the whole blessed morning,” grumbled -Teddy Baxter, “when you had to go and begin it -again.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Too bad,” Kenny sighed with suspicious meekness. -“I won’t do it again.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>But the mischief was already done. All the way -out to the gridiron some one would burst out every -now and then with a few bars, and then suddenly -close his jaws with a vicious snap and glare at the innocent -quarter back.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The latter took his place in the line quickly. He -had resolved to keep a good hold on his temper, and -if Tempest was only halfway decent things would go -all right. He did not want to precipitate an outbreak, -for he knew that it would only make a bad matter -worse.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“There are only a few days more,” he thought to -himself, “and then it will be all over. I’ll try and -be good unless he shoves me too hard.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Unfortunately, the captain of the varsity was not -in the best of humors. He had been worrying over a -certain complicated pass, which he wanted to use in -the great game, but of which he felt rather doubtful. -He knew its value if it were only properly done, but -he wasn’t at all sure that the fellows were familiar -enough with it to have it at their fingers’ ends.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Consequently he was a bit short in his manner when -he ordered Kenny to start out with that play.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Fool!” grumbled the quarter back to himself. -“Don’t he give me credit for any sense? He might -have known after the way things were left yesterday -that I’d start out with that pass. You might think -this was a kindergarten!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He crouched, ripped out the signal, took the ball -from Baulsir, and slammed it to Baxter, who passed -close behind him. It was a fair pass, and the play -went through successfully.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Try it again,” ordered Tempest, as they lined up -after the down. “Little more ginger, Kenny. Don’t -hold onto the ball quite so long this time.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny flushed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What the mischief do you want me to do with it?” -he snapped. “I can’t very well pass it until Baxter -gets within reach.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You know what I mean,” returned the captain -shortly. “All ready, now.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny ground his teeth and bit his lips to keep back -the retort which was trembling on them.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Gee! I’d like to give you one that would spoil -that ugly mug of yours!” he thought angrily.</p> - -<p class='c002'>This time his movements were like chain lightning. -Snatching the ball from Baulsir, he slammed it back -so swiftly that Baxter, who was not quite ready for it, -clutched wildly for it, stumbled, staggered, and only -retained his hold on the slippery pigskin by a tremendous -effort. There was a momentary delay which -gave the scrub a chance to lunge forward, and the result -was that the pass netted barely a yard, before the -down.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Tempest’s eyes flashed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Worse than before!” he exclaimed. “Why don’t -you use a little judgment, Kenny?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The quarter back whirled around and faced him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why don’t you give me a chance?” he retorted. -“The way you’ve been playing the game lately, it looks -to me as if you didn’t expect any one to have a grain -of sense except yourself.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Tempest’s face hardened. He opened his lips as -though he were about to make a sharp retort and -then shut them with a snap.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’ll about do for you!” he said, in a hard voice. -“Go over that pass again, and do it right this time.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Jack Kenny’s face was scarlet. His lips trembled -and he was evidently having a struggle to contain himself. -Finally, with tightly clenched fists, he turned his -back to the captain and crouched in his place.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“By thunder!” he muttered. “I can’t stand much -more of that. Just about one more of those remarks -and something will happen.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>This time the pass went through without any criticism -on the part of Don Tempest. He seemed to -realize that he had been rather too hasty, and for -a time he restrained his very evident desire to dictate -to the quarter back.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny kept at the pass until the fellows had it down -like clockwork. For a time he was obstinately determined -not to leave it until Tempest gave the word. -The latter had been running things to suit himself. -Let him decide what he wanted done.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Presently, however, the quarter back realized the -childishness of such methods of procedure. Tempest’s -interference was the very thing which had made him -so sore, and now he was simply playing into the captain’s -hands by his foolishness.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Consequently, when he was sure that the pass had -been thoroughly mastered, he gave the signal for the -crisscross play which had used up so much time the -day before. He did not consider it of very much -value. From its very nature, they could not use it -more than twice at the most, during the entire game; -but so much stress had been laid on it yesterday that -he went through it a number of times until he felt that -the men had it thoroughly in their heads. Then he -branched out into something else.</p> - -<p class='c002'>For a time Tempest made no comment, though the -fellows noticed that he was getting more and more -uneasy. They could see no particular reason for it. -Kenny seemed to be doing well enough. He was -going through all the passes and runs and formations -which had been practiced so much for two weeks -back, alternating them with skill and judgment. It -was a sort of general review of the plays which they -would use against Harvard, and the quarter back felt -that it was good season they went through it; instead -of spending all their time on one or two formations.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The shadows began to lengthen across the field. -Presently the sun dropped behind the west grand stand, -and twilight swiftly gathered. Still Kenny kept up -his general tactics without returning to the double pass -or the crisscross which had used up so much of the -afternoon. At length, just as they were lining up after -a round-the-end run, Tempest spoke up again.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Give us that crisscross again,” he said shortly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Bah!” grumbled Kenny, without turning. “You -and your old crisscross!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Tempest’s ears seemed to be abnormally sharp.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What did you say?” he snapped.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His nerves were a little on edge from the mental -strain and worry he had been under for the past few -weeks, and probably his voice was sharper and more -domineering than he realized. At all events, it was the -last straw. Kenny straightened up and turned slowly -around to face the captain. His face was a little pale -and his lips firmly set.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I said, ‘Hang you and your old crisscross,’” he returned -deliberately. “We’ve wasted three-quarters of -an hour on it already this afternoon, and the fellows -couldn’t get it any smoother if they tried.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Tempest’s face grew hard and set.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Who’s running this team, Kenny?” he demanded. -“You or I?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You seem to be making a pretty good stab at running -the team and everybody on it!” the quarter back -burst out, throwing caution to the winds. “You make -me sick with your eternal butting in. You don’t give -a fellow credit for a grain of sense. It’s ‘Kenny do -this, Kenny do that,’ the whole enduring time. You -might think I was a machine that wouldn’t work until -you turned the crank. How do you expect to make out -in the game, I’d like to know? You’ll have to keep -your mouth shut then. If you don’t think I’m good -enough for the job, why in thunder don’t you throw -me out and take it yourself? But no, that wouldn’t -do. The trouble with you, Don Tempest, is that you -want to run the whole lot of us as if we were a flock -of sheep without any ideas of our own, and a nice -mess you’ll make of it. Look at the Princeton game! -I’ve stood about all of your domineering ways I’m going -to for one afternoon. You can turn to and be -quarter yourself, and see how you like it!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Without waiting for a reply, he turned and started -toward the track house at a rapid stride.</p> - -<p class='c002'>For a moment not a sound broke the stillness. Tempest -glared after the retreating Kenny as if he would -liked to throttle him. The other members of the team -stood silent, shifting from one foot to the other, waiting -for the explosion with mixed expressions. Some -seemed rather pleased than otherwise at the turn things -had taken, while others, realizing the gravity of the -situation, looked serious.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You blamed little runt!” exploded Tempest as soon -as he got his breath. “If I don’t——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He broke off abruptly as Dick Merriwell stepped -quickly to his side and touched his arm warningly. A -few swift, whispered words passed between the two. -Dick seemed to be urging something to which the captain -at length reluctantly agreed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’ll do for to-day,” he said shortly, his eyes -sweeping over the faces of the waiting men. “Three -o’clock to-morrow, sharp!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The group instantly melted away, most of the men -being eager to get out of earshot to talk over this new, -and not altogether unexpected, development. Dick, -Tempest, and the coaches remained behind.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s a case of insubordination, pure and simple!” -the captain burst out. “He’ll have to go!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was no word of acquiescence from the men -around him, and Tempest flashed a swift glance of -surprise at their serious faces.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You don’t agree with me?” he questioned shortly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Where are you going to get another quarter at this -stage of the game?” growled Bill Fullerton, the head -coach.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why, Gillis, of the scrub,” Tempest answered. -“He knows all the signals and has the plays down -pat.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Almost in spite of himself, however, there was an -undercurrent of doubt in his voice.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Punk along side of Kenny,” Fullerton said tersely.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But I can’t take that line of talk and do nothing,” -protested Tempest. “In twenty-four hours there -wouldn’t be any discipline left.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He glanced at Merriwell questioningly, expecting -confirmation of his views, but Dick slowly shook his -head.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It wouldn’t do, Don,” he said slowly. “At least, -not at this late day. If we had a couple of weeks before -the game, Gillis might be hammered into shape; -but it would be suicidal to put him in Kenny’s place -now.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He hesitated a moment and then went on quietly:</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I hate butting in, old fellow, but once in a while -a chap’s got to. You don’t mind if I speak rather -freely, do you, Don?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Tempest shook his head, but it was plain from the -expression on his face that advice was not especially -palatable.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Spit it out, Dick,” he returned shortly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s just this, Don,” Merriwell explained. “I think -that, in a way, you’re a little to blame for Kenny’s -flare-up. He’s been sore for quite some time. I’ve -been watching him closely, and I rather expected the -outbreak would come before this. The reason why -it didn’t was because Jack was doing his best to keep -his temper. I think he realized, as well as you or I -could, the folly, even danger, of a split in the team -at this juncture; and I honestly believe that he kept a -grip on himself until he simply couldn’t hold in any -longer.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Tempest’s face darkened.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s a pretty hard one on me, Merriwell,” he said -quickly. “You imply that I practically drove him to -the wall.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“In a way, yes,” Dick answered. “Of course it -wasn’t intentional on your part. I don’t mean that, -at all. I don’t suppose you’ve realized it, old man, -but you have been putting in your oar lately a little -bit more than is wise. No doubt you’ve seen the value -of certain plays, which, perhaps, haven’t appealed to -Kenny, and have consequently harped on them more -than you have any idea of. You’ve lost track of the -fact that Jack is one of the ablest, most brainy quarters -we’ve ever had, and that he should be entitled to -do a little thinking on his own hook. Besides, no fellow, -no matter how much of a dub he may be, likes to -be constantly pounded and hammered at before the -whole team. Most men have to be handled with a -little diplomacy and tact—taken aside, you know, and -perhaps asked their advice as to the value of a certain -play or formation, instead of being ordered to do thus -and so without having any reason given them. Perhaps -that method doesn’t appeal to you, but I have -found it much the simplest and effective way of getting -results.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“The fellow is a bit flattered at having his opinion -consulted. He does what you want willingly, and -half the time he thinks that it is his own idea. Everybody -is happy and the goose hangs high. Of course, -you haven’t realized it, but really, Don, you’ve been -pretty sharp and domineering for the past two weeks. -I have a notion that the big game has got on your -nerves a trifle, and that, in your anxiety to prepare -against any contingency, you’ve gone at the fellows in -a way which has made others than Jack Kenny sore.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He stopped, and for a time no one spoke. Then Bill -Fullerton nodded his head emphatically.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s the talk!” he said decidedly. “Lead ’em, -don’t try to drive ’em, and you get better results. Let -me do the driving when it is necessary.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Tempest’s face was a study. Chagrin and anger -struggled with a dawning realization that Merriwell -had spoken the truth. He was a fellow who hated -to be given advice, but he was also fair-minded enough -to know that Dick was not the sort who would speak -as he had unless there was a great need for it.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I suppose you’re right, Merriwell,” he said slowly, -at length. “A fellow looking on can get a much better -idea of the real state of affairs than one who is -taking part in them. Perhaps I have been too sharp -and quick in the way I’ve handled the boys, but, somehow, -it isn’t my way to get around a man in the manner -you suggest. If I’m running the team, well and -good. But if the fellows begin to question my orders, -it’s about time I stepped out.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Nonsense!” Merriwell exclaimed. “You don’t get -what I mean at all. I hadn’t the slightest notion of -your submitting to dictation from anybody in your -management. But there are more methods than one of -getting your way, and I think you’ll find that a little -persuasion will go considerably farther than downright -bullyragging. You don’t mean it that way, of course, -but that’s how it appears to some of the men. Don’t -let’s have any more talk about your stepping out. Nobody’s -going to do that. This thing has got to be -patched up or we’ll lose the game on Saturday, the -surest thing you know. All you’ve got to do is to -take things a little easier. Don’t try to run the whole -team. It’s a wonder you’re not a wreck now, the way -you’ve tried to take everything on your shoulders.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But I can’t help worrying about things,” Tempest -protested. “I can’t help seeing where they don’t go -right, and trying my best to remedy them.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You try too hard,” Dick retorted. “If you think -it over, you’ll realize that Kenny’s got brains enough -to come out all right if he’s let alone. You’re not -going to try any more new stunts, and the boys have -got the others down to a point where their work -couldn’t be very much improved on. At least, try my -plan, Don. Let Jack have his own way for a day or -so, and see if I’m not right—see if he doesn’t show -results. He’s got to play the game practically alone on -Saturday. And it’s only fair that he have his chance -for the rest of the week.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>In his eagerness to make his point of view plain, -Dick had spoken rather more emphatically than he intended. -He realized this, and went on quickly:</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You mustn’t mind if I’m a bit sharp, Don. I -haven’t minced matters because I wanted to put things -plainly to you. If we can only keep things running -smoothly and prevent such disagreements as this, there -isn’t a doubt in my mind that we’ll put it all over Harvard. -But you know yourself that with a team at -loggerheads, when every fellow is taking sides and -questioning the ability of the man at the helm, there -isn’t a ghost of a show for good work. Think it over, -old fellow, and see if I’m not right. It’s only three -days now before the game. See if you can’t manage to -hold in for that short time, and we won’t have any -more trouble.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Tempest looked up with a wry smile on his face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I reckon I’ll have to,” he said slowly, “or there -won’t be any team left. How about Kenny, though? -Will he come back?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell’s lips straightened out in a firm line.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’ll see to him,” he said quickly. “I don’t think -there’s any doubt about that.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Fullerton gave a grunt of relief as they started toward -the track house. Thanks to Merriwell, it looked -as if serious trouble had been averted.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Jack Kenny did not appear at the training table that -night. His absence was not commented upon by the -other men, who knew the reason quite well.</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was an atmosphere of doubt and suspense -over everything, which persistently refused to be -cleared away. Had the quarter back left the team for -good? Had he been fired off? What had taken place -between Merriwell, Tempest, and the coaches after the -majority of the men had left the field that afternoon?</p> - -<p class='c002'>These and a dozen other vital questions were whispered -by various fellows to their neighbors; but no one -felt like propounding them to the principals in the affair, -who did not volunteer any information.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Directly the gloomy meal was over, Dick hurried -across the campus to Vanderbilt and ascended to Kenny’s -rooms. He found the quarter back sunk into the -depths of a big chair, his face black as a thundercloud.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He looked up quickly as Merriwell entered in response -to his gruff invitation, and shook his head emphatically.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Isn’t a bit of use, Dick,” he said positively. -“You’re just wasting your time.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell smiled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You old idiot!” he exclaimed, dropping down in -a chair opposite Kenny. “Have you any idea what -you’re talking about?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The quarter back pursed up his lips firmly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’re after me to make it up with that fool Tempest,” -he returned quickly. “But I won’t do it! I’ve -stood about all of his lip that I’m going to. It’s nearly -drove me insane.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick crossed his legs and linked his hands loosely -over one knee.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It was pretty trying, wasn’t it?” he said quietly. -“But you know, old man, Tempest didn’t mean anything -by it. It’s just his way. He’s so keen about the -game Saturday, and so afraid we won’t get those plays -into our nuts, that he forgets everything else.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“The deuce he does!” retorted Kenny. “He’s done -nothing but hammer and pound at me since he came -back on the field. You might think I didn’t have any -sense at all. It’s nag, nag, nag the whole time. ‘Do -this, do that,’ without giving a fellow a chance to do -it himself. What am I quarter for, I’d like to know, -if I can’t use a little judgment? I’ve played football as -long as he has, and been on the varsity longer, yet he -treats me like a perfect kid. I tell you, Dick, I won’t -stand for it any longer. I—don’t care if I am—out -of the game—Saturday.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Despite his accents of bravado, Kenny’s voice faltered -a little at the end. Merriwell leaned forward -earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Jack, you don’t mean that,” he exclaimed; “you -can’t mean it!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The quarter back nodded emphatically.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes, I do,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But there was almost a sob in his voice. Angry and -excited as he had been up to this point, leaving the -team seemed the only natural thing to do.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell’s face grew very serious.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You can’t realize what you’re saying, Jack,” he -said, in a low, clear voice. “You can’t possibly be in -earnest when you talk about leaving the team four days -before the great game of the season. Surely you know, -old fellow, that such a step would give Harvard the victory -as certain as fate. We haven’t any one who could -possibly take your place and run things the way you -do. Gillis hasn’t got the head. That isn’t soft soap; -it’s the truth.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny’s slim fingers were busy tracing intricate patterns -on the upholstered arm of the chair. His eyes -were averted.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Gillis could do what I’ve been doing for the past -two weeks,” he muttered, in a low tone. “Any dub -could do that. Tempest don’t want a fellow to think -for himself.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Did you ever try and put yourself in Don Tempest’s -place, Jack?” Dick asked swiftly. “Did you ever -try and figure out what sort of a man he was—what -kind of a mind he has, I mean?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The quarter back shot a swift glance at Merriwell’s -face and then dropped his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“He’s got a cursed domineering mind, I know that -much,” he growled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s the way it might appear sometimes,” Dick -returned; “but you haven’t got deep enough. He’s a -fellow with splendid executive ability, with a wonderfully -far-seeing mind and immense talent for the -strategy of football. Surely you’ll admit that.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“He has doped out some pretty good stunts,” Kenny -acknowledged grudgingly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Of course he has. He’s amazingly clever at that. -And it’s about those very stunts that he makes his great -mistake. His mind is so wrapped up in the results he -wants to get that he doesn’t care how he gets them. -Moreover, he’s intolerant of advice——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“And mighty quick about giving it to others,” flashed -Kenny viciously.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick repressed a quick smile. The quarter back’s -manner was so like that of a peevish child that he -could not help being amused. But the feeling was only -momentary. The situation was far too serious for -trifling.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I know that,” he returned quickly, “and that’s what -I told him this afternoon.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Humph!” grunted Kenny, looking up swiftly. “I’m -glad you did that much. I’m glad he realizes that -somebody besides me has noticed the way he’s been -going on. What did he say to that?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“He hadn’t realized how far his enthusiasm and -earnestness had carried him,” Merriwell explained. -“You see, Jack, Don is a fellow who commands by -sheer force of will. We have made him captain of the -team, and he expects to be obeyed implicitly and without -question when he has decided what he thinks is -the right course. Another man might get his way by a -more sympathetic, tactful appeal; but Don can’t—he -doesn’t know how. That quick, sharp manner, which -seems so imperious and domineering, is unfortunate, -but it’s just as much a part of his make-up as any -unpleasant traits of character which you or I possess -are parts of ours, and it’s just as hard to overcome. -He doesn’t really mean anything by it, and I think -after the talk we had to-day he’ll do his very best to -modify it, if not cut it out altogether. I’ve been expecting -you’d flare up before this, Jack. If you hadn’t -had great self-control, you would have, for there was -every provocation in the world; but you’ll find things -pleasanter from now on. You’re not thinking about -deserting the bunch now, are you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny hesitated an instant and then looked up at -Merriwell, with a rather shamefaced expression.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No, I reckon not,” he replied, in a low tone. “I -don’t suppose I really could have left the team in cold -blood, but I was so blazing mad with Tempest I was -ready to do anything. Besides, I was pretty sure he’d -fire me off after what I said on the field.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick wisely refrained from telling him that such -had been Tempest’s first intention. Springing to his -feet, he gave the quarter back a hearty slap on the -shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I knew you weren’t the sort to throw us down that -way,” he smiled. “Well, I must run along. Practice -at three to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“All right, I’ll be there,” Kenny said, with a return -of his usual cheerful manner; “only, Dick——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He paused, and Merriwell turned back from the -door.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes?” he questioned.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You know I can’t promise to behave myself if -Tempest starts in on his old tricks,” the quarter back -said hesitatingly. “I’ve held in so long that my nerves -are worn to a frazzle, and it wouldn’t take a whole -lot to start me going.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Don’t worry,” Dick smiled. “I don’t think there’ll -be any more trouble, but if Don should get a little aggravating -try and remember what I told you. It isn’t -really his fault, and he doesn’t mean anything by it. -Just grin and bear it. We all have our troubles, you -know.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Sure,” grinned Kenny. “Well, I’ll try my best. -Good night.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>When the door had closed behind Merriwell, Kenny -dropped back into his chair, a smile still on his lips. -The change of heart which Dick had brought about -was a distinct relief to the quarter back.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Looking at it in cold blood, he shuddered at his -narrow escape. What an awful thing it would have -been if he had really thrown up his place on the varsity. -The thought of having the contest with Harvard take -place, and he not on the team, was appalling and sent -an icy shiver up and down his spine. That was the -event to which they all looked forward eagerly from -the very beginning of the season. It was the culmination—the -finish of all things; and this game would -indeed be the finish for him. It was his last year. -Never again would he have a chance to face the wearers -of the crimson. Not to have played on Saturday -would have broken his heart.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was still turning the matter over in his mind -when there came a quick knock at the door.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Come in,” he called.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The door swung open and Clarence Carr, blithe, -brusque, and smiling, entered the room.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hello!” greeted Kenny, springing to his feet. -“Come in and rest your face and hands.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Didn’t expect to see me quite so soon, did you?” -smiled the older man. “But I had an hour to spare, -so I thought I’d take advantage of your invitation and -look you up.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Glad you did,” Kenny returned cordially, taking the -other’s overcoat and hat. “Sit down and smoke one of -your own cigars. That sounds pretty inhospitable, but, -not indulging in them, I don’t keep any on hand.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Carr dropped into a chair and took out a weed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You didn’t put your foot into it the way one of the -boys down in Wall Street did the other day,” he remarked. -“He’s a pretty gay bird generally, but doesn’t -happen to smoke. One of the brokers offered him a -cigar, which he declined with a virtuous air. ‘No, -thanks,’ he says, ‘I’m not addicted to the vice.’ That -naturally got the other fellow’s goat. ‘It isn’t a vice,’ -he snapped back, ‘or you probably would be.’ The -drinks were on Harry that time.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny laughed and settled down comfortably on the -couch. He had taken a decided fancy to this fresh, -breezy man of the world, who seemed to go through -life in such a jolly, good-tempered way.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, how’d things go to-day?” Carr asked presently, -in a casual tone. “Any more rows?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny hesitated and a slow flush crept into his face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“We did have it pretty hot toward the end,” he confessed. -“I flared up and gave Tempest a piece of my -mind, and then left the field just about ready to throw -the whole thing up.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>A look of genuine anxiety flashed into Carr’s face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, thunder!” he exclaimed quickly. “You -wouldn’t do that, would you? Why, it would just -about give Harvard the game!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m not going to—no,” Kenny returned. “I’ve seen -since then that I couldn’t, of course; but I was so -blooming mad at the time that I was ready for anything.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The broker sank back in his chair with a sigh of -relief.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Gee! You gave me a start,” he confessed. “I -thought for a minute you still meant that, and I -certainly don’t want to see old Yale licked.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He took a meditative puff on his cigar and then -went on rather casually:</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, what was the trouble to-day? That captain -of yours been interfering again?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“He sure has,” Kenny returned. “It would take the -patience of Job to put up with him.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>His face darkened at the remembrance of Tempest’s -nagging. Though he had promised Dick he would -remain with the team, and was more than thankful he -had done so, his dislike for Tempest was not in the -least lessened. The feeling of soreness and sense of -unfair treatment had grown so gradually, and had -been resolutely repressed for so long, that when it -finally broke forth into a flame it was far too strong -to be quenched readily, and, almost before he knew -it, the quarter back found himself narrating the whole -unpleasant series of incidents to this new friend who -seemed so interested and so sympathetic.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Great Scott!” exclaimed Carr, when the story was -finished. “I certainly don’t blame you for raising a -row. This Tempest must be a fearful aggravating -blade. What are you going to do about it?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, I’ll have to put up with it, I reckon,” Kenny -said hesitatingly. “Merriwell says he gave him a good -talking to and thinks he’ll hold his jaw and keep his -hands off for a while; but I tell you this much, if he -starts in with his nagging to-morrow I shan’t be responsible -for what I do.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I should say not!” the broker exclaimed. “It’s a -wonder to me you’ve held in as long as you have. I’m -afraid I’d have blown up when he first started in to -bulldoze.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I felt like it, you’d better believe,” Kenny returned; -“but I didn’t want to start a row. That sort of thing -doesn’t do any good to the work of a team.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No, of course not,” agreed Carr.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He smoked for a few moments in thoughtful silence.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“How’d he ever come to be made captain?” he mused -presently. “I should think your temperament was much -better suited for the position than his.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny flushed with pleasure at this remark.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It was pretty close,” he answered; “but the fellows -must have thought he was better qualified. There’s -certainly no doubt about his ability as a strategist, or -his thorough knowledge of the game.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But that’s very far from being everything,” Carr -said quickly. “The captain of a football team, or any -other, for that matter, should have tact. He should -know more than anything else, almost, how to handle -his men to get the best results from their working together -as a single unit. Apparently Tempest doesn’t -possess this qualification, but, from even the little I -know of you, I should imagine you would have no such -difficulties as he has run up against in that regard. -You don’t mind my talking in this frank way, I hope. -You see, I’m very much interested in it all.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No, of course not.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Again the quarter back felt that pleasant glow of -satisfaction stealing over him. Clarence Carr was -evidently a man of keen insight and understanding. -It was gratifying to meet a fellow of such perfect appreciation.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The broker stayed somewhat later than he had at -Phil Keran’s rooms the night before. A good part of -the time was spent in discussing the football situation. -Clarence Carr was a wonderfully clever man, and, -moreover, he had a distinct object in view.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Little by little, his insidious words penetrated to -Jack Kenny’s mind and stayed there. It was all so -cleverly done that the quarter back did not realize for -a single moment that there was anything underneath -the pleasant, jovial broker’s discourse, punctuated now -and then by witty stories and amusing anecdotes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But the result was that, by the time Carr took his -leave, Kenny’s dislike for Don Tempest had been -fanned into a flame of hatred. His sense of unfair -treatment rankled bitterly, while his contempt for the -captain’s methods reached a point where he began to -entertain serious doubts of the fellow’s ability as a -leader. Under such a man’s guidance, he reflected, -how was it possible that the team could work to any -advantage? Already the fellows were grumbling -against his exactions. What would it be like on the -day of the game, when nervousness and self-doubt is -always rampant?</p> - -<p class='c002'>Carr’s hearty “good night” floated upward from the -stairs, and Kenny closed the door with a sigh and -stood thoughtfully by the table. Nothing seemed sure, -now. He was even growing doubtful of their ability -to wrest a victory from the crimson.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XXVI<br /> <br /><span class='small'>THE SCHEME.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>As Clarence Carr left Vanderbilt Hall he seemed to -be in even higher spirits than usual. Swinging briskly -down the drive with a smile on his face and humming -a little tune under his breath, he passed through the -ornate gateway and turned to his left down Chapel -Street.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He had good reason to be satisfied with the evening’s -work. He had been even more successful than -he had hoped. The ball had been started rolling, and -there was nothing left for him now but to watch it -carefully and make sure that it kept on its way.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It took but a moment to reach the New Haven -House, where he paused in the lobby, keenly scrutinizing -the occupants of the comfortable leather-covered -chairs.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Not here,” he murmured under his breath. “But I -hardly expected he would be.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Without delay, he passed on to the bar, and he had -scarcely stepped inside the doorway before his eyes -fell upon the figure of the man for whom he was looking.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was rather under medium height, and very fat. -The striking, violet-colored waistcoat covered a vast -expanse of rotundity, and across the front was looped -a massive gold chain which looked almost like a cable, -hanging pendant from which, at the point where it -passed through the buttonhole, were half a dozen -fobs, lockets, and diamond-studded trinkets.</p> - -<p class='c002'>In the scarf of violet silk, which just matched the -waistcoat, sparkled a large diamond. On several of -the pudgy fingers were a plentitude of rings—also set -with diamonds. But the most remarkable feature of -the man was the face which topped the barrel-like figure, -and which had the grotesque appearance of being -set directly upon the broad, check-clad shoulders without -the usual formality of a neck.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was smooth-shaven, round, and jolly, merging imperceptibly -into the bat-wing collar by a series of double -chins. The eyes were small, deep-set and blue, and -had in them an expression of such infantile innocence -as to be almost incongruous. This, together with the -soft, smooth, pink-and-white skin, gave him the look -of a plump, good-natured cherub, who had allowed his -taste for rather vivid colorings and effects in the matter -of dress to run riot.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But J. Harry Edgerton was very far from living -up to his appearance. There was nothing whatever of -the innocent cherub about his personality, though he -had often found it expedient and profitable to allow -that impression to prevail. It had been invaluable in -leading strangers to stay with him in a stiff poker -game, under the impression that the pouting, childlike -look of dismay as he surveyed his hand was a true reflection -of the cards themselves. Too late they would -discover that Edgerton was simply bluffing, and they -would retire from the game sadder, wiser, and poorer -men.</p> - -<p class='c002'>J. Harry had thus acquired a manner which was in -perfect accord with his looks, and gradually this had -become so fixed a habit that he rarely put it aside, -except in moments of great excitement or tension, -when his true self came to the surface. At other times -he was the bland, jolly, good-tempered and careless individual -which his appearance implied. A good deal -of a sport, to be sure, but full of bright, witty stories, -which he narrated in a droll way that was irresistible, -and altogether a most desirable fellow to take a hand -at poker or make a fourth at bridge.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His small, bright eyes lit up and a wide smile -wreathed his fat countenance as he saw Clarence Carr -advancing toward his position at the end of the bar.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, well,” he chuckled, holding out a plump, pink -hand. “My old college chum! How are you, Clarence, -old boy? What’ll you take?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Carr grinned as he clasped the bejeweled fingers.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Glad to see you, old sport,” he returned. “Make -it a rye high ball.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Scotch for me,” nodded the stout cherub to the -waiting attendant. “And say—bring them over to a -table. I want to rest my bones.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Didn’t know they needed resting, Harry,” smiled -Carr, as they crossed the room to a little table in the -corner. “They’re so bolstered up and supported with -blubber, you know.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>With a sigh, Edgerton relapsed carefully into a -creaking chair.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Same old joker, I see,” he chortled. “Wait till -you tip the scales at three hundred odd and you’ll feel -the need of resting something. Whether it’s bones or -not, I can’t say.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The drinks being set before them, each man poured -out a generous three fingers and filled the glasses with -carbonated.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Here’s how,” remarked Carr, raising his glass.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The stout man nodded and took a long swallow.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Fair stuff,” he remarked, setting the glass down on -the table.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then he looked keenly at his companion, his fat lips -pursed up a little.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well?” he questioned significantly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Carr took out a handkerchief and wiped his mouth -deliberately.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I think it’s going to work,” he returned in a somewhat -lower tone. “Tempest and Kenny pretty near -came to blows this afternoon. In fact, Kenny was so -mad that, for a while, he proposed leaving the team -altogether. That scared me when I first heard about -it, but luckily Dick Merriwell talked him into staying.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Humph!” grunted Edgerton. “I should think that -would have been the best thing possible. There’d be no -question then about the result of the game.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No, of course not,” Carr said quickly; “but in that -case the odds would be in Harvard’s favor instead of -being five to six against her as they are now.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Edgerton nodded comprehendingly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I see,” he returned, taking another sip from his -glass. “That’s true enough. I’m not very well up -on this football business, so I have to trust to you. But -are you sure you can work this boy so there’ll be -enough of a split in the team to make any material difference -in their playing.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Carr nodded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I think so,” he answered. “He’s got a pretty hot -temper, though he has kept it under control until now. -He’s a bit sore, too, that he wasn’t elected captain instead -of this Tempest. If the latter only keeps -on with his bullyragging, even a little, the game is ours. -Already the team is taking sides in the quarrel. Some -are for Tempest, some for Kenny; and that means -reduced efficiency in their playing. I can keep the quarter -back stirred up, all right, and by Saturday they -ought all to be at sixes and sevens.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Don’t he suspect your game?” queried the stout -man.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Carr laughed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Trust me for that,” he returned. “He thinks I’m all -for Yale winning. He hasn’t a notion that there’s any -motive in what I’ve said to him, except the natural -dislike of a man to see a good fellow thrown down.” -His face clouded swiftly and his heavy brows drew -down into a frown.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Blow me if I’m stuck on the job, though, Edge!” -he went on in a petulant tone.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The fat fellow’s smooth forehead puckered anxiously.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What’s the matter?” he asked quickly. “Not getting -cold feet, I hope.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, it’s not that,” Carr exclaimed; “but the boy is -such a decent fellow and thinks I’m all to the good. I -feel like a snake when I think of what I’m trying to -bring about. If Yale loses, it will be blamed on him, -in a way. Why, I believe the fellow really likes me!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Tut, tut!” clucked Edgerton impatiently. “Never -let your sympathies get control. It’s better not to -have any; but if you must, why, keep them under, Clarence—keep -them under. We’ve got to pull this -through, or where will we be? Don’t let’s have any -more talk like that. What’s the boy to you, anyhow? -You’ll never see him again.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, I suppose not,” Carr said petulantly. “But I -can’t help feeling the way I do. Don’t worry, though. -I’m not going to back out. I can’t afford to. That -last slump in the Street left me high and dry. But if -it wasn’t for that I’d never put my hand to a dirty deal -like this.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>An expression flashed across the fat fellow’s face -which was far from cherubic.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Cut it out, Clarence,” he snapped; “cut it out! -Stop thinking about it, or the whole thing will slump. -Take a brace, for goodness sake! There’s nothing to -be so squeamish about. You’ve been in lots worse -things than this.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I know that,” returned the broker quickly. “Don’t -worry, I tell you. I’m not going to back out. I’ve -simply got to follow it through to the end, or we’ll -both be stony.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The placid look returned to Edgerton’s countenance -and, with a sigh of relief, he picked up his glass and -drained it.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That’s right,” he murmured, setting it down; -“that’s sensible. And now about the bets. When can -we start placing them? That’s where my work begins, -and I don’t want to be losing valuable time. How -about to-morrow?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Better wait until Thursday,” Carr returned -thoughtfully. “That’ll give you plenty of time, and -I’ll be able to see how things go on the field to-morrow -afternoon. Of course, they won’t let me watch the -practice, but I can sound Kenny afterward. I’ve got -him now so he loosens up and confides everything to -me.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, Thursday it is, then,” chuckled Edgerton, -his good humor quite restored. “That’ll give me -two full days to make a killing in New York, and -Saturday morning to do a little placing here. Let’s -have another drink. Same for you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The broker nodded, and Edgerton struck the bell -sharply. The high balls were ordered and swiftly -brought. By the time Carr had finished, his life took on -a rosier hue. His momentary scruples had quite vanished, -and he flung himself into the game with renewed -zest, laying out an effective campaign for the morrow.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XXVII<br /> <br /><span class='small'>THE BREACH WIDENS.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>Dick Merriwell appeared on the athletic field the -next afternoon in a somewhat anxious state of mind. -After the straight talk he had given Tempest the day -before, and his subsequent interview with Kenny, he -hoped that things would go smoothly, but he knew that -nothing was ever certain.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was too good a judge of character to imagine -that a mere quarter of an hour’s talk, no matter how -emphatic it was, could be the means of changing utterly -the methods and point of view of a fellow like -Tempest. He felt sure that the captain of the varsity -would do his best to follow the advice which had been -given him, but whether he would succeed was quite another -matter.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He had less anxiety in regard to Kenny. He felt -that the quarter back was sincere in his desire to have -peace and harmony in the team, and after their talk -last night he was sure that the hot-tempered, good-hearted -chap would even put up with a little of Tempest’s -nagging without breaking out again.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But, strangely enough, the practice had barely begun, -before he found prevailing a condition which -was quite the opposite from what he had confidently -supposed would be the case.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Almost at once he perceived that Tempest had a -firm grip on himself and was doing his best to preserve -harmony, whereas Kenny acted as if he had a chip -on his shoulder which he was almost anxious for the -captain to knock off.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was as nearly sullen as such a naturally good-tempered -fellow could be, taking his part in the game -in a perfunctory manner without his usual snap and -vim; and, instead of going ahead on his own hook -with the various plays which had to be practiced, he -was constantly pausing and asking Tempest’s advice in -a pointed, sarcastic manner which would have driven -anybody wild.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Naturally the latter got hot under the collar. Here -he was straining every effort to keep the peace, and -Kenny, instead of meeting him halfway, was doing -his best to aggravate him and provoke a verbal battle.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The result was that, before an hour had passed, the -two were at daggers’ points, and a feeling of unrest -and uneasiness had come over the whole team, which -seriously interfered with its efficiency, and prevented -it from doing anything like the good work it should -have done.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell was puzzled as well as decidedly angry. -What in the world possessed Kenny? What had come -over him since their talk of the previous evening, when -the quarter back had shown such a very evident and -sincere desire to see things go well, and, more than -that, had promised that he would do his best to that -end.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Instead of keeping his word, he had gone to quite -the opposite extreme and was very evidently bent on -rousing Tempest to a fury. Merriwell could not understand -it, and he was so angry with the little quarter -back that it would have given him the greatest -pleasure to take the sulky fellow by the shoulders and -shake him, as one would a spoiled child.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Luckily Tempest refused to be dragged into a verbal -encounter. It was evident to him that Kenny was deliberately -working to that end, and, his blood aroused, -the captain strained every effort to keep a grip on -himself. It was one of the hardest things he ever did. -His words grew sharp and snappy, his face flushed and -angry; but he tried to ignore the quarter back, and -managed to get through the afternoon without an open -clash.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick saw all this with regret, and, also, with an infinite -admiration for Tempest’s surprising self-control; -and, as soon as the practice was over, he stepped to the -captain’s side.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That was bully, Don,” he said, in a low tone. “You -held in splendidly. But that little rat ought to be -turned up and spanked. I never saw anything so aggravating -in my life.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Aggravating!” foamed Tempest, who, now that -he was alone with Merriwell, gave full vent to his fury. -“Aggravating isn’t the word for it! By thunder, Dick, -it was all I could do to keep my hands off the little -devil! I wouldn’t go through another afternoon like -this for a thousand dollars!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell’s face wore a puzzled look.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I can’t think what’s got into him,” he said thoughtfully. -“I had a long talk with him last night, and he -promised to stop his foolishness and behave himself.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“And you see how he’s kept that promise!” Tempest -said bitterly. “He’s worse than I ever knew him to be. -Honestly, old fellow, I can’t go on this way. I’d go -off my nut. Look here, Dick, let me hand in my resignation -and you take my place. You can pull things -together and do something with them. They’ll do -anything you want them to, but if I try to stick it out -Heaven knows what will happen. Another day like -this and they’ll all be up in open rebellion.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Great Scott, man!” Dick cried aghast. “Why, -you’re crazy! The idea of changing captains at such -a time as this! It couldn’t be done, even if I’d consider -it—which I won’t for a minute. You’ve got to -keep on, Don, and pull things through. And we’ve -got to win that game Saturday. It would be better -for Kenny to go than you, but we can’t afford to lose -either of you. You must stick it out, old fellow. I’ll -see Jack again and give him fits. He’s got something -on his mind which wasn’t there last night, and I mean -to find out what it is.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Without delay he proceeded to the track house -and hustled into his other clothes. He couldn’t tackle -the quarter back in the midst of the crowd who -thronged the place, but he meant to catch him as he -was leaving.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Quick as he was, however, he barely managed to get -into his things before he saw his man hurrying out of -the door.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Jack!” he called, snatching up his overcoat and hat. -“Wait a minute.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny turned rather reluctantly. It almost seemed -as if he wanted to avoid Merriwell, but the latter did -not propose to let him get away.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What’s your hurry?” he inquired, as he joined the -other outside the door.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Oh, nothing,” returned Kenny, his eyes averted. -“I just wanted to get back to the dorm, that’s all.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>They were out in the street by this time, and, as -they turned and walked along the high board fence, -Dick looked his companion squarely in the face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What in the mischief has got into you, Jack?” he -asked quickly. “You told me you’d behave, and yet -you’ve acted like a perfect kid all afternoon.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny hesitated.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I can’t stand that Tempest!” he burst out the next -moment. “He makes me daft.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Makes you daft,” repeated Dick. “Why, you’re -the one who makes him, and all the rest of us, hot, -going around with a sour face and a chip on your -shoulder. If I’d been Don I’d have felt like giving -you a good thrashing. You never gave him a chance -to be decent.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The quarter back looked a little sheepish.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I knew he couldn’t be,” he returned quickly, “so I -just got in my licks first. I thought I’d give him a -dose of his own medicine and see how he liked it.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You little idiot!” Merriwell retorted. “Do you -know what you’re going to do if you keep on this -way? You’re going to lose the game for us Saturday. -If you can’t take a brace, we’ll be licked as sure as -fate, and there won’t be a person to blame for it but -yourself.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny’s face flushed and he made a quick, dissenting -motion with one hand.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Look here, Dick,” he protested. “That’s putting -it pretty strong, isn’t it?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s a fact,” Merriwell returned emphatically.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His words seemed to sober Kenny and bring him to -a partial realization of the gravity of the situation. -All the way back to the campus Dick kept up his argument, -and by the time they got off the car at Church -and High Streets he had brought the quarter back -into a contrite and fairly repentant frame of mind.</p> - -<p class='c002'>At the same time, it seemed to him that Kenny was -not so pliable as he had been the night before. It had -been harder to bring him to a realization of the error -of his ways. Somehow, Dick felt almost as if there -was a counter influence which was pulling against his -own—something which was encouraging Kenny in his -rebellion and egging him on in the disagreement with -Tempest.</p> - -<p class='c002'>What it could be he could not imagine. Who among -the quarter back’s friends or acquaintances could encourage -him in his fatal folly? For any sane person -must realize that if the fellow persisted in his course -a victory on Saturday would be seriously imperiled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He was turning this over in his mind all through -supper, and afterward, walking along Church Street -with Brad, Keran, and several others, it was still puzzling -him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>All at once his eyes fell on Kenny himself, walking -down the street on the other side, in earnest conversation -with a slim, brisk man of about thirty.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Who’s that fellow with Kenny?” he asked quickly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>They all glanced over the way, and Phil Keran answered -the question.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Clarence Carr,” he said readily. “He’s Archie -Carr’s brother. He came in to see me the other night, -and Kenny met him there. Nice chap, too. Crazy -about football. He played at Brown. He and Jack -seem to hit it off pretty well.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick took in the man with a swift, appraising glance. -He remembered Archie Carr perfectly as a good football -player and red-hot Yale man. There was absolutely -no reason why he should question his brother’s -loyalty and integrity, but still a tiny germ of doubt -was generated in his mind at that moment—something -which sprang into being quite without rhyme or reason, -and which persisted in remaining despite its seeming -absurdity and incongruity.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XXVIII<br /> <br /><span class='small'>IN DESPERATE STRAITS.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>Twenty-four hours later Dick Merriwell was confident -that some malign influence was at work on Jack -Kenny’s mind combating his own strenuous efforts to -bring about concord between him and Don Tempest. -Some one was doing his level best to keep the quarter -back constantly stirred up in his ire against the captain -of the varsity, so that it required every bit of -Merriwell’s patience and perseverance to prevent an -open break.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He had arrived at this conclusion simply from a -keen sense of observation. He knew Jack Kenny well -enough to be perfectly sure that he was not the sort -of fellow to harbor a grudge to the extent which he -was fostering this one. He was a man who would be -apt to flare up in a swift outburst of wrath, but it was -not at all like him to develop this sullen, sneering, -backbiting streak which had been apparent for the past -few days.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Some one must be egging him on; some one was deliberately -encouraging him to combat Tempest at every -possible point; and that person must be going about his -underhand work with amazing skill and forethought. -His method of procedure must be so insidious that -Kenny himself had no idea he was being worked; for -at no time did Dick question for an instant the quarter -back’s loyalty to his team or to his college.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Who this some one was, Merriwell had no idea. It -must be a man who either had a personal grudge -against Tempest himself, or else had some vital reason -for bringing about an open rupture in the Yale -team before the great contest of the season.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick could not close his eyes to the fact that this -last condition of affairs was in a fair way to be brought -about unless something speedily intervened to prevent -it. Little by little the fellows had been taking sides in -the unfortunate disagreement between the captain and -the quarter back.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The strain of having to keep a constant watch on -his tongue was beginning to tell on Tempest and -showed in a loosening of the grip he had on the team -and a resulting decrease in its efficiency.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Quick to notice this, many of the fellows blamed it -altogether upon Tempest. They began to question his -ability among themselves and wonder whether his -methods were right and whether he was going to lead -them to victory on Saturday.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Doubt and hesitation and suspicion were rife on -all sides. It would take but the merest breath to add -discouragement to their number; and once a team -starts in with a doubt as to its ability to win the handicap -against it is tremendous.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell did his best to instill encouragement and -hope into their failing spirits, but, under the peculiar -condition of affairs, he was almost helpless to do any -good in that line. Kenny had started the ball rolling, -and he was the only one who could stop its progress. -If he could only be brought to his senses and grant -to Tempest his cheerful, willing obedience and coöperation, -the trouble might possibly be stopped.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Men would see that his confidence in the captain was -restored, and, in their turn, might be inspired to renewed -hope and consequent endeavor.</p> - -<p class='c002'>To this end, therefore, Dick bent every effort; but -he was unsuccessful. Kenny listened to his words, -but was not convinced; and Merriwell knew that some -one else was working against him.</p> - -<p class='c002'>By Friday night he was almost certain that this -some one was Clarence Carr, who, for the past few -days, had been spending every possible moment in the -company of the quarter back. He was the only unknown -quantity among Kenny’s acquaintance. The -others were all beyond reproach, and at last, incredible -as the thought was, Dick became convinced that Carr -was doing his very utmost to bring about a rupture in -the Yale team, so that Harvard would gain the victory.</p> - -<p class='c002'>What the broker’s motive was he could not guess. -There were a dozen reasons why he might wish to -bring such a thing about, and Dick did not waste much -time over that. The great thing was to convince -Kenny that Carr was meddling, and that he had an -ulterior motive for wishing the defeat of Yale; and -this was almost impossible.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The man’s manner was frank and open. He spoke -enthusiastically of Yale’s chances for victory, even offering -to lay a little money on the blue. He referred -often, though with apparent casualness, to his brother’s -intimate connection with the university, and with -football; and more than once he had been heard to -wish that he had taken his degree at New Haven instead -of Providence.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick easily found an opportunity of meeting him; -for he seemed to have no friends in town except the -college boys, with whom he had grown to be rather -popular. He found the fellow a keen, shrewd man of -the world, likewise an interesting and amusing talker, -and possessed of a certain degree of attractiveness. It -seemed almost incredible that such a man as he—polished, -refined, and gentlemanly—could stoop to the -underhand methods which Merriwell suspected. And -yet, if he were not to blame for influencing Kenny, -who was?</p> - -<p class='c002'>Having met Carr, Merriwell realized full well the -utter impossibility of convincing the quarter back of -his double-dealing, without absolute proof. And -where was he to get that proof, when all he had to go -by was his own intuition?</p> - -<p class='c002'>Supper on Friday night was a dismal meal. The -practice that afternoon had been particularly dispiriting -and lacking in vim and go. Fullerton had bellowed -himself hoarse and had been reduced to open wrath at -the wretched showing made by many of the team. -Don Tempest, white-faced and with set teeth, had -struggled desperately to prevent himself giving way to -a furious outburst of rage at the aggravating Kenny, -who seemed even more possessed of the devil than -usual.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Everything seemed to be at sixes and sevens, and -it was scarcely to be wondered that gloomy, discouraged -faces were the rule that night, as the fellows -thought of what the morrow might bring forth and -groaned inwardly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell, Buckhart, and one or two others tried to -combat the persistent gloom, but without avail. They, -themselves, were not feeling any too sure about things, -and their cheering words were not of the most convincing -order.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Consequently, the meal went on to a silent finish; -and then, as chairs were pushed back, and the men -arose, Tempest stopped them with a quick gesture.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Just a minute, fellows,” he said, in a low tone. -“There’ll be a short meeting of the team and subs in -the gym at eight o’clock. Please be there, all of you.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>At Merriwell’s suggestion there was to be a last -effort made to rally the failing spirits of the men -and make them realize how grave was the situation. -It was all he could think of at the moment, and he -meant to take the floor himself and bring all his power -of eloquence to bear to try and brace them up. But, -first, he intended to have another whack at Kenny and -see if by hook or crook he couldn’t bring him to his -senses.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“If I could only prove something against that traitor, -Carr,” he said to himself, as he crossed the campus -with Brad.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Suddenly he gave a start.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“By Jove!” he exclaimed aloud. “I might try that!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Try what?” inquired Buckhart. “What are you -talking about, anyhow, pard?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Nothing much,” Merriwell answered, as he quickened -his pace. “I was just thinking.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He did not speak another word until they reached -the rooms. The moment the door was closed he dashed -into the closet, and, fumbling around for a few minutes -in the dark, presently emerged with an armful of -clothes and a flat, oblong box.</p> - -<p class='c002'>With wondering eyes the Texan watched him -swiftly strip off his suit and array himself in the one -he had resurrected from the depths of the closet. With -ever-growing curiosity, he saw his chum open the box -and take out a jar of cold cream and some sticks of -grease paints. Then he could contain himself no -longer.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“What in thunder are you up to now?” he exploded.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m going to make a last effort to bring that little -idiot Kenny around,” he replied. “If it succeeds, I’ll -tell you all about it. If it don’t——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He finished the sentence with a shrug of his shoulders -and caught up a stick of grease paint. Brad’s -face was a picture of bewilderment as he watched the -rapid transformation going on before his eyes. A -touch here, a line there, worked wonders. Some false -eyebrows, skillfully attached, made the disguise still -more perfect.</p> - -<p class='c002'>At last, throwing down the hand glass in which he -had been inspecting the whole effect, Dick snatched -up a disreputable derby from the chair, and, clapping -it on his head, tore open the door and disappeared, leaving -his chum staring at the closed portal in a dazed -fashion.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, I’ll—be—hanged!” he exclaimed presently.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XXIX<br /> <br /><span class='small'>DICK MAKES A DISCOVERY.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>J. Harry Edgerton had spent such a busy day in -town that he missed the Merchants’ Limited and was -obliged to take the 5:30 train from the Grand Central, -which did not get him to New Haven until after -seven. It was, in fact, exactly twenty-five minutes -past when he stepped out of the cab at the entrance to -the New Haven House and made his way leisurely into -the lobby.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As his smiling, cherubic countenance loomed like a -full moon in the doorway, Clarence Carr, who had -been waiting impatiently for some time, stepped quickly -forward.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well!” he said, rather shortly, “I expected you an -hour ago, at the latest. What under the sun kept you -so long?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Patience, my sweet Dromio,” gurgled the fat fellow, -with a pacifying wave of his hand. “Don’t fly at -me like an angry cat. All is well. Better than we -hoped for, in fact. But let us lubricate. I cannot—simply -cannot—orate in my present parched condition -of throat. It feels like the desert of Sahara—I give -you my word it does.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The broker’s face relaxed considerably.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Well, come along, then,” he returned. “I could -manage one or two myself.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He linked his arm with that of Edgerton, and together -they passed into the bar and took their seats at -one of the small tables. An attendant was quickly summoned -and brought glasses, bottles, and a siphon. -Then he withdrew, leaving them on the table at a -sign from Edgerton.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Two high balls were mixed and promptly swallowed. -Then J. Harry leaned back in his chair with a contented -sigh and took a comprehensive survey of the -room.</p> - -<p class='c002'>There were half a dozen men congregated at the -other end of the bar, while farther along, at a point -nearly opposite their table, a rather seedy individual, -with flushed face and dented derby, had just slouched -in and ordered gin. The stout gentleman saw the -drink poured out, with a grimace of disgust.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Pah!” he exclaimed. “Such a coarse drink, and so -extremely deleterious to the lining of the stomach! -Never indulge in crude gin, Clarence. That fellow is -half seas over as it is. He’ll be put out directly.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He watched the man drain his glass at a swallow and -barely touch his lips with the chaser. Then, dismissing -the fellow from his mind, he returned to the matter in -hand, first, however, mixing himself another high ball, -which he consumed in leisurely sips while he talked.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He would have been somewhat astonished had he -known that the object of his criticism at the bar had -performed a swift substitution of the glasses under his -very eye, and, instead of drinking the gin, he had swallowed -the chaser; and presently, when his order was -repeated, the full glass of gin was dumped into the -slops by the bartender under the impression that it -was water, and another glassful poured out.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Splendid success,” Edgerton chuckled. “I laid out -every cent I could beg, borrow, or steal, at bully odds. -I should say about two thousand odd, including everything. -Now, if you’ve only done your part as well, -we’ll be in Easy Street this time to-morrow night.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Carr’s eyes sparkled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Great!” he exclaimed. “Don’t be afraid, Edge. -I’ve got things fixed so that the whole team is at loggerheads. -I’ve worked Kenny every minute I could -be with him, and kept that grouch of his nursed as if -it was a precious hothouse flower. The poor fool has -never suspected me for an instant. Thinks I have a -sweetly sympathetic nature. I think there’s hardly a -doubt that we’ll win out, and then for another try at -that game of the Bluebell mining stock.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Edgerton chuckled, and raised the glass to his lips.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Good! We’ll place a few little bets here and there -to-morrow among the confiding village people, providing, -of course, they don’t insist on being shown the -coin. Altogether, it ought to be a pretty nice little -rake-off.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The man at the bar seemed to have had enough gin. -With unsteady gait and leering eye, he passed the table -and made his way toward the door. As he reached it, -he caught his foot and nearly fell. The next moment -he had lurched out into the darkness.</p> - -<p class='c002'>On the pavement outside a surprising transformation -took place. The fellow straightened up suddenly, -and, with a sweep of his hand, pushed his hat up from -where it hung over one ear. Then he started down the -street at a rapid walk, which was almost a run. -There was not the slightest sign of intoxication in his -gait.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“By Jove!” he muttered. “That’s their game, is it? -Thank Heaven I’ve found it out! What a pair of -blacklegs!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He glanced swiftly at a near-by clock. It was almost -eight.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Gee!” he exclaimed, under his breath. “I’ve got to -catch him before he leaves for the meeting.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The next instant he turned into one of the gates of -Vanderbilt, dashed up the drive, and cleared the steps -at a bound. Upstairs he went, lickety-split, and -reached Kenny’s floor just as the quarter back opened -the door and stepped out.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Wait a minute, Jack,” he said quickly. “I’ve got -something to tell you.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“The deuce you have!” Kenny growled. “Who in -thunder are you, anyhow?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>For an instant Dick had forgotten the disguise. No -wonder the quarter back didn’t know him!</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s Merriwell,” he said, smiling. “Quick! Give -me a towel and some water. I’ll get rid of this stuff -while we talk. I’ve got my cold-cream jar in my -pocket.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Pushing the bewildered Kenny before him, he entered -the room and closed the door.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Hustle, boy!” he exclaimed. “A wet towel first, -and then we’ll go at the other.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Still dazed, but under the influence of Dick’s dominating -personality, Kenny brought the moistened towel, -which Merriwell snatched from his hands. Already he -had rubbed cold cream over his face. With the first -vigorous rub off came the eyebrows and most of the -paint. Kenny gasped as the familiar face of his friend -appeared swiftly and strangely. Then Dick plunged -into his story, for there was no time to lose.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“This Clarence Carr,” he began rapidly; “you’ve -been pretty chummy with him lately, haven’t you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny looked astonished.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why, he’s been in to see me several——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Exactly,” Dick cut in. “Talked football a lot, didn’t -he? Said you were being badly used on the team, I’ll -bet? Perhaps he said you should have been captain?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The quarter back’s jaw dropped at this volley of -questions. A rush of color stained his face.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Why, how—how—did you——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Never mind how I found out,” Dick flashed back. -“Jack, he’s a crooked scoundrel! He’s been egging you -on to buck against Tempest for the sole purpose of -ruining the team and giving the game to Harvard.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>The flush died out of Kenny’s face, leaving it pale -and set. His eyes flashed indignantly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“How dare you say that, Merriwell?” he exclaimed -angrily. “He couldn’t do such a thing. Why, his own -brother went to Yale and played on the varsity!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I know all that, but it’s true just the same,” Dick -flung back. “Would you believe it if you knew he and -a pal of his had put up over two thousand dollars on -Harvard?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But how could he?” expostulated the quarter back. -“He’s crazy for us to win. He’s even——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I know all that,” Merriwell returned swiftly; “but -this very night—not ten minutes ago—I heard the -truth from his very lips. He was talking over it with -his pal in the bar of the New Haven House. I was -there, made up this way. I had suspected him before. -They didn’t know me, of course. The bets were all -placed in New York. They’re no better than a couple -of crooks. Listen!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Swiftly, a little brokenly, but quite clearly, he poured -into Kenny’s ears the story of what he had discovered. -The quarter back’s face was pale and his eyes horror-stricken -when the brief recital was finished. For an instant -he could not speak.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“His very words,” repeated Dick. “I’ve worked -Kenny every minute I could be with him, and kept that -grouch of his nursed as if it was a precious hothouse -flower. The poor fool never suspected me for an instant. -Thinks I have a sweetly sympathetic nature.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Suddenly the slim fellow’s face grew purple.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Blazes!” he almost shouted. “The thundering, -double-faced liar! I’ll smash up that face of his so his -own brother won’t know him! I’m going down there -this minute. I don’t care where he is.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Without waiting to pick up his hat, he started toward -the door, his fists clenched and his eyes wild with -rage. Dick caught his arm in a grip of iron.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Stop, Jack!” he said sternly. “You’ve got something -more important than that to do.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny struggled to release his arm.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Let me go, Dick!” he pleaded. “The dirty scoundrel -used me! I’ve got to——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’ve got to come to the gym with me,” Merriwell -broke in swiftly. “You’ve got to set things right -with Tempest. The fellows are all in a blue funk because -of what you’ve done. They don’t believe in Don -any more, and you’ve got to make them believe. I -don’t care what you do to this sneak after to-morrow, -but until then your duty is to Yale. I tell you, Jack, -the very game is at stake, and you’re the only man who -can stir the fellows up and give them back the confidence -in Tempest which you have taken away. Perhaps -it’s too late now. I don’t know, but you’ve got -to try.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>While he was speaking, Kenny’s face grew calmer, -and into his eyes crept a look which was like fear. -What if he had spoiled Yale’s chances for victory by -his idiotic behavior? What if it were too late for -reparation? A bitter pang, sharp as a dagger point, -pierced him to the heart. He saw himself branded as -a traitor to the <i>alma mater</i> which he loved so well, and -for whose success he would have willingly given up his -last breath. The thought sobered him like a dash of -icy water and made him forget everything but the desperate -need for reviving the drooping spirits of the -team and restoring their confidence in Don Tempest, -the man he had wronged.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The quarter back ceased his struggles instantly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’re right, Dick,” he said, in a strained voice. -“I’ve been a blind, beastly fool; but I understand now. -I’ll do my best to straighten things out with the boys. -It can’t be too late—it simply can’t!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>He looked imploringly at Merriwell, whose face was -very serious.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I hope not,” the latter said soberly. “Lost confidence -is a pretty hard thing to restore, sometimes but -we’ve got to do it to-night. Come, let’s hurry.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Without a word, Kenny snatched up his hat, -switched off the light, and together the two hastened -down the stairs and out into the street.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XXX<br /> <br /><span class='small'>THE MORNING OF THE GAME.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>Breakfast at the training table the next morning was -a strange meal, to which the fellows loitered in at whatever -hour best pleased them. Many showed signs of -restless slumber, and the trainer was as watchful as an -old hen with a brood of chickens.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The principal topic of conversation was the surprising -shift about at the meeting last night on the part of -Jack Kenny. He and Merriwell had appeared in the -gym so late that some of the fellows were about to -sally forth and hunt them up. They saw at once -that he was very much wrought up and excited, though -Merriwell seemed as calm and steady as usual.</p> - -<p class='c002'>After the meeting was called to order, the quarter -back got on his feet and made a really impassioned -speech in which he acknowledged what a fool he had -been in questioning for a moment Tempest’s ability -as captain, then besought the fellows to forget how he -had been behaving for the past week and do their best -to pull things through to-morrow.</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was no doubt of his earnestness and sincerity, -and great was the speculation as to what had happened -to bring about the change of heart. Many laid it to -Merriwell, but no one could be certain; for Kenny -made no explanation beyond acknowledging that he -had been in the wrong.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick followed him with a few well-chosen, emphatic -words, in which he pointed out the need of organized -teamwork, and cautioned every man to put aside all -thoughts of personal glory and work with all his might -for Yale.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His tone was hopeful and encouraging. He did not -allow the fellows to think for an instant that he had -any doubts of their ultimate success, and the results -of the meeting were distinctly for the better.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Notwithstanding this, however, there were many -signs of nervousness and unrest the following morning. -There always are on the day of a great game. Men -who never give a thought of their ability to win out -at any other time are seized with all sorts of absurd -doubts and fears when the crucial moment is so near at -hand, which luckily vanish the instant they line up -on the field. It is only the long, anxious period of -waiting which is so trying.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Those who had Saturday morning recitations attended -them, though it is quite safe to say that they -were little benefited thereby. The others were sent out -to the field, where they went through a short, brisk -signal practice.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny showed up splendidly at this, and, as Dick -watched him, he wished to Heaven that he might have -been brought to his senses before the eleventh hour. -It would have been so much better in every way. For -Merriwell could not help but feel a certain amount of -worry and uneasiness as to how the men would show -up in the afternoon. Though he preserved a smiling -face and confident demeanor, he was inwardly not a -little doubtful of results. He knew, better, perhaps, -than any one else, how difficult it is to restore confidence -once lost. Kenny’s awakening had had a good -effect, but whether it would prove a lasting one time -alone would show.</p> - -<p class='c002'>So much depended on how the game went at the -start, and he resolved to strain every effort to prevent -Harvard from scoring in the first quarter.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The short practice over, the fellows trotted a few -times about the gridiron and then returned to the -campus, where they wandered about, awaiting the arrival -of the Harvard boys, who were momentarily expected.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick was detained by a consultation with Fullerton -and Tempest, which took place in his rooms. He did -not, in fact, realize how the time had flown, and was -consequently surprised when the door was burst open -unceremoniously and his old friend Dale Sparkfair, -now captain of the Harvard varsity, rushed into the -room.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Richard, my boy, how are you?” he exclaimed, advancing -with outstretched hands. “You’re a sight -for sore eyes!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick’s face lit up with pleasure as he gripped Sparkfair’s -fingers.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Great, old fellow,” he smiled. “How’s yourself? -Haven’t seen you since that day last summer on the -lake when we had a pick-up game of ball.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“And you came so blamed near being licked,” the -Harvard man put in. “You were pretty bad, that day, -old man. So very punky that I got careless and let -you in. Of course, had I been in my usual form, such -a thing would never have happened. I hope you’re -prepared for a drubbing this afternoon? Despite my -native modesty, I am forced to admit that we have collected -such a team as Harvard—or, I may say, any -other college—never before turned out.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>His blue eyes were mirthful and his lips curved in a -smile.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dick laughed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It’s a shame to disappoint you, but we’ve just about -made up our minds to take the trick ourselves. You -know Tempest and Fullerton, don’t you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dale turned and shook hands with the two men.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Sure thing,” he said. “Met Tempest last year, and -everybody knows old Bill. So you think you’re going -to do us? What a shock you’ll have. It almost makes -me sad to think of it. The Philistines may walk up -and down the earth, puffing out their chests and making -a mighty noise of brazen trumpets, but great will be -their fall. <i>Timothy</i>, tenth-sixteenth.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Same old fake Scripture quoting,” Dick smiled. -“Stolen from Blessed Jones, too. One would never -suppose you were such a religious duck to look at you, -Spark.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Many of my best qualities are kept hidden from the -vulgar eye,” Dale returned airily. “Say, I hear you -boys have doped out a great line of tricks. Got something -up your sleeves for us, have you?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“We have,” Dick said promptly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You don’t say! What’s the nature of it, if I may -ask? Perhaps you object to putting me wise, though.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“No objection whatever,” Dick answered gravely. -“It’s muscle.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Aren’t you the cute thing!” grinned Sparkfair. -“Never mind. You’re safe to get licked, secret or no -secret. Where’s that bucking broncho of a Buckhart? -I’d like to shake his big paw.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Down on the campus somewhere,” Dick answered. -“We’ll go down and look him up. We’re all through -here.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Plots, I suppose,” Dale remarked, glancing from -Tempest to Fullerton. “Too bad, but they won’t do -you a particle of good.”</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c009'>CHAPTER XXXI<br /> <br /><span class='small'>ON THE FIELD.</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c010'>High up against a fair blue sky, studded with fleecy -clouds, streamed a mammoth banner of blue bearing in -its centre a great white Y—a flare of intense color -visible from afar over the topmost branches of the empty -elms, and a beacon toward which the stream of -spectators set their steps.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Derby Avenue was filled from curb to curb with a -slowly moving procession of motor cars, horse-drawn -vehicles of all kinds, street cars, loaded to the very -steps with a laughing, chattering mob of humanity, all -making their way toward the athletic field.</p> - -<p class='c002'>As two o’clock approached, the throngs at the gates -moved faster, swaying and pushing past the ticket -takers and streaming out onto the field toward the -stands already piled high with enthusiastic humanity. -Under the great flag stretched a long bank of somber -grays and blacks, brightened here and there by lighter -feminine apparel, and everywhere was a multitude of -smaller fluttering flags of blue, which looked from -a little distance as if the big banner had dripped its dye -upon the crowd beneath.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Violets were everywhere. Great masses of them -pinned upon the tailor-made coats of charming, eager -girls. Smaller bunches in the buttonholes of their -escorts; and their perfume wafted out over the field, -filled the air with a sweet, penetrating odor which was -far more like that of a day in June than one in brisk, -blustering late November.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Opposite, the rival tiers of crowded seats were -picked out in vivid crimson, and between stretched a -smooth expanse of russet-hued turf, ribbed with white -lines that glared in the afternoon sun.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The great band played blithely; the thousands of -eager spectators talked, laughed, or shouted ceaselessly; -and the cheering sections were loudly contending -for vocal supremacy.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Suddenly onto the field trotted a little band of men -in blue sweaters with white Y’s; and quite as suddenly -the Yale stands arose and the Harvard cheers were -blotted out by a mighty chorus that swept from end to -end of the structure and thundered impressively across -the field.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yale! Yale! Yale! Rah, rah, rah! Rah, rah, -rah! Rah, rah, rah! Yale! Yale! Yale!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>It was repeated over and over again, and then the -crimson-clad youths trotted into view and it was Harvard’s -turn to make a noise.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The substitutes of both teams retired to the side -lines, and the players who were to start the game -warmed up. The cheering on the stands gave place to -songs which drowned the music of the band, until, at -length, three persons, a youth in blue, a youth in crimson, -and a man in everyday attire, met in the middle -of the field and watched a coin spin upward in the sunlight -and fall to the ground.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then swiftly the contending forces took their positions, -the linesmen and timekeeper hurried forward -and the great stands were almost stilled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Yale had the ball and the west goal. Baulsir placed -the pigskin to his liking and drew back. Tempest -shouted a last word of warning. The referee raised -his whistle.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The next instant it sounded shrilly, the ball sped -away, and the game began.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Within the first five minutes it became evident to the -excited thousands that the game was to be a desperate -struggle from start to finish. Sparkfair had not been -altogether jesting when he told Merriwell that his -team was the best which had ever been turned out at -Cambridge. What little they lacked in weight, compared -with the brawny Yale line, they made up in -cleverness and teamwork, and they played the game -from the beginning with a snap and vim which was a -joy to see.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Yale was not noticeably behind them. Animated by -the contagious optimism of Merriwell, Buckhart, and -some of the older players, they met the rush of the -crimson line like a wall of rock and contested every -foot of advance.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Jack Kenny was doing wonders. Thrilled by the -necessity of making up for the harm he had wrought -unconsciously, he played for all that was in him, and -the result was an exhibition of brilliant headwork and -resource such as is seldom seen.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Back and forth surged the lines of men. Now and -then one side or the other would bring into play some -unexpected, spectacular stunt which drew forth shouts -of delight from the stands and gave them the momentary -advantage, only to have their opponents retaliate -in kind.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The first quarter passed without either side scoring. -The crowds were wild with excitement, and during the -brief three-minute pause they cheered themselves -hoarse and nearly stamped the grand stands down in -their efforts to show their enthusiastic appreciation.</p> - -<p class='c002'>At the beginning of the second quarter Harvard -rushed the ball down the field in a determined, irresistible -effort to score. They were opposed with equal determination, -and the battle was on again.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Back and forth, back and forth surged the lines. -Now one side had the advantage and then the other. -At length, Kenny tried the much-practiced double pass -with Baxter and Merriwell on Harvard’s thirty-yard -line, and it worked.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Swiftly the pigskin flew through the air into Teddy -Baxter’s waiting arms. Without a pause he dashed -on, crossing behind Merriwell, shooting out into the -field around the end, guarded by Crowfoot and Blair -Hildebrand. The crimson line plunged forward and -to the left, sure of their man.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then, like a flash of light, the ball flew from Baxter -into the waiting arms of Merriwell, and Teddy -lunged to block their opponent’s guard, while Dick -kept on without a pause toward the goal.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He made it, and the spectators on the Yale stand -went wild. It was the first moment since the start of -the game that the tension had been released, and, surging -to their feet, they sent roar after roar of cheering -which thundered across the field in great crashes -of sound, stupendous in their volume.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then came a breathless hush while the goal was being -kicked, and after that the noise commenced again, -dying away gradually as the game was resumed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Nothing more happened in that quarter. The crimson-clad -men, undeterred by their opponents’ vantage, -worked like tigers; but there was not enough time left -for them to accomplish anything, and the shrill sound -of the whistle left them on Yale’s forty-yard line.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“How about it, Dale?” Dick asked, as he passed the -Harvard captain on their way to the track house.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Sparkfair grinned cheerfully.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That was only my generous spirit giving you boys -a little needed encouragement,” he returned airily. -“Wait until the next quarter, Richard, and see us wipe -up the field with you fellows. We’re only just beginning -to get warmed up.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Merriwell caught up with Jack Kenny, who was a -little ahead.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That was corking, Jack,” he said warmly. “You -rang that double pass in at exactly the right moment. -They weren’t expecting it, and it couldn’t have worked -better. Keep it up, old fellow. You’re playing the -game of your life.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny flushed with pleasure.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m trying to make up,” he said, in a low tone.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“And you’re succeeding,” Dick said swiftly. “We’ve -got them going, and now we want to hold them from -making a score.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>In the track house, Fullerton gave the boys a short, -pithy talk, cautioning them not to lose their grip -now that they had scored, and to bend every energy -toward keeping the crimson line away from the goal. -There was a vast deal of rubbing lame shoulders, -ankles, and wrists, until the rooms fairly reeked with -witch-hazel and arnica; a perfect babel of excited talk -and speculation and laughter; and then they trotted out -to the field again and took their places on the gridiron.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Dale Sparkfair made good his joking words to Merriwell -by means of as pretty a round-the-end dash as -had ever been seen on the field, and then it was Harvard’s -turn to let loose their pent-up flood of enthusiasm. -More than one undergraduate—and staid -alumnus as well—could not speak above a whisper for -a good many hours.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The third quarter ended with the scores even. The -excitement had risen to a fever heat. With only fifteen -minutes of play left, what was going to be the -result? Would the game remain a tie? That seemed -incredible, and yet it looked to a good many as though -it would be the case.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The brief intermission was almost over. The spectators -settled back into their seats and the cheering -started in once more. The sun was almost behind the -west corner of the stand. The shadows were lengthening -and a brisk, sharp wind, straight from the Sound, -caused overcoat collars to be turned up and furs to -be drawn closely around fair necks. From the -crowded tiers of seats came the steady tramp-tramp -of chilled feet, hinting their owners’ impatience.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The players took their places; the breathless silence -was suddenly split by the shrilling of the referee’s -whistle, and the battle was resumed.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Jack Kenny played the game during that last quarter -as he had never played before. His clever work -rose to the point of brilliancy, for the winning of -that game had become an absolute monomania with -him. He felt that in no other way could he make up -for his behavior of the past week, which had come so -perilously near bringing disaster upon his beloved -college.</p> - -<p class='c002'>It would be a triumph indeed if he could personally -make another run for the blue, but he felt that such -a thing was too much to hope for.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But brilliant as was his manœuvring, which was -ably seconded by every man on the team, the splendid -work of Harvard made it barren of results. They -were evidently determined that, if they could not score -again, neither should their opponents; and the hands -of the big clock above the stand moved inexorably forward -without either side having the advantage.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Desperately Kenny tried every trick at his command, -without avail. Back and forth surged the gasping, -ragged, tattered lines of men, battling in those last -few minutes as if their very lives, and more, depended -on their efforts.</p> - -<p class='c002'>The vast throng of spectators were thrilled into silence -so absolute that it seemed almost as if they had -ceased breathing, as they bent forward with staring -eyes riveted on the field, oblivious to all else but the -struggle taking place before them.</p> - -<p class='c002'>There were but four minutes left when the quarter -back suddenly ripped out a signal and snatched the ball -from Baulsir. This time he did not pass it, but darted -toward the left end. Tempest sprang forward and -swung in beside him; the left tackle and end interfered -strenuously as the crimson line plunged forward.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny ran as he had never run before, and Tempest -kept pace with him barely a few feet away. In an -instant they had cleared the opposing guard and tackle, -running free with only the full back and left half in -the way.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny thrilled with joy and exultation. His chance -had come. Tempest would take care of the half back, -and, somehow, he could manage to get past the other. -He would make a goal and win the game. Thus his -self-respect would be restored and reparation made -for his amazing folly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>But swiftly on the heels of this thought came another. -What of Tempest? If he made goal the fellows -would think that he had been right all along and -the captain wrong. Would that be the sort of reparation -he had wished to make? Would it be the really -generous thing to do? There was but a second in -which to answer the question, for the half back was almost -upon them.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny stumbled suddenly, and uttered a sharp, stifled -cry.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Quick, Don!” he gasped. “Take it!”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Tempest was not slow. Without hesitating an instant, -he caught the pigskin skillfully and sped on; -Kenny recovered himself with amazing swiftness and -lunged toward the Harvard half. A moment later -they rolled to the ground together, while the man with -the ball flew on toward the beckoning goal posts.</p> - -<p class='c002'>By the time the quarter back had staggered to his -feet Tempest had passed the full back. An instant later -he crossed the line and pandemonium broke loose.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny felt a lump in his throat as he heard Tempest’s -name hurled across the field in great crashes of -sound which thrilled him to the very core. It might -have been his own, but he did not care.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m glad I did it,” he muttered. “It was the decent -thing to do.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Then he remembered that he ought to limp a little -to account for his stumble, and promptly developed a -very realistic lameness, which lasted until they were -going back to the track house, surrounded by a yelling, -shouting, capering mob of fellows, who had poured -out of the stands and presently insisted on hoisting -every one of the players up on their shoulders and carrying -them on their way in triumph.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Tempest headed the procession, and it was his name -which sounded most frequently from the mouths of -the triumphant marching throngs. The quarter back -would have been more than human had he not felt a -momentary longing to be in the captain’s place, but -he quickly smothered it.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I’m glad!” he muttered emphatically—he might -have shouted the words aloud and no one would have -heard him. “I’d do it again, too. I’ve been dirty mean -to Don, but this sort of squares us up.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Reaching the track house, he slipped lightly to the -ground and started to go inside.</p> - -<p class='c002'>All at once he felt a hand on his shoulder, and, turning -swiftly, looked into Dick Merriwell’s eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“That was a clever pass, Jack,” the latter said -quietly. “Did you hurt your ankle much?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny flushed and dropped his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Not very,” he returned, in a low tone. “I—I stumbled, -and—er—er——”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“I thought it couldn’t be very bad,” Merriwell put -in quickly. “You seem to have gotten over it pretty -soon.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>“It wasn’t so very bad,” the quarter back answered. -“But I didn’t want to run any chances, so I passed the -ball to Don.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>There was a momentary pause, during which the -slim fellow seemed to find an absorbing interest in arranging -with his foot three loose pebbles in a triangle.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You old bluffer!” Merriwell exclaimed suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>With a gasp, Kenny raised his head and looked -straight into Dick’s eyes, which were watching him -with an expression of satisfaction and perfect friendship.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Wh-what do you mean?” the quarter back faltered -weakly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Just what I say,” retorted Dick.</p> - -<p class='c002'>He threw one arm over Kenny’s shoulder and smiled.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You’re an old bluff!” he repeated. “There wasn’t -an earthly thing the matter with you out there. You -stumbled on purpose to give Don the ball and let him -make the goal. It was a corking thing to do, Jack, and -not one fellow in a thousand could have brought himself -to it. Didn’t you start out with the idea of making -it yourself?”</p> - -<p class='c002'>Kenny nodded slowly.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Yes,” he said, in a low tone.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“But you saw your chance, and you’ll never regret -it,” Dick went on softly. “You’ve evened up the score -with Tempest now, and the fellows will never have a -chance to say that you were right and he was wrong. -It was generous, Jack, and I’m proud of you.”</p> - -<p class='c002'>A keen sense of pleasure and satisfaction thrilled -Kenny to the heart. Suddenly he looked anxiously at -Merriwell.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“You won’t tell Don?” he questioned hastily.</p> - -<p class='c002'>“Not I!” laughed Dick.</p> - -<p class='c002'>His arm still about the quarter back’s shoulder, he -turned, and together they disappeared into the track -house.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>THE END.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>“Frank Merriwell’s Tact,” is the next title, by Burt -L. Standish, No. 193 of the <span class='sc'>Merriwell Series</span>. It -is an unusually good story.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<p class='c010'> </p> -<div class='box1'> - -<p class='c010'> </p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>The Dealer</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>who handles the STREET & SMITH NOVELS -is a man worth patronizing. The fact that he -does handle our books proves that he has considered -the merits of paper-covered lines, and -has decided that the STREET & SMITH -NOVELS are superior to all others.</p> -<p class='c002'>He has looked into the question of the morality -of the paper-covered book, for instance, and -feels that he is perfectly safe in handing one of -our novels to any one, because he has our assurance -that nothing except clean, wholesome -literature finds its way into our lines.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Therefore, the STREET & SMITH NOVEL -dealer is a careful and wise tradesman, and it -is fair to assume selects the other articles he -has for sale with the same degree of intelligence -as he does his paper-covered books.</p> - -<p class='c002'>Deal with the STREET & SMITH NOVEL -dealer.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><b>STREET & SMITH CORPORATION</b></div> - <div><b>79 Seventh Avenue New York City</b></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<p class='c002'> </p> -<div class='tnbox'> - - <ul class='ul_1 c001'> - <li>Transcriber’s Notes: - <ul class='ul_2'> - <li>Missing or obscured punctuation was silently corrected. - </li> - <li>Typographical errors were silently corrected. - </li> - <li>Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation were made consistent only when a predominant - form was found in this book. - </li> - </ul> - </li> - </ul> - -</div> -<p class='c002'> </p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Dick Merriwell's Fighting Chance, by -Burt L. 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