Transcriber's note:

 A table of contents has been created for this e-text. 

 Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. 

FRANK MERRIWELL'S RACES

by

BURT L. STANDISH

Author of"Frank Merriwell's Schooldays, " "Frank Merriwell's Trip West, ""Frank Merriwell's Chums, " "Frank Merriwell's Foes, " etc. 

PhiladelphiaDavid McKay, Publisher604-8 South Washington Square

Copyright, 1903By Street & Smith

TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER I. HORSE TALK. CHAPTER II. AN ADVENTURE ON THE ROAD. CHAPTER III. TEACHING A RASCAL A LESSON. CHAPTER IV. BIRDS OF A FEATHER. CHAPTER V. WHAT A HAIR CAN DO. CHAPTER VI. PRINCE AND THE EAVESDROPPER. CHAPTER VII. THE PLOT. CHAPTER VIII. TAKING CHANCES. CHAPTER IX. A STRONG ACCUSATION. CHAPTER X. A FIGHT AGAINST ODDS. CHAPTER XI. A MATTER OF SPECULATION. CHAPTER XII. THE CHALLENGE. CHAPTER XIII. THE WRESTLING MATCH. CHAPTER XIV. PLOTTING FUN. CHAPTER XV. THORNTON'S "MASH. "CHAPTER XVI. ANOTHER CHALLENGE. CHAPTER XVII. PURE GRIT. CHAPTER XVIII. AFTER THE BOAT RACE. CHAPTER XIX. THE YALE SPIRIT. CHAPTER XX. SPURNING A BRIBE. CHAPTER XXI. ON THE SPECIAL TRAIN. CHAPTER XXII. THE FIGHT ON THE TRAIN. CHAPTER XXIII. SEEN AGAIN. CHAPTER XXIV. TWO WARNINGS. CHAPTER XXV. THE THEATRE PARTY. CHAPTER XXVI. TRAPPED. CHAPTER XXVII. AN EMISSARY FROM THE WEST. CHAPTER XXVIII. FRIENDS OR FOES. CHAPTER XXIX. TALK OF A TOUR. CHAPTER XXX. A HOT RUN. CHAPTER XXXI. AN INCENTIVE TO WIN. CHAPTER XXXII. THE RUN TO THE STATION. CHAPTER XXXIII. ENEMIES AT WORK. CHAPTER XXXIV. BASEBALL. CHAPTER XXXV. KIDNAPED. CHAPTER XXXVI. THE TOURNAMENT. CHAPTER XXXVII. TO VICTORY--CONCLUSION. 

FRANK MERRIWELL'S RACES

CHAPTER I. 

HORSE TALK. 

"He's a beauty!"

Jack Diamond uttered the exclamation. He was admiring a horse FrankMerriwell had lately purchased. 

"He is, " agreed Danny Griswold, with his hands thrust deep into histrousers pockets and his short legs set far apart. "But think of payinga thousand dollars!"

"He looks like a racer, " declared Bruce Browning, who showed unusualinterest and animation for a fellow who was known as the laziest man atYale. 

"He's got the marks of a swift one, " asserted Diamond, walking aroundthe bay gelding, which Frank Merriwell had led out into the middle ofthe stable floor for inspection. "He is rangey, has clean limbs, and acourageous eye. I shouldn't wonder if he could cover ground in a hurry. "

"I did not buy him for a racer, " asserted Frank. "I purchased him as asaddle horse purely for my own use and pleasure. "

"You must have money to burn, " chirped Griswold. "Your old man must havemade loads of it. I had an uncle four times removed once who made money, but he got arrested when he tried to pass it. "

"That reminds me of my father and his partner, " said Browning, withapparent seriousness. "They formed a strange sort of a partnership. Oneof them stayed in New York all the time, while the other remained inCalifornia. In this manner they managed always to have plenty of moneybetween them. "

"Oh, goodness!" gasped Diamond, "if you fellows keep this up, I shallwant to get away. "

"If you want to get a weigh, we'll try to find some scales for you, "chuckled Griswold, his eyes twinkling. 

"They say Dan Dorman's father has plenty of money, " said Frank. 

"I've heard so, " admitted Browning. "But Dorman is too mean to makemuch of a drain on the old man's pile. "

"That's right, " nodded Griswold. "Why, he is so mean that in the winter, when his hair gets long, he wets it thoroughly, and then goes out in theopen air and lets it freeze. "

"What does he do that for?"

"So he can break it off and save the price of a hair-cut!"

"Say, " cried Diamond, desperately, "I thought you fellows were talkingabout a horse!"

"No, " yawned Browning, "we're talking about a jackass. "

Every one but Jack seemed to appreciate this, for they all grinned. 

"Well, " said the lad from Virginia, "Merriwell has brought out his horsefor us to inspect, and I move we do so. After this is over, you may talkof anything you please. "

"It is rather remarkable that you should pay such a price for a meresaddle horse, " declared Browning. 

"I simply kept my promise, " smiled Frank. 

"Your promise?"

"Exactly. "

"What promise?"

"The one I made to myself when this horse enabled me to overtake arunaway that was dragging Winifred Lee to danger and possible death. This is the animal on which I pursued the runaway, and I took himwithout asking leave of the owner. I vowed that if this horse enabled meto catch and stop the runaway before Miss Lee was harmed I would own thecreature if it took my last dollar, " he added. 

"And that, " cried Griswold, trying to strike a dramatic attitude--"thatis true love!"

"Well, I don't know as I blame you, Merriwell, " admitted Bruce. "Winifred Lee is a stunning girl. But it strikes me that the owner ofthe horse swindled you. "

A bit of additional color had risen to Frank's cheeks, and he lookedstrikingly handsome. The boys knew it would not do to carry the jokeabout Winnie Lee too far, and so they refrained. 

"The man who owned the horse did not want to sell him at any price, "explained Frank. "I induced him to set a price that he thought wouldsettle me, and then I snapped him up so quickly it took away hisbreath. "

"I should think your guardian would have kicked at throwing up athousand for such a purpose. "

"He did, " laughed Frank, looking at Diamond, who showed a littleconfusion. "You remember that Jack, Rattleton and myself went on toSpringfield to meet him a few days ago?"

"And got arrested for kidnaping a baby!" chuckled Griswold. "That was acorker. We didn't do a thing to you fellows when you got back here!"

"That's right, " admitted Jack, dolefully. "Not a thing! You simplymarched us through the streets and onto the campus with a band andbanners and made a stunning show of us!"

"Well, " said Frank, "Professor Scotch, my guardian, was so glad to getout of the scrape when the judge discharged us that he gave up thethousand without a flutter. That's how I got the money. "

"Well, " yawned Browning, "now you have the horse, you'll find him anexpensive piece of furniture. It takes money to take care of 'em andfeed 'em. "

Diamond had been inspecting the gelding from all sides, surveying himwith the air of one who knows something about horses, and he now asked:

"Has the creature a pedigree, old man?"

"Sure, " nodded Frank. "Its pedigree is all right. I have it somewhere, but I don't care so much for that. "

"Oh, I don't know! It may prove of value to you some day. "

"How?"

"Well, you may take a fancy to enter Nemo in a race or two. "

"What then?"

"If he should win, you'll want his pedigree. "

"I suppose that is right, but I am no sportsman of the turf; that isprofessional. Amateur sports are good enough for me. "

"Honest horse racing is one of the grandest sports in the world!" criedJack, with flashing eyes. 

"Honest horse racing!" laughed Griswold. "What's that? Where do you findanything like that?"

"Oh, there is such a thing. "

"There may be, but people are not used to it. "

"That's why I do not think much of horse racing, " declared Frank. "There are too many tricks to it to suit me. "

"Oh, there are tricks to any sort of sport. "

"Very few to college sports. If a man is caught at anything crooked itmeans ruin for his college career, and he is sure to carry the stigmathrough life. I tell you college sports are honest, and that is why theyare so favored by people of taste and refinement--people who care littleor nothing for professional sports. The public sees the earnestness, thehonesty, and the manhood in college sports and contests, and the patronsof such sports know they are not being done out of their money by afake. Prize fighting in itself is not so bad, but the class of men whofollow it have brought disgrace and disrepute upon it. Fights are'fixed' in advance by these dishonest scoundrels, and the man who backshis judgment with his money is likely to be done out of his coin by thedirtiest kind of a deal. "

"What makes me sore, " said Diamond, "is that some sensational newspapersshould send professional bruisers to witness our college football gamesand denounce them as more brutal than prize fights. "

"That makes me a trifle warm under the collar, " admitted Browning. "ButI don't suppose we should mind what that class of papers say. Theirmotto is 'Anything for a sensation, ' and the intelligent portion of thenewspaper readers is onto them. These papers have faked so many thingsthat they carry no weight when they do tell the truth. "

"I wouldn't mind putting Nemo into a race just to see what sort of stuffthere is in him, " admitted Frank. 

"Why don't you do it?" cried Diamond, eagerly. 

"I wouldn't want to enter him in any of the races around here. "

"Take him to New York. "

"No; those races are beyond my limit. All I want to do is try him for myown satisfaction. "

"Then run him into the Mystic Park races at Bethany. You can do thatquietly enough. "

"That's so, " said Browning. "You can do that without attracting too muchattention to yourself. "

"We'll all go up and see the race, " declared Griswold. "It will be greatsport. Do it, old man!"

"But where can I get a jockey I can trust?"

"You'll have to scrub around for one, and take chances. "

"No!" cried Merriwell, as a sudden thought struck him. "I can do betterthan that. "

"How?"

"I have the fellow. "

"Who?"

"A colored boy at home. He is fond of horses. "

"Has he ever ridden in a race?"

"Twice. "

"Did he win?"

"Once. My uncle, who kindly left me his fortune, was a crank on fasthorses, and he owned a number of them. Toots could ride some of themthat would allow nobody else to mount them. Uncle Asher had horses inthe races every year, but he was often 'done' by his jockeys. He knew itwell enough, but he found it impossible to get the sort of jockey hewanted. Toots begged to ride a race, but he was a little shaver, anduncle was afraid. Finally, one day, just before a race was to come off, Uncle Asher discovered that his jockey had sold out. At the last momenthe fired the fellow, and was forced to let Toots ride, or withdraw hishorse. Toots rode, and won. The next time he rode he might have won, butthe horse was doped. "

"He's just the chap you want!" nodded Jack, with satisfaction. "Put Nemointo the Bethany races, and let Toots ride him. "

"I'll think of it, " said Frank. 

A hostler approached the group. 

"Howdy do, Mr. Merriwell, sir?" he said. "One of your friends called tosee your horse this morning, sir. "

"One of my friends?" cried Frank, in surprise. "Who was it?"

"He gave his name as Diamond, sir--Jack Diamond. "

Merriwell immediately turned on Jack and asked:

"Hello, how about this? Did you call to see Nemo this morning?"

"Not much!" exclaimed Jack. "This is the first time I have been here. The hostler is mistaken. "

"You must have misunderstood your visitor, Grody, " said Frank. "He couldnot have given his name as Jack Diamond, for this is Jack Diamond here. "

The man stared at Jack, and then shook his head. 

"That's not the feller, " he declared. 

"Of course not. Your visitor must have given you some other name. "

"Not on your life, " returned Grody, promptly. "He said his name was JackDiamond, sir, and I will swear to that. "

"Well, this is somewhat interesting!" came grimly from Frank. "What didhe do, Grody?"

"He looked Nemo over, sir. "

"Looked Nemo over how--in what way?"

"Why, I offered to take Nemo out of the stall, but he said no, not tobother, as he only wished to glance at the horse. He went to the stall, which same I showed him, and looked in. The door wasn't locked, for Ihad just been cleanin' the stall out. He opened the door and stood theresome little time. First thing I knew he was gone. I went and looked intothe stall, and he was examinin' Nemo's feet. He seemed wonderfulinterested in the horse, and I saw by the way he acted he knew somethingabout horses. "

"The interest deepens, " observed Frank. "Go on, Grody. "

"When he came out of the stall he says to me, says he, 'Merriwell hasstruck a right good piece of horseflesh there. ' Says I, 'In the best ofmy judgment he has, sir. ' Says he, 'I understand he paid a fancy figurefor the gelding, something like a thousand, he told me. ' Says I, 'If hetold you that I have no doubt he told you correct, sir. ' Then says he, 'Does he mean to race him?' 'That, ' says I, 'bein' a friend of Mr. Merriwell, is something what you should know as well as I, or better. 'Then he says, says he, 'Horses is mighty uncertain property, for younever can tell what may happen to them. ' In this I agreed with him, butthere was something about him I didn't like much. Then he went away. "

Frank whistled. 

"This is highly interesting, " exclaimed Frank. "What did this fellowlook like, Grody? Can you describe him?"

"Well, I looked him over rather careful like, sir, but I don't know as Ican describe him particular, except that he had on a checked suit andwore a red necktie, in which were a blazer, genuine, or to the contrary. I know horses, but I'm no judge of diamonds. He was smooth shaved, andhis jaw were rather square and his hair short. The eyes of him neverlooked straight at me once. Somehow I didn't think he were a student, for he made one or two breaks in the words he said that made his talkdifferent from your student's. He didn't have that sort of realgentleman way with him neither. "

Frank turned to his friends. 

"Now what do you suppose this business means, fellows?" he asked. 

"It means crookedness!" declared Diamond, rather excitedly. "I am deadsure of that!"

"It looks that way, " admitted Browning. 

"But what sort of crookedness can it mean?" asked Frank, bewildered. "What is the game?"

"That will develop later; but there is some kind of a game on, be sureof that, " asserted Jack. "If not, why should anybody come here and givea fictitious name? That gives the whole thing away. Look out, Frank, allyour enemies are not sleeping!"

"Well, it is time they let up on me, " said Merriwell, seriously. "Theyhave brought nothing but disaster and disgrace on themselves thus far, and----"

"Some of them are looking for revenge, mark what I say. "

"I am tired of being bothered and harassed by petty enemies!" exclaimedFrank. "I have had considerable patience with the fellows who haveworked against me, but there is a limit. "

"That's right, and they would have reached the limit with me long ago, "declared Diamond. 

"Well, it is like this, Jack, " said Frank; "it is almost always truethat not all of a man's enemies are bad fellows. To begin with, youremember that you were my enemy, and now we are friends, and this is notthe first time such a thing has happened with me. "

"Well, if a man were bucking against me, I do not think I would wait tosee how he would turn out before I bucked back. "

"Oh, I am not in the habit of doing that. You will remember that Ibucked back pretty hard in your case. "

Jack did remember it, and he felt that Merriwell was capable of holdinghis own with his foes. 

"You will do well to look out for your horse, all the same, " saidDiamond. 

"That's right, " grunted Browning. "If I were in your place, Merriwell, I'd watch out pretty sharp. "

"I will, " said Frank. "I'll have Toots come on here and keep watch overNemo most of the time. When he is not here, Grody can take his place. IfI have an enemy who thinks of stealing my horse, he'll have hard work toaccomplish his design. "

"Unless he does it before you get things arranged, " said Griswold. "Puthim up, Merriwell, and let's get out. "

"I am going for a ride, " said Frank. "Put the saddle on him, Grogan. Will see you later, fellows, if you are going now. "

"We'll wait till you leave, " yawned Browning. "There's no reason why weshould tear our clothes hurrying away. "

"You are not liable to tear your clothes doing anything, " laughedFrank. 

CHAPTER II. 

AN ADVENTURE ON THE ROAD. 

Grody soon had Nemo saddled and bridled. The horse was eager to be away, as he showed by his tossing head, fluttering nostrils and restless feet. 

"Whoa, boy, " said Frank, soothingly. "Don't be so impatient. We'll getaway in a moment. "

He swung into the saddle, the stable doors rolled open, and away sprangthe gelding. 

The remaining lads hurried out of the stable to watch Frank ride, Grodyaccompanying them. 

"He seems like he were a part of the horse, " declared the hostler, admiringly. "That young gentleman were born to handle horses, he were. "

"He is, indeed, a graceful rider, " nodded Diamond. "I am sure he did notlearn in any riding academy, for he rides naturally. The ridingacademies all turn out riders with an artificial and wooden style. Thereis no more distressing sight than the riders to be seen in Central Park, New York, almost any afternoon. They bounce around in the saddle like alot of wooden figures, and it is plain enough that many of them do notbounce because they want to, but because they think it the proper thing. Southerners ride naturally and gracefully. Mr. Merriwell rides like aSoutherner. "

"He rides like Buffalo Bill, " said Browning, with an effort. "Bill isthe best rider I ever saw. "

Diamond was watching Merriwell and the horse, a queer look on his face. Finally he exclaimed:

"By Jove! there's something the matter with Nemo!"

"What is it?" asked Griswold. "I didn't notice anything. "

"The horse shows a suspicion of lameness, " asserted Jack. 

"You have good eyes to detect it, " observed Browning, doubtingly. "Ican't see that anything is the matter with the horse. "

"I'll wager he goes lame before Merriwell returns. "

"If he does, I shall think you have great discernment. "

Merriwell turned a corner and disappeared. 

"Come, fellows, " said Griswold, "let's shuffle along. "

"Merriwell is altogether too generous, " declared Diamond, as the triowalked away. 

"In what way?" asked Browning. 

"With his enemies. I know you and I were both enemies to him in thebeginning, and----"

"He threw us down hard. "

"That's all right; but there are enemies you have to hold down. "

"Merriwell didn't do a thing to Hartwick!" exclaimed Griswold, grinning. "He scared the fellow so he ran away from college, and nobody knowswhere he went. "

"Yes, but Merriwell gave him the opportunity to skip and escape thedisgrace that must follow public exposure of his acts. Some fellowswould have exposed him and brought about his expulsion. "

"That's right, " chirped Griswold. "Merriwell was as generous withHartwick as he could be with such a fellow. He might have used him muchworse than he did. "

"And do you fancy Hartwick thinks any more of Merriwell for not exposinghim publicly?" asked Jack. 

"Oh. I don't know. "

"Well, I will wager that he does not. More than that, I'll venture thatHartwick, wherever he may be, cherishes a fierce desire for revenge, andlongs for the day when he will be able to get back at Frank. Merry willhear from that chap again. "

And there the subject was dropped. 

Frank enjoyed the ride upon Nemo's back, for the horse seemedintelligent and something of a comrade. The boy talked to his mount asif the animal could understand every word he uttered. 

He had ridden beyond the limits of the city before he noticed that Nemowas limping the least bit. 

"What's the matter, old fellow?" asked Frank, with concern. "Have youhurt yourself some way?"

Nemo shook his head. It almost seemed that the animal was answering thequestion in the negative. 

"You must have stepped on a stone, " Merriwell declared. "Why, you arereally beginning to limp in earnest!"

Frank immediately dismounted, after having decided it was Nemo's lefthind leg or foot that was lame. 

"I'll make an inspection, and see if I can discover what is the matter, "said the boy, anxiously. 

He examined both of the horse's hind feet, but could not see thatanything was wrong. 

"If that rascally shoer has blundered in his work he'll not get anotherchance at you, boy, " Merriwell declared. 

After patting Nemo's neck and fondling the fine creature a bit, Frankmounted once more. 

But Nemo limped worse than ever. 

"This is singular, " muttered the perplexed lad. "I don't understand itat all. There's something wrong, for a fact. "

He watched the horse, and decided that he had made no mistake inlocating the lameness in the left hind leg. 

Again he dismounted and made an examination, and again the result wasfar from satisfactory. 

"I wish you might speak and tell me what is the matter, " said Frank, indismay. "I'll have you examined without delay by somebody who knows hisbusiness. "

He rode slowly into the outskirts of the city. 

Of a sudden there was a rattle of wheels and a clatter of hoofs behindhim. 

He turned and looked back, to see a carriage coming along the road at areckless rate. Two persons were seated in the carriage, and the horsewas covered with sweat. 

"Why are those fools driving like that?" muttered Merriwell. "Are theydrunk, or is it a matter of life or death?"

"Get out of the road!"

The command was hoarsely shouted, and Frank reined aside, having nodesire to get in the way of the reckless driver. 

Once more the boy on the horse turned to look back. 

"Drunk, sure enough, " he decided. "And they are two young fellows, too. Students on a tear, perhaps. "

The occupants of the carriage had been drinking heavily, but they werenot so drunk that they did not recognize the boy in advance when heturned in the saddle the second time. 

"Hey, Rolf!" exclaimed the one who was not driving. "It's Merriwell!"

"That's what it is!" cried the driver. "I haven't seen him for sometime, but I know his face too well to ever forget it!"

"He's out on his new horse. "

"Sure. "

"Run him down! run him down! Throw him off! Now's our chance!"

The driver was just intoxicated enough to be utterly reckless ofconsequences, and he snarled:

"Hang me if I don't do it!"

And then, when they were very near the boy and the horse, he suddenlyreined toward Frank with the intention of running into Merriwell'smount. 

In another moment there might have been a grand smash there on the road, but Frank had caught the words "Run him down!" and he gave Nemo a lightcut with the whip, at the same time pulling him still farther into theditch. 

Nemo was not used to the whip, and he leaped like a flash. Such a springwould have unseated any but a most expert rider, but the boy in thesaddle seemed to move as a part of the horse. Into the ditch they went, and past them spun the carriage containing the two reckless young men. 

The carriage came very near upsetting. It careened and spun along on twowheels, threatening to hurl its occupants into the ditch, for the driverhad reined the horse back toward the middle of the road. Both clung onfor life. 

"Don't blame me!" muttered Merriwell, through his teeth. "You werelooking for a smash. "

But the carriage did not go over; it righted at last. One of the youngmen looked back and shook his fist at the boy on the horse, and thenaway they went in a cloud of dust. 

"If that was not Evan Hartwick, I am greatly mistaken!" exclaimed Frank, as he reined Nemo back into the road. "So he is back here as soon asthis? I know what that means. He is looking for revenge on me. "

Frank had seen the face of the driver as the carriage spun past, and headded:

"Hartwick's companion is somebody I know. I did not obtain a fair lookat him, but--great Scott! it was the card sharp, Rolf Harlow!"

Harlow was a fellow who had entered Harvard, but had not completed hissecond year there, leaving suddenly for reasons not generally known. 

A Yale man by the name of Harris, familiarly known as "Sport, " becauseof his gambling inclinations, had known Harlow, and had introduced himto a number of Yale students. 

Harris and Harlow were both poker players, but they claimed that theyplayed the game "merely for amusement. "

A number of Harris' acquaintances had been induced to enter into thegame, and there had been some very "hot sittings. "

No one seemed to suspect that Harlow was crooked, for he almost alwayslost, although he never lost large sums. 

Harris won almost continually. He seemed to be the luckiest fellow inthe world in drawing cards. He would hold up one ace on a large jackpotand catch two more aces and a small pair. It seemed the greatest kind of"bull luck. "

Harry Rattleton, Merriwell's roommate, was following the game. Franktried to induce him to keep away, but it was without avail. 

Then Frank seemed to take an interest in the game, and it was not longbefore he proved that Harlow was a card manipulator, and caught him atone of his tricks. 

That finished Harlow's career at plucking Yale "fruit, " and the fellowleft New Haven suddenly. 

Harris had remained under a cloud of suspicion since that time, as thereseemed very little doubt but he had been in league with Harlow, and theyhad divided the plunder between them. 

The proof had not been sufficient to incriminate Harris, but it had beenenough to make him unpopular and cause him to be shunned. 

He had seemed to take this very meekly, but some of Merriwell's friendsdeclared that Harris had not forgotten or forgiven, and that he wouldstrike back at Frank if the opportunity ever presented. 

Now Harlow was back in New Haven, and Hartwick, who had been forced toleave college to escape expulsion, was also there. 

That meant something. 

"Hartwick, Harlow and Harris--the three hard tickets. They are birds ofa feather. All they need is Ditson to make a most delectable quartet!"

So muttered Frank Merriwell, as he gazed at the receding cloud of dust. 

Frank began to realize that there was more trouble in store for him. 

"I shall not deal gently with that gang this time, " he declared, with ahard-set face. "This little adventure has put me on my guard, and Idon't propose to let them have much fun with me. Those two fools werejust full enough to drive right into me with the hope of doing me aninjury, without a thought of their own necks. They might have beenthrown out and killed, but they did not hesitate because of that. Theone thought was to do me some way--any way. Hartwick always was adesperate fellow, but I did not fancy Harlow could be such a chap. However, he was driving that horse, and the way he drove was proofenough that he is careless of life and limb at times. "

For some time Frank paid very little attention to Nemo, but the lamenessof the horse became so pronounced at last that he could not helpobserving it once more. 

"That worries me, old fellow, " he admitted, with a troubled face. "It issomething I can't understand. "

He rode slowly back to the stable. 

It was growing dark when he arrived at the stable. A strange man wasstanding outside as Frank rode up. The man looked keenly at the boy andthe horse, and then, as the doors rolled open, followed into the stable. 

"Horse is lame, eh?" he said, questioningly. "I didn't notice that whenhe went out. He wasn't lame then, was he?"

Frank paid not the least attention to this question. The man was astranger, and the boy did not care to talk with him. 

"I spotted that horse when yer rode out, young man, " the strangerpersisted. "Fine lookin' critter--just the kind I've been wantin' sometime for a saddle horse. Whose critter is it?"

"Grody, " said Frank, utterly ignoring the man, "I want you to see if youcan tell what ails Nemo. He is lame in one of his hind feet. He wastaken that way after I had been out a while. I think it possible thereis something the matter with the way he is shod. Will you look after himwithout delay?"

"To be sure, sir--I'll not fail, sir, " said Grody. 

"Then the horse belongs ter you, does it?" asked the strange man, comingforward and addressing Frank in a point-blank manner. "I am a horseman, and I know all about critters. If there's anything the matter--and thereseems to be--I can tell what it is in five minutes. Shall I make anexamination, young man?"

"No, sir!" came sharply from Merriwell's lips. "I do not propose to havestrangers fooling around my horse. I do not know you, sir, so your offeris respectfully declined. "

CHAPTER III. 

TEACHING A RASCAL A LESSON. 

"Now hold on, young man, don't be so fast, " said the stranger. "You donot know me now, and I don't blame yer fer not wantin' anybody yer don'tknow doing anything fer yer horse; but here's my card--Professor JamesColbath--and now I know you have heard of me. I am one of the greatestveterinary surgeons in the country. "

Frank ignored the card, and the man began to show signs of anger. 

"This is no bluff!" he exclaimed. "It's on the level. I have nary doubtbut I can find out what's the matter with the critter in five minutes, and if I don't give yer a square deal I don't want a cent for myservices, that's all. "

He would have lifted one of Nemo's feet, but Frank cried:

"Drop that! I tell you I don't want you, and I won't have you! Get awayfrom this horse!"

The man growled and stiffened up. 

"All right, " he said, somewhat savagely. "I did think of trying to buythe critter off yer, but you're too flip. If the animal stays lame, don't blame me. "

Although Frank had seemed to pay very little attention to the stranger, he was inspecting him closely. He saw the man had pulled his hat downover his eyes, and wore his coat collar turned up. He had a black beardthat concealed his features to a great extent. 

Grody was also looking the stranger over closely. He fancied he detecteda familiar sound in the man's voice. The light in the stable was ratherdim, and that served to make the inspection of the boy and the hostlerrather unsatisfactory. 

All at once, Grody started as if struck by a sudden idea. As soon aspossible, he whispered in Frank's ear:

"That mug is the same chap that were here this afternoon, sir. "

"The same chap? What chap?"

"The one what gave his name as Diamond. "

"No? You said that fellow had no beard. "

"I don't believe this man's beard is all right. "

Frank was aroused. He fancied that he saw a ray of light. 

The fellow who had called himself Professor Colbath turned away. He hadheard the hostler whisper, and he caught Frank's question. Immediatelyhe showed a desire to get out. 

Leaving the horse to Grody, Frank quickly placed himself before thestranger, saying:

"Hold on a minute. I don't know but I'll talk with you a little. "

"No, yer won't!" growled the man. "I'm done tryin' to talk with a freshyoungster like you--I'm done with you. "

"Well, I am not done with you!"

Frank's voice rang out sharp and stern. 

"What do you want?" asked the man, uneasily. 

"I want to see your face. "

"Well, look at it, and when ye've seen it I'll proceed to smash yours! Idon't take no insolence from a kid!"

"Take off your hat!"

"I will--nit!"

"And that beard--take it off!"

"Ye're crazy!" cried the man, as he started back. 

"Am I?"

Frank gave a spring and a grab with both hands. One hand snatched awaythe cap, and the other tore off the black beard, which, indeed, provedto be false. 

The man uttered an exclamation of rage, and struck at Frank, who dodgedthe blow. 

"Is this the fellow, Grody?" cried Frank. 

"The same mug!" declared the hostler, excitedly. 

"Well, that's all I want to know!" burst from Frank, as he flung the hatand beard to the floor. "So you were monkeying around my horse to-day, you fakir! Well, what you need is a pair of good black eyes, and Ipropose to give them to you!"

Snap!--off came the boy's jacket in a twinkling, and he still stoodbetween the unmasked man and the door. 

The man, who was a coarse-looking young ruffian, ground his teeth anduttered some violent language. 

"Git out the way!" he snarled. "I'm a fighter, and I'll kill yer! I canput yer ter sleep with one punch!"

Merriwell's blood was thoroughly stirred, and he felt just liketeaching the fellow a lesson. Although a youth in years, Frank was, asmy old readers know, a trained athlete, and he could handle his fists inthe most scientific manner. 

"I am going to give you a chance to put me to sleep, " he shot back. "Isee your dirty game from start to finish! You are a fakir of the worstsort, and you tried to work me. You did something to my horse to makehim lame, and you thought you would get a fat pull out of me fordoctoring him. Instead of that, you have run your head into a badscrape, and it will be damaged when you get it out. "

"You talk big for a kid. Why, I can blow yer over with my breath. "

"It is strong enough. But I don't go over so easy. Up with your hands ifyou are such a fighter! I'm coming for you!"

"All right! If ye're bound to have it, come on!"

The man put up his guard, and then Merriwell went at him, while Grodygasped for breath, thinking the college lad could be no match for theyoung ruffian. 

There were a few swift passes, and then Frank went under the fellow'sguard and gave him a terrific uppercut on the chin. That was astaggerer, and the boy followed it up while the man was dazed. 

Punk!--biff!--two blows, one on the body and the other fairly in theeye. 

The second blow nearly knocked the man down, and it made him as fierceas a famished tiger. Snarling like an enraged beast, he tried to closein on the lively lad. 

"Oh, let me get hold of you!" he grated. "I'll crush the life out ofye!"

Frank avoided the rush by stepping aside, and gave the fellow anotherbody blow as he passed. 

Body blows, however, were not as effective as they should have been, onaccount of the fellow's clothing, and Merriwell quickly decided to wasteno more energy in that manner. 

The man turned, and went for Frank again. This time the boy did not tryto get out of the way, but he met his antagonist squarely, and gave hima heavy one in the other eye. 

"That ought to make them mates, " said Frank, with a laugh. "You won'tknow yourself when you look in the glass to-morrow morning. Perhapsit'll teach you better than to try any of your rackets on a boy. Youcan't always tell what you are getting up against. "

The man's teeth could be heard grinding together. He was so furious thathe quite lost his head. Then Frank sailed in to finish the affair assoon as possible. 

Grody held his breath, nearly bursting with astonishment and admiration. 

"Oh, say!" he chuckled. "I never saw a youngster what were that fellow'smatch! He's hot stuff!"

The hostler could scarcely believe it possible that Merriwell was givingthe scoundrel a first-class whipping, but this became more and moreevident with each passing moment. 

In fact, Frank was struck just once during the entire encounter, andthat was a glancing blow on the forehead, which he scarcely noticed. Hethumped the rascal to his heart's satisfaction, and then knocked himflat with a round-arm swing that landed on the jaw. 

The ruffian lay on the floor and groaned. When he started to get upMerriwell exclaimed:

"There, I think that will do you for to-night! When you want some moreof the same just come fooling around my horse!"

He caught the man by the shoulders, yanked him to his feet, ran him tothe door, and booted him out of the stable. 

Having done this, Frank turned back and coolly put on his coat. 

"There, Grody, " he said, "I feel better. I think it is possible I havegiven that rascal a lesson he will not forget in a hurry. "

The hostler stared, and then he cried:

"Mr. Merriwell, sir, you are a wonder! If as how you were to go interther ring you'd make some of the duffers hustle. That were the neatestjob what I ever see!"

"It was not so much of a trick, " declared Frank. "The fellow is strong, I'll warrant, but he is too heavy on his feet and too slow in hismovements. There are scores of fellows in college who can polish himoff. "

"I will allow I never knowed you college chaps were able to fight likethat before. I knowed some of you were for fighting among yourselves allright, but I didn't think you could go up against a reg'ler scrapper. "

"It's a part of the education at Yale, " smiled Frank; "and I've found itcomes in handy occasionally. The man who can't fight his way throughthis world in one manner or another gets walked over by chaps who arenot his equal in any other way. I do not believe a man should fight onlyat the proper time, but when he has to fight, I hold that he should beable to do a good turn at it. "

"Well, you can do your turn all right, sir. "

"Now, Grody, Nemo must receive proper attention. I am sure that fellowdid something to make the horse lame. What he did I can't tell. I don'tsee how he did it without getting his brains kicked out. "

Grody hesitated, and then he said:

"Mr. Merriwell, sir, I wants to tell ye something. "

"All right, Grody, go on. "

"I didn't tell all what happened in the stall to-day when that blokewere here. "

"Oh, you didn't?"

"No, sir. What called my attention to the fact that he had gone interthe stall were a racket. "

"What sort of a racket?"

"Nemo kicked and squealed, sir, and I heard the man speaking to him. Then I ran over and looked in. "

"What was the rascal doing, Grody?"

"He were examinin' Nemo's feet, sir. "

"And that was when he got in his dirty work!" cried Frank, angrily. "I'mafraid I didn't thump him as much as he deserved! I feel like huntinghim up and giving him a few more!"

CHAPTER IV. 

BIRDS OF A FEATHER. 

In a little back room of a saloon three young men were sitting. Theywere talking earnestly, for all that two of the three showed they hadtaken altogether too much liquor to be entirely sober. 

"We're glad to see you, Sport, " one of the drinkers declared. 

"Well, I am glad to see you, Harlow, old man, and you, too, Hartwick, although we were never friendly before you left Yale so suddenly. "

"That was my fault, " admitted Hartwick, huskily. "I didn't know enoughto pick out the right sort of pals. I trusted too much to Ditson. He'sno good!"

"Now there is where you make a mistake, " asserted Sport Harris, quickly. "I know Ditson has no nerve, but he hates the same fellow we hate, andhe is good to do the dirty work. We can make use of him, Hartwick. "

"I don't know anything about him, " confessed Harlow. 

"No, he hasn't the nerve to play poker, and so you did not getacquainted with him when you were here. "

"I don't know that he hates Merriwell so much, " growled Hartwick. "Youremember that Ditson blowed everything to Merriwell, and that is why Iwas forced to skip. Oh, I'd like the satisfaction of punching the faceoff the dirty little traitor!"

"But what caused Ditson to blow? He says you misused him. "

"I choked the cad a little, that is all. "

"But there was something back of that, " declared Harris. "What led youto choke him?"

"Oh, we had a little trouble. He was trying to squeeze me too hard, andI wouldn't stand for it. "

"Trying to squeeze you?"

"Yes. "

"How?"

"Well, I don't mind telling you. You know I tried to mark Merriwell forlife by punching my foil through the mask that protected his face whilewe were engaged in a fencing bout. I had prepared my foil for that inadvance by fixing the button so I could remove it, and by sharpening thepoint of the foil. I wanted to spoil the fellow's pretty face!"

The most malignant hatred was expressed in Hartwick's words and manner. He went on:

"I tried the trick, but did not succeed. Ditson carried off the foil, and kept it. He would not give it up, although he promised to a hundredtimes. He used it to aid in blackmailing me. When he asked me for money, I did not feel like refusing him, for he could throw me down hard byturning the foil over to Merriwell. But he carried the thing too far. 

"One night when I was in a bad mood he tried to squeeze more money outof me. He had been living in luxury for some time, while I was brokealmost continually. I kicked and refused to give up. Then he had theinsolence to threaten me with exposure. I lost my head and choked him. Directly after that he turned like a viper and blowed everything toMerriwell. That was my downfall. I had to skip. Is there any reason whyI should not hate the sneak?"

"No, I do not wonder that you are sore on him; but he did not makeanything out of the trick. "

"Didn't make anything! Why, he forced me out of college!"

"That was not the main thing he was looking for. "

"Then what was?"

"He hoped to get in with Merriwell, and he fancied Merriwell would thinkhim a fine fellow for blowing. "

"Well?"

"Well, he made a mistake in Frank Merriwell, for Merriwell despised himall the more, although he did nothing to injure Ditson. He does notrecognize Ditson at all, and now Ditson is more eager than before to doMerriwell an injury. "

"All the same, Ditson can't be trusted. "

"Not unless he is so deep in the game that it means ruin for him toblow. Then he is caught. As I said in the first place, he is a good manto do the dirty work that we do not want to touch. "

"I think Harris is right, " nodded Harlow, "and you may get a chance toeven up with Ditson by throwing him down when we have fixed Merriwellnicely. "

"But you want to remember you are going up against a bad man in FrankMerriwell, " warned Sport. "I do not care to be forced out of Yale. "

"Of course not, " said Hartwick and Harlow. 

"You fellows have not so much to look out for. You can do things thatwould be beyond me. "

"We made a bluff at doing something to-day, " growled Hartwick. "We wereout for a drive, and we came upon Merriwell. He was on his new horse, and we tried to run him down, but he got out of the way. "

"I don't know but it is a good thing he did, " confessed Harlow. "If wehad struck him there'd been a general smashup. I was driving, and wewere making the old nag hit a hot pace. We came near going bottom up asit was. "

"You must have been badly rattled, " exclaimed Harris. 

"Oh, I don't know, " laughed Hartwick, harshly. "We've been up against itfor the past three days. Eh, Harlow?"

"That's what, " nodded the card sharp. "Hartwick is a hard man to follow. He can kill more stuff than anybody I ever saw. "

"Well, " said Harris, "I have asked Ditson to come in here this evening. I took a chance on it, for I thought we could get rid of him easilyenough if we didn't want him. He is liable to be along at any moment. "

Harlow looked at a handsome watch. 

"A quarter to ten, " he said. "He ought to be around soon if he is comingat all. "

"He will be. Where'd you get that ticker, old man?"

"Oh, I took it off a sucker in a game. I'll have to soak it if I don'tstrike some sort of graft pretty soon. I'm getting down to hard pan. "

"I suppose you are all right, Hartwick?" questioned Harris. "You cancall on your old man and make him give up any time. "

"Well, I guess not! I haven't been able to get a dollar out of the oldduffer since I left college. He is icy toward me, and he says I can goit for myself and be hanged. "

"That's pleasant! What have you been doing to gather in the coin?"

"Why, confound it! haven't I formed a partnership with Harlow! I don'tknow anything about card tricks, but he works all of that, and I win themoney. He gives me the hands to do it on, you see. If there issuspicion aroused, the poor suckers take to watching me, and they areunable to catch me at anything crooked. Our only trouble is to find theright sort of fruit for plucking. We generally pretend we are strangersto each other. Sometimes we have a little disagreement over the table, just to fool the fools all the more. "

"That's first-rate, " laughed Harris. "I wish the gang here was not ontoHarlow. I could get you some ripe plums. "

"And that's what made me so sore on Merriwell, " growled Harlow. "But forthat fellow we'd be right in it now. Oh, I want to soak him some way, and soak him hard!"

"And we'll find a way to soak him, too!" growled Hartwick. "Let's haveanother round, fellows. "

He pushed a button and a waiter appeared. Drinks were ordered. When theywere brought, Ditson came in with the waiter. 

"Hello, Roll!" called Harris. "Glad you came along. Mr. Ditson, Mr. Harlow. I think you have met the other gentleman. "

Ditson started and turned pale when he saw Hartwick, who was gloweringat him. 

"Oh, yes! Mr. Ditson has met me!" said Evan, significantly. "We do notneed an introduction!"

Ditson seemed on the point of getting out in a hurry, but Harris aroseand took him by the arm. 

"It's all right, " he assured. "Sit down, Roll. "

"What sort of a game is this?" hesitatingly asked Ditson, keeping hiseyes on Hartwick. "Have you fellows got me in here to do me up?"

"Nothing of the sort. "

"Not but I'd like to do you, and do you good, " confessed Hartwick, "butHarris won't have it. "

"No, " said Sport; "I hold that we are all united by our hatred for acommon foe, and we cannot afford to be anything but friends. "

"All the same, it was a dirty deal you gave me, Ditson, " growled Evan, who seemed to be longing to pick a row with the newcomer. 

"You forced me into it, " declared Ditson, weakly. 

"Forced you?"

"Yes. "

"How was that?"

"You know well enough. You set on me like a mad tiger, and I'll bet youwould have choked me to death in your room if you hadn't been seizedwith one of your attacks of heart trouble. I was afraid of you, and Ihad to do something to protect myself. "

"So you blew the whole thing to Merriwell! That was a brave trick. But Iunderstand Merriwell has turned you down in great shape since that. "

"Well, he hasn't used me right, " admitted Ditson. "Sometimes I think I'dlike to kick the wind out of him, but I know I can't do it. "

"You may have the chance to take the wind out of him, " said Harris. "Sitdown, old man, and we will talk matters over. What are you drinking?"

"Bring me a sherry flip, waiter, " ordered Ditson, seeing the waiter hadpaused outside. 

Then he sat down in a chair offered him, saying:

"If there's any sure way of doing Merriwell up, I'm in for it; but Igive it to you straight that I am sick of trying to do him and havinghim come out on top. It's got to be a sure thing this time, or I don'ttouch it. "

Beyond a thin partition in a room next to the one occupied by the fourplotters sat a man who had a cut and bruised face and a pair of swollenblack eyes. 

This man had been drinking heavily. A bottle of whiskey and a glass saton the little table before him. He was alone in the room. 

He had seemed to suddenly lose all interest in the whiskey, and he wasleaning against the board partition with his ear close to a crack, intently listening to the talk of the four lads in the next room. 

The man had heard Frank Merriwell's name spoken, and that was the firstthing to attract his attention to what the occupants of the next roomwere saying. 

"That's the fellow!" muttered the man, hoarsely. "He's the one what gaveme these beautiful peepers and pretty mug! I'll give him something worsethan this before long. "

Then he decided to listen. 

"Wonder if them chaps is his friends? I'll jest see what they're sayin'about him. "

It was not long before the man was able to hear enough to satisfy himthat the lads in the next room were anything but friends of FrankMerriwell, and he listened with fresh eagerness. 

He heard Ditson come in with the waiter, and caught much of theconversation that followed. Then Ditson sat down, and the plotterslowered their voices. 

"That settles it!" exclaimed the man. "I'm goin' right in there and seeif they don't want to take me inter the gang. Them college ducks will bejest the fellers to help me in gettin' back at Frank Merriwell. "

He got up, left the little room, and went around to the door of theother room. Without stopping to knock, he opened the door and walked in. 

"H'waryer, " he saluted, as the four lads stared at him in amazement. "Myname's Mike Hogan, and I want ter join in with ther push. "

"Get out of here, you bum!" cried Hartwick, fiercely. "You are intrudingon a private party. "

"Hold hard, young feller!" returned the fellow who had given his name asMike Hogan. "Don't call me a bum! I'm onto your curves, and there ain'tno reason why you and me shouldn't be friends. "

"Friends!" exclaimed Hartwick--"friends! Well, I prefer to choose myfriends. "

"And you didn't make much of a success when you chose a young gent herewhat is named Ditson. Keep yer seat!"

"Press the button, Harlow, and we'll have this fellow thrown out!" camesavagely from Hartwick's lips. 

"Wait a minute before you press the button, " urged Mike Hogan. "Do yousee this face?"

"Yes. "

"It's a peach, now, ain't it?"

"You can consider yourself lucky if it isn't worse than that when youget out of here, my man. "

"Don't 'my man' me, young feller! I don't like it! Do yer know who giveme this face and these two beautiful eyes?"

"No, and we----"

"Well, I'll tell yer who it was. It was a feller what goes by the nameof Frank Merriwell. "

"Well, he did a first-class job, " commented Harris. "That really lookslike some of Merriwell's work. "

"He done it, " nodded Mike. "Nacherlly I ain't got no love to speak offor him. Well, I was in the room next to this just now, and as I wasleanin' against the partition I happened to overhear what you chaps wassayin' in here. From what I heard, I judged you didn't love thisMerriwell none to brag about, and I says to myself, 'Mike, if you wantto get even, them is the boys to hitch fast to. ' Then I got right up andcame in here without bein' invited. I hope you'll excuse me, gents, butI couldn't help it under the circumstances. I had a sort offeller-feelin' for you chaps, and I thought mebbe we might arrange somesort of a deal together that would do this Merriwell, and do him forkeeps. I'm not a chap with much education, but I'll bet anything I canhate just as hard as you fellers, and if there's anybody I hate on theearth, it's Frank Merriwell. 

"There, now, gents, you have heard what I have ter say, and I hopeyou'll tumble ter ther fact that I am on the level. This is no case ofstringing. I want ter pay back that feller for these two black eyes andthis mug. Mebbe you can help me to do it, and I can help you to squareyerselves with him at the same time. If that is right, why shouldn't wekinder go into partnerships for a short period? I put the question toyer, and you can do as ye please. "

The quartet at the table looked at one another inquiringly anddoubtingly. They seemed to hesitate. 

"If this man tells the truth, and I should judge that he does, he may beof service to us and we to him, " said Sport Harris. 

"That's right, " nodded Harlow. "If Merriwell gave him that mug and thosebeautiful eyes, I don't wonder that he wants to get square. "

Hartwick was silent. He was looking Mike Hogan over, and he wasthinking:

"Is it possible I have fallen to the point where I have to take such afellow as a comrade? No! It will not be as a comrade. We can use him asa tool, perhaps, and that is what we will do, if we use him at all. "

"Sit down, " invited Hartwick, suddenly rising and offering Mike hischair. "I'll get another. I want to hear just how you came by thoseeyes. "

Hogan sat down at the table and Hartwick brought a chair from a corner. 

"We are all anxious to hear how you came by those eyes, " declaredHarlow. 

"Some gent order drinks, and I will tell ye. Never mind, " he cried, ashe saw them look at each other knowingly, as if they thought he wastrying to work them for liquor, "I'll order, myself! Don't you thinkfor a second that I'm broke!"

Then he flung a small roll of bills on the table before them, reachedpast Harlow, and pressed the button. When the waiter appeared, he said:

"Give these gents anything they want, Pete. "

"Wot if they orders champagne?" grinned Pete, winking at the boys. 

"Then bring it, dern ye!" snarled Hogan, as he grabbed up the roll ofmoney and thrust it at the waiter. "Take the pay out of that and gimmethe change. "

Drinks were ordered and quickly brought. Hogan paid for them and gavethe waiter a quarter as a tip. 

"How about it, Pete?" he asked. "Am I all right?"

"Ye're all right, Mike, " declared the waiter, promptly; "and the younggents will find that anything you says sticks. "

Then he went out. 

"Now, " said Hogan, "before I begin I want to tell you chaps this: I'm onthe make. That is how I happened to get up against this chap Merriwell. I heard that he paid a cool thousand for that horse of his, and I kinderadmitted that a boy who could pay that sum for a horse must be incircumstances that would permit him to burn money in an open grate. Sucha chap was worth my attention. I know horses from their hoofs to thetips of their ears. There ain't much of anything I don't know about 'em. And I knew Merriwell must be stuck on the horse for which he paid athousand plunks. 

"Well, gents, I'll tell ye my scheme. I kinder thought it would be easyto play the horse doctor, and work Merriwell for a good pot. All thatwas necessary was to make something ail the horse. Then I went round tothe stable where he keeps the critter, after I had first learned thename of one of Merriwell's friends. I wanted to get at the horse, and Iknew it wouldn't be easy unless I appeared to be on the inside trackwith Merriwell. I went round and said I was this friend of Merriwell, and in that way I got into the stall with the horse. 

"Don't you care what I done to make that horse lame, but I done it allright. When Merriwell rode out this afternoon the critter went tolimpin' under him. When he came back to the stable I was there, but Ihad changed my clothes and I wore a beard. I introduced myself as ahorse doctor, and offered to cure his horse, or not to charge him adollar. If I cured the critter, which I could do easy, I meant to chargehim a hundred dollars, and I thought he'd be fool enough to pay itwithout a kick. "

"That shows you didn't know the kind of a fellow you were trying tofool, " said Harris. 

"I found that out all right. He wouldn't make any talk with me. Thenwhen I got hot and was going away he suddenly took a notion to stop me. The first thing I knew he had snatched off my hat and beard, and thehostler recognized me as the same chap as was in to see the horse thisafternoon. 

"I didn't feel alarmed then, " Mike went on, "for Merriwell is a youngchap, and I know something about fighting. That is, I thought I knewsomething about it. I'm not sure about that now. I told him to get outof the way, or I would do him up. I saw my scheme was bu'sted, but Ifelt sure it'd be some time before he'd find out what ailed his horse. 

"That young fool didn't seem at all scared of me. He wouldn't get out ofthe way and let me go, but he put himself in my way, and then we had it. When we got through I found that I had it, and I had it bad. Thereain't no need to tell just what happened. Take a look at my mug andyou'll see for yourself. That young cuss can fight like a tiger!

"But now I'm goin' to get level with him, and don't you fergit it! I'llmake him sorry that he ever gave Mike Hogan a pair of black eyes! I'llnever be satisfied till I have done him the worst kind of a turn. 

"I heard you chaps talkin', and it struck me that we might pull togetherto do him dirt. That's why I came right in. What do you say to it?"

The boys looked at each other, and then they nodded approval. 

"You'll do, " said Harris. "You may prove a very valuable man for us. "

CHAPTER V. 

WHAT A HAIR CAN DO. 

At his first opportunity to get away from recitations the following dayFrank took Diamond and Rattleton and hastened down to the stable to findout how Nemo was coming along. 

Grody, who had just saddled a horse for a gentleman, met Frank, and theexpression on his face was anything but reassuring. 

"Well, how is the pony this morning?" asked Merriwell, anxiously. 

"Just as lame as he were, sir, " answered Grody. "I've been tryin' tofind out what it were that happened to him, but I can't, sir. "

"Did you take him to the shoer the first thing this morning and have hisfeet examined, as I directed?"

"I did that, sir. "

"And what did the shoer say?"

"He located the lameness in the same foot what we said were lame, sir, and he took off the shoe, but he said as how it were all right, and nofault of the shoeing. He didn't know but a nail might have gone toodeep, sir, but he found that were not it. "

This was anything but satisfactory, and Frank showed it by his face. 

"Well, " he said, "you know I told you to summon Dr. Cobb, if it provedsomething beyond the shoeing. "

"And that were what I done, sir. "

"And the doctor could not tell what ailed the horse?"

"The doctor has not come yet, sir. He were busy when I send the messageto him, but he said---- Here he is now, sir. "

A rig drew up at the door, and a short, stubbed, red-bearded man steppedout. This man entered the stable with a quick step and called to thehostler:

"Well, Grody, did you telephone me?"

"Yes, sir, I did, sir, " said the hostler, quickly. 

"Important case, you said?"

"Yes, sir, very important. "

"Where's the horse?"

"I'll bring him right out, sir. "

The hostler hastened to do so, and Dr. Cobb looked keenly at Nemo. 

"Walk him around, " directed the doctor. 

Grody obeyed. 

"Just a bit lame, " commented the doctor. "It may be a slight strain. Itdoesn't seem to be much. "

"But it grows worse when he is taken out on the road, " said Frank. "Itwas very bad yesterday afternoon. "

The doctor glanced at the boy. 

"Your horse?" he asked. 

"Yes, sir. "

"When did you first notice he was lame?"

"Yesterday afternoon. "

"Had him out this morning?"

"Grody took him to the shoer, that's all. "

"What did he say?"

"Said there was nothing the matter with the way Nemo is shod. "

"Perhaps he lied. Didn't want to hurt his business. Did he do anything?"

"Yes, he reset the shoe on the lame foot. "

"Hum! Horse may be all right by to-morrow or next day. "

"I do not think he will, doctor. "

"Eh? Why not?"

"Because I have reasons to believe he was made to go lame. "

"Is that so? Well, now the matter becomes more interesting. What causesyou to think anything of the sort?"

Frank explained, and the doctor listened attentively to his story. 

"This is worth investigating, " he declared. "I know a few of the tricksof these fellows, and I think I'll find out what was done to your horse, if anything was done. "

The boys watched the doctor with great interest. They saw him examinethe lame leg from the knee down. In doing this he put on a pair ofspectacles. 

Nemo was nervous. He seemed afraid the doctor would hurt him, and it wasnot found easy to make him stand. 

At last Dr. Cobb uttered a sharp exclamation. 

"Bring my case, which you will find under the seat in my carriage, Grody, " he directed. 

Grody hastened to obey. 

"Have you found out what the matter is, doctor?" Frank anxiously asked. 

"I believe so, but I am not sure yet. "

Jack and Harry came near, eager to learn what had been done to lame thehorse. 

The doctor opened his case, and took out some tweezers. 

"Do you see this hair here?" he asked, having brushed the fetlock asideand taken the end of a hair in his fingers. 

The boys saw it, but wondered what that hair could have to do with thelameness of the horse. 

"It is not the right color, " declared the doctor. "You see it is white, instead of being the color of the other hairs here. "

Despite himself Frank felt his anger rising. How could the color of ahair make the horse lame? Did the man take him for a fool because he wasa boy?

The three boys exchanged glances, and Harry made a threatening gestureat the back of the doctor's head. 

"I see the hair is white, sir, " said Frank, his voice cold and hard;"but I scarcely think a white hair could make my horse go lame. I knowI am a boy, but I do not like to be taken for a fool. "

The doctor looked up and saw the indignation expressed on the faces ofthe three lads. Then he chuckled in a singular way and said:

"Wait till I get through, young man. I do not take you for a foolordinarily, but you can easily make a fool of yourself over thismatter. "

He had taken the short white hair, which was very coarse, in hisfingers, having separated it from the others. 

"Notice the peculiar place where this hair seems to grow, " he directed. "It is not a part of the fetlock, but the fetlock hid it from view. I amgoing to pull this hair out, but first I want you to notice that thereis another hair, it seems, on the other side of the ankle, and it isjust like this. See it?"

The boys saw it. 

"In a moment you won't see it, " declared the doctor, as he adjusted thetweezers, getting a careful grip on the end of the hair. "Here itcomes. "

Then he quickly drew it out and Nemo started a bit, but was quieted byGrody. 

"Young man, " said the doctor, "look at this. This hair appeared to beabout an inch in length, but now it is three inches long. It is notbroken off, and yet it has no root. I will guarantee there is notanother hair on this horse like it! I will guarantee it did not grow onthis horse! I will guarantee it was what made this horse lame! And I donot want my fee if this horse shows any lameness two hours from now!"

The boys were astonished, as their faces indicated. 

"But, doctor, I do not understand!" cried Frank. "You must explain. Howcould a hair----"

"I will explain. It's an old trick, but one seldom tried. This hair camefrom the tail of a white horse. It was threaded into a long, keenneedle. The fellow who got at your horse yesterday was an expert. Withone jab of that needle he passed the hair through the flesh just back ofthis cord. It went in at one side, and came out on the other. Afterthat, while he was pretending to look at the horse's feet, he clippedoff the ends, and the hair was left in there. It could remain a day orso without doing any particular injury, but it was bound to make thehorse lame as soon as he used that leg much. If it had been left therepermanently it might have ruined the horse. That is all, young man. "

"Why was a white hair chosen, doctor?"

"The fellow felt sure it would not be noticed, and yet he could quicklylocate it by its color when the time came for him to cure your horse ofits lameness. "

Once more the boys looked at each other, and this time it was plain theyrealized there were some things they did not know. 

"Doctor, " said Frank, promptly, "I wish to beg your pardon. I believe Isaid something rather hastily, but now I wish to say that you know yourbusiness thoroughly. "

The doctor smiled, and closed his case. 

"I have been in the business all my life, " he said, "but I expect tocontinue to learn something new about it as long as I live. I will saythat I doubt if I should have seen what was the matter with your horseif you had not told me of the fellow you believed had lamed him and howthe horse kicked up a racket when the man was in the stall. That set meto looking for tricks, and I found the hair. "

Frank offered to pay the doctor, but he refused to take it then, saying:

"Here's my card, young man. If your horse is all right this afternoonyou may send me five dollars. You may need me again some time. "

Then he strode out of the stable, flung the case under the seat, scrambled into his carriage, caught up the reins, and away he went in ahurry. 

"Well, may I be farred and tethered--I mean tarred and feathered!" criedHarry Rattleton. "I never saw anything like that before. "

"Nor I, " confessed Jack Diamond. "It's astonishing! I have learnedsomething to-day that I never knew before. I never would have dreamedthat a hair could lame a horse in that way!"

"You want to look out for Nemo now, " said Harry, "and not let that chapget at him again. "

"I mean to, " asserted Frank. "I have sent for my colored boy, Toots, tocome on and keep watch here when Grody is unable to do so. Till he getshere, Grody, I want you to watch Nemo like a hawk. I hardly think thewhelp will try another trick, but there is no telling. I gave him a badthumping. "

"But not half what he deserved!" cried Diamond. 

CHAPTER VI. 

PRINCE AND THE EAVESDROPPER. 

Nemo's lameness seemed to vanish as if by magic, and Frank was wellsatisfied. Grody took the utmost care of Nemo till Toots arrived. 

The colored boy was delighted to come on to New Haven, and, as he was alover of horses, his new occupation suited him very well. When Frankcould not find time to take the horse out for his daily exercise Tootsdid it. 

One evening a party of students gathered in Diamond's room. He hadinvited them there to show them his new bulldog. 

Diamond had a fad, and it was dogs. His dog had caused trouble betweenDiamond and Merriwell early in their college career by taking a stripout of Frank's trousers. That dog had received mortal injuries in afight, and now Diamond had another dog. 

"Isn't he a beauty!" cried Jack, as he displayed the ugly-lookingbrute. "Look at that head and those jaws! He comes from a line ofgladiators. "

"What do you call him, Diamond?" asked Ben Halliday. 

"Prince. "

"Put not thy trust in princes, " croaked Dismal Jones. 

"Is he kind?" asked Bandy Robinson. 

"Oh, he has a sunny disposition, " assured Jack, smiling. 

"A sunny disposition, " chirped Griswold, from the top of the table, uponwhich he had climbed so that he might be out of the way. "By that Ipresume that you mean he will make it hot for any other dog he maytackle. "

"Hold on, Danny, old man!" cried Jack, reprovingly. "Haven't I treatedyou right?"

"Not lately, but if you've got any beer in the coop you can. "

"That gives me a pain!" cried Robinson. 

"You must have been eating window glass, " chuckled Griswold. "That's howyou happen to feel the pane. "

"You ramed little bunt--I mean you blamed little runt!" exclaimedRattleton, catching Danny by the neck. "If you keep up this recklesspunning you'll receive a check some day. "

"I hope so, " was the instant retort. "I'm broke, and I sent to thegovernor for one to-day. "

"Let him alone, Harry, " advised Merriwell, laughing. "You simply makehim worse by talking to him. "

"That's the only thing I have against Griswold, " declared Jack. "He willpun in the most reckless manner at all times. Some of his jokes are notwhat they are cracked up to be. "

"Like the eggs we used to get down at Mrs. Harrington's when we werefreshmen, " grinned Griswold. 

"Even the vilest sinner may repent and be forgiven, " came solemnly fromDismal Jones. "There's a faint ray of hope for Griswold. "

"But it's mighty dim, " declared Robinson. 

Once more attention was given to Jack's dog, and Diamond pointed out theanimal's fine features. 

"When are dogs at their best?" asked Halliday, seriously. 

"In winter, " Griswold instantly put in. "There are no flies on themthen. "

"Smother him!" howled Robinson, wildly. 

"Smother time, " cackled Danny, as he slipped off the table and dodgedaround a chair to get out of reach. 

Halliday caught up a pair of scissors and pretended to sharpen them, looking at Griswold as if he meant to shed his gore. 

"What are you going to do?" asked Danny. "Going into thescissors-grinding business? It's great when things are dull. "

It was plain that Danny could not be suppressed, and so the boys triedto ignore him. Prince was admired some more, and then Halliday picked upa banjo, put it in tune, and sang a song. 

"Your voice is somewhat off color to-night, old man, " observed Robinson, "and I think you skipped a bar. "

"You don't know him, " cried Griswold, instantly. "I was out with himlast night and he didn't skip any. "

Then almost every other fellow in the room grabbed up something andthrew it at Danny, who could do nothing but shield his face and take thepelting he received. 

"Diamond is a dog crank, and Merriwell is a horse crank, " saidRobinson. "By the way, I hear you think of racing your horse thisspring, Merriwell?"

"Who told you that?" asked Frank. 

"Who told me? Oh, I don't know. Is it a secret? I think I have heardseveral fellows speak of it. "

"Oh, I don't know as it is a secret, " said Frank. "I may try him in somesmall country race, if I get a good opportunity; but I am not likely tohave much of a chance, between baseball, rowing, and my studies. I'mkept pretty busy. "

"The only wonder to me is that you get time to study at all, " declaredHalliday. "I never before saw a fellow who could carry on so many thingsat the same time and make successes of them all. "

"I hear two more men have been dropped a class, " said Diamond. 

"That's right, " sighed Jones. "Dorman and Street have departed hence. May peace go with them. "

"Poor old Easy!" exclaimed Robinson. "He was a fine fellow, but he wasaltogether too easy. He wouldn't skin, and he couldn't keep up with thepush. "

"There are some other fellows who are bound to go sooner or later, "observed Rattleton. "I can name several. "

"Both Harris and Ditson are bound to get it in the neck, " said Griswold. "They are skinners of the worst kind. "

"That's right, " agreed Halliday. "Ditson is an expert at it. He spendsmore time and ingenuity in concocting schemes to fool the examiningtutor or professor than it would take to learn his subjects ten timesover. "

"Sure's you're born!" exclaimed Jones. "Why, he has his finger nails, cuffs, and the palms of his hands covered with writing and diagramsevery time he knows he is to be called up, and in this way he alwayssucceeds in making a clean rush. "

"Harris knows something about photography, " said Halliday, "and he iscontinually making minute pictures of diagrams and writing, which hearranges on little tabs, which he can hold in his palm. He seldomflunks, but he'll trip some time. "

"Hanged if I can see why fellows should work so hard to fool tutors orprofessors when they might learn all that was required of them withouthalf the trouble, " cried Harry. 

"That is easy enough to explain, " smiled Merriwell. "Harris is a naturalgambler. He delights in excitement and danger, and he actually enjoystaking such desperate ventures. "

"Well, there is something in that, " laughed Rattleton. "I never regardedit that way before. I'll be fanged if there isn't hascination in it--no, I'll be hanged if there isn't fascination in it!"

"It's too bad this matter was mentioned, fellows, " said Merriwell, withpretended seriousness. "I regret it very much. "

"Why?" asked Robinson, curiously. 

"Notice how excited Rattleton has become over it? He's not quite such asport as Harris, but he had rather take chances on anything than eat, and it's ten to one he'll be skinning within a week. "

"Sometimes a fellow has to skin, " declared Griswold. 

"Did you ever, Danny?" asked Diamond. 

"Did I? Well! I have a patent scheme of my own. "

"What is it?" asked Rattleton, eagerly. 

"Why, I have a box of chalk crayons which I bought for myself. I havesoaked them in alum water till they are hard, and I usually have severalof them about my person. They are covered with diagrams and everythingthat may prove interesting or necessary. But I want to tell yousomething. I never use 'em unless I am driven to the wall. "

"By that he means the blackboard, " laughed Halliday. 

"And you were talking about Harris and Ditson being skinners!" camereproachfully from Jones. "My dear young man, there is a place thatburneth with fire and brimstone!"

"That is reserved for liars, " chuckled Danny. "Jones, beware, any momentmay be your next. "

"That's right, " agreed Jones, sadly. "I am sure I shall not live to seeanother day--if I die to-night. "

"Gentleman, " said Merriwell, "death is a grave subject to jest upon. You'd better bury it. "

"That's all right, " put in Robinson. "If he catches cold any of us maygo to coffin. "

"I'll not undertaker pun, " murmured Rattleton. 

Then there was a deathlike silence, and the lads all looked at oneanother reproachfully. 

"Let's change the subject, " cried Diamond. "Speaking of Ditson, Ibelieve he claims to have blue blood in his veins. Says his ancestorscame over on the _Mayflower_, and were among the first to settle in thiscountry. "

"They may have settled, " said Griswold, "but none of his family has eversettled since that time. They owe everybody that will trust them. "

"Ditson has stuck his friends right and left since coming to Yale, tillhe has not a friend left, " said Robinson. 

"Why, he owed Hartwick several hundred dollars when Hartwick left, "declared Diamond. 

"Just the same, Hartwick is back in New Haven and in is chummy withDitson again, " asserted Jones. 

Merriwell displayed some interest. 

"How do you know he is chummy with Ditson?" he asked. 

"I have seen them together!"

"That means something!" cried Rattleton, excitedly. "Those pads arecotting--I mean those cads are plotting! You want to look out fortrouble, Merry!"

"I will!" exclaimed Frank. "Ditson is treading on dangerous ground. Ifhe makes a break, I'll descend on him. I have been easy with a chap ofhis treacherous nature quite long enough. "

"Too long!" burst fiercely from Diamond. "If I had been in your placeI'd ended Mr. Ditson's career long ago. "

"I don't know what the fellows can do to injure me, " said Frank. 

"They'll find some way to give it to you if you don't watch out, " saidRattleton. "Perhaps one of them hired that fellow to lame your horse. "

"Perhaps so. "

"You think a great deal of that horse, " said Jack. "You want to beconstantly on your guard or something will happen to it. "

"Toots is on the watch, and any one will have hard work getting the bestof that darky. He is about as sharp as they make 'em. "

"He is a very clever coon, " admitted Harry; "and he seems to know hisbusiness, still you can't tell what may happen. "

"I wouldn't have anything happen to Nemo for worlds. I don't quiteunderstand why I think so much of that horse, but he is a wonderfullyintelligent creature. "

"Don't tell that you care so much for him. If your enemies were to findit out they would scheme to fix Nemo. "

"I'd have no mercy on the person that injured that horse. "

"What's the matter with your dog, Jack?" asked Robinson. "He is actingin a very queer manner. "

Prince was sniffing at the door, whining and growling, while the hair onhis neck bristled in a significant manner. 

Diamond got up and quickly approached the door. In a moment he flung itopen, and out shot Prince. 

There was a sound of swiftly retreating feet, a clatter on the stairs, ascramble, a shout of pain or fear, and a sudden blow. 

"Quick, fellows!" cried Jack, excitedly. "Prince has found aneavesdropper!"

They rushed out, they sprang down the stairs, and at the foot they foundthe dog, apparently in a dazed condition, but with a piece of cloth inhis mouth. 

"Good dog!" cried Jack. "Where is he?"

Prince growled and chewed away at the piece of cloth. 

"He got away, " said Frank. "He must have struck Prince with a heavycane, or a club, for we heard the blow. The dog was stunned, but he heldfast to this piece of the fellow's trousers. "

"After him!" spluttered Rattleton. "He may not be able to get away!We'll try to capture him!"

But the effort was vain. The eavesdropper had made good his escape. 

After a little time the boys all came back to Diamond's room. They foundJack examining the piece of cloth, which he had taken from the bulldogwith no small difficulty. 

"It is from somebody's trousers, " said Jack, seriously. "Whoever thesneak was, he'll have to buy a new pair. He hit Prince a frightful blowbehind the ear, but the good old fellow held fast to this trophy. "

"If we'd nabbed the fellow, we wouldn't have done a thing to him--not athing!" cried Griswold. 

"See if any of you fellows recognize this piece of cloth as belonging tothe clothing of any chap you know, " invited Diamond. 

They all examined it. 

"If I mistake not, " said Dismal Jones, "this came from a certain sectionof a certain individual's trousers, and the section to which I refer islocated about eight inches south of the back strap. "

"And the fellow, " exclaimed Robinson, "the fellow is----"

"Roland Ditson!" finished Rattleton. 

"In that case, " said Diamond, "Merriwell's enemies have received a goodtip concerning his fondness for Nemo. You will have to be doubly carefulabout that horse after this, Frank. "

CHAPTER VII. 

THE PLOT. 

If Roland Ditson was the person from whose trousers the piece of clothhad been torn he took good care to destroy what he had retained of thebreeches without delay, for they were never again seen in hispossession. 

The figure on the cloth was not pronounced enough to distinguish it in amanner to make it absolute proof that it came from a garment owned byRoland. 

Nevertheless Diamond accused Ditson of listening at his door, but Rollvigorously denied that he had done so. Diamond told him he was anatural-born prevaricator, and let it go at that. 

But Ditson was watched like a hawk by the boy from Virginia, for Jackfelt sure the fellow was up to crookedness. 

Frank Merriwell knew that if Ditson had been listening to theconversation that was taking place in that room his enemies must knowin what light he regarded Nemo. 

This caused Frank to caution both Toots and Grody to redouble theirvigilance in watching over and caring for the splendid creature. 

"Don' yo' worry about me, Marser Frank, " assured the darky lad. "Dat'sde fines' hawse dat dis chile ebber seen, an' I'se gwan ter watch oberheem lek he wus de apple ob mah eye. "

"I have decided to enter Nemo in the Mystic Park races at Bethany, Toots, " Merriwell declared, "and I think I'll let you ride him, my boy. "

Toots showed two rows of gleaming ivories and beamed with the greatestdelight. 

"If yer done dat, Marser Frank, I'se gwan ter win on dat hawse jes ezshore ez yeh bawn, sar!" he cried. "I'se done rid dat critter enough tehknow he's a wondah, sar. Dat hawse is wuf a forchune, sar!"

"If you win, Toots, I may give you a chance to ride him in some raceslater in the season. "

"If I don' win dat race, I done hope I nebber dror annodder bref, sar!"cried the darky boy, excitedly. "Dat'll show yo' what yo' kin do at deConey Islan' races. If yo's gwan ter gamble on dat hawse, yo's a deadsho' winnar, sar!"

"I am not much of a gambler, Toots, but I may back Nemo for a littlesomething. "

"Yo'll win, Marser Frank. If dis darky ebber knowed what he wus talkingabout yo'll win!"

Frank's enemies seemed remarkably quiet, but something told him thatevery move he made was watched. This was true, and they soon knewexactly what races he intended to enter Nemo for, and that the darky wasgoing to ride the horse. 

One night Harris, Hartwick, Harlow, Ditson and Mike Hogan met in thesaloon where they had first formed a combine against Merriwell. Theywere there by appointment, called together by Hartwick, who seemed tohave assumed the leadership. 

Hartwick was taking no chances on any thin partitions, and so he secureda little back room in the place, where it seemed that nothing could beoverheard by any one who might chance to be watching them. 

Drinks were ordered, and when they were brought and the waiter haddeparted Hartwick said:

"Gentlemen, we may as well get down to business at once. I have calledyou together to make arrangements for striking a blow at our commonenemy. "

"Well, I think it's erbout time!" growled Mike Hogan. "I've been wantin'ter do something fer a long while, but you have kept holdin' me back. "

"You have been too much on the jump, my friend, " said Hartwick, scowling. "If we'd let you gone it alone you'd had Merriwell on hisguard, and that would have ruined everything. "

"It strikes me that Merriwell is on his guard now, " observed Harris. "Heacts as if he knew there was something in the wind. "

"Well, he doesn't know what. "

"I don't know about that, either. He guards that horse as if the animalwas worth its weight in dollar bills. "

"Which comes entirely from the fact that Hogan here tried to knock thehorse out once, " declared Harlow. 

"I don't know about that, either, " said Hartwick. "But I want to say onething here and now: If there's any one of this party who is playingdouble and carrying information to Merriwell, he'd better order his owncoffin without delay, for he is bound to be found out, and we'll throwhim cold in a minute. "

He looked at Ditson in a most significant manner as he said this, butRoll showed no signs of guilt. 

"Well, what's yer plan of war, boss?" asked Hogan, impatiently. 

"Don't get in too much of a hurry, " scowled Hartwick. 

"We know Merriwell intends to enter Nemo in the Mystic Park races, atBethany. "

"Yes. "

"That is the time to get at him. "

"How?"

"He has money to burn. Get him to back Nemo for large sums for any ofthe first three positions. Give him all sorts of odds, if necessary; butget him to chuck up the dough, and then beat him out. "

"That's all right, " growled Hogan; "but where's the dough comin' fromwhat is shoved up against his good stuff?"

"Let me alone for that, " said Hartwick, significantly. "I know a way toget it, and we'll have it. I wish we might get Merriwell to stake hisentire fortune on that horse. We'd end his career at Yale. "

Harris laughed. 

"I'd like to know how you are going to get so much money, Hart?" hecried. "Why, I had to lend you twenty as capital the last game of pokeryou entered. "

"Don't let anything worry you if you don't know all about it, Sport, "advised Hartwick. "You've got your twenty back, haven't you?"

"Yes. "

"Well, you can't kick. "

"All right; but I'm afraid your scheme won't work out very well. "

"It will, just as hard, if we can depend on Mike here to make sureMerriwell's horse does not win. "

"Watcher want me ter do?" asked Mike. 

"Doctor the animal at the last moment, if you can't buy off the jockey. "

"That's easy! But where does my share of ther profits come in?"

"You shall have your share, don't you worry. We'll have that allarranged in advance. "

"Then that goes! I am with yer, gents. "

"What are the rest of us to do?" asked Harris. 

"There will be something for all of us to do. Ditson must continue toplay the spy on Merriwell. "

"And that's the most dangerous job of all!" cried Roll. "You know whatcame near happening to me the night I found out Merriwell intended toput Nemo in the Mystic Park races. I was nearly chewed up by Diamond'sdog. "

"But you escaped with your life, " said Harris. 

"Because I took that cane with the loaded end. If it hadn't been forthat the infernal dog would have eaten me. I hit him an awful blow. Itwould have killed any other dog. "

"Well, " said Harlow, "we'll strike a different kind of a blowdirectly--one that will do more than lay out a dog. "

CHAPTER VIII. 

TAKING CHANCES. 

It was the day of the spring races at Mystic Park, and Bethany wasfilled with strangers. Horsemen, sporting men, sightseers, touts, race-track gamblers, women in gay attire, and all the different kinds ofpersons usually seen at a country horse race in the State of Connecticutwere on hand. 

A number of Yale lads had come up to Bethany to attend the races. Themost of them were friends of Frank Merriwell. Some of his enemies werethere, also. 

Frank had brought Nemo up himself, and he scarcely slept the nightbefore the races. He felt that there was danger in the air. 

Nemo had been entered in the "free for all, " and his name was on thebills. Frank had been informed that he would be given odds that hishorse did not take a purse. He had received an anonymous letterridiculing him for thinking of entering such a horse. He had beentaunted and told that he dared not stake money on Nemo. 

Merriwell knew well enough that there was a plot afloat, and it seemedthat the scheme was to make him lose money on his horse. If he had beentimid he would have hesitated about backing Nemo for anything; but theones who had been taunting him had reckoned well on his mettle, and theyhad succeeded in pricking his pride and arousing him. 

Frank had seen Nemo work on a track with Toots in the saddle. He hadtimed the horse repeatedly, and he felt confident that Nemo could notfail to take a position if he were in proper form when he entered therace. 

Frank sent for money. He demanded it. His guardian did not feel likerefusing, as he remembered that his last effort to suppress Frank hadresulted in a most painful train of incidents, the culmination being hisarrest for kidnaping a baby. He sent Frank a check for the sum desired. 

When Bethany was reached Merriwell was approached by a tall, thin man, who wore a Prince Albert coat and looked like a parson. This manintroduced himself as John Baldwin, and he proved to be very "smooth. "

Frank knew in a moment that the stranger was trying to catch him for asucker. He felt like knocking the man down, but, instead of that, he betthree hundred and fifty dollars against a thousand dollars that Nemowould take a purse in the "free for all. "

John Baldwin departed, apparently looking for other bloods who wished totake flyers. But Frank was to see Baldwin again. The man came back andin the most sneering manner possible, offered to let him out of his betfor fifty dollars. He told Frank that Nemo was a "dead one" and couldnot even crawl. The result was that Merriwell bet the man five hundredeven that Nemo would take a purse, and there were but three purses inthe "free for all. "

After Baldwin departed the second time Frank regretted that he had notbooted the insolent fellow. 

"Never mind, " thought the lad. "I'll win his cash all right. "

In the morning there was a row in the stable where Nemo was kept. Tootswas found vigorously punishing a flashily dressed negro. 

"Tek dat, yo' dirty brack nigger!" shouted Toots, as he smashed theother fellow on the nose. "Yo' cayn't com' 'roun' dis chile wid none obyere 'swinuations an' yore offers ob money to throw de race! I'll kickpart ob yore panjaloons clean out frough de top of yore hade, yo' brackson ob a gun!"

The colored boy fought like a furious tiger, and the other fellow, aftertrying to strike back a few times, took to his heels, leaving a smashedsilk hat behind him. 

"What's the matter, Toots?" asked Frank, who had rushed to the scene ofthe conflict, accompanied by others. 

"Mattah, sar?" cried Toots, fiercely. "Why, dat brack whelp come call meout ob de stall har, an' he says to me, says he, 'If yo' pulls Nemo sohe don' take a purse it am wuff two hundred dollars to yo'. ' An' heflashes his roll ob bills in mah face. I didn't wait fo' no mo'conwersashun, sar, but I jes' soaked him a dandy under der ear. "

"Good boy, Toots!" laughed Frank. "You're all right!"

"Well, w'en dey fools 'roun' dis chile dey strikes hot stuff, " grinnedthe boy. 

Frank knew now that there was a "job" to knife him in the race. Rattleton and Diamond were on hand, and they took turns in helping Tootskeep guard over Nemo. 

Merriwell was angry. He went out looking for John Baldwin. When he foundBaldwin he offered to bet all the money he had about him that Nemo wouldtake either the first or the second purse. Baldwin snapped at the bet ina manner that showed he believed he had a "soft thing. "

"You'll go back to Yale broke, " he sneered. 

"Don't let that worry you, " returned Frank, coolly. "It strikes me thatthe fellow who is furnishing you with cash stands a chance of droppingsomething. "

"You say that very mildly. You're scared now. "

"If I had more money about my clothes I'd put it all up. "

"That shows what an easy thing you are. I'll take your paper against mygood money, and now you don't dare do a thing. "

"How much do you want to risk that way?"

"Any sum you like. "

"I'll go you for five hundred. "

"Done. "

Frank had made the original selection of stakeholder, and he had chosena man who was interested in the track, but was known to be perfectlysquare. This choice had proved satisfactory to Baldwin. 

Once more this man was hunted up, and he felt it his duty to cautionFrank. The boy simply smiled. 

"Don't lose any sleep about me, Mr. Davis, " said Frank, quietly. "Itisn't necessary. "

Twenty minutes after this bet was made John Baldwin informed EvanHartwick. 

"Good!" cried Hartwick, fiercely. "If I get hold of that piece of paperI'll use it to ruin Frank Merriwell at Yale. I can do it! Nemo must befixed for fair!"

Then he rushed away. 

"Oh, well!" said Baldwin, with a satisfied smile; "I don't care whichway the wind blows now. I have made my commission on this work to-day, and I have nothing to lose. If those fellows slip up in their plans itwon't be my funeral. "

Then he lighted a cigar and strolled away. 

Rattleton and Diamond watched Nemo closely, permitting Toots to get anhour's sleep. Then the colored boy came out feeling first rate, andMerriwell showed up to take his friends to have something to eat. 

"By Jove!" he exclaimed, with a happy laugh. "One of you fellows willhave to loan me the money to settle for the feed. I've staked every centon Nemo, and I haven't enough left to purchase a sandwich. "

"Whew!" whistled Diamond. "Haven't you been plunging pretty steep, oldman?"

"Oh, I don't know!" smiled Frank. "We'll have money to start aconflagration with when we return to New Haven. "

"I think so, " agreed Jack; "but there are slips. "

"Now, Toots, " said Frank, "we are going to leave Nemo in your care for ashort time. You know what I expect of you. "

"Yes, sar, an' you may 'pend on me, sar. "

"All right, my boy. Come on, fellows. "

Away the three went, arm in arm, laughing and joking, like thelight-hearted fellows they were. 

Ten minutes after they left Toots decided to give Nemo some water. Hestepped out of the stall for a bucket. As he picked it up he fancied heheard a suspicious sound inside the stall, and he hurried back. 

When the colored boy stepped into the stall he saw a tough-looking youngman in a plaid suit offering Nemo an apple. It was Mike Hogan. 

"G'wan frum dat hawse, man!" shouted Toots, as he flung the bucketstraight at Mike's head. 

The bucket struck Hogan, knocked him down, and he lay stunned almostbeneath the feet of Frank Merriwell's racer. 

An hour later the starter's flag had fallen and the "free for all" atMystic Park had begun. 

Among the spectators were three lads who were excitedly watching thebeginning of the race. 

They were Hartwick, Harlow and Harris. 

"If that horse is doctored I'm a fool!" declared Harlow, his eyesfastened on Frank Merriwell's Nemo. 

"He must be--he must be!" palpitated Hartwick, whose eyes were bloodshotand whose face was flushed so that it betrayed he had been drinkingheavily. 

"Nemo starts all right, " said Harris, in an agitated voice. "I shouldnot wonder if Harlow were right, Hartwick, my boy. "

"Then Hogan has betrayed me!" came gratingly from Hartwick. "If he hasI'll have his life!"

"Where is the fellow?" asked Harlow. "He should be on hand. "

"That's right, where is he?" echoed Harris. "He has not reported. "

"But he was sure he would not fail, " said Hartwick. "He had everythingfixed with one of the stablemen, and he said he knew he could get intoNemo's stall. "

"All the same I'll wager that Frank Merriwell will come out on topagain, " fluttered Harris. "It is just his luck. Perhaps he has outwittedus in some way. "

"No! no!" exclaimed Hartwick, with sudden satisfaction. "See--see there!Already Nemo is dropping behind Black Boy. Pawnee is in the lead, FannyD. Is second, Lightfoot is third, and now Black Boy has pushed ahead ofNemo! Ha! ha! ha! Everything is all right! Hogan has done his work, andthe stuff is beginning to tell on Merriwell's racer at just the righttime. We'll send the fellow back to Yale penniless, and then I willjump on him with his paper. I'll expose him as a race-track gambler, afraud, a swindler! I'll ruin his college career, as he ruined mine! ButI'll not be satisfied then. I'll hound him till he is weary of his life!I'll make him remember the day he dared lift his hand against EvanHartwick! I can feel his blow now! It left a mark on my cheek. That markis not there now, but the scar is on my heart! Nothing can cure it butfull and absolute reprisal! This is my first triumph!"

Hartwick almost frothed at the mouth, and his reddish eyes glared as ifthere were a glowing furnace within his passionate soul. 

Evan's companions looked at him with awe, and Harris shivered a bit, drawing a little away. 

The passions of the revengeful lad had been wonderfully aroused by theliquor he had taken, and he showed at his very worst just then. 

"Toots does not seem to be pushing Nemo as he might, " muttered Harlow. "The boy is taking it easy. If I did not know the attempt had failed Ishould think he had been bought off. "

"Pawnee can't hold the lead, " declared Harris. "I am willing to bet allI have that he will not take the race. "

"Hang Pawnee!" snarled Hartwick. "I do not care which horses secure thepurses, if Merriwell's animal is not one of them. "

"Well, it begins to look as if you were safe, " came with somesatisfaction from Harlow. "Black Boy is the favorite and he is crawlingnow. Already he is neck and neck with Lightfoot. "

Hartwick's hand shook as he adjusted the field glasses he held andbrought them to bear on the racing horses. 

"It's all right. I know it's all right!" he muttered, hoarsely. "Lightfoot is holding the lead on Nemo. Frank Merriwell's horse isfifth, and the animal will not hold out to get around the track. Ibelieve Nemo is swaying now. The horses behind are gaining! Ha! ha! Howit will wring Merriwell's heart to see his beauty come in last!"

"This is early, " cautioned Harris. "They have just reached the quarternow. Wait till they pass us before you begin to count your chickens, oldman. "

The spectators grew excited as the racing horses swung around thehalf-mile track and came flying down toward the judges' stand on theirfirst round. Men waved their hats and cheered, the white handkerchiefsof women were fluttering. 

"Black Boy! Black Boy! He is the winner for a thousand!" roared a bigman in the grand stand. 

"Fanny D. ! Fanny D. !" shouted another. "She is taking the lead!"

This was true. Pawnee, as Harris had declared, proved unequal to thetask of holding the lead. In the second quarter Fanny D. Crept alongsideand gradually forged ahead, for all that Black Boy's rider used whip andvoice. 

Poor old Lightfoot was steadily losing ground, and Hartwick ground histeeth as he saw Nemo come into fourth place. Still it did not seem thatMerriwell's horse had made a spurt. 

And then, as the horses came thundering down the track, a sudden changeseemed to come over the black boy on Nemo's back. He leaned far forward, and appeared to be talking into Nemo's ears, which were laid almoststraight back. He cut the air with his whip, but the lash did not fallon the glossy coat of the handsome animal. 

"Look!" palpitated Harlow. "See Nemo! The creature has awakened! Thathorse is all right! Hartwick, I believe Merriwell will secure thirdmoney, after all. "

"Not on your life!" ground forth Evan, his eyes glaring. "The creatureis doing his best now. "

As the foremost racers shot past the judges' stand at the expiration ofthe first half, it was seen that Fanny D. Had taken the lead away fromPawnee, while Black Boy was steadily gaining. Although Nemo had shown astreak of speed he had not grown dangerous. 

But now came the time when the mettle of the racers was to be tested. Black Boy responded nobly to whip and voice. He went ahead in amarvelous manner. He was soon nose and nose with Pawnee, and then hetook second place, with his nose at Fanny D. 's flank. 

But there was another change. Again the black boy on the back of FrankMerriwell's racer leaned forward and talked into the ears of the horse, and then came a spurt that caused hundreds of spectators to gasp withamazement. 

Pawnee struggled nobly to hold third place, but Nemo passed him, andEvan Hartwick nearly choked with fury. Then it was seen that Nemo wasgaining on the others. He crept up beside Black Boy till they werenearly even, and thus the two animals passed Fanny D. At the end of thethird quarter. 

When the home stretch was reached Black Boy was leading by a neck, withNemo second and Fanny D. Third. 

Evan Hartwick was nearly beside himself with rage. The language thatcame from his lips cannot be printed here. In vain his companions triedto calm him. He cursed them both, and struck at them. 

Then the voice of another person was heard. 

"I slipped on the trick, boss. They caught me, and they didn't do athing to me--not a thing! My head was near broke and they made me take abite outer ther apple I was tryin' to feed ther horse. It'd killed me ifthey'd made me eat ther whole of the apple. I'm sorry, but----"

It was Mike Hogan, his brutal face pale and drawn, if he were, indeed, ill, and a bloody handkerchief tied about his head. 

"Your head was near broken!" snarled Hartwick. "You bungling fool! I'llfinish the job!"

And then he hit Mike in the face with his fist. They grappled and fell, and, as the other lads were trying to pull them apart, there came agreat shout that announced the race was over. The crowd was heardcheering. 

"Which won?" was the question Harlow paused to ask. 

"Nemo came in first by a full length, " replied a spectator. 

Then Hogan was dragged off Hartwick, who lay pallid and still on hisback, looking as if the end had come for him. 

Two nights later a jolly party gathered in Frank Merriwell's room tooffer him congratulations. There were speeches, songs, toasts and jests. 

"How much will you take for Nemo now, Merriwell?" asked Jack Diamond. "I want to buy him and send him South to my father. "

"You can't, " laughed Frank. "Your father hasn't money enough to buy thedear old boy. "

"But what are you going to do with him?" asked Rattleton. "You mustthink of the future. "

"Not now, " smiled Merriwell. "To-morrow is my queen's birthday, and I amthinking of the present. "

Bruce Browning loafed into the room. 

"Heard the news, fellows?" he asked. 

"No; what is it?" cried several voices. 

"Hartwick's been arrested. "

"Arrested? What for?"

"For robbing his own father of seven thousand dollars. He knew how toget at the old gentleman's dough, and he swiped it several days ago. He's been burning money since then. "

"Was the robbery committed before the Mystic Park races?" asked Frank. 

"Sure, my boy. "

"Then that explains why the mysterious man in black followed me up anddrove me into so many bets. He had Hartwick's money, and Hartwick wasbehind the entire game. Well, all his plots miscarried and he got it inthe neck at last. "

"Which served him right, " declared Jack Diamond, with satisfaction. 

CHAPTER IX. 

A STRONG ACCUSATION. 

After the great horse race matters moved along smoothly for some time. 

Frank worked hard over his studies and made fine progress. 

He did not dare race Nemo again, for the college authorities would notpermit it, in the face of what had been said about betting. 

Frank had gotten rid of some of his enemies for the time being, butthere were others, those who could not stand it to see him become such ageneral hero. 

One evening a crowd of these gathered in a resort known as Jackson's. All had been drinking freely, and it was not long before every tonguewas loosened. 

In the crowd were several students that my old readers have met before. They included a hot-headed lad named Tom Thornton, a fussy fellow calledPuss Parker, and Fred Flemming, Willis Paulding, Andy Emery and TadHorner. 

Earlier in the evening they had met at Morey's, but found they could nottalk privately there, as the place was filled with students. 

Then Thornton had given them the tip to go down to Jackson's, a placesometimes patronized by the students, although it did not exclude thegeneral public. 

Jackson's was known as a "joint, " and very few of the college lads caredto have it known that they ever went there; but it was a place where aprivate room could be obtained in which to drink, gamble, or carouse, and for this reason it appealed to a certain class of students. 

It was in this place that Frank had exposed the gambler, Rolf Harlow, and broken up the game by which Harlow and Harris were bleeding acertain number of "lambs. "

In getting together his party, Thornton had chosen the ones who seemedto have sympathy with himself and Fred Flemming, or held a grudgeagainst Frank Merriwell. 

Merriwell's name had not been mentioned until all had indulged veryfreely in wine, Thornton being the most generous in "blowing off. "

Then came a discussion about college sports, over which all had grownmore or less heated. At length Merriwell's name was mentioned, and thenThornton declared Frank a cad. 

"By Jawve!" drawled Willis Paulding, allowing cigarette smoke to escapefrom his mouth as he spoke, "I agree with you, Thornton, don't yer 'now. I nevah could bear that fellaw Merriwell. "

Tad Horner gave a sniff. 

"Merriwell would feel bad if he knew it, " observed Tad, sarcastically. "It would break him all up. "

"That would not make the least difference to me, my dear fellaw, "declared Willis, who was too dense to catch the sarcasm. "I have nevahtwaveled awound with him. "

"I have noticed that, " grinned Tad. "You have permitted him to avoid youin a most astonishing manner. "

"What have you against Merriwell, Thornton?" asked Parker. "I didn'tknow you were so down on him. You both played on the football team lastfall. "

"And Merriwell made a record for himself by winning the game for Yale, "said Andy Emery. 

Thornton laughed sneeringly, showing his perfect white teeth. 

"Merriwell is always making a record for himself at something, " hereturned. "I'd rather have his luck than be born rich. If any otherfellow on the team had obtained the ball at that particular moment, hecould have gone through Princeton's line as well as Merriwell did, forYale's interference was simply marvelous, and a clear road was given therunner. "

Emery shook his head. 

"I think your memory is slightly at fault, old man, " he said. "I am sureMerriwell bowled over at least one man, and dodged one or two others, besides going down the field like a wild engine, with Princeton'sfastest runner at his heels and unable to tackle him. Oh, it is not allluck with Merriwell, Thornton, as you would acknowledge, if you were notprejudiced. "

"You talk as if you are stuck on the fellow!" snarled Tom, in his mostcutting manner. 

"But you know I am not. I have held away--have had nothing to do withhim. "

"And that is the reason why I invited you down here to-night. "

"So? Well, I thought there was something more in the wind than a simplediscussion of athletics. What's up?"

"Don't be in a hurry. We'll come to that presently. Have another drinkall around. This is on me. Push the button, Horner. I want to order morefizz. "

"This is too much!" sighed Tad, as he pressed the button thatcommunicated with an electric bell at the bar. "If we do not let up, we'll be in rocky shape in the morning. "

The waiter appeared, and the wine was ordered. When the waiter went out, after serving the order, he left the door communicating with the nextroom standing open. 

"Gentlemen, " cried Thornton, lifting his glass of sparkling "fizz, ""here's to a break in Merriwell's luck. May it come soon. "

All drank. 

"I can't quite agree with Thornton that it is all luck, " said PussParker, lowering his half-emptied glass. "It is not luck that enablesMerriwell to pitch on the ball team. "

"Oh, I don't know!" exclaimed Tom. "If Heffiner's arm had not been inbad condition, Merriwell would not have obtained the opportunity when hedid. If he had not obtained it then, he might not have obtained it atall, for there are several other fellows who can twirl quite as well ashe. "

"They think they can, but I have my doubts. "

This kind of talk did not satisfy Thornton, and he snapped:

"I must say I didn't suppose you were one of that cad's sycophants, Parker! I fancied you had more stamina than that. Next thing you'll besaying that when his horse won the 'free for all' at Mystic Park it wassomething more than luck. "

"From what I have heard, I presume there was a great deal of luckconnected with that affair, but that is outside college sports. I didnot see the race, but I have heard that all sorts of tricks were triedto put Merriwell's horse out of the race. "

"So his friends have reported; but I take no stock in it. If he everenters that horse in another race he will lose his socks betting on thebeast. "

"We were talking of rowing a short time ago, " said Emery. "Let's returnto our mutton. Thornton was kicking because Merriwell has made a tryfor the eight, and seems to stand a good show of getting there. I don'tsee where Thornton's growl comes in. He can't pull an oar. "

"But Flemming can, " came quickly from Tom; "and he was sure of aposition on the eight till Merriwell went for a place. Like Pierson, whocaptained the ball team last season, Collingwood seems to be stuck onMerriwell. That's why he has thrown Flemming down. "

"But I thought Merriwell's ideas about rowing did not correspond at allwith Collingwood's ideas?" said Tad Horner, with unusual gravity. "WhenMerriwell was captain of the freshman crew, he introduced the Oxford oarand the Oxford stroke. He actually drilled a lot of dummies into the useof the oar and into something like the genuine English stroke. Everybodyacknowledged it was something marvelous, and one newspaper reporter hadthe nerve to say that the freshmen had given the 'varsity crew apointer. "

"Oh, yes, " grated Thornton, bitterly. "The newspapers have advertisedMerriwell at every opportunity. Remember what a howl they made when hestopped that runaway horse and rescued Fairfax Lee's daughter. Any onewould have thought the fellow had done a most marvelous thing, and sincethen he has been taken into the very swellest New Haven society, and heis lionized as if he were something more than a mere snob. It makes mesick!"

"There is still some mystery about the fellow, " said Parker. "How did hehappen to know so much about the Oxford stroke?"

"I've heard that he was at Oxford long enough to thoroughly acquainthimself with the English methods, " answered Emery. 

"And it has been reported that the fellow has traveled all over theworld, " said Horner. "His rooms are decorated with all sorts of strangeweapons, trophies and skins of wild animals, which it is said hegathered in his travels. "

"Bah!" sneered Thornton. "I have my doubts about his ever being atOxford, and I take no stock at all in the rest of that guff. It isbarely possible that he may have been over to England, but the yarnabout his having traveled in South America, Africa and Europe, is thebiggest sort of rot. "

"Well, let it go as rot, " said Horner; "you must acknowledge that he didsomething most astonishing with that freshman crew. We did not have theleast idea in the world that they could beat us, but we were not in therace on the home stretch. "

"Oh, we thought we had a soft thing, that's all. If we'd dreamed we hada hard race coming, we'd won all right. "

"That may be, but I am not so sure. Still, if Merriwell could do so muchwith a lot of freshmen, what might not be done if the same methods wereused with the 'varsity crew?"

"Bah!" cried Thornton again. "That sort of rot makes me sick! BobCollingwood has his own ideas, and he will not accept suggestions fromany one, although I think he was a fool to throw down Flemming forMerriwell. Flem did great work on the football team, and he is incondition to make a special effort at rowing this spring, whileMerriwell is obliged to play ball as well. "

"I don't see how Merriwell does so many things and does them so well, "confessed Tad Horner. 

"Oh, he is one of the chaps who has the nerve to try anything, and willstumble through anything after a fashion. Nine times out of ten thosefellows are never heard from after they leave college. The fellow whotakes some branch of athletics at college and sticks to it is likely toselect some line of business when he has graduated, and stick to that. He is not diving into everything, and making a success of nothing. "

"But Merriwell seemed to be diving into everything, and making a successof everything. He is put up differently than most fellows. "

"He showed his caddishness in introducing the English oar and strokewhen he was captain of the freshman crew. He would ape things English, and in that line he makes a failure, at least. "

"By Jawve! that is wight, don't yer 'now, " drawled Willis Paulding, whohad visited London once on a time and endeavored to be "awfully English"ever since. "He has not cawt the English air and expression, don't yerunderstand. He--aw--makes a wegular failyaw of that, deah boys. "

"Oh, say!" cried Tad Horner, "don't pile on the agony quite so thickly, Paulding. It is nauseating!"

"Merriwell may not try to ape English manners and speech, " saidThornton, "but he is a cad, just the same, and the friends he has madehere at Yale are a lot of thin-blooded, white-livered creatures. Look atthem! There is Bruce Browning, once called 'King of the Sophomores, ' butcowed and bested by Merriwell, to be afterward dropped a class. There isJack Diamond, a boastful Southerner. He forced Merriwell to fight, butfawned about Merriwell's feet like a cur when whipped. "

"You lie, sir!"

By the open door a supple, well-built, dark-faced lad sprang into theroom. His eyes were flashing, and his teeth came together over his wordswith a click. 

It was Jack Diamond himself!

CHAPTER X. 

A FIGHT AGAINST ODDS. 

"Diamond!"

"Great Scott!"

"Here's trouble!"

The lads about the table sprang to their feet, giving utterance to theseexclamations. Willis Paulding was the only one who did not say anything, and he failed to speak because the sound seemed to stick in his throat. 

Diamond's manner showed that he was fully aroused by what he hadoverheard, and that he meant "fight" was evident. The hot blood of theOld South was pulsating in his veins and flaming darkly, like a dangersignal, in his face. 

Pointing straight at Tom Thornton, Jack slowly and distinctly said, hismanner showing the struggle he was making to hold himself in check:

"Mr. Thornton, you are a liar! More than that, Mr. Thornton, you knowyou are a liar!"

Thornton quailed a bit, and then, in sudden fury, he flung back:

"And you are an eavesdropper, Jack Diamond. Eavesdroppers seldom heargood of themselves!"

The muscles of the Virginian's face twitched, and his clinched handswere quivering. 

"By accident I overheard what you were saying, " he declared. "I waslooking for a friend, and so came into this place, which I seldom visit. I was told a party of students had gathered here, and as I entered theroom adjoining, I heard my name spoken by you--I heard you declare that, like a cur, I fawned about Merriwell when he had whipped me. "

"And I say it again!" cried Thornton, hotly. "It is the truth. Yourboasted Southern courage is a sham. You have shown that. "

Diamond walked forward to the table. 

"Mr. Thornton, " he said, "you are among friends, and I am alone, but Ibrand you as a liar!"

As he uttered the words he picked up a partly emptied glass of wine anddashed the contents in Thornton's face. 

"There!" he cried, dashing the glass to the floor; "I have expressedmyself! You cannot mistake my meaning, sir!"

Thornton whipped out a handkerchief and wiped the liquid from his eyes. Then he dropped the handkerchief, and caught up a wine-bottle, withwhich weapon he leaped at Jack. 

Parker caught Thornton's uplifted arm just in time to keep him fromtrying to break the bottle over Diamond's head. 

"Do you want to kill him?" exclaimed Puss, excitedly. 

"Yes, " snarled Thornton, "I will kill him!"

"Pray do not interfere with the fellow, Mr. Parker, " urged Jack, hisvoice shaking with passion. "I will take care of myself. "

"You'd better get out of here!" came fiercely from Parker. "You have nobusiness here!"

"I have business in any place where I am lied about and insulted, sir!Let him alone, and I will agree to give him all the fight he desires!"

Now, for the first time, Fred Flemming stepped forward. He was a bigfellow, and was known to be a fierce fighter, with the inclinations of abully. 

"I think we'll give you a thumping before we let you go, Diamond, justto teach you a lesson, " he said, in a most insolent manner. "I've wantedto get at you or your friend Merriwell for some time. "

"You--you get at Merriwell!" flung back Jack. "Why, he'd do you up withhis right hand tied behind him!"

"You think so because he did you. Well, I am going to break your face, and then Merriwell may pick it up, if he dares. "

He threw off his coat in a moment, and then came at Jack, crying to theothers:

"Close the door! Don't let anybody in here till I have fixed this sneakas I will fix Merriwell when I get at him! Close the door!"

Willis Paulding started to obey, but before he could swing the door shutit was flung open with such violence that Willis was sent tumbling tothe floor. 

Into the room leaped Frank Merriwell, and he placed himself betweenDiamond and his would-be assailant. 

"Wait a moment, Flemming, " he said, with the utmost self-possession. "Itis not necessary for you to waste your energies on Mr. Diamond. "

It was a most dramatic tableau, as every lad stood motionless andstaring for some seconds. 

There was a strong contrast between Diamond and Merriwell. 

Jack was literally quivering with passion, while Frank actually smiledserenely into Flemming's face, as if he thoroughly enjoyed thesituation. 

But those who knew Merriwell best said that in times of trouble he wasthe most dangerous when he smiled. 

"So you are around!" Flemming finally growled. "How did you happen inhere? Were you playing the eavesdropper also?"

"I happened to be passing the saloon, and I thought I saw my friendDiamond come in here, " explained Frank, calmly. "I wondered what couldbring him into such a place, and so I entered likewise. They said he hadcome back here. I came also. That is how I happened to arrive atprecisely the right moment. "

"You'll find it was precisely the wrong moment!" cried Flemming. "Closeand fasten the door, boys! We'll jump on these two cads, and do them upnow and at once! Come on!"

"I don't know but it will be a good time to settle a few old scores withthem, " said Emery, becoming aroused. "It will do them good to show themthey can be licked!"

"That goes!" shouted Puss Parker. 

"Six to two--three to one!" laughed Frank. "Oh, well, that's not so bad. Come on, my brave fellows! We'll do our best to make it interesting, eh, Jack?"

"Oh, all I want is a chance at Thornton!" panted the Virginian. 

Willis Paulding was quivering with excitement. He thought he saw hisopportunity, and he lost no time in improving it. He had hated Merriwellfrom the first, but never had he dared do anything to injure Frank. Now, grasping his heavy cane, he slipped forward and came up behindMerriwell. 

Swish--crack!

The cane cut through the air and fell on Merriwell's head, dropping thelad in a senseless heap to the floor. 

It was a cowardly blow, but it put Merriwell out of the fight in atwinkling, for he was stunned. 

"So this is the way you fight!" cried Diamond, wheeling about andleaping at Willis, who gave a scream and vainly tried to escape. 

Jack caught the fellow, grasped him by the ears, and flung him backagainst the wall. Thump! thump! thump!--Jack banged the head of thehelpless wretch against the wall till it seemed that Paulding's skullwould crack. 

Willis tried to scream for help, but with the very first thump histongue was caught between his teeth, and he nearly bit it in two. Bloodgushed from his mouth, and he sunk in a limp heap to the floor as Jackreleased him. 

Diamond turned quickly, but not in time to escape Flemming, whose heavyfist caught the Virginian behind the ear. 

Down Jack went. As he tried to get up Flemming kicked him over. 

The sound of the fight had aroused those in the front of the saloon, andseveral came hurrying in. 

The door had not been closed, as Flemming had directed, and the curiousones gained easy admission to the room. 

Among the foremost was Plug Kirby, a tough of the town, whom Frank hadonce whipped. He saw Frank stretched on the floor, and he hoarselydemanded:

"Who done that job? Who hit me friend Merriwell? Show me der blokie, an'I'll punch der face offen him instanter!"

Thrusting out his chin, Kirby glared around at the boys. At best, he wasan ugly-looking scoundrel, with a bullet head and a bulldog neck. 

"So you are one of Merriwell's friends!" sneered Flemming. "That speakswell for Merriwell!"

"W'at's dat?" snarled Plug, advancing on Fred. "Dat Merriwell is whiteter ther bone, an' I sticks by him--see! Dis gang has done him dirt, an'I'm goin' ter punch der mugs offen der whole of yer!"

"Merriwell should be proud of his friends!" cried Flemming, scornfully. "It is plain that he has been very careful in his selection!"

"An' it's plain ter me dat Merriwell has been took foul, else yernever'd knocked him out dis way. I've been up ag'inst him, an' he couldlick dis whole gang if he had a square deal. "

Then Kirby pointed straight at Flemming, and fiercely exclaimed:

"I t'ink you're der bloke w'at done him dirt! I'm goin' ter knock derpackin' outer youse, me fine chap!"

He rushed at Fred, who caught up a chair and struck at Kirby's head. Plug dodged, caught hold of the chair, and wrenched it from Flemming'sgrasp. 

"Right here is where I cleans out der place!" he shouted. 

He swung the chair aloft, and the boys made a rush to get out of theroom. 

Whiz!--the chair flew through the air, striking Fred Flemming betweenthe shoulders, knocking him down instantly. 

Then the police came in suddenly, and clubbed Kirby into a helplesscondition, while all the others, with the exception of Merriwell andDiamond, escaped from the place. 

Jack was examining Frank's wound when they were both placed underarrest. 

"What is this for?" demanded the young Virginian. "What have we done tomerit arrest? Why didn't you take those fellows who got the better ofus in such cowardly ways?"

"Don't ask questions!" growled one of the officers. "You'll have achance to answer a few when yer come before the judge in the morning. "

Those words filled Diamond with a feeling of terror. He knew what itwould mean if they were brought up before a magistrate in the morning. It would become known that they had been arrested in a place likeJackson's, and in company with a ruffian of Plug Kirby's stamp. Kirbywould claim that Frank Merriwell was his friend, and that would settleeverything. Jack saw that it meant disgrace and expulsion for himselfand Merriwell. Flemming and Thornton would be triumphant. 

Jack was very proud, and it made him writhe with anguish when he thoughthow heavily such a blow would fall upon his parents. For a moment he wasquite overcome. 

Jackson came into the room. He was greatly excited, and he begged theofficers to let the prisoners go, for he knew unpleasant attention wouldbe attracted toward his place if it became publicly known that twostudents had been arrested there. 

"It's time we pinched somebody in this joint, " said one of thepolicemen. "There's been more crooked jobs put up here than anywhereelse in the city. You oughter lose yer license, Jackson, and I ratherthink yer will this time. "

Jackson had ordered the door closed to keep out the curious crowd thathad been attracted by sounds of the conflict. One of the bartenders wasstanding guard over the door. 

The saloon-keeper drew one of the policemen aside, and spoke earnestlyand excitedly to him. The officer shook his head, and replied:

"We've overlooked things that went on here till it won't do no longer, Jackson. There has been complaints against this joint, and ye're luckythat we don't pull the whole shooting-match. "

The other officer now took a fair look at Merriwell, who was sitting upand feeling tenderly of his head. 

"Why, hello!" exclaimed the policeman. "I t'ink I knows you!"

"Hello, Magoon!" returned Frank, rather faintly. "I hope you didn't hitme that crack over the head with your stick?"

"I do know yer!" cried the officer. "Ye're ther boy what stopped therhorse and saved Fairfax Lee's girl! You're all right!"

"My friend there says we're arrested, Magoon. How about it?"

"We didn't know it was you, but ther job is done now, " said thepoliceman, apologetically. 

"Well, can't this matter be fixed up?" asked Frank, anxiously. "You knowwhat it will mean to me if I am pulled up before a magistrate in themorning. Everything will come out, and then I'll be expelled fromcollege. "

"That's rocky, " admitted Magoon; "but what can I do? I can't let you offwithout lettin' the others go. "

"Well, why shouldn't you let my friend Diamond go? We were up againstsix fellows, and it seems that we got the worst of it. Those chaps arethe ones who should be arrested. "

"But we didn't catch 'em. "

"You caught us because we had been foully knocked out by the crowd, "declared Jack. "We were taken at an advantage, and did not have anykind of a show. Now are we to suffer while the ones who were to blame gofree?"

"You made a big mistake in coming into this kind of a joint, " declaredthe officer, severely. "And you were arrested at the same time with PlugKirby, a tough of the lowest order. That's what gits you in a hole. Ifwe lets you go, we've got to let him go. "

Then Diamond explained how Kirby happened to be in the room, and Frankadded light to the matter by telling how he came to know the thug, whohad been hired to whip him once on a time, but who had received a severethumping instead. 

"And that is how it happens that he claims you for his friend?" askedMagoon, grinning. "You hammered friendship into him?"

"That's right, " said Frank. "He has been ready to do anything for meever since that night. "

"Well, I must say that's the first thing I ever knowed about Plug Kirbythat made me feel like goin' easy with him! And he was fighting for youagainst the crowd? I'll have a word with Murphy. "

Two of the officers drew aside, while the third stood guard at thedoor. After a few moments, Jackson was called up by Magoon, and the triospoke in low tones. 

Frank was keeping watch of all that passed, and he saw Jackson takesomething out of his pocket and slip it into Murphy's hand. 

"That lets us out, Jack, " said Merriwell, guardedly. "Jackson has fixedit with the officers. "

"If you're right, we are dead lucky, " muttered Diamond. "It began tolook as if we were booked for our walking-papers. "

"Which would have pleased certain young gentlemen who do not admire usvery much. "

"They would have held a jubilee over it. With you out of the way, Flemming would have gone on the crew. He has suddenly come to hate youbecause he thinks you have shut him out from that position. "

"Scarcely do I settle with one set of enemies before another rises up tomake it interesting for me, " said Frank. "I believe I have more enemiesthan any other fellow at Yale. "

"And you have more friends. Any man who is as popular as you is certainto have enemies. You arouse the envy of the weak and shallow, and thejealousy of those who would become your rivals, but are incompetent tobecome your equals. At the same time, you are able to command a largerfollowing than any fellow at Yale. You are a leader in everything, andit is certain that you will be able to make your choice of the juniorsocieties next year. It is no more than natural that you should havebitter foes who desire your downfall. "

"Well, my enemies have not succeeded very well with their plots thusfar. If we get out of this scrape all right, I'll give my attention tothis new gang who have rallied around Fred Flemming, for he is evidentlythe leader. "

"Yes, he is the leader, and Tom Thornton is his first officer. If yougive your attention to Flemming, I will look after Mr. Thornton. Is thatsettled?"

"It is settled. "

"Good! Now we'll see if Jackson has fixed matters. "

One of the policemen was having a talk with Plug Kirby. Kirby seemedrather sullen and obstinate. 

"I weren't doin' notting to git me head t'umped like dis, " he muttered, sulkily. "Me frien' Merriwell was bein' jumped by a gang, an' I went infer ter back him up. You cops lets der gang git off, an' den yer pinchesus. I don't care wot yer do wid me, an' I don't make no promises. Go onwid yer deal. "

Here Frank Merriwell stepped in. 

"You profess to be a friend of mine, Kirby, " he said. 

"Dat's wot I am, pal, " nodded the tough. 

"Then show it. If I am pulled up before a magistrate, it is pretty surethat I'll be expelled from college, which will be rough on me. If youare my friend, you will agree to keep your mouth shut about this affair. If you are my enemy, you will refuse. "

"Well, pal, if yer puts it dat way, I can't refuse yer. I did kinderreckon you'd stan' by me when I was hauled up, an' I t'ought yourinfluence might fix t'ings; but, if it's der way you say, I'll take memedicine, an' never open me trap. Is dat satisfactory?"

"You have not been placed under arrest at all--understand that?"demanded Officer Murphy. 

"Sure. "

"And you know nothing about a row in this place. Catch on?"

"Sure. "

"You're doing this for your friend Merriwell. See?"

"Sure. "

"That's all. We'll have a drink all around on Jackson, and I'll club thehead off you, Kirby, if you blow anything. "

Frank took seltzer, while the others drank beer or whiskey, according totheir fancy. 

Ten minutes later, Merriwell, Diamond and Kirby were let out ofJackson's by the back door. 

When they were at some distance from the saloon, Frank turned to thebruiser and said:

"Diamond tells me that you got into this trouble by attempting to defendme, Kirby. I am sure I appreciate it, but I had rather you would dropcalling me your friend. You can do me more harm that way than anyother. "

"All right, " nodded Plug, gloomily. "Dat goes. I know I ain't in yourclass, an' I don't want ter do yer no hurt. All der same, if I git achance ter fight fer yer any time, I'll do dat. "

Frank appreciated the kindness of the big bruiser, whose admiration hehad won by giving him a severe thrashing. 

"All right, Kirby, " he laughed. "I certainly can't object if you want tofight for me. There have been times when I could have found you quiteuseful in pitting you against ruffians who had tried to injure me. Areyou down on your luck nowadays?"

"Well, rudder!"

"Well, here's a V. Go play you are a millionaire. "

Kirby eagerly grasped the five-dollar bill which Frank passed him, earnestly exclaiming:

"If youse ain't der whites' young cove what I ever seen, I'm a liar! Ifyer wants me ter do up der whole gang as was ag'inst yer ter-night, jestyou say so! I'd like der job. "

"If I need you, I'll let you know, " assured Frank. "Good-night. "

Plug doffed his battered hat. 

"Good-night, young gent. May ye alwus prosper, an' may Old Nick take yerenemies. "

As Frank and Jack walked toward their rooms in South Middle, theVirginian observed:

"You are the strangest fellow I ever saw, Merriwell. When you do make afriend he is ready to go through fire for you, and you make friends ofall sorts and conditions of persons. Your friends are as firm andunwavering as your enemies are virulent and dangerous. "

"And still I seldom seek the friendship of any one, " declared Merriwell. "If they wish to be my friends, I accept them for what they showthemselves to be. If they choose to be my enemies, well and good; letthem look out for themselves. To-night I have found that a new combineof enemies has risen against me. I know them all, and I shall treat themas they deserve. "

CHAPTER XI. 

A MATTER OF SPECULATION. 

Frank spent an hour every afternoon in the gymnasium, where he took suchexercise as he considered best, always spending at least a few minutesof the time on one of the rowing machines. 

A great deal of speculation had been aroused by Bob Collingwood'sdetermination to take Merriwell upon the 'varsity crew. 

It was known that Collingwood was a thorough believer in the Americanoar and American stroke as opposed to the shorter-bladed Oxford oar andthe longer English stroke. 

Collingwood had ever seemed thoroughly satisfied with Yale methods, andhe had expressed his scorn of the Oxford method of placing the seats onalternate sides of the boat. 

It was generally presumed that Frank Merriwell was thoroughly English inhis ideas and beliefs, and it was thought that he was altogether too setto give up what he fancied was right, even though he might get on thecrew by so doing. 

Still some one had been forced to give in, and there was muchspeculation about it. Then came the rumor that Yale was to have anEnglish coach, and the tongues of the gossips began to wag furiously. 

"It's a great triumph for Frank Merriwell!" cried Danny Griswold to aparty of friends gathered in the gym. 

Danny was flushed and perspiring from recent violent exertions on thebars. Some of the group about him were in training suits, and some werein street dress. 

"Also a triumph for good old 'Umpty-eight, " declared Ben Halliday, withsatisfaction. 

"How is that?" asked Bandy Robinson. 

"Why, " answered Halliday, "it was the freshman crew of 'Umpty-eightthat, under Merriwell's instructions, adopted the Oxford oar and strokeand defeated 'Umpty-seven at Saltonstall. Do you see?"

"Vanity, vanity, " quoth Dismal Jones, with the air of a Methodistpreacher of old times. "They who exalt themselves in high places shallbe cast down. Beware of false pride and the swelled head. "

"Oh, you are always croaking!" exclaimed Lewis Little. 

"I think it is a mistake to run off onto English methods, " said BurnPutnam. "Harvard has done that, and they'll say we are followingHarvard's example. "

"What if they do say so?" yawned Bruce Browning, lazily. "What do wecare, so long as we win the race at New London?"

"But we can't win this year, " declared Walter Gordan, who had beenswinging the clubs, and was flushed from the exertion. "It strikes me itis a crazy scheme to attempt to change the oars and the stroke at thislate day. Harvard has been hammering away at her crew since last fall, and it will be in perfect trim when the New London race comes off, whileYale's crew will be all broken up if this change of methods occurs. "

This seemed logical, and not a few were ready to agree with Gordan. Harry Rattleton came up, and the lads appealed to him at once. 

"You are Merriwell's roommate, " said Robinson, "and you should know ifit is true that Yale is going to change her oars and stroke for theOxford oar and stroke. "

Harry grinned mysteriously. 

"Why should I know all this just because I am Merriwell's roommate?" heasked. "Do you think he knows everything he tells me--I mean do youthink he tells me everything he knows?"

"Of course not, but he'd be sure to tell you this, for you know heintroduced English methods with 'Umpty-eight last year, and he must berather proud if Collingwood has given in that those methods arepreferable to the old Yale ways. "

"If Merry were proud of anything, you'd never know it by his words ormanner, " said Harry. "He is not given to boasting. "

"Oh, of course not!" cried Little, impatiently. "We all swear by FrankMerriwell, but what we wish to know is if he has induced Collingwood toadopt the Oxford oar and stroke. "

"Well, you'll have to ask Merriwell, for I will tell you frankly that Idon't know. The longer I room with him the less I pry into his affairs, and, if he knows Collingwood's plans, he has not seen fit to revealthem to me. That is all, gentlemen. "

That was anything but satisfactory, as the faces of the assembled ladsplainly indicated. 

"Well, it can't be long before we find out!" cried Robinson, in disgust. "If Yale has whiffled about at this late hour it will show reprehensibleweakness and lack of policy. Harvard is bound to win. Then she willcrow. They have won the annual debate right along, so that my old fogyuncle declares all the brains are in Harvard. If they win the springrace he'll decide that brawn is going to Harvard, as well as brain, andYale is in the decline. "

"They never won anything fair, " declared Halliday. "Why, I've heard theyhave men out West all the while searching for new debaters. They claimthat Harvard don't care to go in for athletics, but takes a leadingstand in all intellectual pursuits, such as debating and chess. "

"Chess is certainly a highly intellectual pursuit, " drawled Browning. "If I had entered Harvard I should take an interest in it. Debating istoo trying. The exertion of standing on one's feet and talking is verysevere. "

"If you would take a little more exertion you might get some of theflesh off you, " said Putnam. "How did you happen to get fat so suddenly, Browning, old man?"

"Oh, he fell off the roof one day and came down plump, " chuckledGriswold, mischievously. 

"Here! here! here!" exclaimed Rattleton, making a grab at Danny, whododged and slipped out of the way. "You want to let up on that, youngfellow. "

"I have tried to reduce my weight by dieting, " said Bruce, with apparentseriousness. "I've been in the habit of eating a juicy tenderloin steaktwice a day, but I gave that up and tried cheap fifteen-cent steaksinstead. "

"How did you find it?" asked Little. 

"Oh, pretty tough, " answered Browning, with a sly wink. 

"This isn't what we were talking about, " broke in Walter Gordan, impatiently. "If those Harvard Willies win from us this spring, it willbe a frightful blow for Old Eli. "

"If they win it will come from Collingwood's shallying about, " asserted"Deacon" Dunning, who had just joined the group. "Merriwell's ideas maybe all right, but it is too late to adopt them this season. I amMerriwell's friend, but I believe Fred Flemming should have beenretained on the crew. By taking in Merriwell it may upset everything. Flemming is a good man, and Merriwell already has more than he canproperly attend to. "

"Now you are getting me cot under the hollar--I mean hot under thecollar!" exclaimed Rattleton, his eyes snapping. "I want to ask you aquestion, Mr. Dunning. When have you known Frank Merriwell to make afailure of anything he has attempted?"

"Oh, he has been wonderfully successful, I grant that; and I do notdoubt but he would have made a good man had he been taken on the crewlast fall. "

"He will make a good man anyway, and you can bet on that!" cried Harry. "It is not necessary that there shall be a change of methods becauseMerry has been taken on the crew. Although he believes in thesuperiority of the Oxford oar and stroke, he may not think it goodpolicy to attempt to make a change now. But that is not all. Merrymakes a good leader, but he is also a good follower, and it is histheory that utter obedience is due superiors. I'll wager that he willnot intrude his ideas on Collingwood. If he does not regulate his strokewith that of the rest of the crew he will soon be dropped, and Flemmingor some other fellow will have his oar. All this talk you are making ismere speculation, and I advise you to wait a while till you know whatyou are talking about. "

Having thus delivered himself, Rattleton turned away. 

At this moment Frank entered the gymnasium to take his regular exercise. He was accompanied by Jack Diamond, who had been seen with Merriwellvery often of late. 

Immediately the group of sophomores decided that one of their numbershould ask Merriwell point-blank if a change to the English methods wascontemplated. The choice fell on Bandy Robinson, who did not relish hisjob much. 

Robinson approached Frank with no little hesitation, and something abouthis manner seemed to betray his object, for Merriwell read histhoughts. 

"Go back, " directed Frank, grimly--"go back and tell them that they willfind out all they want to know by waiting. "

Then he entered one of the dressing-rooms, and Robinson retreated, muttering:

"It's no use--Merriwell seems to know just what a person is thinkingabout. He is one of the jolliest fellows in the world, and, at the sametime, when he takes a fancy, one of the most unapproachable. "

CHAPTER XII. 

THE CHALLENGE. 

Merriwell and Diamond entered a dressing-room together. The moment thedoor closed behind them, Frank laughed shortly. 

"I'll wager that I hit the nail on the head that time, " he said. "Themoment I saw that knot of fellows talking so excitedly I decided theywere speculating concerning the change on the crew, and my eyes told methey had deputized Robinson to question me, so I did not give him thechance. "

"The dropping of Flemming and your acceptance in his place has created astir, " said Jack. "It is generally thought that you will ruin everythingwith your English ideas. "

"That shows how little they know me, " smiled Merriwell, as he threw offhis coat. "I almost fancy it is generally believed that I go in forEnglish methods simply because they are English. "

"You fancy rightly, Merry. The majority of the fellows believe that. "

A cloud came to Frank's face. 

"I do not care to be misunderstood to such an extent, " he said. "I am noAnglomaniac; I am American to the bone. I have traveled some, and Iprefer this country above all other countries on the face of the earth. I was at Oxford long enough to witness the races and make aninvestigation of their methods. I believe that in the matter of rowingthe English are more advanced than the Americans. This is not strange, for they have been at it longer. Now, although I claim to be thoroughlyAmerican, I try not to be narrow and pig-headed. Simply because a thingis American, I do not believe it must therefore be superior toeverything else in the world; but I am bound to defend it till I findsomething by which it is excelled. If Americans will adopt the Englishoar and the English stroke, I am confident that, in a very few years, they will so improve upon them that they will be able to give points toour cousins across the 'pond. '"

"You are, indeed, broad-minded and liberal, Merriwell, " said Diamond, with admiration. "It was you who first convinced me that Northerners nolonger hold a feeling of enmity against Southerners. Till I met you theword 'Yankee' seemed to me to be a stigma--a name to be applied inderision to the people of the North. To my astonishment, I found youwere proud to be called a Yankee, and then you explained to me thatforeigners applied the name to all native-born Americans. You explainedto me that in the early days of this country, when Northerner andSoutherner fought for one common cause, freedom and independence, allwho opposed the tyranny of our oppressors were termed Yankees. Iremember the night when we sat up till two in the morning talking ofthese things. You did not tell me anything I had not considered before, but you revealed things to me in a new light. You showed me the Northand South bound by ties of blood, and I think you aroused in me abroader feeling of patriotism than I had ever before known. "

The cloud passed from Merriwell's face as his companion spoke, and, asDiamond finished, Frank reached out and took his hand. 

"You are from the South, I from the North, " he said, in his mostcharming manner; "yet we are brothers. In the North and in the Souththere are those who still entertain sectional feelings and prejudices, but the time will come when all this will pass away. "

"I think it is fast passing, " declared Jack. 

"It is, " nodded Frank. "So far as sectional feelings go, there should beno North, no South, no East, no West. We are all united under one flag, the most beautiful of all flags--the Star Spangled Banner! We are allcitizens of one country, the greatest and grandest the sun ever shoneupon! We should be ready at any time to lay down our lives for our flagand our country. "

Diamond's eyes flashed, and it seemed that the noble look on FrankMerriwell's face was reflected in Jack's. His blood was stirred by thegrandest of all emotions--patriotism. Looking at the Virginian at thatmoment, no one could for an instant doubt his courage and his loyalty. 

"I believe we should pay more attention to the early history of ourcountry, when North and South were united against a common foe, "continued Frank. "That is what will arouse true patriotism. Massachusetts had her Tea Party, but Virginia had her--Washington!"

Jack Diamond bared his head. 

"Merriwell, " he said, with great earnestness, "the greatest enemies ofour country are those who try to arouse sectional feeling. I am sure ofthat. "

"Quite right, " said Frank. "In the North and in the South there arecheap fellows and cads who pose as gentlemen. You and I have had a fewexperiences with some of them, and it seems that there are others. "

"I presume you mean Flemming, Thornton and their crowd?"

"Flemming is the leader, and his enmity against me has been arousedbecause I have been taken on the crew in his place. I did not seek theposition, and I was surprised when Collingwood called on me to take it. "

"You were no less surprised than others, for Collingwood has alwaysmaintained that Yale's methods are superior to those of Oxford, and heknows you believe quite the opposite. It is a matter of speculation ifhe intends to change to the English methods at this late hour. "

Frank smiled. 

"Collingwood is not a fool. There will be no change. Already I am intraining to perfectly acquire the Yale stroke. "

This was both a surprise and a relief to Jack, who had feared thatCollingwood had decided on the change, and that in case Harvard wonMerriwell would be blamed to a certain extent. 

"I am glad, Merry!" exclaimed Diamond, his eyes gleaming. "If Yale winsand we square matters with Flemming and Thornton, I shall be perfectlysatisfied. "

"I am hoping to get at Mr. Flemming this afternoon, " said Frank, grimly. 

"How is that?"

"He spends some time in the gym every day, and I timed my visit to-dayin order to catch him here. "

"But what can you do here?" asked the Virginian, wonderingly. "You can'tfight him in the gym. "

"I do not want to fight him. "

"No?" cried Jack, in astonishment. "Then what do you mean to do?"

"Flemming considers himself the champion wrestler at Yale. I hope towrestle with him. "

"Hope to wrestle?" exclaimed Diamond, still more astonished. "Why, evenif you were to throw him, it could give you very little satisfaction. "

Frank smiled mysteriously. 

"Do you think so?" he inquired. "Well, we shall see. When you are ready, we shall go out. I will wrestle with you, and you shall throw me. We'llbe near Flemming at the time. That will give him an opportunity to passsome remarks, if he so desires. If he does so, you may be sure I willlose no time in picking them up. I am tired of fighting, and I hope tofinish this chap in another way. "

"If you finish him by wrestling with him, I shall consider it a marvel. I am afraid you have misjudged your man, Merry; he'll not be finished soeasily. "

"We shall see. Are you ready? Then come on. "

They left the dressing-room, Frank in advance. As they came out theywere regarded with some interest by the knot of sophomores, who werestill talking of the surprising change that had been made on the crew. 

As he passed the lads, Frank called pleasantly to them, and they greetedhim in return, and the manner in which this was done would have betrayedto a keen-eyed stranger that Merriwell was something more than anordinary man at college. 

Frank's keen eyes detected Flemming at the ladders. 

"That is first rate, " he muttered. "The turf is nearby. "

A few moments later Frank was engaged in casting the shot near whereFred Flemming was exercising on the ladders. 

At about the time Frank fancied Flemming would finish, Frank gave Jackthe signal, and they were soon struggling in what seemed to be agood-natured wrestling match. 

Diamond was really supple and catlike on his feet, and he possessed morethan common strength; but he was not Frank Merriwell's match, for, besides being a natural athlete, Frank had developed himself in everyway, so that he was really a wonder for a youth of his years. 

The struggle between Frank and Jack quickly attracted a number ofspectators to the spot, and Merriwell was well pleased to see Flemmingcome down from the ladders and approach, accompanied by Tom Thornton. 

It seemed that the battle between the wrestling lads became fiercer andfiercer, but at last Jack secured a sudden advantage, and Merriwell wentdown heavily. 

"Bah!" Fred Flemming was heard to say. "Those fellows remind me of twoawkward cubs. Neither knows the rudiments of scientific wrestling. "

One leap brought Frank Merriwell to his feet, another leap carried himbefore Flemming, who was turning away. 

"Wait a moment, sir, " said Frank, his voice cold, clear and distinct. "Ibelieve you consider yourself something of a wrestler, Flemming?"

Merriwell had appeared before him so suddenly that Fred started backinvoluntarily. Then, angry with himself at the recoil, his lips curledscornfully, and he surveyed the other lad in the most haughty andinsolent manner. 

"Get out of my way!" he cried, harshly. "I will not be bothered by you!"

The same old smile--the smile that was so dangerous--crept overMerriwell's face. 

"You think you will not be bothered by me, " he said, his voice smoothand soft, "but you deceive yourself. You have taken a fancy to botherme, to revile me behind my back, even to make false statementsconcerning me, for you have said that I sought your position on the crewand obtained it by underhand means. In the presence of these witnessesyou have stated that I am a most bungling wrestler. That is somethingyou cannot deny. "

"I do not wish to deny it. You are not a wrestler--you know nothing ofthe art. "

"And you claim to be a wrestler?"

"Yes, I can wrestle. "

"Then, here and now, I challenge you to wrestle me at side-holds, catch-as-you-can and arm's end, the winner of two out of three falls tobe acknowledged the best man, and Hugh Heffiner to be the judge. If yourefuse to wrestle, I will brand you as a blower and a braggart--a fellownot fit to be accepted in the society of gentlemen. Your answer, Flemming--your answer!"

CHAPTER XIII. 

THE WRESTLING MATCH. 

Flemming turned pale and trembled with suppressed passion, while hishands were clinched, and he glared at Merriwell as if he longed tostrike the lad who had dared face him and fling such an insultingchallenge in his teeth. 

He tried to speak, but the words were choked back in his throat. He feltthat Merriwell was seeking retaliation, and, for that reason, hadpurposely worded his challenge in a manner calculated to cut him deeply. 

"Shame!" came from the lips of Tom Thornton. 

Still the lad who had given the challenge smiled. 

"I am meeting Mr. Flemming as he would meet me, " said Frank, calmly. "Iam using the sort of language he would not hesitate to apply to me. Ofcourse I feel that I am lowering myself in doing so, but it isabsolutely necessary in some cases to place one's self on the level ofan unscrupulous enemy in order to meet and defeat him. "

All this was said with coolness and distinctness, and it was as if Frankwere deliberately sinking the knife deeper in Flemming's writhing body. 

It seemed to be more than Flemming could endure, for he lost control ofhimself, and would have leaped toward Frank. 

"You insolent hound!" he cried, through his set teeth. 

Merriwell stood with his hands at his side, making no move, but he sawthat Flemming's friends had grasped him and were holding him in check. 

"Steady, Flem, my boy!" fluttered Thornton. "Remember where you are!"

"I will strangle him. "

"Wait! You can't do it here!"

"Let me go!"

"Thornton is right, " declared Andy Emery, who had placed himself betweenthe two foes. "You cannot fight him here, old man. "

"Then fix it so I can fight him somewhere--anywhere! I could murderhim!"

"You will have to wrestle him. "

"Yes, " said Thornton, "you will have to do that, Fred, or his friendswill believe you are afraid. "

"Then I will wrestle him--and I will break his back!"

"You must calm down before you attempt it, and you must promise towrestle fairly according to rules. "

"That will give me no chance to get square for this insult. "

"You can show your superiority by throwing him, which you will do, asyou are an expert wrestler, and, for all of the other things he does sowell, no one ever heard that Merriwell could wrestle. Then, the nexttime you meet him outside college bounds, you can force him toapologize. "

Emery nodded. 

"Thornton is right, Flemming, " he said. 

Then, with a mighty effort, Fred seemed to gain control of his anger, and he calmly said:

"All right, I will wrestle him, but I shall not be gentle with him, although I promise not to foul him. "

"Be as rough as you choose, as long as you keep within bounds. "

Then it was that Frank Merriwell was heard saying to the friends who hadgathered around him:

"It may seem that I have opened myself to criticism by my manner inchallenging this person, but I call you all to witness that he was thefirst to be insulting by his manner of criticising the friendly boutbetween Mr. Diamond and myself. That, however, was not the beginning. Had not Flemming given me other cause, I should not have challenged himin such a manner. I have sought neither his friendship nor his enmity, but he has seen fit to regard me as an enemy. I can honor an honest foewho meets me man to man, but not one who takes a mean advantage of me. On my head I now bear a bruise where I was felled by a heavy cane in thehands of one of Flemming's friends, when he with five companions setupon Diamond and myself. I always endeavor to square all my accountswith friends and foes, and I shall balance the books with Flemming. "

Fred forced a scornful laugh. 

"A very fine speech!" he cried. "I assure you, Merriwell, you shall havethe opportunity to square matters. I could wish something somewhat morebusinesslike than a mere wrestling match, but that may come later--ifyou have as much nerve as you wish persons to think you possess. Tobegin with, I'll show you that I spoke the truth when I said you knownothing of the art of wrestling. I am satisfied to have Hugh Heffinerfor judge and referee. "

Merriwell had chosen Heffiner because he knew Hugh was a square man, andthey were not at all chummy, so he could not be accused of havingselected a person who would favor him. Heffiner was in the gymnasium, and had been attracted by the struggle between Merriwell and Diamond, sohe had overheard all that passed between Frank and Fred. 

Diamond was standing at one side, his arms folded, a look ofsatisfaction on his face. For all of Flemming's reputation as awrestler, Diamond felt sure that Merriwell was making no false moves. Heknew Frank too well to think he would deliberately challenge his enemyto wrestle without feeling certain of his own ability to accomplish hisdefeat. 

Flemming was eager for the struggle, while Merriwell was calm anddeliberate in his movements. Flemming's friends gathered about him, giving him advice. 

Then Frank was not a little astonished to find Tad Horner at his side, and heard the little junior say:

"Look here, Merriwell, I want you to understand that I am not yourenemy, although appearances may be against me. "

"You were one of the Flemming gang at Jackson's. "

"I acknowledge it but with shame, " said Tad, and, to Frank's surprise, the little fellow colored deeply. "At the same time, you will rememberthat I did not lift a hand against you. You are a white man, Merriwell, and I think you all right. "

Frank was impressed by Tad's sincerity. 

"Thank you, " he said. "It is not necessary for every fellow who dislikesme to be a rascal. I am sure that all of Flemming's friends are notrascals. It is quite probable that a great many honest fellows think mein the wrong, but I am glad to know that you, who were present atJackson's, do not think so. "

Tad retired, quite satisfied with this. He had long admired Merriwell, and he felt it his duty to come out on this occasion and express himselfopenly. He did not mind that Flemming and his friends regarded him withanger and scorn. 

Arrangements for the wrestling match were soon made, and then the twolads faced each other on the turf. Flemming was tall and solid, withbroad shoulders and a back of which he was particularly proud. He washeavier than Merriwell. 

There was not a single ounce of superfluous flesh on Frank Merriwell. Hewas a mass of bone and sinew, splendidly formed and supple as a youngpanther. In every movement and pose there was indescribable grace, and, at the same time, a suggestion of wonderful strength and self-reliance. 

Flemming was bold and confident. He had made a special study ofwrestling, and he knew all the tricks employed by experts. He had seenMerriwell and Diamond wrestling, and he felt certain that his adversaryand rival would be an "easy thing. "

It chanced that the under holds in the first match fell to Flemming, which made him certain in his own mind that he would have no trouble inthrowing the lad he hated. 

The signal was given, and the enemies advanced and secured holds. ThenHeffiner gave the command, and the struggle began. 

In the twinkling of an eye Flemming tried the cross-buttock, but itseemed that Merriwell had been expecting just such a move, for he passedhis left leg behind Fred's right and through in front of Fred's left. Then the force of Flemming's surge seemed to lift both lads off theirfeet. 

"Down Merriwell goes!" cried Thornton, triumphantly. 

But it seemed that in the act of falling Frank whirled in the air andbrought his rival under. This, however, had been planned from the veryinstant that Fred made the first move to accomplish the cross-buttock, and Frank's lock-trip had brought it about by lifting the other lad fromthe ground by a whirling movement. 

Flemming struck fairly on his shoulders, with Merriwell across his body, and Heffiner cried:

"First fall for Merriwell!"

Exclamations of astonishment broke from the spectators. Instead of astruggle of some moments, this fall had seemed to come about in thetwinkling of an eye. 

But what was most astonishing was that Flemming was flat on his back atthe bottom when the lads struck the ground, although it had appearedthat he had successfully accomplished the cross-buttock. 

It is certain that very few of those who witnessed the affair had theleast idea how Merriwell had accomplished this, but they saw that he wasthe victor in the first contest. 

Jack Diamond seldom smiled, but now he did so, and the expression ofsatisfaction on his face was complete. 

"Who said Merriwell was going down?" squealed Danny Griswold, indelight. "Somebody fooled himself that time!"

Thornton bit his lip, muttering some fierce exclamation beneath hisbreath. 

Of them all no person was more astonished than Fred Flemming. He laydazed and wondering, scarcely able to realize that he was flat on hisback and his enemy across his chest. 

Frank arose hastily, his face quite calm and expressionless. He did notbetray satisfaction or triumph, but his manner indicated that what hadhappened was no more than he had fully expected. He had confidence inhimself, which any one must have to be successful, but still he was notoverconfident, which is a fault quite as much as timidity. 

Flemming sat up. He had felt himself lifted from his feet with atwisting movement, and he had felt himself whirled in the air, but stillhe could not understand how the feat had been accomplished. 

Shame caused the hot blood to rush into his face, and he ground histeeth together, his whole body quivering. 

"It was an accident--it must have been an accident!" he told himself. "Itried to throw him so heavily that I overreached myself. "

The look on Merriwell's face cut him like a keen knife and made him feela fierce longing for the next tussle. 

"They actually think he threw me, when I threw myself, " was his thought;"but I will undeceive them in a moment. Next time I will drive him intothe earth beneath me! There'll be no further miscalculation. "

Thornton was at the side of his friend. 

"How in the world did you happen to let him take a fall out of you inthat manner?" whispered Tom, in extreme disgust. 

Flemming's lips curled. 

"Bah!" he returned. "He did not do it!"

"No? But you were thrown! Explain that. "

"I was not thrown. "

"Yes, you were, my dear fellow! Heffiner has given Merriwell credit forwinning the first fall. "

"I made a misjudgment in the amount of strength I should use on thefellow, and I turned myself in the air, " declared Fred. 

"Is it possible?"

"Of course it is!" hissed Flemming, who saw the incredulity in the faceof his friend. "He is even easier fruit than I imagined. "

Thornton brightened up somewhat, although not fully satisfied. 

"You must not let him accomplish it this time. "

"I tell you he did not accomplish it before!" came bitterly from thecrestfallen and furious youth. "I will convince you of that in a moment. See the fellow stand there with that lordly air as if he had actuallyaccomplished something. I will take all of that out of him! This iscatch as we can, and I will break his back!"

"Injure his back in some way, and he will not be able to hold the placethat belongs to you on the crew. "

"That is right!" panted Flemming, his eyes glittering and his teethshowing. "A fellow with a sprained back is no good at an oar. Why, Thornton, my boy! Merriwell has played right into my hands! He has givenme the very opportunity I most desire, and I'll be a chump if I neglectit! If he is not taken to his room on a stretcher, it will be necessaryfor some of his friends to aid him. I know a hug that will take thestiffness out of his spine and make him lame for a month!"

"Give it to him!" fluttered Tom, with returning confidence. "Fix the cadthis time so he will not be able to wrestle any more!"

"I will, rest assured of that. This is my opportunity. In five minutesthe starch will be taken out of him. "

Flemming was confident, far more confident than he would have been hadhe dreamed that Merriwell had turned him in the air and brought himunderneath in the first fall. 

In his mind he saw Merriwell groaning on the ground, saw him assisted tohis room, saw him helpless in bed and attended by a physician. 

But what gave Flemming the greatest satisfaction was the vision ofCollingwood humbly asking him to again resume his place on the crew--theplace now given to Frank Merriwell. 

It seemed remarkable to Fred that he had not planned to engage the ladhe hated in a wrestling match, and so injure him in such a manner thathe would be unable to row on the crew. 

But no less remarkable, it seemed, was the fact that he had beenchallenged to wrestle by Merriwell, and thus given the opportunity hemost ardently desired. 

The only thing that marred his satisfaction at that moment was thatMerriwell had, apparently by accident, seemed to have acquired the honorof having thrown him in the first struggle. 

"Gentlemen, " said Heffiner, "are you ready?"

The antagonists stepped forward and signified their readiness. Thespectators fell back. 

"This time it is catch as you can, " said Yale's famous pitcher. "Anykind of a hold is fair. Is that understood?"

"It is, " nodded Merriwell. 

"Certainly, " bowed Flemming, giving Frank a scornful look. 

"Very well, gentlemen. Prepare to clinch. Ready--go!"

CHAPTER XIV. 

PLOTTING FUN. 

Like a panther Merriwell sprang forward, but he halted quite as suddenlyand stood erect, careless and disdainful. 

Flemming came forward in a crouching posture. He believed he saw hisopportunity, and, with a gasp of satisfaction, he darted in and caughtthe lad he hated about the body. 

This time it was not Flemming's intention to throw Merriwell toosuddenly. He wanted a little time to wrench Frank's back, and then hewould cast his foe writhing and helpless at his feet. 

Tom Thornton saw that Fred had obtained the hold he sought, and hementally exclaimed:

"This time there will be no blunder!"

Jack Diamond no longer smiled. He saw that Flemming had obtained whatseemed to be a great advantage, and his face was filled with concern. 

"It was careless of Merriwell to give the fellow such a hold!" thoughtJack. "Flemming is sure to be the victor this time!"

There was a look of intense satisfaction on Fred Flemming's face as hemade firm his clasp about Merriwell's back. 

And then, just as Flemming was ready to give a bear-like hug, somethinghappened. 

Frank's right arm was bent so that his forearm came directly underFred's chin, while his left arm was clasped across Fred's shouldersbehind his back. 

Merriwell gave a sudden surge, drawing Flemming close with his left arm, and thrusting back the fellow's head by pressing his right arm under hisenemy's chin. 

In the twinkling of an eye Flemming's wind was shut off, and his neckseemed to crack beneath the strain. He made a mad effort to hurlMerriwell to the ground, but he had delayed the attempt a moment toolong. 

Frank Merriwell well knew how dangerous was the trick he had played uponhis enemy. He knew that he could break Flemming's neck in that manner ifhe desired to do so, and he was careful not to make the sudden pressuretoo intense. 

Flemming could not breathe, and his eyes started from his head. Hisstrength seemed to leave his body, and his struggles to throw the lad hehated were weak and ineffectual. He was like a child in the hands ofFrank Merriwell. 

The spectators stared in astonishment, and Diamond gasped:

"Great Cæsar! Merry purposely let Flemming get that hold!"

"Break away, Flem--break away!" cried Tom Thornton, quivering withexcitement. 

But Flemming could not break away, for he had not sufficient strength todo so. 

"Foul!" shouted Emery, starting forward, as if he would part thecombatants. 

In a moment Jack Diamond's arm was extended and pressed across Emery'sbreast, holding him back like a bar of iron. 

"There is no foul in this match!" came exultantly from the lips of theVirginian. "That was stated at the beginning. "

Flemming made one last feeble struggle, and then the two lads went downtogether, with Fred under. They fell heavily, and Merriwell came downon his enemy with his full weight. 

A moment later Frank arose. 

On the turf Fred Flemming lay white and still, his eyes closed. 

"Bring some water, " calmly directed the victor. "I think Mr. Flemminghas been stunned. "

"This fall settles the match, " decided Hugh Heffiner. "Frank Merriwellhas won by throwing Flemming two times in succession. Permit me tocongratulate you, Mr. Merriwell, for it is apparent that you are asexpert in the art of wrestling as you have proved yourself to be in theother things you have attempted. "

"Thank you, " said Frank, simply, as he accepted Heffiner's hand. 

Jack Diamond whispered in Tom Thornton's ear:

"It is your turn next!"

Diamond called on Merriwell that evening. 

"You are a dandy, old man!" cried the Virginian, admiringly. "You gotback at Flemming in great shape. They say he has been weak as a rag eversince you dropped him the second time, and it is pretty certain he willhold you in respect hereafter. "

"I shall be satisfied if he will let me alone, " said Frank, quietly. "Ihave no grudge against him, but the fellow who has not the nerve tofight his way in this world gets left. Life is a battle from start tofinish, and the hardest fighter is the winner. "

"True, " nodded Jack. 

"My mother was one of the gentlest women in the world, " continuedMerriwell. "Thoughts of strife and contention distressed her. To her apersonal encounter was brutal and vulgar, and she instructed me never tofight unless absolutely compelled to do so. As far as possible I havetried to remember her teachings. I have not found it possible to do soat all times, as my enemies would ride over me if I did. When I see thata foe is determined to force me into an encounter then I become theaggressor. In another thing my mother was at fault. Many times she toldme never to strike the first blow. She was wrong. Often the first blowwins the battle. If a person sees there is certain to be an encounter, he should do his best to get in the first blow, and make it a good one. Then he should not be satisfied to let it rest there till his enemy hasrecovered, but he should follow it up. That is my belief. "

"And you are right. Old man, you have a level head. I never saw anotherfellow like you, Merriwell, and I doubt if there is another in theworld. "

Frank laughed. 

"You flatter me, Diamond. "

"Not at all. "

"Ah, but you do. I know my own failings. "

"I wonder what they are?"

"Do not think for a moment that I have no failings! I have studied myown nature, and I have discovered them. As far as possible, I seek toremedy them. To myself I am a very ordinary sort of fellow. I know it, Jack. The man who can see no flaws in himself is an egotist, a cad, anda shallow fool! As soon as he is perfectly satisfied with himself, heceases to progress--he deteriorates. "

"That is true. "

"Among my friends I see many things worthy of emulation. You, my dearDiamond, are not aware of your own fine qualities, and----"

"That will do, Merry!" cried Jack, blushing. "I am sure that I try tobe a gentleman. My father was a true Southern gentleman. "

"There can be no doubt of that. You show your breeding in every way. Anatural gentleman will be a gentleman under any circumstances. Hecarries the air about him, and nothing can disguise it. "

Jack sat down. 

"You have squared your score with Flemming, " he said; "but I have alittle matter to settle with Thornton. I am wondering how I shall settleit. "

"Thornton is Flemming's satellite. It would be cruel to use himroughly. "

"But I will not let him off! He should be taught a lesson. "

"Look here, Jack, I have a scheme. "

"What is it?"

"Let's put up a racket on him. "

"What sort of a racket?"

"Oh, one out of which we can get some sport and humiliate him at thesame time. I am sure you do not want to fight with the fellow?"

"I have been thinking that I would be ashamed to have an encounter withhim. "

"Exactly so. Now, I know you are not much of a fellow for pranks, but Ihope you will agree to this little scheme of mine. "

"State it, " said Jack, rather doubtfully. 

"Well, you know Thornton considers himself something of a masher. Hegets stuck on every pretty girl who smiles on him. "

"Yes. "

"Danny Griswold is a daisy as an impersonator of girls. You know he isto play a girl's part in one of the entertainments to be given in thefall. He has done the trick before, and he sent home for his outfit aweek ago. Yesterday, while Rattleton and I were cramming for recitationsthe door opened, and a stunning blonde walked into the room. She seemedconfused when she saw us, begged our pardon, and said she was lookingfor her cousin, Danny Griswold. She had entered the wrong room byaccident. Harry offered to show her to Danny's rooms, but she said shecould find the way. Still she was in no hurry to go, and I began to berather nervous, for I did not fancy the idea of having a young ladywithout a chaperon visit us. I feared it would become known, and wewould receive a reprimand. She was decidedly giddy, and she sat on thearm of the easy-chair there and giggled and said it must be so nice tobe a boy and go to Yale. After a while I began to smell a rat. I got upand took a closer look at her. Say, she was gotten up in great shape! Itwas that little imp Griswold!"

"Well, what is your scheme?" asked Jack, smiling. 

"It is to put Griswold onto Thornton. Let Danny rig up and see what hecan do. It's ten to one Thornton will think he has a new mash, and thenwe can have any amount of sport with the fellow. "

Jack looked more doubtful than ever. 

"I don't see how that is getting square with him, " he declared. 

"If the game works, you can pretend to be in love with the same girl. You can challenge Thornton to mortal combat. He won't dare meet you. Then you can expose him, and if that will not be getting even with him Idon't know how you can get even. "

This scheme did not exactly meet Diamond's approval, and Frank found itdifficult to induce him to agree to it. At last, however, Merriwellsucceeded. 

"We'll have barrels of fun out of this, " laughed Frank. "I feel in needof a little fun to wake me up. "

CHAPTER XV. 

THORNTON'S "MASH. "

Tom Thornton was alone in his room when there came a knock on the door. 

"Come in, " called Tom, without turning his head or taking his feet downfrom the table on which they were resting. 

As he had been out late the night before, he was not in a very agreeablemood. He had sent for his tailor some time before, and he supposed itwas the tailor who had knocked and entered at his command. 

"Well, here you are at last!" Tom growled. "I've waited long enough foryou, too! You are slower that molasses in midwinter! I suppose you wantto know what ails me now. Well, I'll tell you. That last pair oftrousers you made me are too short in the waist and too full around thebottoms--that's what's the matter. I'd be mobbed if I should show myselfin them. Now, don't tell me they are all right! I'll just try them onright before you, and let you see---- Great Jupiter! What have I beensaying!"

He had turned his head, and he saw a vision that electrified him andbrought his feet down from the table with a thump. 

Just within the room a very pretty girl was standing, and she wasstaring at him in a half-frightened, half-amused manner. 

"I--I--I beg your pup-pup-pardon!" stammered Thornton, jumping up, confused and flustered. "I didn't know! I--I thought it was my tailor!"

"And you nearly frightened the senses out of me by growling at me inthat way, " giggled the girl. "Why, I thought you were a great horridbear, and you were going to eat me. "

"If I were a bear, I couldn't ask for a daintier meal, " said Tom, gallantly. 

"Oh, my!" laughed the girl. "What a difference!"

"I am bound to even matters if possible. "

"That's it? Then you did not really mean what you just said, after all?"

The smile vanished from her face, and she seemed a bit offended. 

"Oh, yes I did--I vow I did!" exclaimed Tom, hastening to repair the"break. " "You see I am all broken up by the surprise. I--I didn't thinkof seeing a young lady here--alone. "

"I suppose not. I am looking for my cousin, Mr. Griswold. "

"Griswold? Griswold? Why, I have heard of him. Yes, he is a soph. You'llfind him over in South Middle. This is Welch Hall. "

"Oh, dear! Then I was misdirected. I was told I'd find him heresomewhere. I beg your pardon, sir. "

"Oh, don't mention it, Miss--er--Miss----"

"Darling. My name is Grace Darling, and I have come down to spend a weekin New Haven. You see I am from the country. "

"I should say so!" thought Thornton; "and as fresh as they make 'em! Butshe is pretty--yes, she is a genuine stunner! A sort of wild flower. Sheis so innocent and unsophisticated!"

"I presumed you were not familiar with Yale, or you would not be in thedormitories without a chaperon, " said Thornton, aloud. "It is all right, though, " he hastened to declare, as she seemed to shrink back. "I willescort you over to South Middle, and help you find your cousin. My nameis Thornton--Thomas Thornton. "

"You are very good, Mr. Thornton, but I think I can find Danny allright. I will not put you to the trouble. "

"Oh, it will be no trouble--not the least in the world, I assure you. "

"Still I don't know what Danny would think. Even though your companywould be very pleasant, I dare not accept it without a properintroduction, Mr. --Mr. Thornton. "

This was said in the most coquettish manner possible, and Tom Thorntonfelt his heart beating proudly. 

"I've struck her all right!" he told himself. "I mustn't let it slip. I'll improve the opportunity. "

So he talked to her in his most fascinating manner, and was bold enoughto express a hope that he might see her again, to which she replied thathe "might. " And when she left Tom was in a state of delightedsatisfaction, thoroughly pleased with himself. 

Thornton was inclined to boast of his conquests, and it was not longbefore he had told several of his friends about the "corking prettygirl" who had wandered into his room. 

"And I caught her without a struggle, " he declared repeatedly. "Countrygirl and rather unsophisticated; but a regular rustic rose--no, aregular daisy. Cousin of some fellow over in South Middle. Her name?Never mind. I am not giving things away. She is going to stay down aweek, and gave me her promise that I should see her again. But sheintends to be strictly proper, although she does not know much of cityways, for she declared that I must be properly introduced to her beforeshe would make an appointment with me. Oh, it's dead easy when you knowhow!"

Tad Horner was Thornton's roommate. "Grace Darling" had chosen anoccasion when Tad was not in, and thus had found Tom alone. 

Tom boasted of his conquest to Tad, who grinned and tried to chaff himabout his charming country girl. 

"Did she have hayseed in her hair?" asked Tad. 

"It's not that kind of a lady, Horner. They'll all be envious of me. Sheis a stunning blonde, and her innocent country ways make her all themore attractive. She has such eyes--and such teeth! Her lips are veryinviting, my dear boy. It's just the sort of a mouth a fellow longs tokiss. And if I do not sip nectar from those ruby lips before she returnsto her country home, I'll be dead slow. "

"Wow!" whooped Tad. "Sip nectar! That beats! Thornton, this rural maidenhas knocked you silly!"

"Wait till you see her, and you will not wonder, my boy. "

"I'll go something you do not see her again. "

"Oh, but I have her promise!"

"Ah, she was giving you a jolly!"

"You'll see!" cried Tom, piqued. "Just wait a while. "

Two days passed, and Thornton began to think he would not hear anythingfrom his "mash. " Then came an invitation to spend an evening at WinnieLee's, and Winnie hinted that among her guests there was to be a younglady from the country who wished to apologize for intruding upon Mr. Thornton in his room. 

"It's Grace Darling!" thought Tom, exultantly. "She will be introducedto me! And she must be of fine people to be accepted as a guest at MissLee's, for the Lees belong to the _élite_ of the town. Oh, Gracie is allright, if she is from the country!"

On the evening of the party Tom arrayed himself in his finest, usedperfumery liberally--too liberally--on his handkerchief and his clothes, and set out with a light heart for Miss Lee's. 

As old readers know, Winnie Lee and Frank Merriwell were very friendly. As Winnie was of a lively disposition and enjoyed a joke thoroughly, itwas not difficult for Frank to induce her to aid him in carrying out hisplan. 

Winnie was all the more ready to do so because she disliked TomThornton, who had made himself offensive by having declared that hecould "catch" her without a struggle if he so desired, but she was nothis style. 

This had been repeated to Winnie, and she had treated Thornton with theutmost disdain since hearing it; but Frank had urged her to consent toinvite Tom to the party that the joke might be carried out, and shefinally had consented. 

For a moment Thornton wondered when he received the invitation, and thenhe decided that "Grace Darling" must have induced Miss Lee to offer it. 

Tom little dreamed of the surprising events that were to take placebefore the evening was passed. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

ANOTHER CHALLENGE. 

Thornton found Merriwell, Diamond, Rattleton and Browning were amongWinnie Lee's guests. This he had expected, however, and he was resolvedto notice them as little as possible. 

Willis Paulding was there, and Tad Horner came later, much to Tom'ssurprise, as he had not known Tad had been invited. 

There were a number of jolly girls, and Thornton was not long in lookingaround for Grace Darling. 

When Tom finally discovered her, to his disgust, she was chatting withJack Diamond in a cozy corner, which was almost shut off from the restof the room by portières. 

"Hang that fellow!" thought Thornton. "He has been introduced to her, and he has lost no time in getting in his work. "

As soon as Diamond left the girl Tom hastened to find Winnie Lee, ofwhom he requested an introduction to "Miss Darling. "

"Oh, yes!" said Winnie, laughing; "she spoke of you, but I had almostforgotten. I trust you will find her very entertaining, Mr. Thornton. "

"I am sure I shall, " said Tom. "We have seen each other, you know, buthave not been introduced. "

"And she is very particular about that. Being bred in the country, sheis not fully conversant with the ways of the world, but she knows anintroduction is the proper thing, and she insists on that. There sheis. "

"Miss Darling" was seen chatting with a number of young gentlemen andladies who had gathered about her. 

The group scattered as Winnie and Tom came up. "Miss Darling" saw them, and timidly held her fan before her face, peering over it shyly. 

"Mr. Thornton, " laughed Winnie Lee, "it gives me the greatest pleasureto introduce you to Miss Darling. "

Tom bowed profoundly, while the girl giggled, and made a courtesy. Winnie Lee laughed more than ever. 

At a distance Frank Merriwell and Jack Diamond were watching. 

"Will you see Winnie Lee!" softly exclaimed Merriwell. "She is nearlyexploding with laughter. She can't hold it. It will be a miracle ifThornton does not tumble. "

"All the others are laughing, " said Jack. "They had to get away whenThornton was introduced. He will be crazy when he finds out how he hasbeen fooled. "

Frank was laughing. 

"Oh, yes; he'll tear his hair. The story is bound to circulate. Don'tgive him too much time with Griswold before you get in your work andchallenge him. Horner is in the game, and he has agreed to help italong. "

"Thornton will murder Horner. "

"It will be remarkable if they do not suddenly cease to room together. "

"Have you brought the pistols?"

"You bet! Everything is ready. Willis Paulding must be involved. We mustsoak him, as well as Thornton. There go Thornton and his mash towardthe cozy corner. You must intrude before it becomes too warm forGriswold, or he is liable to give the whole snap away. "

In the meantime Thornton had expressed his delight at meeting hischarmer again, and had led her away to the very cozy corner in which hehad seen her chatting so vivaciously with Jack Diamond. 

Once in the corner the girl ensconced herself in the shadow of theportières, and, for the first time, the fan dropped from her face. 

"This is charming, " declared Thornton, in his most fascinating manner. "Ever since I first saw you I have dreamed of an occasion like this, Miss Darling. "

The girl giggled. 

"Oh, you are such a flatterer, Mr. Thornton!" she returned, leaningtoward him. 

"Not at all, " declared Tom, as, apparently by accident, his hand fell onhers and remained there. "I am telling you the truth. Since that hourwhen fate led you to my room, I have thought of you almost constantly byday, and I have dreamed of you at night. Your face has been before myeyes continually. "

Her head was bowed, so he could not see her eyes. He felt her handquiver in his clasp. 

"Oh, I am not doing a thing!" was his mental exclamation. "She can'tresist me!"

He grew bolder with amazing rapidity. He seemed to fancy that he coulddo so with this unsophisticated country girl without being "calleddown. "

"Miss Darling, " he murmured, leaning yet nearer to her, and holding herhand with both of his own, "do you believe in love at first sight?"

She giggled again. 

"Why, I don't know, " she confessed. 

"I do, " declared Tom. "I did not till I met you, but since thatdelightful moment I have. "

"Oh, rot!" the girl seemed to say. 

"Eh?" exclaimed Thornton, in astonishment. "What did you say?"

"I said, 'I think not, '" was the laughing answer. "My cousin has told meall about college fellows, and how they pretend to be all broken up overa girl, but are giving her the dead jolly all the time. "

Tom gasped, for the girl rattled off slang as if thoroughly familiarwith it. But this dampened Thornton's ardor for no more than a moment. 

"I never give any one a jolly, Miss Darling, " he declared, trying toappear sincere. "Miss Darling!" he murmured. "What a sweet name! And itsuits you so well!"

"Do you think so?" laughed the girl. 

"I do--I do!" palpitated Thornton. "It will be a lucky fellow who cancall you his darling! If I might----"

"Mr. Thornton, you are presuming! This is too much!"

Then Jack Diamond suddenly appeared, and asked:

"Did you call for aid, Miss Darling?"

"I was about to do so, " declared the girl. "Mr. Thornton has been verypresuming and forward. "

"Then Mr. Thornton shall answer to me!" came sternly from Jack's lips. "If he is not a coward, he will come outside. "

Tom turned pale and stammered. He felt like refusing to go outside, buthe feared the girl would think him a coward. Then he looked around, andhis eyes fell on Willis Paulding. 

"Yes, I will go out with you, " he said. 

"Miss Darling" seemed to be overcome with fear. 

"Don't kill him, Jack!" she whispered. 

So she addressed Diamond as "Jack. " That fired Thornton till he longedto strangle the Virginian. 

"Lead on!" he exclaimed. "I will follow. "

They left the room, Thornton calling to Willis, who followed them, wonderingly. 

Diamond had made a signal to Merriwell, and Frank was not far behind. 

Diamond led the way to the garden. 

It was a moonlight night, and seemed almost as light as day. 

"Mr. Thornton, " said Diamond, sternly, "you have grossly insulted ayoung lady friend of mine. It is my duty to protect her. I challenge youto fight me, the weapons to be pistols, the place here, and the timenow. Your answer, sir--your answer!"

Thornton turned pale, and hesitated. He knew nothing of dueling, andtherefore did not know that, being the challenged party, it was hisprivilege to name the weapons, the time and the place. 

In a moment, he found Tad Horner at his elbow. Where Tad had come fromand how he happened to be there Tom could not conceive. But Tad was onhand, and he whispered:

"Take him up, old man--take him up! He is a regular fire-eater--in hismind. He thinks you will squeal. If he finds you will fight, he is sureto back out. He hasn't any real nerve. If he does fight, I'll fix it allright, for I will see that the pistols are loaded with blank cartridges. After the first shot, I will demand that the duel cease. Thus you willget the reputation of having fought a duel, without incurring any dangerto yourself. "

Thornton was pleased with the scheme. He wished to be considered adare-devil sort of fellow, and he felt that it would give him a greatreputation if he fought a real duel. 

"Sir, " he said, turning to Diamond, "I accept your challenge, and Ishall do my best to shoot you through the heart!"

Five minutes later came the question:

"Gentlemen, are you ready?"

"All ready, " answered both Diamond and Thornton. 

"I will count three, and then give the word, " said Frank Merriwell, distinctly. "One!"

Despite himself, Willis Paulding felt his flesh creep and heard histeeth chatter. 

Thornton was shaking, even though he had been assured by Tad Horner thatthere were no bullets in the pistols. 

Diamond was cool as an iceberg. The bright moonlight seemed to show alook of deadly determination on his face. 

"Confound him!" thought Thornton, quaking. "He'd as lief fight a duel aseat! Hang those Southerners! They do not know what it is to be afraid!"

"Two!" counted Merriwell. 

The duelists raised their weapons and seemed to take careful aim. 

"Three--fire!"

At that instant there was a scream, and a female figure sprang out fromthe shadows and rushed before Jack just as Thornton pulled the trigger. 

There was a single report, and the female figure dropped to the ground, although Diamond tried to catch her in his arms. 

Thornton, the smoking pistol in his hand, stood staring, as if turned tostone. 

"Good gracious!" gasped Willis Paulding. "You have shot somebody, Thornton, deah boy!"

"There must have been some mistake, " said Tad Horner. "It seems thatthere was a bullet in your pistol, Tom!"

Thornton hurried forward and looked down at the fallen girl, whose eyeswere closed, and whose face seemed ghastly pale in the white moonlight. 

"It is Miss Darling!" came hoarsely from Tom. "I have killed her!"

"Don't let the murderer escape!" cried Diamond, sternly. "Seize him andhis second! They are both guilty!"

"Excuse me!" fluttered Willis Paulding. "I think I will go right away, don't yer 'now!"

Then he took to his heels, and ran, as if pursued by a hundred officersof the law. 

Thornton was scarcely less terrified, and he slipped away into theshadows while the others were gathered around the fallen girl. 

When both Willis and Tom were gone, the girl suddenly sat up, and burstinto a peal of boyish laughter. 

"There!" cried the voice of Danny Griswold; "didn't I do that all right?I wouldn't be surprised if Thornton's hair turned gray. But I'm going toget out of this rig as soon as possible. These corsets are killing me. Ican't get a full breath. "

"You little rascal!" laughed Frank Merriwell, as he gave Griswold ashake. "You are a born actor, and you have given Tom Thornton a shockthat he will not get over for some time--to say nothing of WillisPaulding. "

"If it cures Thornton of bragging about his mashes I'll be satisfied, "said Tad Horner. "But I'm afraid he'll never forgive me. I'll have tomake a hustle and find him before he does something desperate. I'll tellhim Miss Darling simply fainted, and was not injured at all. Good-night, fellows. See you later. "

Then he hastened away. 

"Well, Jack, " said Frank, addressing Diamond, "it strikes me that youand I are more than square with Mr. Flemming and Mr. Thornton. "

"I think that is right, " admitted the Virginian, with a grim smile. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

PURE GRIT. 

All other college sports seem to grow dim in comparison with the greatspring race. It is the crowning athletic event of the season. The vastgathering of people at New London occurs but once a year, and the onlyevent to be compared with it is the annual football game in New York. 

New London for a week before the race is filled with "old grads, "fathers of Yale men who are interested in boating, college lads, mothersof students, sisters and sweethearts. 

At Eastern Point the Fort Griswold House is thronged with persons ofthis sort. The Pequod is overflowing. On the broad piazzas oldclassmates meet and talk over former victories and defeats. There theywatch the thronging craft upon the river. 

Every one talks boating, whether he knows anything about it or not. "Willie off the yacht" is there, togged in flannels and making adesperate struggle to roll in his gait. For a week, at least, he is awaterman, with the salt flavor in everything he says or does. 

And the girls--the girls! They, too, dress in flannels and yachtingcaps, and they try to talk knowingly about "strokes, " "oars" and "thecrew. " But they are charming--every one of them!

Yale and Harvard's quarters are on the left bank near Gale's Ferry. Manyof the "old oars" are permitted to visit the crew. The great coachersare there. They are regarded with awe and respect, for surely they knoweverything there is to know about racing!

The race comes off at five in the afternoon. By midday the town is full, and every train brings fresh throngs of laughing girls and boisterousstudents. All are decorated with the blue or the crimson. Flags areeverywhere, and there are horns in abundance. 

At the docks the great Sound steamers are moored, and they are packedwith sight-seers. There are numberless yachts on the river, alldecorated with gay colors and thronged with gay parties. 

Within the boathouse, preparations were being made for the race. Collingwood was giving final instructions to his men. Bastow, an oldcoach, was surveying each and every one in the most critical mannerpossible. 

They were handsome fellows, these men of the crew. Their flesh was brownand firm, and their eyes were bright. They had broad backs and powerfulshoulders. 

Collingwood looked troubled. It was evident there was something on hismind. Fred Flemming, in a new spring suit, is talking with Popkay, thelittle cox. Some wonder that Flemming, who had been dropped forMerriwell, should be there. 

Among the spectators on a certain yacht are Tom Thornton and WillisPaulding. They are watching for the crew to appear, and, as they watch, Thornton says something that betrays a knowledge of Flemming's presencein the boathouse. 

"I'll go you two to one that Flem rows after all, " he declares. "Do youdare take me, Paulding?"

"By the way you say that I should think you were betting on a surething, don't yer 'now, " drawled Willis. 

"I am, " asserted Tom. "I have it straight that Merriwell is not in trim, and will be laid off. Flemming was called to quarters at the lastmoment. "

"It'll be a corker on Merriwell if he is not allowed to row, by Jawve!"

"Yes; it will give me no end of satisfaction. That fellow put up the'Grace Darling' job on me, and Diamond helped him to carry it out. Ihave been a guy for the whole college ever since Danny Griswold tolddown at Morey's how he fooled me. Some day I'll wring that little rat'sneck!"

"They never could have worked the game if Horner hadn't helped them. "

"Of course not; but I have cut clear of Horner. We have separated, and Inever give the fellow a look when we meet. Like the other fools, he isstuck on Merriwell, and he thought he was doing something cunning whenhe helped them work the horse on me. "

"If Merriwell doesn't row you'll have a chance to get back at them. Youcan say you knew it all the time, old chappie. "

"Oh, he won't row to-day, and I'll rub it in when I get theopportunity. "

Within the boathouse, at this very moment, Bob Collingwood was saying toFrank Merriwell:

"You cannot row in the race to-day, Merriwell. You are out ofcondition. "

Frank turned pale. 

"If you say I can't row, that settles it, " he said, huskily; "but Ithink you are making a mistake. I can row, and I'll prove it, if youwill give me the chance. You shall have no cause to complain of me. "

"But I know you are not fit to pull an oar. You have tried to conceal itfrom me, but I know you have a felon on your hand. Am I right?"

"You are right, " calmly admitted Frank; "but give me a chance, and Iwill row for all there is in me, even if it takes my arm off at theshoulder. "

Collingwood looked into Merriwell's eyes, and what he saw there causedhim to say: "All right, my boy, you shall row if we lose by it. "

"If we lose the race it will not be my fault, " returned Merriwell. 

The Harvard cheer broke from a thousand throats as the Harvard crew camedown the stream and arrived first at the start. Yale followed almostimmediately, and two students who were on a trim little yacht cranedtheir necks and glared at the men in the boat. 

Something like a groan escaped the lips of Tom Thornton, and WillisPaulding declared:

"I don't see Flemming, but Merriwell is there!"

"Yes!" grates Tom; "he has managed to keep his place somehow! Well, thatsettles it! Harvard will win!"

Orders were shouted, and then it was seen that both crews were "set. "The men, their brown backs gleaming in the afternoon sunshine, werereaching forward at arm's length, ready for the first stroke. 

A voice was heard commanding them to make ready, then came the cry:"Go!"

There was a pistol shot, and both boats darted forward. The four-milerace to the railway bridge piers of New London had begun. 

In an instant the great crowd set up a wild cheering, and colorsfluttered everywhere. Away went the boats, side by side. Harvard's styleof rowing had changed completely from that of the previous year, whenher boat had jumped at every stroke. Now her crew bent with a longsweep that sent the boat through the water with a steady motion. 

Yale used a shorter and more snappy stroke. The men seemed to have morelife at the start, but it was the kind of a stroke that was sure to pumpaway their energy to a great extent in a long race. 

But Collingwood was crafty. He knew that it would be an easy thing totake the life out of his men by steep work at the beginning, and hedoubted if the advantage thus gained could be held. To a certain extent, he regulated Yale's speed by that of its rival. 

In his heart Collingwood feared Harvard's new style of rowing. He wasnot willing to acknowledge that anything English could be superior toanything American, and yet he remembered how the freshmen of'Umpty-eight, coached by Merriwell, had adopted something like theOxford stroke, and had won the race from the sophomores at LakeSaltonstall. He also remembered Merriwell's hand, and he feared thefellow must give out before the finish. 

If Yale could hold her own till near the end Collingwood hoped to win bya spurt. Outside of Merriwell, he felt that the crew was in perfectcondition. He was sure the men were superior to those in the Harvardboat. 

Harvard begins to gain. That strong, steady stroke is telling. It looksas if the crimson lads were going to pull away from the blue with ease. 

Collingwood does not allow himself to get excited in the least. He keepshis men steadily at work, husbanding their strength as far as possible. 

"'Rah! 'rah! 'rah! Harvard! Harvard!" roared the crowd. 

Frank Merriwell was working perfectly with the rest, and no one couldimagine from his appearance that every stroke seemed to drive a keenknife from his wrist to his elbow. His face was very pale, but that wasall. 

At the end of the first mile Harvard was two lengths in advance, andseemed to be gaining. Still Yale worked steadily, showing no signs ofexcitement or alarm. 

The crowds on the yachts were waving hats and handkerchiefs and flags. They cheered and yelled and hooted like human beings gone mad. It was ascene of the wildest excitement. 

It had become plain to all, despite the fact that Harvard had a lead, that the race was to be a stern one. Yale was out to win, if such athing "lay in the wood. "

When the second mile was passed Harvard was still another length inadvance. But Yale was beginning to work up steadily, forcing Harvard toa more desperate struggle to hold her advantage. 

When the two and a half mile flag was passed it was seen that Yale hadbegun to creep up. Still she was not dangerous. Her friends wereencouraged, however, and the sound all Yale men love--the Yaleyell--could be heard above the roaring of the crowd. 

That sound seemed to put fresh life and heart into the Yale crew. At thebeginning of the last mile Harvard was scarcely two lengths in advance. 

It was a wonderful race. The excitement was at the highest pitch. 

The Harvard crew, although it had started out so beautifully, had notthe stamina to endure the strain. No. 3 was pulling out of the boat, while No. 5 showed signs of distress. 

Yale begins to spurt. Her men are working like machinery. No one coulddream that one of them was suffering the tortures of a being on therack, and still such was the truth. 

A hundred times it seemed to Frank Merriwell that he must give out; ahundred times he set his teeth and vowed that he would die before hewould weaken. No one could know the almost superhuman courage andfortitude which enabled him to keep up and continue his work in theproper manner. Those who watched the crew closely fancied that he workedwith the utmost ease, for all of the long pull. 

Collingwood had forgotten Merriwell's felon. He was reckoning on thefinal spurt to bring "Old Eli" to the front. Harder and harder he workedhis men. 

Now the uproar along the river was deafening. The prow of the Yale boatwas at Harvard's stern--and then Yale began to creep along by Harvard'sside. 

No. 7 of the Harvard crew reeled on his seat. Then he braced up and wentat it again. But he was not in stroke. The faces of both crews were set. They were like gladiators battling for their very lives. 

In the Yale boat was one who seemed to be growing blind and numb. In hisheart he was praying for strength as earnestly as he would have prayedfor the salvation of his soul. Only a few moments more--he must holdout. 

The boats were side by side, and the excitement was simplyindescribable. Such a finish was unprecedented. It was a race to beremembered for all years to come--to be spoken of with pride anddiscussed with wonder. 

Then came the moment when Collingwood drove his men for all there was inthem. He was pitiless, and Yale shot into the lead. 

The line was crossed. Then cannons boomed and whistles shrieked. But inthe Yale boat was one whose ears were deaf to all this tumult of sound. 

Frank Merriwell had fallen in the bottom of the boat in a dead faint. 

But Yale--Yale had won!

CHAPTER XVIII. 

AFTER THE BOAT RACE. 

 "Breka Co ax Co ax Co ax! Breka Co ax Co ax Co ax! O--up! O--up! Paraboleau! Yale! Yale! Yale! 'Rah! 'rah! 'rah! Yale!!!"

Imagine a thousand, full-lunged, hearty, healthy American lads shoutingthis cry in unison! It was a sound never to be forgotten by those whoheard it. The victorious blue fluttered everywhere. 

Harvard had made a gallant fight, and it had been "nobody's race" almostto the finish. The Yale crew proved superior, but it won purely by brawnand stamina. Old oars confessed that up to the last half mile Harvardhad shown better coaching and had seemed to establish the superiority ofthe Oxford oar and stroke over American methods. 

But "Old Eli" had seemed to feel that it would be a lasting disgrace tobe vanquished by anything about which there was an English flavor. Thespirit of Bunker Hill and '76 was aroused, and the defenders of the bluewere willing to die in the struggle if such a sacrifice could bringvictory. 

It was not the first time that pure grit had won against odds. 

As the Yale boat crossed the line Frank lay, deaf to all the tumult ofapplause, his eyes closed, but still with his pale face set in a look ofmingled pain and unyielding determination. 

"It's Merriwell!" exclaimed Bob Collingwood. "I had forgotten him. "

His words were drowned by the roaring of the excited thousands and theshrieking of the whistles. 

The prow of the Yale boat was turned toward the bank. It was necessaryto avoid the craft that came rushing about on every side, but the shorewas soon reached. 

"Hold her steady!" cried Collingwood. "Somebody dash water intoMerriwell's face. "

The command was obeyed, and in a moment Frank opened his eyes. It was atthe moment when the Yale cheer was pealing from a thousand throats, andthe look of pain on Merriwell's face changed to one of satisfaction andjoy. 

"Did we win?" he huskily asked. 

Collingwood nodded, his flushed face beaming, pride in his big blueeyes. 

"You bet!" he answered. "It's hard to beat Old Eli!"

"I am satisfied!" gasped Merriwell. 

His eyes drooped, and he seemed on the verge of going off into anotherswoon. 

"Throw more water on him, " pitilessly directed Collingwood. 

It was done, and Frank started up, gasping. 

"Here--here!" exclaimed a man on the bank; "give him a pull at this. Itwill fix him all right. "

He stooped down and held out a flask. 

"What is it?" asked Frank. 

"It's the best brandy money can buy, " was the answer. 

It was passed to Frank, but he pushed it away, shaking his head. 

"I never touch liquor, " he declared. "I do not want it. "

"But it will not hurt you now--it will do you good, " declared the manwho owned the flask. 

"I can get along without it. "

"But I shall be offended if you do not take it. "

Frank looked sharply at the man. He saw a suntanned individual, who worea wide-brimmed hat and was dressed in clothes which were worn andappeared to have been made for service rather than for fit and elegance. There was something piercing about the man's dark eyes, and somethingabout the beardless face that impressed it upon the boy's memory. Therewas a small purple scar on the man's chin, and Frank noted this, although he might have overlooked it easily in that hasty glance. 

"Then you will have to be offended, sir, " said Frank, firmly. "I do notwish to appear rude, but I never drink under any circumstances, and Iwill not begin now. "

The man drew back after the flask was returned to him. The last look hegave the boy was peculiar, as Frank could not tell whether it was one ofsatisfaction or anger. 

In a moment this man was forgotten. The boat slipped out to the_Clyde_, the little steam yacht that was to take the victorious crewback to quarters. The exhausted rowers were lifted on board amid renewedcheering, and the trip up the river began. 

It was a triumphant procession. All along the line the _Clyde_, whichwas decorated with blue, was received with cheers and shriekingwhistles. Men waved hats and flags, pretty girls fluttered handkerchiefsand pennants, squads of students gave the Yale cheer at intervals, andtwo scores of boats, crowded with students and friends, accompanied theboat that carried the victorious crew. The jubilant Yale men sang songsof victory and cheered till their throats ached and they were hoarse. 

On board the _Clyde_ were Jack Diamond and Harry Rattleton. WhenMerriwell was lifted to the deck he found himself clasped in Harry'sarms, and the dear fellow laughed and cried as he hugged his roommate tohis breast. 

"I never dought you'd threw it--I mean I never thought you'd do it!"cried Harry, brokenly. "I thought that hand would knock you out sure. How could you do it, Merry, old boy? It must have been awful! I saw youkeel over when the line was crossed, but you never havered aware--wavered a hair till the race was over. "

Frank smiled a bit. 

"A fellow can do almost anything if he sets his determination on it, " hesaid. "But I came near not having the opportunity to try. "

"How was that?"

"Collingwood found out about my hand. I am afraid you said somethingabout it, Harry. "

"Not a word, save to Diamond, and not to him till after the race began. "

"Well, Coll found it out some way, and he came near laying me off forFlemming, who was on hand. "

"And now I understand a few things I heard this morning, " broke inDiamond. "Emery and Parker were offering to bet that Flemming would rowto-day. "

"How much did you fake 'em tor--I mean take 'em for?" cried Harry. 

"I didn't know but some of the men had given out or something, so I didnot take them at all. I did not imagine for a moment that they thoughtFlemming was going to row in Merry's place. "

Collingwood came up. He was bundled from his ears to his heels. Merriwell was in a sweater and coat. 

"How's your hand, old man?" asked Bob, his eyes gleaming. 

"Oh, it is giving me a jolly time!" grinned Frank, grimly. "It isn'tdoing a thing. "

"Mr. Merriwell, " said Collingwood, earnestly, "I want to tell youfrankly that to-day you made the greatest display of pure grit that ithas ever been my fortune to witness. I did not believe it possible youcould hold out through the race with that hand, and I meant to lay youoff for Flemming, although I regretted doing so, as he has not beenworking with us of late, and I felt that the change would weaken thecrew. When you told me square and straight that it would be no fault ofyours if the race were lost, I decided to keep you. After that I feltthat I was making an error, but it was too late to change. Now I know itwas no error, and I wish to say that I am sure you aided materially byyour splendid work to win. "

Others of the crew came up. Merriwell was surrounded by friends andadmirers. Diamond whispered in his ear:

"You should be happy, old man, for you have triumphed over your enemies, and the story of your heroic work will be known to all Yale by Monday. "

Then Collingwood led Frank below for a rub down. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

THE YALE SPIRIT. 

At the boathouse there was a scene of riotous jollification. It wasimpossible to exclude the overjoyed friends of the crew. They crowded inand expressed their unbounded delight in almost every imaginable manner. 

There was a popping of corks, and "fizz" began to flow freely. Now thatthe great race was over, the crew were no longer in training, and theywere allowed to drink as much of the wine as they liked. It was forcedupon them from all sides. 

Merriwell was almost mobbed by the fellows who were determined that heshould drink champagne with them. 

"You can't refuse now, old man!" shouted Charlie Creighton. "I saw itall, and no one suspected there was anything the matter with you. Justto think that you rowed the race with a felon on your hand! It ismarvelous! And I won a cool five hundred on Old Eli! Whoop! If yourefuse to take a drink of champagne with me I'll call you out and shootyou through the liver pad!"

He was wildly waving a bottle of Mumm's about his head as he made thisexcited speech. 

But Merriwell did refuse, and he did it with a firmness that showed themall that he could not be induced to drink. 

"Queer chap, that Merriwell, " commented Charlie Creighton, addressinghis chum, Paul Hamilton. "Never knew him very well, but I've seen enoughof him to know he's the clean white stuff even if he is a temperancecrank. "

"In the year and a half that he has been here, " said Hamilton, "he hasmade a greater record in athletics than any other man ever made in twicethat time. And think of his rowing the race to-day with that hand, andthen fainting the moment he knew the line was crossed and Yale had won!I tell you, Creighton, that fellow is all sand--every bit of him. "

"That's what he is, " nodded Creighton. "He is running over with the trueYale spirit. I tell you, my boy, Old Yale bears mighty men! Come, let'skill this bottle of fizz, which I got off the ice expressly forMerriwell, confound him!"

Then they lost little time in opening the bottle and swallowing itssparkling contents. 

Bob Collingwood was overwhelmed with congratulations. He said verylittle before the crowd, but to a particular friend he declared:

"It is one of the marvels of the year that we won to-day. Harvardoutrowed us for fully three-quarters of the course, and she would havefinished in the lead if her crew had been as stocky as ours. Theirstroke is easier on a man than ours. "

"Then you acknowledge at last that the Oxford stroke is superior to theAmerican?" eagerly questioned the friend. 

"I have acknowledged nothing yet, but I fear I'll be forced to. "

The jubilant fellows were making the boathouse ring with songs ofvictory. About twenty flushed lads were roaring:

 "How can they ever beat us-- How can they beat Old Yale? We down 'em when they meet us, You bet we never fail! We've got 'em so they fear us In every contest fair; And soon they'll not come near us, Because they will not dare. 

CHORUS: "Then give us a cheer for Old Eli-- A cheer for our gallant crew; She has won, and she wins forever, With her noble boys in blue. 

 "Poor Harvard falls before us, She is not in the game; So swell the merry chorus, Old Eli's won again! It was a gallant battle, My boys who wear the blue; But you they cannot rattle, No matter what they do. "

There were other songs, and in the midst of all this rejoicing a crowdof pretty girls, accompanied by chaperons, came into the boathouse. 

Among them was Winnie Lee, who lost no time in finding Frank andcongratulating him. 

"I knew you would win, Frank--I knew you would!" she exclaimed, herbright eyes sparkling. 

"Why, you are talking as if I rowed the whole race!" he said, laughingand blushing. 

"Well, I'm sure they'd never won without you, " she declared. 

"That's like a girl! Of course Yale would have won anyhow! How can theybeat us?"

At this moment Collingwood came up, accompanied by a gentleman whocarried a case in his hand. 

"Here, Merry, old boy, " cried the captain of the crew, "I've brought adoctor to look after that hand of yours. "

"What is the matter with your hand?" asked Winnie, anxiously. 

"Oh, nothing much, " assured Frank, carelessly. 

"Nothing much, only there is a bad felon on it, " said Collingwood. 

"A felon? And you rowed with a felon on your hand? Oh, Frank!"

Winnie looked at him with added admiration showing in her eyes. 

"That's what he did, " nodded Collingwood. "It was the greatest displayof grit I've ever seen. Do you wonder he flopped over in a dead faintwhen we crossed the line at the finish?"

The doctor looked at Frank's hand, which was now badly inflamed. Aftera thorough examination the physician glanced up at Frank and observed:

"If you were able to row with this hand, I rather think you'd endureburning at the stake by a band of Indians without uttering a murmur!"

"You dear fellow!" cried Winnie, with girlish enthusiasm; "I feel justlike giving you a good hug!"

Then Frank blushed more than ever. 

The doctor opened his case and proceeded to dress Merriwell's hand. 

While the physician was thus employed Frank was somewhat surprised toobserve at a little distance the same man who had offered him a drink ofbrandy as he was recovering from his swoon at the close of the race. 

This man was watching the boy in a strange manner, but the moment he sawhe was observed he quickly turned away. 

Frank's curiosity was aroused. 

"I wonder who he is and what he wants here?" thought the boy. "How didhe get in here, anyway? He seems to take a remarkable interest in me, and I can't say that I like it. "

The man walked away and mingled with the throng. 

In a short time Frank's hand was cared for, and the doctor gavedirections for future treatment of the felon. 

"It is bound to trouble you for some time, and you will find it verypainful, " he said. "After what you have done to-day, I doubt if yousleep much to-night. "

"I don't care if I do not sleep for a week so long as Yale won!"declared the boy. 

"You have the true Yale spirit, " said the doctor, approvingly. "Yale mencarry that unconquerable spirit out into the world, and that is why OldEli turns out so many successful men in all walks of life. I think thereis no fear as to your future, my boy. "

"Thank you, sir, " said Merriwell, simply. 

CHAPTER XX. 

SPURNING A BRIBE. 

"I would like to speak with you. "

Frank felt a touch on his shoulder, and the words sounded in his ear. Heturned quickly and found himself face to face with the mysteriousstranger. 

It happened that at that moment they were alone, nearly all the thronghaving gathered about three fellows who, with banjo, mandolin andzither, were making some lively music. 

"What do you want?" asked Frank, rather suspiciously. 

The man beckoned for him to come aside. 

"I have something I wish to say to you, and I do not care to beoverheard by others, " he declared. 

"Well, I wonder what sort of a snap this is?" thought Merriwell. 

He hesitated a moment, and then curiosity to know what the stranger hadto say overcame him, and he followed the man to a corner of the room. 

The stranger was very mysterious in his manner. 

"You are a likely sort of youngster, " he said, in a rather noncommittalway. 

"Is that what you wish to tell me?" asked Frank, sharply. 

"Steady, young colt! Don't be in too much of a hurry. It doesn't pay tobe in a hurry--none whatever. "

Frank's impatience increased. He did not like the stranger's manner, forthere was something crafty and insinuating about it. 

"If any one were watching us, he'd be sure to think we were putting upsome sort of a crooked game, " thought Merriwell. 

"My time is valuable, " he said aloud. 

"Then you can't make more out of it than you can by spending it gabblingwith the crowd. "

The man's manner was offensive, but Frank's curiosity caused him to holdhimself in check and listen to what the stranger should say. 

"You are interested in other sports besides rowing, I reckon?" said theunknown, inquiringly. 

"Yes. "

"Baseball?"

"Yes. "

"I have heard that you pitch on the 'varsity nine. "

"That is right. "

The man assumed a more cautious air than ever, and lowered his voicestill more. 

"I allow that the man who pitches can throw a game, if he wants to?"

Frank's dislike for the stranger increased rapidly. 

"He can throw a game if he is crooked and dirty enough to do such a meanthing!" came with spirit from the lad. 

"That is putting it a heap rough, " deprecatingly declared the man. "Every galoot is out for the dust. It is the way of the old world, asyou will find before you have hoofed it much farther along the trail oflife. "

"Well, what are you driving at?"

"Yale won the race to-day, and I reckon she's got glory enough to lasther a while. "

"Go on. "

"The last ball game of the series between Yale and Harvard comes offnext week?"

"It does. "

"Yale has won one, and Harvard one. "

"That is right. "

"Yale stands a right good chance of winning the deciding game?"

"She is pretty sure of winning. "

"And I have a pot of dust on Harvard. I can get odds that Yale will win, so I can stake more money. "

Frank fancied that he saw the stranger's game, and he felt his angerrising rapidly; but, with a great effort, he held himself in control, and pretended that he did not understand. 

The boy looked the man over from head to heels. He was making a study ofthe unknown. Already he had decided by the man's appearance and languagethat he was a Westerner, or wished to be considered such. Frank was notabsolutely certain that the fellow was not masquerading as a man fromthe West. 

As Merriwell remained silent after the stranger's last statement, hewent on:

"If there is any way of knowing as how Harvard will win, I can stake myrocks on her, and pull off a good thing. "

Still Frank was silent. 

"You can see that plain enough, can't you, youngster?" demanded the man, seeming to grow impatient and restless before the lad's steady, piercinggaze. 

"Any one should be able to see that, " was the cold answer. 

"Then all I've got to do in order to make a stake is to fix it so thatHarvard is dead sure of winning. "

"How can you fix it?"

"I don't see but one way. "

"How is that?"

"Make it worth something to the Yale team to throw the game to Harvard. I can afford to do that, I reckon; but I've got to find the right man todo the trick. "

Frank's jaws seemed to grow square and hard, and there was a dangerousfire in his eyes. The stranger did not appear to discern this, however, for he went on:

"It rather strikes me that the pitcher has the best chance to do thelittle turn I want done, and that's why I've come to you. Now, don't gooff half-cocked! Hold hard, and hear me chirp. Every young fellow atcollege needs money, and they need a right good bit of it, too. I don'tallow that you are any exception. Now, I reckon I can show you how youcan make a smart bit of a pile and do it dead easy. Nobody but you andme will ever know you did it at all, and there isn't any danger thatwe'll preach about it--none whatever. "

"Make a square statement as to what you want, " commanded Frank, findingit difficult to keep his voice from quivering, and feeling that hischeeks were burning with the angry blood that had surged into them. 

"That's what I'll do, youngster. If you will pitch that game so Harvardwill win, I'll give you a thousand dollars in cold cash. Now I reckonyou understand me. "

"I think I do, " came icily from Frank. "You want me to sell the game fora thousand dollars! You put a small price on my honor, sir!"

"A small price! You talk as if a thousand were nothing! Hang me if Iever saw a youngster of your caliber! Perhaps you think I'm fooling?Perhaps you think I won't pay? Look here! I'll make it two thousanddollars, and I'll give you a thousand in advance. That is a square deal, as you must allow. "

Then he took a huge roll of bank notes from his pocket. Some were newbills, while some were worn and soiled. He rapidly counted off athousand dollars in ten, twenty, fifty and one hundred dollar bills. This money he thrust into Merriwell's hands, saying:

"There you have it, and that binds the bargain between us. I'll give youthe other thousand directly Harvard wins and I collect my wagers. I'm aman of my word. I reckon it is settled?"

Frank looked at the money, making sure it was genuine. He quicklysatisfied himself on that point. It was all right. 

Never before had such a bribe been offered Merriwell, and, for someseconds, he stood with the money in his unbandaged hand, feelingsomewhat dazed and doubtful. 

"Put it out of sight!" whispered the stranger. "Don't let 'em see youhave it. Give me your promise that you will throw the game to Harvard. "

"I shall not pitch that game, " said Frank. 

"No?"

"No, sir. "

"Why not?"

"My hand will not be in condition, as you should know. True it is myleft hand, but I'll not be able to bat with it, even if I could pitch. "

"But you would throw the game if you could pitch?"

"No!" cried Merriwell, fiercely, letting his outraged indignation flameforth. "What do you take me for? I am no sneak and traitor, and not forten thousand dollars--not for a hundred thousand dollars--not to save myvery life would I do such a dastardly thing! You have made a mistake inyour man! Take back your dirty money! I would not touch a dollar of itfor the world! It would contaminate me!"

Then he flung the roll of bills straight into the face of the astonishedman. 

As the man stooped to pick up the money, which had fallen at his feet, Frank caught him by the collar with his well hand, yanked him up, andstarted him on a run for an open window. 

Clinging to the money, the stranger uttered a protest at such rudetreatment, but he was unable to turn about or break away, although hetried to do so. 

Headlong through the window Frank pitched the fellow, giving him apowerful kick to help him along. 

There was a cry of pain and rage, and the man disappeared. 

This act of Frank's had been noted by the others within the boathouse, and it created no little wonder and excitement. 

Harry Rattleton came running up, spluttering:

"Hello, Frank! mut's the whatter--I mean what's the matter?"

"Oh, nothing in particular, " answered Merriwell, quietly. "I simplyfired a scoundrel, that's all. "

"What was he up to, old man?" demanded Bob Collingwood, in a tone thatindicated that he was sorry not to have taken a hand in the littlefracas. "Did he try to do you?"

"No; but he is trying to do Yale. "

"How is that?"

Frank explained, briefly telling of the bribe offered by the mysteriousstranger. 

A circle of lads had gathered about Merriwell, and they listened withrising anger to his words. Cries of astonishment and rage broke fromtheir lips when Frank told of the truly astonishing bribe which theunknown had offered. 

"My only regret, " concluded Frank, "was that I did not have two goodhands with which to handle the rascal. "

"And my regret is that I was not there to handle him for you!" criedJack Diamond. 

"I wonder how the fellow got in here?" exclaimed Collingwood. "I'll haveto inquire into that. "

"He can't be far away, " cried one of the angry lads. "Let's get out andnab him!"

"Come on! come on!" was the general cry, and there was a rush for thedoor. 

But the unknown had not lingered in the vicinity of the boathouse. Hewas not found, which made it plain that he had taken to his heels assoon as he landed outside the window. 

"Too bad!" growled Collingwood. "A good soak in the river is what he'dgot, if we'd caught him. "

CHAPTER XXI. 

ON THE SPECIAL TRAIN. 

Some of the lads felt like staying in New London and making a night ofit, but this was strictly against rules, and those who did so took adesperate chance of getting into trouble by it. 

After the race there was a general rush for the trains, and those boundwest over the N. Y. , N. H. & H. Were crowded. 

Later on there was a special train for the Yale crew and their friends. As this train was not exclusive and it was generally known that it wouldbe run, large numbers of students waited for it, and it was quite ascrowded as the trains which had preceded it. 

The car containing the victorious crew was a scene of wild merrymaking. The eight muscular lads who had pulled off another victory for Old Eliwere gathered in the middle of the car and surrounded by admiringfriends, who cheered and sang and smashed one another's hats, andplayed the very Old Nick with one another. 

Beer, wine and whiskey had been brought on board the train, and it wasurged upon the crew. Danny Griswold was in his glory. About half thetime he was perched upon the shoulders of the crowd, and it wasobservable that he did not refuse anything that was offered him in theway of a liquid. Still, for all that he drank so much and mixed hisdrinks, he did not seem to get any worse off than he had been when thetrain started from New London. 

Charlie Creighton climbed upon the backs of two seats and made a speech. 

"Hark, ye noble sons of Old Eli!" he began, with a spread-eagle gesturethat came near causing him to lose his balance and fall off headlong. "This is the great day when we can get up on our hind legs and make thewelkin ring with war whoops of victory. To-day we stand with one foot onPrinceton's neck and the heel of the other foot gouging into Harvard'sback. They have bitten the dust before us, oh, mighty warriors in blue!They have fallen like autumn leaves before a gale. We have carried ourcolors on to victory in many a mad scrimmage, but never have we done abetter job than we did this day. During the greater part of the race itlooked as if Harvard would take our scalps. We who watched the awfulstruggle felt our blood turn cold with fear. Then, when we looked uponthe calm face of our captain [cheers], we took heart and hoped. Likeclockwork he was handling his men, and his calm confidence gave themheart. They saw he did not fear the result, and when he began to drivethem for the final spurt every one of that noble band responded like thegreatest of heroes. [More cheers. ] Then it was that Yale began to crowdHarvard. Then it was that the Harvard crew showed how the pressure wastelling on them. Then it was that the backers of Old Eli who werewatching the struggle became confident that we were still in it andwould pull off the race after all. Then Old Yale crept into the lead, the spurt being admirably timed, so that our boat crossed the line justin time to make Old Eli again the winner. And to whom is honor due forthis? You know!"

"Collingwood! Collingwood!" roared the jubilant crowd in the car. "Hurrah for dear old Bob!"

Then they cheered and cheered, and then they called for a speech from"dear old Bob. "

Collingwood was lifted to his feet. He protested that he could not makea speech, but they would not be satisfied till he had said something, and so he cried:

"Well, boys, we did them--and we did them good!"

This was better than a long speech, and it produced the most unboundedenthusiasm. 

When the excitement had abated somewhat, Collingwood arose again, andmotioned for silence. In a moment he was receiving the full attention ofevery one. 

"Every man on the crew deserves praise, " began Bob. 

"Hooray for the croll hew--I mean the whole crew!" shouted HarryRattleton, smashing his new straw hat over Bandy Robinson's head. 

"But there is one who deserves especial commendation, " Collingwoodadded. 

There was a breathless silence, and all eyes were turned on FrankMerriwell, who flushed beneath this sudden attention. 

"There was one man on the crew who was not in condition to row in therace to-day, and I came very near letting him out. Now I am glad I didnot, for, although he had a bad felon on his left hand, there was no manof the crew who pulled a stiffer stroke or showed more lasting powerstill the finish was reached. He fainted then, it is true, but it wasbecause of the frightful pain in his hand and arm, and I wish you toremember that he did not faint till the victory was won. "

"Merriwell! 'Rah! 'rah! 'rah!"

Not even Bob Collingwood himself received a greater ovation. Frank wasseized, he was lifted aloft, he was perched on the shoulders of hisfriends, and then there was a general howl for a speech. 

Frank felt himself thrill from his hair to his toes; his eyes weredimmed with moisture, even though he laughed. In his bosom there was achoking sensation of gratitude and love for his comrades and theadmiring throng around him. He forgot that he had a single foe atYale--that he had a foe in all the wide world. 

"Boys, " he said, somewhat brokenly, "I did my best for dear oldYale--that is all. "

That was all he said. It was enough. It seemed to touch a chord inevery breast, and there was a ring of patriotism in the cheering thatfollowed. 

 "Here's to good Old Yale--drink it down! Here's to good Old Yale--drink it down! Here's to good Old Yale, She's so hearty and so hale-- Drink it down! drink it down! down! down!"

It seemed that every person in the car joined in singing this song. Theenthusiasm was running higher and higher. In every heart the Yale spiritgrew deeper and stronger during that ride from New London to New Haven. The students who were there never forgot that scene--never forgot howthey thrilled with love for Old Yale. The hardships and struggles ofcollege days were forgotten; the triumphs and joys alone wereremembered. 

But with it all it is certain that the result of the race haddisappointed no Harvard man more than it did Fred Flemming. 

At the last moment he had been overjoyed to learn that Merriwell had abad felon on one of his hands, which, it seemed, must debar him fromrowing in the great race. 

Flemming had kept himself in condition as far as possible, and he lostno time to let Collingwood know that he could be called on in case ofemergency. 

That he would be called on seemed almost certain, for he was notified tobe on hand at Yale's quarters before the time set for the race to begin. 

He had been on hand, ready to strip off in a moment, and had seenCollingwood talking earnestly with Merriwell. Then, to his inexpressibleastonishment, he had been told that Merriwell would row after all. 

From that moment Flemming hoped and prayed that Yale would lose therace. He would have given almost anything in his power to give had FrankMerriwell been unable to row to the finish. 

But Merriwell had finished the race, and Yale had won. Flemming'sfriends, who had bet that he would row in the race, had lost money, andthey were sore also. 

It was bitter gall for Flemming and Tom Thornton to pretend to rejoiceover Yale's victory, but they dared not do otherwise. It happened thatthey waited till the special train left for New Haven, and they were onthat train and in the car which carried the victorious crew. 

Occasionally they cheered with the others, to keep up appearances; but, for the most part, they remained seated in a corner at one end of thecar and talked in low tones. 

"How was it that Collingwood happened to retain the fellow for all ofhis hand?" asked Thornton, referring to Merriwell. 

"Ask me something easy!" exclaimed Flemming. "I am sure he intended tofire the fellow, but I think Merriwell begged to be given a show, andCollingwood did not have the nerve to chuck him off. "

"Collingwood must be soft!"

"Oh, I don't know. I think that cad Merriwell must be a hypnotist by theway he gets around some fellows. "

"I don't want to have anything further to do with him. "

"Oh, you've lost your nerve since Merriwell and Griswold put up thatgirl job on you, and Diamond drew you into a bogus duel. "

"That was enough to make any fellow lose his nerve. "

"Rats!"

"You may say 'rats, ' but you don't know how you would have felt if youhad been in my place. Just as the word was given to fire and I pulledtrigger, Griswold, dressed as a girl, rushed between us. I fired, and, with a frightful shriek, he fell. Then I ran forward and looked at him. The moonlight made him look deathly white, and I felt sure I had shothim. I'll never forget the sickening sensation that came over me at thatmoment! The hangman's noose seemed to dangle before my eyes. I droppedthe pistol and rushed away to my room. I think I was stunned, for Hornerfound me sitting on a chair and staring blankly at the wall about anhour afterward. Then he said the girl had not been shot at all, but hadfainted. Say, Flem, my boy, it is utterly impossible for me to tell thefeeling of thankfulness and relief that rushed over me. I felt just likegetting right down on my knees and thanking Providence, but I didn't, for Tad Horner was watching me all the time, and I saw the laughingdevil in his eyes. Then, within two days, I found myself the guy of thewhole college, and, finally, it all came out that 'Grace Darling' wasDanny Griswold in his theatrical rig, and I had been played for ablooming guy by Merriwell and Diamond, assisted to a certain extent byHorner, my own roommate. "

"And the only decent thing you ever did about it was to quit Hornercold. You've never seemed to have sand enough to make an effort to getback at Merriwell. "

"I decided that Merriwell is a bad man to monkey with. "

"That's rot! It's his reputation that frightens you. I'm going to watchmy chance to get even with him. "

"So am I, young man!" whispered a voice in Flemming's ear. 

Fred whirled swiftly, and saw close at his shoulder a ratherrough-appearing, smooth-faced man, who wore a wide-brimmed hat, and wasweather-tanned, as if by much exposure. 

"Eh?" exclaimed the college lad. "Who are you?"

"One who has a good reason to dislike that fly chap, Mr. FrankMerriwell, " was his answer. 

Flemming was suspicious. 

"Why should you hate Merriwell?" he asked. 

"Because he kicked me, " was the fierce reply. 

"He kicked you? Then you are the man he fired out of the boathouse? Iheard about that little affair. "

"I am the man. "

"You should have known better than to try to bribe Merriwell to throwany sort of game or race to Harvard. That chap is so honest that he haswings sprouting under his clothes. He said you pushed a thousand dollarsat him?"

"I did--I put it into his hand. "

"And he flung it into your face?"

"Yes, curse him! Then he threw me out of the window!"

"Well, you do seem to have a reason for disliking him. What would you doto him if you got a good chance?"

"Ask me what I wouldn't do! All I want is the chance!"

"Can you keep your mouth closed?"

"You bet your dust! I never peach!"

"Then you may be just the kind of a man I am looking for. I wantsomebody with nerve. The trouble with the fellows in college who hateMerriwell is that they do not dare butt up against him. They are afraidof him. "

"Well, I'm not afraid of any man living, let alone a mere boy. He'snothing but a tenderfoot! Waugh!"

"Hear them shouting over him!" muttered Thornton. "See! They have liftedhim on their shoulders! One would think he alone won the race to-day!"

Then Frank was heard to make the brief speech which elicited such heartyapplause. 

"It is sickening!" growled Flemming, pale with jealous rage. 

"It is, " nodded the stranger. "It makes me want to give him back thekick he gave me!"

"If you stick to me, I promise you that you shall have a goodopportunity, " said Flemming. 

"You may bet your rocks that I'll tie to you, pard, " assured theunknown. "I'll help you to get square, and you can help me. FrankMerriwell will have to keep his eyes open if he dodges us both. "

CHAPTER XXII. 

THE FIGHT ON THE TRAIN. 

It happened that, as he was perched on the shoulders of his friends andadmirers, Frank Merriwell saw Flemming and Thornton in the further endof the car. 

Merriwell would not have given his enemies more than a passing glance, but it occurred that he saw and recognized the man who was talking toFlemming. 

"It is the scoundrel who tried to bribe me!" muttered Frank, angrily. "And he is with Flemming and Thornton! I fancy I smell a mouse. "

Then he forced his friends to put him down, and, the moment he was onhis feet, he hastened along the aisle toward the end of the car, havingcalled Diamond to follow him. 

The plotters saw Frank coming, and the expression on his face told themthat there was a storm brewing. 

"By Jove!" fluttered Thornton, in alarm; "he looks as if he means tothump somebody!"

Although he did not show it, Flemming was not a little alarmed byMerriwell's angry appearance. 

Several of the students gathered about the crew saw there was somethingin the wind, and they followed Merriwell and Diamond down the crowdedaisle. 

Halting within a short distance of his enemies, Frank pointed straightat the stranger and cried:

"There he is! Take a good look at him, boys! That is the creature whotried to bribe me to throw the ball game to Harvard!"

His words rang through the car, and were heard by every one. The uproarand excitement that followed was quite unexpected by Frank. 

A wild shout of anger broke from the college lads, and there was ascramble for that end of the car. 

"Mob the wretch!"

"Thump him!"

"Choke him!"

"Don't let him get away!"

These cries broke from the crowd of lads, who strove in mad haste to getat the stranger. 

"Great Christopher!" gasped Tom Thornton, in terror. "I'm going to getout of this! It's altogether too hot for me!"

Then he tried to slip away. 

Flemming did not know what to do. The manner of the angry lads wasalarming, and he saw no reason why he should defend a man who was quiteunknown to him. 

But the stranger did not wait to be defended. With a wild shout, thatwas like the war whoop of an Indian, he leaped up and lunged straightinto the crowd, striking out right and left. 

In less than ten seconds a general fight was taking place in that end ofthe car. Jack Diamond, who had a grudge against Tom Thornton, collaredTom as he was trying to slip away. 

"Hold on!" cried the Virginian. "You can't play the sneak in that way! Isaw you talking with that scoundrel! Did you and Flemming set him on tobribe Merriwell?"

"I don't know anything about it!" protested Tom, struggling. "Let go, Diamond!"

"Well, not in a hurry!" returned Jack. "I don't know where the moneycame from, but I believe you and Flemming tried to ruin Merriwell bybribing him to throw a game and then exposing him. If that was thetrick, you fooled yourselves. Frank Merriwell is not that kind of afellow!"

With a fierce exclamation, Thornton struck savagely at Jack's face, butDiamond dodged the blow. 

"Oh, you will, will you!" he cried, and then he gave Thornton a terriblethump between the eyes. 

In another moment they were at it fiercely. 

Although Flemming was a big fellow with a reputation as a bully, HarryRattleton had not hesitated to lay hands on him. 

"You're a chine fap--I mean a fine chap!" shouted Harry. "So you areconcerned in this attempted bribery!"

"Get out!" snarled Flemming. "I'll break your nose!"

"Break it!" invited Rattleton. "I'll try to do a little something whileyou are about it!"

Flemming waited to say not another word, but, quick as a flash, he didstrike Harry a heavy blow on the jaw. Rattleton was staggered, but heheld on to Flemming. A moment later both were swept down by the rush ofthe crowd. 

It was something of a blind fight, and it waged with great fierceness, although in an aimless manner, for some moments. Several of the windowsin the car were broken. 

Bob Collingwood waded into the midst of the struggling mass of humanbeings, scattering them with his powerful arms, and crying:

"Here, stop this senseless scrapping! Where is the fellow who tried tobribe Merriwell?"

Where, indeed? All looked around for him, but he was gone. In somemanner he had made his escape in the midst of the tumult. 

"He must be on the train!" cried Frank. "He can't escape from the traintill it stops! Here--I have his coat! He left it in my hands when thecrowd tore us apart. "

Merriwell held up the garment. 

"He must be in the car back of this!" declared Collingwood. "I want tosee him--I want to get a fair look at his face. "

"I'd like to do something else to his face!" shouted another student. "Think of any one offering a Yale pitcher money to throw a game toHarvard!"

This brought a mad howl from the angry students. 

Rattleton and Flemming had been torn apart during the struggle, andThornton and Diamond were separated, but not until Jack had thumped thefellow he disliked, and done it several times. 

Both Flemming and Thornton were forgotten. The excited students rushedout by the open door, and crowded into the rear car, which was the onlyone on the train to which the unknown man could have escaped. 

"Where is he?" was the hoarse shout that went up, as the angry boyspacked into the car. 

They looked desperate and dangerous, as if they were thirsting for humanblood. 

At the farther end of the car a man in his shirt-sleeves crouched andmuttered:

"Well, derned if I expected to kick up this sort of a rumpus! I've seenall kinds of mobs, but I will allow that this reminds me of a regularJudge Lynch crowd, and no mistake. Never judged a lot of youngsterswould get stirred up this way any whatever. They're on a regularrampage. "

He kept out of sight as far as possible, feeling that it was the most"healthy" thing to do. 

"Where is he?" demanded Collingwood, who was just ahead ofMerriwell--"where is the man who belongs to this coat? He must have comein here! Did a man in his shirt sleeves come in here?"

"Yes, yes!" replied several. "What has he been doing?"

"Doing!" roared "Dear Old Bob, " flushed with anger. "Why, he is thecreature that tried to bribe Merriwell!"

It seemed that this piece of business was generally known, forCollingwood's words produced a roar of indignation. 

Down at the rear end of the car a young man stood up and shouted:

"This way! Here he is! He can't get away!"

Then it seemed that the students all spotted their game at the samemoment, and there was a fierce scramble for that end of the car. 

The hunted man saw them coming, and a desperate look settled on hisface. 

"I'd as lief fall into the clutches of a whole tribe of Apache Indians!"he gasped. "They're after my scalp for sure!"

He leaped to the door, and tore it open. 

"Stop!" rang out the voice of Frank Merriwell. "You cannot escape, foryou will be killed if you leap from the train!"

The man hesitated one moment. He saw the college lads rushing down theaisle, and then, although the train was making a speed of at least fortymiles an hour, he descended the steps. 

Collingwood and Merriwell came out through the open door. As theyreached the platform, they saw the man clinging in the darkness at thefoot of the steps. He was in a crouching position, his hands claspingthe iron holds. In the gloom his face seemed fully as white as thesleeves of his shirt, which fluttered in the breeze. 

"For Heaven's sake, don't jump!" cried Frank. 

Collingwood tried to grasp the man by the arm. As he did so, themysterious man dropped from the steps, instantly disappearing in thedarkness. 

"He's gone!" gasped Frank, horrified. 

"Yes, he is gone!" said Collingwood, hoarsely. "That's the end of him, for surely he was killed when he struck the ground!"

CHAPTER XXIII. 

SEEN AGAIN. 

For two days Frank scanned all the newspapers for an account of thefinding of the body of an unknown man somewhere on the line of theN. Y. , N. H. & H. R. R. , but he looked in vain. 

"Well, that is remarkable!" Merriwell decided. "I can't understand it. If that fellow escaped, it is a miracle. And if he escaped, I believe Ishall hear from him again, " he finished. 

The spring term was drawing to a close. But two more events were totranspire before the coming of the long summer vacation. There was thefinal ball game with Harvard, and then the great intercollegiateathletic tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York--the latteraffair to be the great college event of the year. 

Frank was entered for several of the contests in New York, but his hand, although improving, would not be in condition to allow him to play ballagain that season. 

As for the coming vacation, his plans were not perfected as yet. Some ofhis friends were going to Bar Harbor, some contemplated spending thesummer quietly at home, some were going abroad for a flying trip, andmany had expressed themselves as quite undecided as to the manner inwhich they would pass the summer months. 

Frank had boldly proposed a bicycle journey across the continent, butall his friends, with the exception of Diamond, had considered theproposition a joke. 

Diamond grew enthusiastic over it, urging Merriwell to carry out theplan, even though but two of them should make the jaunt. 

Frank's plan embraced a party of at least four--possibly more. What madeRattleton believe that Merriwell was joking was that Frank had soberlyasked Bruce Browning, the reputedly laziest man at Yale, to make one ofthe party. 

Bruce came near fainting with horror at the mere mention of such athing. 

"My dear Merriwell!" he gasped, "is it possible that you take me for acandidate for a lunatic asylum? Do you think that I am on the verge oflapsing into complete idiocy? Or are you simply trying to have a littlesport at my expense?"

"Nothing of the sort, my dear fellow, I assure you, " said Frank. "I amin sober earnest about getting up a party to make the trip across thecontinent, and I think it would be a fine thing for you if you were tomake one of the company. "

Bruce was reclining on a couch in Merriwell's room at the time, lazilypuffing away at a cigarette. He languidly reached out his hand and feltfor Frank's wrist. 

"Permit me to examine your pulse, old fellow, " he murmured. "If you arenot trying to work some kind of a horse on me you must be in a bad way. Ah!" he said, knowingly, with his thumb and finger on Frank's wrist, "Ithought so! Pulse irregular--flutters like an old rag in the wind--fleshhot and dry, eye changing and unsteady, dryness in your throat andgeneral vacancy in your stomach. What you need is a tonic--and you needit bad. You should take whiskey, it may be the only thing that will saveyou from an utter breaking up of the nervous system or premature death. The premature death will happen if you try to jolly me any more. I shallcarry a gun with me constantly hereafter, and it will not cost too muchof an effort to point it in your direction and pull the trigger. "

Frank laughed. 

"I know you are almost too lazy to draw your breath, " he said, "and Ialso know that the best thing that could happen to you would be justsuch an expedition as I have proposed. However, I suppose it is uselessto waste my breath talking to you, and so I will drop it. "

But for all of Browning's refusal to be one of the party, Frank did notgive up the project of a trip across the continent from ocean to oceanduring the summer vacation. 

But almost immediately other matters occupied his attention. 

One night he was spending an evening in town with a jolly party ofstudents. The others were drinking beer and ale, while Merriwell tooknothing but ginger ale or bottled soda. 

As they were leaving Traeger's, Frank caught a glimpse of the face of aman who seemed to be waiting for them to come out. 

For one moment Merriwell stopped as if turned to stone, and then, witha hoarse shout of recognition, he leaped after the man, who had slippedaway. 

The others followed Frank, and they soon pursued him around a corner, where they found him standing still and staring about in a disappointedmanner. 

"What is it, old man?" asked Paul Hamilton. "Why did you give that whoopand then chase yourself around here in such a lively fashion?"

"It was not myself I chased, " declared Frank. "It was quite anotherparty, I assure you; but he has given me the slip, for I can see nothingof him. "

"Who was it?"

"The man who tried to bribe me to throw the last ball game to Harvard!"

"That fellow?" exclaimed all the lads, excitedly. "Are you sure?"

"Dead sure, " asserted Frank, confidently. "I saw his face fairly in thelight in front of Traeger's when we came out. "

"Then he was not killed in the leap from the train!" cried Diamond. "Howdid he escape?"

"Ask me something easy!" exclaimed Frank. "I never expected to look onthat man's face again, unless I looked on it as a corpse. "

"Confound him!" exploded Harry Rattleton. "I'd like to hake his break--Imean break his head! What does he want around here?"

Frank was silent. There was a grim look on his face, and it was plainthat he had been not a little disturbed by the sight of the mysteriousstranger. 

The boys turned toward college, discussing the queer actions of theunknown as they walked along. One or two of them fully believed the manmust be a lunatic. 

That night, as Frank and Harry were preparing for bed, the formerdeclared:

"That strange man is about as large a mystery as I ever ran across. Heis beginning to be a decided nuisance. "

"What do you make of him, anyway?"

"That he is a Westerner, or wishes to be thought such. His languagebetrays that. And he is the last man I could dream would be stakingenough money on a game of college baseball to be able to offer a bribeof two thousand dollars to make sure that the game would result in hisfavor. "

"By Jove!" cried Rattleton; "if any other fellow but yourself had toldme that a stranger had made them such an offer and had forked overone-half cash in advance I should have considered him a loomingbyer--no, a blooming liar!"

"And you would not be to blame for thinking so. To me it seems like adream, but I know it actually happened. "

"Well, what is he hanging around New Haven for?"

"I'll give it up, unless he hopes to get at Heffiner or Dad Hicks, oneof whom must pitch the game at Springfield. "

"He'll get used rough if he pushes his dirty dough at either Heffiner orHicks!" cried Rattleton. 

"I think so, " nodded Frank. "I believe they are loyal to dear old Yale, and nothing can buy their honor. "

"Most Yale men are. There may be one or two sneaks who would sell out, as there are black sheep in every flock. I don't believe Flemming wouldbe above such a trick. "

"Oh, I don't know! I do not wish to think that bad of Flemming. I knowhe is my enemy, and I believe he hates me so he would do almostanything to injure me but I do not wish to think that a fellow like himeven would stoop to such a dastardly trick as to betray old Yale. "

"You always think every fellow is white till you are convinced to thecontrary beyond the shadow of a doubt. "

"I had rather believe all men honest and deceive myself in that mannerthan to suspect everybody and thus think that one honest man was arogue. "

Harry regarded Frank in a queer manner, slowly shaking his head, butsaying nothing more. For all that they had been friends and roommatesfor a year and a half, Rattleton was forced to confess to himself thatthere still remained many things about Merriwell that he could notunderstand. 

That Frank was shrewd Harry knew, and yet Merriwell sometimes seemed todeliberately deceive himself by thinking that certain fellows werehonest when he should have known better. It seemed the hardest thing inthe world for Frank to be convinced that any fellow was thoroughly bad, even though that person might be an enemy who had endeavored innumerous ways to do him an injury. 

"Merriwell seems to come out all right in everything, " thoughtRattleton; "but it would not be the luck of any other fellow who daredtake the chances he does. "

CHAPTER XXIV. 

TWO WARNINGS. 

The morning after the evening when Frank saw the mysterious stranger infront of Traeger's he received a warning note through the mail. It readas follows:

"Be constantly on your guard. Your enemies are plotting to do youserious injury. I shall do what I can to foil them, but you had betterwatch out. "

It was unsigned, and the handwriting was cramped and awkward, as if theperson who wrote it was not accustomed to handle a pen. 

"Well, I wonder what sort of a game this is!" cried Frank, in disgust. "It is a fake, pure and simple!"

Rattleton was at his side. 

"What is it?" asked Harry. 

"Read that!" invited Frank, thrusting the anonymous warning into theready hands of his friend. 

Harry glanced it over and then whistled softly. 

"Rot!" he cried. "Anybody can see that's lot on the nevel--I mean not onthe level. "

"But what sort of a game is it?" questioned Frank, in perplexity. "If itwas an appointment to meet somebody somewhere, or even a warning to stayaway from some place, I could see something in it; but the merestatement that enemies are plotting to injure me doesn't indicate muchin this case. "

"It seems to indicate that somebody fakes you for a tool--no, takes youfor a fool!" spluttered Rattleton. 

Frank's face grew scornful. 

"That somebody may find out that it is not entirely healthy to trycrooked games with me, " he grimly said. "I believe I see through thetrick. "

"What is it, then?"

"This bogus warning will be followed by another. The other will go alittle further than this. Then will come the third, which will be theone intended to draw me into some sort of a trap. Oh, the game is toothin!"

Harry looked into his roommate's face, and saw that Frank Merriwell wasaroused at last. 

"What are you going to do?" asked Rattleton. 

"I am going to have a few words with Fred Flemming at the firstopportunity. I have been easy with Flemming, for I could not believe thefellow all bad, even though he had tried to injure me, but, if he isgoing to hire a ruffian like this unknown man to try to work my ruin, Ishall draw the lines on Mr. Flemming. He is rich, but that will not savehim. "

"They say he has money to burn. "

"I don't care if he is a Monte Cristo. He cannot ride over me with allhis money, and I do not believe that a scoundrel will be tolerated atYale after his villainy is exposed, even though he may be rich and haveinfluential parents and connections. "

"What do you think the game is?"

"As to that I am more or less at sea; but I believe that the bribe whichwas offered me to throw the ball game to Harvard was a trap meant towork my undoing. "

"Flemming must have known your hand would not permit you to play in thatgame, so he could not have been in that piece of business. "

"My dear boy, I do not fancy I was expected to pitch that game. It wasthought that I would keep the money. That money was marked. This manwould have gone forth and blowed that he had bribed me. He would havetold what marked money he had given me. I should have beencornered--perhaps arrested--then searched. You see what that would havemeant. The marked money would have been found on my person. It wouldhave been exactly as the stranger had described it. It is certain thatsomebody was watching and saw him give me the money. That person wouldhave testified against me. Then Frank Merriwell's college career wouldhave come to a sudden termination. In some ways it was a bungling plot, and in others it was crafty enough. "

"But a cool thousand--that was an awful roll to push at a fellow!"

"It was a bold and desperate stroke, and the fact that such a sum wasoffered shows that the one who put up the job knew I could not be boughtwith a petty amount. He did not know that it made no difference whetherit was one dollar or one million--I would not sell my honor and betraydear old Yale for any sum!"

"You have other enemies besides Flemming. "

"Yes--Thornton. "

"He doesn't count, for he lacks nerve. "

"Whom do you mean?"

"Harris does not love you. "

"It will be a long time before Sport Harris will venture to lift a handagainst me again, for the memory of the fate of his comrade, Hartwick, is too vivid before him. Hartwick brought disgrace and ruin on himselfby trying to injure me. He was forced to leave college, and then, whenhe came back to New Haven and put up that race-track job on me, hefinished his own downfall by robbing his father in order that he mighthave a sum of money to stake against me, feeling sure I must lose. Directly after that race he was arrested. "

"What was done about that matter? Was he sent to prison?"

"No; his father would not press the case; but I have heard that the oldman's heart is broken by Hartwick's actions. The worthless rascal wasthe apple of the old man's eye. His father had expected to see him gothrough college and graduate with flying colors. The disgrace has bowedthe father with grief, and it is said he cannot live long. "

"Then Hartwick will get all his money. "

"No. The old man has made a will that cuts Evan off with a very smallsum. The rest of the money and estate goes to other relatives and tocharity. "

"And Evan Hartwick brought all this on himself by his dastardly attemptsto injure you. It should be a warning to others. "

"It is an old saying that 'the way of the transgressor is hard, ' but itseems to take human beings a long time to become convinced that it isabsolutely true. "

Frank kept his eyes open, and waited for the second warning, which hefelt sure would come. 

He was not mistaken, for it came near night. 

A boy appeared at Frank's door, and handed over a sealed envelope, whichhe explained he had received from a man with a heavy beard. He said hehad been paid a quarter of a dollar to deliver it. 

Frank tore it open and read:

"You will be invited to go to the theatre to-night. Do not go. Yourenemies will be on the watch for you. "

"Oh. I knew it was coming!" cried Frank, scornfully. "It is a flimsytrick! It actually disgusts me!"

Harry was out, and Merriwell was alone. 

Later Harry came in, accompanied by Diamond, Browning, Griswold andCreighton. 

"I say, old man, " cried Charlie Creighton, addressing Frank, "we havesomething on for to-night, and we want you to take a hand. "

"You may take a few rotten eggs or decayed vegetables with that hand, ifyou like, " grinned Griswold. 

Frank remembered the second warning. Of the party Creighton was the onlyfellow he did not know very well, and, if there was an enemy among them, Creighton must be the man. 

Frank resolved to show no suspicion. 

"What's up?" he asked. 

"To-night, " cried Griswold, dramatically, "the curtain will go up on oneof the greatest tragedies ever enacted on any stage--nit!"

"Hush!" whispered Creighton, mysteriously. "Whisper it softly. 'UncleTom's Cabin' is in town, with two _Little Evas_, two _Marks_, threereal Siberian bloodhounds, bred in New Jersey, and a jackass. "

"The jackass is the manager of the company, " grinned Griswold. 

"I presume you have heard of that immortal play, 'Uncle Tom's Cabin, 'Mr. Merriwell?" questioned Creighton. 

"Methinks I have, " assured Frank. 

"'Methinks' is good, " nodded Creighton. "It has a fat sound. "

"Eh?" grunted Browning, who already had deposited his corpulent body onthe couch. "Did anybody speak to me?"

"Ah, Mr. Browning, " said Creighton, "I think you said as we were comingalong that you have had the pleasure of seeing 'Uncle Tom's Cabin'?"

"Yes, I said so. "

"Then permit me to inquire if you have ever seen 'Ten Nights in aBarroom'?"

"No, " grunted Bruce; "but I have seen ten barrooms in a night. "

"Here, hold up!" cried Griswold, promptly. "That belongs to me, and Ihave used it on everybody I could hit with it. "

"Never mind, " murmured Browning. "It is a good thing, so we'll have tomove it along. "

"Seriously, " said Diamond, "there is a crummy 'Uncle Tom's Cabin'company at a cheap theatre in town, and Creighton has purchased a box. He wants us to go along. "

"That's the idea, " acknowledged Charlie. "All the fellows are onto it, and there will be two or three hundred Yale boys there. We won't do athing to the hamfatters!"

Frank smiled. He saw that it would be an opportunity for any amount ofsport he was sure, and the mere thought of it made him eager to go. 

But he remembered the warning. It was most remarkable that theinvitation to the theatre had followed so closely after the receipt ofthe note from the unknown. 

"Of course you'll go, old fellow?" cried Creighton, who saw thatMerriwell was hesitating. 

"Of course he will!" cried Rattleton. "Merry is always in for a littleracket of this sort. "

"He is always foremost in anything of the kind, " said Diamond. 

"That is why I want him in my box, " smiled Creighton. "Oh, we won't do athing in that box--not a thing! I have ordered plenty of fizz on ice, and--oh, but you do not drink fizz, do you, Merriwell?"

"No, " said Frank; "but I am no temperance crank, and I do not makemyself offensive by trying to convince everybody else that men who dodrink are fools. College lads should have brains enough to know whatthey want and what they do not want, and it is impertinent for anyfellow to go around trying to make Good Templars of men who enjoy aglass of beer or wine now and then. "

Creighton impulsively grasped Frank's hand. 

"Merriwell, " he cried, "by example you are the best possible temperancelecture, and you will make more converts by keeping still than bypreaching. "

"There may be something in that, " admitted Frank. "I knew a parson onceon a time who never mentioned religion unless some one broached thesubject, except when he was in the pulpit. His name was Lamfear. He didnot go around with his face drawn down, asking everybody if they hadreceived salvation and loved the Lord. I admired him more than anyparson I ever knew, and I used to go to his church Sundays to hear himpreach. He was a good man, although he seemed to enjoy seeing boys playbaseball and skate and coast and fly kites. I remember that one time heput on skates himself, and took a spin on the river with the boys andgirls. Now I know that man did more good by keeping still about religionthan he could have done had he dinned it into the ears of everybody hemet. Every one saw he was a good man, for his daily life told that. Allthe young folks admired him as much as they disliked another old parsonwho was forever talking about the wickedness of the world and thegoodness of the Lord, and collaring persons everywhere to ask them whythey did not attend church oftener. Good old Parson Lamfear! May histribe increase!"

"Well, " said Griswold, "we'll let Parson Lamfear rest. What we want toknow is if you are with us to-night. "

"To go, or not to go? that is the burning question, " murmured Browning, as, still stretched on his back, he struck a match, lighted a cigarette, dropped part of the match on his chin, and gave a howl of pain. 

Frank suddenly made up his mind. 

"I'll go, " he said. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

THE THEATRE PARTY. 

It was a gay party that left South Middle that evening and started forthe theatre. Merriwell had not said a word to Rattleton concerning thereceipt of the second warning. A spirit of sheer reckless defiance ledhim to accept the invitation to the theatre, even though he had notwished to spend his time that evening in such a manner. 

"This may be a jolly, " he told himself; "if I were to stay away thefellows would have a horse on me sure. "

Creighton had a beautiful tenor voice, and as they started out beneaththe elms, he sang:

 "I shot an arrow into the air, It fell to earth--I know not where----"

Danny Griswold seemed to take a fiendish delight in giving a humoroustwist to anything sentimental, and so he interrupted with:

 "The next day a man came around And sold me dead dog at a dollar a pound. "

"If that were original I wouldn't mind, " said Creighton; "but you got itfrom some star vaudeville performance, you little runt. "

"That's where I get all my gags, " frankly confessed Griswold. "I storethem up for use, and they come in handy some time. "

"Some time, when you spring a stale joke, I shall be led to assassinateyou, " declared Bruce Browning. 

"Impossible!" cried Griswold. "That would be a crime. "

"Well, what's the odds?"

"You are too fat to commit a crime. "

"How is that?"

"It is difficult for fat persons to stoop to anything low, you know. "

"You seem to find considerable amusement because I am somewhatoverweight, " said Bruce, with attempted severity. 

"Not at all, " chirped Danny. "Some men are well enough in their weight, but this doesn't apply to coal dealers. "

"Say, Griswold, " called Rattleton, "what's the average fate for awool--no, I mean the average weight for a fool?"

"A simple ton, " replied the little fellow, quick as a flash. 

Frank clapped Danny on the back. 

"Good boy!" he exclaimed, laughing. "Rattleton didn't get ahead of youthat time. "

"It is hard for anybody to get ahead of me, " declared Griswold. "I amreally a lively man in a footrace, for my father is a watchmaker, and hehas given me instructions in the business. "

"I fuf-fuf-fuf, fail to see huh-huh-how that applies, " said Joe Gamp, alad with a serious impediment in his speech. 

"Why, you see I have learned how to make good time, " chuckled Danny. 

Gamp roared with laughter. He was a big, raw-boned, hulking fellow fromNew Hampshire, and his laugh was like the braying of a mule. Creightonhad invited Gamp to the theatre for the amusement the country lad wouldprovide. 

"He'll break the performers all up if he ever gets started laughing, "said Charlie to Merriwell. "When he gets going in good style nothingwill stop him. "

There was something about the country boy that Merriwell liked. Frankquickly decided that Joe was a big-hearted, honest fellow, such ablunder-heels that he was certain to provoke ridicule, and yetthoroughly worthy and deserving. 

In laughing, Gamp opened his mouth to the widest extent. He suddenlyclosed it, and clapped his hand to his jaw. 

"Jee-ru-sa-lem!" he gasped; "there gug-gug-gug-goes that old achingtut-tut-tooth of mine! I was careless to let the night air gug-gug-getinto it. "

"Why don't you have it pulled out?" asked Diamond. 

"I'm going to have it pup-pup-pup-pulled and all the rest of my'tut-'tut-'tarnel teeth just as soon as I can afford the money tobub-buy a new set, " declared Gamp, honestly. 

"Why spend your money in such a foolish way?" said Griswold, withapparent seriousness. "Save the dentist's bill. I know a dog that willinsert a full set of teeth free of charge. "

Open flew Gamp's mouth again, and his braying laugh caused a passingpedestrian to dodge so suddenly that he jumped from under his own hat. 

"Say!" exclaimed Charlie Creighton, getting hold of Griswold; "savethose till we get to the theatre. Then you can set him going, and we'llhave sport. "

"Can't save them, " declared Danny. "They have to come when theopportunity offers. "

And so they went on their way to the theatre, laughing and joking, singing snatches of college songs, and having a jolly time generally. 

Creighton had made no mistake in saying a large number of college ladswould be present. It seemed that there were at least two hundred in thetheatre, and it was apparent that they were there for "a racket. "

The moment Creighton's party entered the box a tall young man in thefirst row of orchestra seats arose and faced the house, soberly saying:

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is a most auspicious, not to say suspicious, occasion. It is probable that many of you were not aware that we were tobe honored to-night by having the privilege of witnessing theperformance in company with royal personages, but such is the fact. Theparty that has just entered the box on the right is the Prince ofChow-chow, who is accompanied by the Duke of Dublinstout, the Earl ofEasytogetajag, the Emperor of Buginhishead, the High Mogul of Whooperup, the Chief Pusher of Whangdoodleland and the Great Muckamuck ofHogansalley. Gentlemen, it is your privilege to salute them. "

Then every college boy in the house arose and bowed with great gravitytoward the box. 

"Well, this is sure to be a hot time!" laughed Merriwell, delighted. 

"You bet it is!" assured Charlie Creighton. "We'll make _Simon Legree_regret that he is living. "

An usher came down the aisle and remonstrated with the tall student. Thetall student replied to the usher with exaggerated politeness, declaringthat he meant no harm, but that he had felt it his duty to inform theaudience that such distinguished personages were in the box. 

Then when the tall young man sat down, as if by a prearranged signal, there was a wild outburst of applause, stamping of feet, whistlingcatcalls, and so forth. 

The musicians came out and began to put their instruments in tune. Theycomposed an orchestra carried with the troupe, and were, as Rattletonforcibly expressed it, "decidedly on the bum. "

Some of the musicians seemed to dread what was coming, for they lookedpale and agitated. 

"They know that some of the over-ripe vegetables and stale hen-fruitwhich the audience may toss at the performers is liable to fall short, "smiled Merriwell. 

Having tuned up after a fashion, the orchestra began to file away atsome sort of a medley. 

Griswold rolled his eyes and said:

"I am carried away with the music, as the monkey who was perched on thehand-organ remarked. "

It was with the utmost difficulty that the assembled students represseda desire to uplift their voices and drown the sounds which came from thewretched orchestra; but they felt that it would not do to alarm theplayers by too great a demonstration, and so the only interruptions tothe overture were a few catcalls. 

At last the curtain rolled up, and the play began. An ominous silenceseemed to hang over the audience. The actors were nervous at first, butas the silence continued and offensive demonstrations were notimmediately made, they gained courage and swung into their parts with asmuch enthusiasm and ability as possible. 

It is possible that the sight of two or three policemen at the back ofthe house gave the performers courage. The officers had been called into overawe the college lads in case they became too demonstrative. 

At length, in a very pathetic part of the first act, Griswold leanedover to Joe Gamp, and whispered:

"It is very touching, isn't it?"

"Yes, " said the country boy, chokingly, "it mum-mum-mum-makes mefuf-fuf-fuf-feel like th-th-thunder!"

He nearly blubbered outright, for he had never seen many plays, havingfound it necessary to spend his money with the greatest care, as he wasconfined to a certain allowance to take him through college. 

"And Uncle Tom's Bible, " said Danny--"it reminds me of a conundrum. Howwas the ark propelled?"

"Dud-dud-darned if I know. "

"By a Noah, of course, " explained Griswold. 

Gamp caught his breath, and then he lay back and roared:

"Haw! haw! haw! A-haw! a-haw! a-haw!"

This roar of laughter, coming as it did at a solemn and pathetic pointin the play, was most startling. _Uncle Tom_ came near collapsing on thestage, and the other actors were so disturbed that they got tangled intheir lines. 

The students caught on, and there was an immediate burst of applausethat swelled louder and louder. This died away most suddenly andunexpectedly, and Joe Gamp was heard to shout in his endeavor to makeGriswold hear:

"By jiminy! that was a good one! A-haw! a-haw! a-haw! a-haw!"

The lad from the country went off into another paroxysm of laughter, pressing his hands to his sides, and shutting his eyes, utterlyunconscious for the moment of his surroundings. 

Of a sudden Joe remembered that he was at the theatre. His mouth cametogether with a snap, his eyes flew open, and he ceased to laugh andstiffened up, with a frightened look on his face. 

The change was so ludicrous that the entire audience was convulsed, andthe actors could not help laughing. 

From that moment the play progressed under difficulties. In the scenewhere the slaves were being sold at auction some of the students beganto pepper the actors with pea-shooters, doing it cautiously, so thatthey would not be spotted in the act. Every time _Marks_ would open hismouth to say "seventy-five" he would be struck by one or more peas, which were fired with force sufficient to make them sting like hornets. 

"Seventy----Wow! Whoop!" yelled _Marks_, clapping a hand to the side ofhis face, and suddenly dancing an original can-can. 

"Five hundred, " cried _Legree_. 

"Seventy-fi---- We-e-e-ow! Stop it! Somebody is shooting things at me!"

_Marks_ had been spotted on the end of his long nose, to which he waswildly clinging with both hands, as he pranced around the stage. 

"What's the matter?" growled _Legree_, in a guarded tone, unable tounderstand what had happened. "Have you gone crazy, you fool? Stand upand bid!"

Then he cried: "Six hundred!"

"Seventy-five---- Hornets and blisters!" finished _Marks_, as he wasnailed by three or four peas. "I can't stand this! It's too much!"

He bolted off the stage. 

_Legree_ looked dismayed, and then he advanced to the footlights andaddressed the audience. 

"Ladies and gentlemen, " he said, "I trust you will excuse the gentlemanwho is playing the part of _Marks_. He has not been well for severaldays, and he is somewhat troubled with hallucinations. Of course we knowhis troubles are all imaginary, and---- Ye-e-e-ow! I'm shot!"

A pea had struck him squarely between the eyes, and he started back sosuddenly that he sat down on the stage as if he had been knocked off hisfeet. 

"A-haw! a-haw! a-haw!" roared the voice of Joe Gamp, and the audiencejoined in the shout of laughter. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

TRAPPED. 

There was an uproar in the theatre, which the ushers and the police wereunable to quell for some time. 

The curtain was rung down, and then, after a short wait, the managercame out and said the show would go on, if the audience would behave. Hethreatened to have the persons who were using the pea-shooters arrested, and this threat was greeted by hisses and catcalls. 

After a while, however, the curtain went up once more, and the playproceeded in a tangle of "real Siberian bloodhounds, " _Gumption Cutes_, _Marks_, _Topsies_, _Little Evas_, escaping slaves, slave hunters andgeneral excitement and confusion. 

It was plain that the actors feared further trouble, and they wererushing through their lines, eager to get off the stage as soon aspossible. 

The bloodhounds were cheered by the students and peppered with peas. When _Topsy_ declared she "nebber was born, but jes' growed, " some oneinquired the name of the fertilizer used in her rearing. When thejackass appeared, a solemn voice from some uncertain part of the theatrecalled the attention of the audience to the "leading actor of thecolossal aggregation. " _Little Eva_ was invited to exhibit her wings. 

The college boys were irrepressible, and yet they did not do anything toabsolutely break up the show, although Joe Gamp's haw-haws came nearproving disastrous several times. 

A policeman came down to the box and threatened to arrest Joe, but hewas pacified by Creighton, who had a decidedly smooth way of "fixingthings. "

Frank Merriwell remained quiet until near the end of the play, enjoyingthe sport the other fellows were making. At last, however, he decided toproduce some amusement himself. 

Frank was a very good amateur ventriloquist, although he seldompracticed the art. Now, however, he saw his opportunity. 

_Little Eva_ was on her deathbed, and the mourners were assembled about. All at once one of the mourners seemed to say:

"This business is on the bum. "

Every one started and stared. The actors were astounded, and theaudience amused. Then the death agony went on until another of thewatchers by _Eva's_ side observed:

"It makes me sick!"

The manager was heard to hiss from the shelter of the wings:

"I'll make you sick when you come off!"

"Oh, go fall on yourself, you old cheat!" the actor seemed to flingback. 

Then _Little Eva_, in her death agony, apparently remarked:

"Give it to the old duffer! He owes me six weeks' salary, and I'll quitdying right now if the ghost doesn't walk immediately!"

This brought laughter and hearty applause from the college lads. 

When the applause had subsided _Uncle Tom_ apparently observed:

"He can't get ahead of me. I've put an attachment on the jackass. "

This was more than the excitable manager could stand, and he rushedonto the stage, shaking his fist at _Uncle Tom_ and crying:

"Confound you! I don't owe you a cent! You obliged me to pay up beforeyou would go on to-night!"

And then he nearly collapsed when he realized what his anger had led himto do and say. 

The college lads arose from their seats and cheered. 

Standing in the front of the box, Charlie Creighton shouted:

"This is the best part of the show, fellows. Let's give 'em one!Now--all together!"

Then the Yale yell pealed forth, and _Little Eva_ came near dying inreality from heart failure. 

This broke up the show entirely, and the curtain came down with a rush, while the frightened orchestra made haste to disappear. From behind thecurtain the manager shouted that the show was over, and the laughing, tumultuous students hurried out of theatre. 

"Well, Merriwell, " said Charlie Creighton, "how have you enjoyed theevening?"

"Immensely, " laughed Frank. 

"It was a regular sus-sus-sus-circus, " declared Joe Gamp. "Never had somuch fuf-fuf-fuf-fuf-fun in all my bub-born days!"

"We had them on a string, like a kite, " murmured Bruce Browning. 

"And that's what made them soar, " chuckled Griswold. 

Just as the street was reached, Frank gave a slight exclamation, andquickly forced his way through the crowd toward a man who was near athand. 

That man was the mysterious stranger. 

The unknown seemed to be watching Merriwell, for he whirled about andhastened away the moment Frank started in his direction. 

"Oh, I want to get my hands on that fellow!" grated Frank. 

The man did his best to escape, but Merriwell was close after him. Thestranger hurried along a street, and Frank broke into a run. Then theunknown glanced over his shoulder, and started to run himself. 

"Hold on!" commanded Frank. 

That made the stranger run the faster. 

Frank followed, but could see nothing of the person he was pursuing. 

"He must have dodged into a doorway, " decided the lad. "No--here iswhere he went, down this alley. "

The mouth of a dark alley was before him, and he plunged into it. He didnot go far before he decided that further pursuit was folly, and heturned back. 

"He's slippery, " muttered the boy; "but I'll catch him some time, if hecontinues to shadow me. "

Dark forms appeared at the mouth of the alley, and a hoarse whisper cameto Merriwell's ears:

"He went in here, and the alley is blind, so he can't get out. Dohim--and do him dirty!"

For all that Frank had been often in desperate peril, something aboutthis situation chilled him to the heart. The uncanny darkness, theunknown alley, his creeping foes coming down upon him, possibly withdeadly intent, all served to make him feel weak and helpless for themoment. 

There are times when the bravest heart shrinks with dread, and, for allthat Frank was a lad with remarkable nerve, it is not strange that hefelt a thrill of fear at that moment. 

It is claimed that men have lived who "never knew the meaning of theword fear, " and it is possible that this may be true; but in case theyever were placed in situations of extreme peril, such persons must havebeen lacking in some of the essential elements that compose a humanbeing. We think of them as deficient in certain ways, wanting in thefiner qualities, and naturally coarse and brutish. 

It is the person who experiences fear and conquers it by his owndetermination to do so who is the greatest hero. 

One of the bravest generals America has produced, a man who had thereputation of being utterly fearless, once was asked if he ever had beenafraid while in battle. "No, sir, " was his reply, "never in battle; butsometimes just before going into an engagement, I have felt it necessaryto keep my teeth clinched to prevent my heart from jumping out of mymouth. "

Still the men whom he commanded never knew that he experienced a singlethrill of fear. He conquered his trepidation by his wonderful willpower, and always in battle he appeared perfectly unaware that there wasthe least danger. Indeed, he was sometimes criticised for his apparentrecklessness in exposing himself to deadly peril. 

Frank Merriwell never courted peril, and he avoided danger when he coulddo so in a manly way and without lowering his own sense of dignity. 

Once engaged in a dangerous encounter, or forced into a position ofperil, Frank's blood arose, and he seemed to be seized by a recklessdisregard of his personal safety. Then it was that he laughed in asingular manner, and his enemies had learned that he was the mostdangerous when that laugh sounded from his lips. 

As he heard those unknown foes creeping down upon him in the darkness ofthe alley, Frank crouched close to the ground, and felt about with hishand for some weapon of defense. 

Fear suddenly gave place to anger, and he longed to retaliate on hisenemies. He knew well enough that the men creeping down upon him werehired tools, chosen by his foes to do him severe bodily injury. 

"Oh, for a club--a stone--anything!" he thought. 

But his hand found nothing that suited his need at that moment. 

The cautiously advancing men came nearer and nearer. He could hear themwhispering to each other, and they seemed to block the entire width ofthe narrow alley. He could not make out their number, but he was surethere must be several of them. 

"Can yer see him, Jake?"

"No, an' I can't hear him neither. "

"But he's here somewhere, and they say he'll fight. Look out fer him. "

Frank heard these whispered words, and then, without realizing that hewas about to do so, he laughed!

There were hoarse cries, curses and blows. A savage struggle suddenlywas begun in the dark alley. 

Frank had hoped to break through the line of his foes by his suddenrush, but he was not successful, although his hard right fist knocked aman down with his first blow. 

Then he received a shock that seemed to cause a thousand bright lightsto flash before his eyes, and he knew he had been struck on the headwith some sort of weapon. 

The boy staggered. Uttering hoarse exclamations, his assailants, likebeasts of prey, sprang upon him. 

"Give it to him!" cried a voice. 

With new strength, Frank twisted and squirmed. In doing so, he threw hishead from side to side, and it chanced that he succeeded in saving itfrom the blows which were intended to render him helpless. 

Those blows, many of them, at least, fell on his shoulders and his backwith benumbing force. 

He forgot that his left hand was not yet well, but he used it as freelyand as vigorously as his right. 

And, once more, something like a laugh came from his lips. 

"Hear him!" hissed one of the ruffians. "Why, he's a perfect youngfiend!"

But Frank could not long hold his own against such odds. Some of theblows aimed at his head fell glancingly, but they were enough to rob himin a measure of his strength. He tried to tear away, and then he wasfelled to the ground. 

Merriwell felt that "the jig was up" with him. They had him at theirmercy, at last. 

Then it was that a surprising thing happened. With encouraging cries, two men came through the darkness and attacked the boy's assailants. 

That the new arrivals on the battlefield were armed with heavy clubs wasapparent, and they used them mercilessly on the ruffians. 

This attack was unexpected by Frank's assailants, and they could notmeet it. Immediately they turned and fled, pursued by one of the men whohad set upon them. 

Just then, apparently disturbed by the sounds of the fight, some personcame to a nearby window with a lighted lamp. 

The light shone out into the alley, and fell on Frank Merriwell and oneof the men who had saved him. 

"Plug Kirby!" gasped Frank, sitting up. 

"Dat's wot, me boy!" cried the bruiser, cheerfully. "An' I kinder t'inkwe didn't git round any too quick neider. "

"You came just in time. "

"Be yer hurt much, youngster?" asked Kirby, anxiously, assisting Frankto arise. 

"I think not. Got a few cracks and was upset, but that is all. Where isthe man who was with you?"

"He whooped it along after der gang. Kinder t'ink he wanted ter ketchone of der blokes an' hold him fer der perlice ter pinch. "

"Who was he?"

"Dunno. "

"What?" cried Frank, astonished--"don't know who was with you when youcame to my aid?"

"Well, I dunno his name, youngster, and that's on der level. "

Frank was eager to ask more questions, but Plug said:

"We'd best push outer dis. Dunno wot'll happen if we stays here toolong. Der gang might come back. "

So they hurried out of the alley, Frank receiving some assistance fromKirby, as he was rather dizzy when he tried to walk. 

When the street was reached no one seemed to be in the immediatevicinity. 

"Shall we wait for your friend?" asked Merriwell. 

"Naw, " answered Plug. "He ain't likely ter come back. "

A short time later they were seated at a table in a nearby resort, andFrank was treating Kirby. 

Frank had examined his own injuries, and discovered they were notserious, although it was likely that he would be sore about the head andshoulders from the bruises he had received. 

"Now tell me, " urged Frank, "who was with you when you came to myassistance? I am eager to know. "

"I tole yer dat I don't know der cove's name, but I do know dat he isall right an' on der level. "

"Well, how is that you do not know his name?"

"Never asked him. "

"How do you happen to know him?"

"Well, yer see, it was dis way: I was inter Jackson's der odder evenin'takin' me nightcap. Dere was some fellers in dere wot was college chaps, and dey was talkin' about races and t'ings. Pretty soon dey saidsomet'ing about you. Some of 'em was hard on you, an' dat got me mad up. I jes' waded inter der gang an' offered ter lick anybody wot didn'tt'ink you was der clean stuff. "

Frank smiled a bit, realizing that he had, indeed, made a firm friend ofthis bruiser who had once tried to whip him, but had received a severedrubbing, instead. 

"Dey didn't want ter shove up against me, " Kirby went on, "an' dey gotout right away. Den a man walks up ter me, and he says I was all right, an' he blows me. He continues ter blow me, an' ask me questions aboutyou. Arter a while, he asks me if I would fight fer you if I had derchance. 'Would I!' says I, jes' like dat. 'Well, old sport, show me derchance!' Den he says dat you has some enemies wot is plannin' ter doyer, an' he might be able ter give me a chance ter put in a few licksfer yer. 

"Well, dis evenin', as I was inter Jackson's, who should come in an'call me aside but dis same cove. He says ter me, 'Kirby'--he had foundout me name--'Kirby, ' says he, jes' like dat, 'I'm goin' ter give yerdat chance ter put in some licks fer Frank Merriwell. '

"Den he tells me dat he were in a place an' heard a scheme ter put sometoughs onter yer ter-night w'en yer was goin' home from der t'eeter. Deyhad heard some feller say dat he was goin' ter invite yer ter be in erbox wid him at der t'eeter, an' so dey knew yer was goin'. 

"Dat's all, 'cept dat me an' der bloke wot was wid me went ter dert'eeter, him payin' all expenses, an' we kept watch of yer. W'en we cameout, you started fer him, an' he hooked it. I was s'prised, but Ifollered. Den I found dere was odders follerin', an der gang run yer inhere. Der feller I was wid, as was in a doorway nigh der alley all dertime, skipped back fer me, an' we jumped right down inter der alley, takin' some heavy canes, wot we had wid us all der time. You know wothappened arter dat. "

Frank was puzzled and mystified. He asked Plug to describe themysterious man, and Kirby did so. This added to Frank's wonderment, forthe description tallied with that of the stranger who had tried to bribehim to throw a ball game to Harvard; but that it could be the same man, even though everything indicated that it must be, Frank could notbelieve. 

That night, after going to bed, Frank lay awake for hours, thinking ofthe stranger and the mystery which surrounded him. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

AN EMISSARY FROM THE WEST. 

Frank was determined to solve the mystery of the unknown man. He did nottell Rattleton everything concerning his adventure of the previousnight, although he was forced to explain that he had been in anencounter, and that he did not know who his assailants were. 

The theatre party had wondered greatly at Frank's sudden disappearance, and Frank confessed that he had followed the mysterious unknown, who hadgiven him the slip. 

"That fellow is playing the shadow on you, Frank, " cried Harry, indignantly. "He's up to some sort of crookedness. "

"He must bear a charmed life, or he would have been killed the night hejumped from the New London special, " said Frank. 

"He decided it was best to take chances by jumping rather than to fallinto the hands of Old Eli's sons, and I think he was right. "

Creighton came around to inquire how it happened that Merriwelldisappeared so suddenly the previous evening. 

Since the boat race Creighton had sought Merriwell's company, althoughhe had scarcely given Frank any attention before that. 

Creighton was a prominent society man and had considerable influence atYale; his friendship was of value to any fellow on whom he saw fit tobestow it. 

His father was rich, and Charlie spent money freely, as his whimsdictated. Not even those with whom he was not on friendly terms, however, could justly accuse him of being a cad. 

"Awfully jolly time last night, " yawned Creighton. "It was ratherkiddish, but it is a relief to play the boy once in a while. It cappedthe whole business when the actors themselves finished the fun by givingthe manager away in the last act. "

Frank smiled, but did not explain his connection with the crowning eventof the evening. 

"Jove! I'm hungry, " Charlie declared. "Come on, Merriwell andRattleton, we'll go down to Bob's, and have a chop. "

He would not take no for an answer, and so, a few minutes later, thetrio crossed the campus, Creighton in the middle, his arms locked withthose of the other lads. All were laughing and joking in a light-heartedmanner. 

Creighton took them directly to a restaurant that was famous for itschops. They ordered, Charlie and Harry taking ale with their food. 

Just as the chops were brought on, a man came in and took a seat at atable nearby. This man was dressed in a new suit of "store clothes, " andwore a full beard. He gave his order to the waiter in a low tone, andthen began perusing a paper, behind which his face was almost entirelyhidden. 

Rattleton happened to sit so that he naturally looked toward the man, and, several times, he caught that individual peering over the top ofthe paper. It did not take Harry long to note that the person with thepaper seemed to be watching Frank Merriwell. 

Suddenly Frank's roommate arose, and, with two swift steps, he was atthe man's side. Without a word, Harry caught the gentleman by thebeard, which he gave a sharp jerk. 

The beard came off in Harry's hand!

It was false!

"Look, Frank!" cried Rattleton, pointing at the smooth-shaven faceexposed; "it is the mysterious man who has been following you about!"

It was in truth the mysterious unknown, and Frank was on his feet in atwinkling, resolved not to let the man escape till he had given a fullexplanation of his remarkable conduct. 

To Merriwell's surprise, the stranger showed no desire to run away, butsat smiling serenely up at him, calmly observing:

"Do not excite yourself, Mr. Merriwell; there is no reason for it. Ihave completed my business in a most satisfactory manner, and I am nowready to explain everything to you. "

"It is an explanation which I expect and demand, " said Frank, coldly. "It is no more than fair that I should have one, as you have shownyourself my persistent enemy, and that without any just cause that Iknow of. "

"You are mistaken, " returned the man; "instead of your enemy, I havebeen your firm friend from the very first. "

"I fail to see how you can make that out. "

"I will call at your rooms this evening and give you a fullexplanation. "

"No!" cried Frank, promptly, "you will give me an explanation here andimmediately. "

"I do not think you will press me to that, " was the calm assertion. "Imight speak of affairs of a personal and family nature. "

"You--you speak of such affairs--to me? Now it strikes me that you areattempting a bluff, sir; but it will not work. "

The stranger reached into his pocket and took out something, which heheld up before Frank's eyes. 

"This, " he said, with confidence, "will convince you that I speaknothing but the truth. "

"My father's ring!" gasped Frank. 

"Yes, " bowed the man; "it is the ring that led him to one of the richestmines in the Southwest. He said that it would simply be necessary for meto show it to you, and you would know that he sent me. Shall I callthis evening, Mr. Merriwell?"

"If you please, sir, " said Frank, bowing respectfully. 

The boys were surprised, but Frank said he would explain some timelater. 

That evening the stranger called, as he had said he would. Frank hadtaken pains to run Harry out of the room, so they were quite alone. Theboy locked the door, as a precaution against unwelcome interruptions. 

The mysterious man introduced himself as David Scott, the confidentialagent of Charles Merriwell, Frank's unfortunate father, who had spentthe best years of his life and separated himself from his family andfriends in the mad search after "phantom fortune. "

At last Charles Merriwell had "struck it rich, " and he was now a verywealthy man; but he was broken in health, and he often feared for hisreason. As Charles Merriwell had been eccentric and unfathomable all hislife while poor, thus he remained now that he was rich. Of late he hadbeen seized by a conviction that he could not live long, and it was hisdesire to make a will that would give almost his entire wealth to hisson. But before he made such a will, Mr. Merriwell decided to know justwhat sort of a young man his son had become. As he did not feel likeleaving his mine and going East to investigate, he sent his confidentialclerk, David Scott. 

In his instructions to Scott, Charles Merriwell showed the peculiaritiesof his character. He provided the agent with plenty of money, andinstructed him to thoroughly probe the inward character of the youthabout which he was to acquire information. Scott was instructed todiscover all of Frank's bad habits, and to determine if the lad could beled astray by evil influence, or in any other manner. The agent hadcarried out his instructions to his complete satisfaction, and hecomplimented the blushing boy on his integrity of character and sterlingmanhood. 

Scott explained how he had pretended to ally himself with Frank's foes, and thus had heard the plots against the boy. He had sent Frank thewarnings, and he had secured the aid of Plug Kirby to aid him in beatingoff Merriwell's ruffianly assailants. 

"I scarcely think you will be troubled any more by your enemies, "declared Scott. "I had a session with them last night, after the failureof their attempt on you, and I sent the varmints scurrying for talltimber in a hurry. I told them that I was your friend, and not yourenemy, and that I would come up as a witness against them if you saw fitto prosecute them. Then they begged me to keep still, and agreed to letup on you for good and all if I wouldn't chirp. I made the galoots nopromises. "

For hours Frank and Scott sat and talked of Charles Merriwell, hishealth, his mine and his plans. And when the man departed, it was with aletter from Frank Merriwell to Charles Merriwell in his possession. 

The next evening Frank received a call which surprised him greatly. Whatit was the next chapter will tell. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

FRIENDS OR FOES. 

Thump--bang! thump--bang!

"Open this door!"

Thumpety--thump--bang! bang; bang!

"Open this door, or I will dake it brown--I mean I will break it down!"

Harry was excited. 

"Hold on a moment, can't you?" cried the laughing voice of Frank fromwithin the room. 

Harry was pressing against the door with one hand, having rained theheavy blows upon it with the other hand, which was clinched in a mostthreatening manner. 

The door flew open with a suddenness that precipitated Rattleton intothe room with a headlong rush and plunged him plump into the stomach ofa young man who happened to be in the way. 

"Ugh!"

"Wow!"

Bump! bump!--both went down, clasped in each other's arms. 

Two other lads stood staring at the fallen ones. They were FrankMerriwell and Fred Flemming. 

Tom Thornton was the unfortunate who stood in the way of Rattleton'sheadlong rush. 

And Harry, quite unintentionally, had struck Thornton a smart blow withhis clinched fist. 

At that moment it did look as if the excited lad had rushed into theroom with the premeditated purpose of hitting Tom. 

"Here! here!--break away!" cried Merriwell, sharply. 

"Not much!" panted Tom, in excitement and anger. "Think I'm going to lethim go, so he can hit me again?"

"Catch hold, Flemming, " ordered Frank--"catch hold of your friend, andwe'll part them. "

He grasped Rattleton by the collar as he spoke, but Fred made no move topull Thornton away. 

Seeing this, Merriwell obtained a firm hold on the collars of both Harryand Tom, and, with a surprising display of strength, wrenched themapart, yanked them to their feet, and held them at arm's length. 

"Steady, now!" he cried, as they seemed to betray a desire to get ateach other. "Quit it!"

"He struck me!" cried Thornton. 

"It was antirely excidental--no, entirely accidental, " declared Harry, flourishing his arms. 

Tom dodged. 

"Well, you act as if you are trying to bring about another accident, " hesaid. "I know you hit me intentionally, and I'll make you pay for it, too!"

"Bah! you can't make me pay for anything!" flung back Harry, his angeraroused by Thornton's words. 

"Do you think you can run around punching fellows in this way withoutgetting it back? You'll find you are mistaken!"

"You were in my way when I came in. "

"I didn't have time to get out of your way. "

"Well, what's all this about anyway?" demanded Frank. "Are you fellowstrying to settle some sort of a score?"

"It looks to me, " said Flemming, stiffly, "as if Mr. Rattleton tookadvantage of our presence in this room to strike Thornton. "

"Well, what are you chaps here for, anyway?" demanded Harry. "That iswhat I would like to know. We don't run in your class, and so----"

"Hold up, old man, " interrupted Merriwell, promptly. "Mr. Flemming andMr. Thornton called to see me about a personal matter. "

"I thought so, " declared Rattleton, "and I decided you would get theworst end of it, as they were two to your one--and the door was locked. If they are here to do you, count me into it. I'll take care of thisfellow Thornton while you polish off Flemming. "

"We did not come here to fight, " said Fred, haughtily. 

"Didn't?" exclaimed Harry, in surprise. "Then what sort of a game areyou up to, for I know it is something crooked?"

Flemming tossed his head. 

"Mr. Rattleton, " he said, "your language is very offensive to me. "

"Had to glear it--I mean glad to hear it, " shot back Rattleton, rudely. "I didn't want you to misunderstand me. "

"Mr. Merriwell, " said Fred, turning to Frank, "I think we had better go. Our business was with you, and Mr. Rattleton seems determined to raise aquarrel with us. As you know, we did not come here to quarrel, and, regarding Mr. Rattleton as your friend, we will endeavor to overlook hisbehavior and insulting language. "

"But we cannot forget it, " added Thornton, giving Harry a fierce look. "It will be remembered. "

"I am sure I don't want you to forget it, " flung back Rattleton. 

"Come, Tom, " urged Flemming, "we will go. Good-day, Mr. Merriwell. "

Frank released Thornton, who followed Flemming from the room, simplypausing at the door to say:

"Good-by, Mr. Merriwell. "

"Good-by, " smiled Frank. 

And then, when the door had closed behind them, Frank dropped into achair and laughed softly but heartily. 

"Well, I fail to fee anything sunny about it--I mean I fail to seeanything funny about it, " growled Rattleton, prancing fiercely up anddown the room. "If you'll tell me where the laugh comes in, I'llsnicker, just to keep you company. "

"The whole thing is very funny, " laughed Merriwell. "Why, you were eagerto hammer Thornton, and the fellow was afraid you would, for all thebluff he put up. "

"It would have given me great satisfaction to thump him, " confessedHarry; "for I know it is exactly what he deserves. What were they up to, anyway? That's what puzzles me. I expected to find that they had doneyou up. "

"Oh, nothing of the sort!"

"But they were up to some crooked game--I know it. I thought they hadfastened the door, so that they could do the job without beinginterrupted. "

"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed Frank. "That explains why you looked as if youwere literally thirsting for gore when you lunged into the room andgrappled with Thornton. "

"Did I hit him?"

"You had your fist clinched, and you may have given him a slight rap inyour excitement. "

"Well, I did not give him that rap intentionally; if I had, he'd foundsomething entirely different. By jingoes! I may get the chance to showhim the difference some time!"

"You'd better drop it, old man. "

"Eh? Drop it?"

"That's what I said, Harry, and that is what I meant, my boy. "

"But why? I don't think I understand you. Those fellows are yourenemies, and that makes them mine. "

"They have been my enemies, but we have had a peace conference. "

"The dickens!"

"And we buried the hatchet. "

"Well, I didn't suppose you could be fooled so easy! I knew they were upto some sort of a game--I knew it. "

"Well, what sort of a game do you think it was?"

"They're trying to fool you--trying to make you think they are ready tobury the hatchet, while they are still waiting to hit you behind yourback whenever they can. That's the kind of chaps they are. They can'tfool me, if they can you. If they can lull you into carelessness tilltheir opportunity comes, they will drive the knife into you, and sink itdeep. Don't mink I'm thisted--I mean don't think I'm twisted. I am deadcertain of the sort of cattle I'm talking about. You will be playingright into their hands if you get the idea that they have let up on youin the least. When they get a good chance, you'll get it in the neck. "

"Well, Harry, you may be right; but I have reasons to believe thatFlemming is anxious to call a truce just at present. He made a seriousmistake when he tried to enlist David Scott against me. Scott found outall of Flemming's plots and secured enough evidence of the fellow'srascality to cause his expulsion from Yale if it were made public. "

"Well, it should be made public immediately. "

"Oh, I don't know about that! Expulsion from college might mean the ruinof Flemming's future. "

"If he keeps on, he'll do that, whether he is expelled or not. "

"If he does it himself, I shall not have it on my conscience. If I wereto bring about his expulsion, and he went to the dogs, I might blamemyself for it, thinking he would have done differently had he remainedhere. Do you catch on?"

"I catch on that you are dead easy with your enemies till they force youto down them for good. "

"But when they do compel me to down them----"

"I will acknowledge that you always do a good job, " said Rattleton, withan approving grin. 

"Mr. Scott believed that I should be severe with Flemming and Thornton, "admitted Frank; "but I knew that Thornton was dragged into the businessby Flemming, without having any real heart for what he was doing. If Iwere to expose Flemming, it would implicate Thornton, and that seemedtoo much of a retaliation. I thought the whole matter over carefully, and decided to give the fellows a chance. Then Mr. Scott went to themand nearly frightened the life out of them by saying he meant to exposethem to the faculty. That brought them to their knees immediately. "

Rattleton expressed his satisfaction by a vigorous pantomime. 

"Finally, " continued Frank, "when they had begged and promised, Mr. Scott agreed to let up on them if they would come to me, offerapologies, and give me their pledge to let me alone in the future. "

"And that is how they happened to be here to-day?"

"Yes. "

"Why was the door locked?"

"I locked it to prevent any of the fellows from dropping in on us whilewe were talking the matter over. "

"Well, Jones told me he had seen those chaps come in here, and I decidedthey were looking for bother, so I made a hustle to get here. When Ifound the door locked, I was sure they had you in a corner, and so Ithreatened to break it down if it was not opened without delay. "

"And, when it was opened, you came in like a raging lion. "

"Well, I was ready for any scrim of a shortage--I mean any sort of ascrimmage. "

"You showed your readiness, " laughed Frank. "I have the word of thosefellows that they will let me quite alone if I drop the past. "

"I wouldn't believe either of them under oath!"

"You are a doubter anyway. We'll wait and see what will occur. "

CHAPTER XXIX. 

TALK OF A TOUR. 

There was a rap on the door, which immediately popped open, and inbobbed a head, thatched with carroty hair, upon which was perched acrumpled cap. A freckled, jolly face was wrinkled into a cheerful grin, and a voice that was made up of bubbles and hollows cried:

"Hello, chaps! I just looked in to see if you were doing well, as thecook said to the lobster, when she lifted the sauce-pan lid. "

"Come in, Stubbs, " invited Frank, promptly--"come in and make yourselfas big a nuisance as possible. "

"No need to tell me to do that, " piped the lad at the door, as hebounced into the room. "I always make myself a nuisance wherever I am. It is my policy. "

He was a little short-legged fellow, with a roly-poly body and twinklingeyes. Good nature bubbled out all over him. At a glance you could see hewas the sort of chap who would try to be merry under almost anycircumstances. 

This was Bink Stubbs, a lad with whom Frank and Harry had recentlybecome acquainted. Frank had picked him up because of his merry ways andquaint sayings of the wise and humorous order. 

"Have you fellers got any smokers?" asked Bink, as he deposited himselfon a chair. 

"No, we haven't got any smokers, " answered Harry. "And the last time youwere here, Bruce Browning said you swiped a whole package of cigarettesfrom him. "

Stubbs tried to look horrified, and then cried:

"Well, I'll be hanged! as the picture said when it found the cord wastied to it. "

"You know neither of us smoke, " said Merriwell. 

"I know you pretend you do not, but I don't know that you are notbluffing when you say so. "

"What's that? Do you mean to insinuate that I am lying? Why, I'll stepon you, Stubbsie!"

"In that case my days are numbered, as the calendar said to theblotter. "

There was a sound of voices outside the door, and then, with verylittle ceremony, three lads came filing into the room. 

There were Browning, Diamond and Griswold. 

"Get up, you little villain!" said Bruce, as he collared Stubbs andyanked him off the easy-chair. "Don't you know enough to let other folkshave a chance to sit down, you lazy little rascal?"

And then, with a sigh of relief, Bruce deposited his corpulent form onthe chair. 

Stubbs bristled up, as if he meant to fight, then seemed to change hismind, and shook his head and remarked:

"Such things are bound to a cur, as the dog said when he looked at thetin can that was tied to his tail. "

The boys were welcomed by Frank and Harry, and Merriwell said:

"I'm glad you fellows dropped in. I want to find out how many of you aregoing to take that bicycle trip across the continent during the summervacation. "

"Jeewhiskers!" grinned Danny Griswold. "Think of Bruce Browning, thechampion lazy man at Yale, riding a bicycle across the continent. Theexertion of riding across the campus would utterly prostrate him. "

"Um!" grunted Bruce. "It's singular that small things annoy one worst. "

"Oh, yes, " returned Danny, promptly; "even a little mosquito bores mefrightfully. "

"Say, Griswold, " piped Stubbs, "that's a bad habit to get into. "

"What's a bad habit to get into?" demanded Danny, bristling upresentfully. 

"That suit of clothes you have on, " said Stubbs, whimsically. "It's amiserable fit. "

"Well, you'll have a bad fit if I get after you!" exclaimed Griswold, hotly. "You're a base fraud and an impostor! You are trying to steal mythunder by reading the same comic papers that I do. If you keep this upyou'll use up all of my original jokes. "

"Oh, well, " said Stubbs, "cough up a cigarette and I'll let you forgiveme. I'm dying for a whiff. "

Griswold hesitated, and then flung a package of cigarettes at Bink, whoskillfully caught them, extracted one, closed the package, and tossed itback. A moment later the little chap had lighted the cigarette, and, ashe deposited himself at full length on a tiger-skin rug, he puffed out agreat whiff of smoke, and murmured:

"Now I have something to blow about, as the cyclone said when it lifteda house and barn into the next State. "

"Speaking about clothes, " said Browning, languidly, "did you seeGoldstein, the tailor, to-day, Rattleton?"

"Yes, I saw him, " nodded Harry. 

"And did you tell him I said I would settle that little bill?"

"Sure. "

"That's kind of you. Did he seem convinced?"

"He said he was. "

"Was what?"

"Convinced that you lied. "

This provoked a laugh. When the laughing had ceased, Griswold sagelyobserved:

"It is remarkable that man is the only animal that can lie standing up. "

"Say, you chaps, " called Frank, "drop this sort of chatter, and answermy question. How many of you are in for spending the summer vacation ina bicycle trip across the continent?"

"You'll have to excuse me, " said Griswold, as he followed Stubbs'example and lighted a cigarette. "I'm going down to Bar Harbor, and playtennis on my vacation. "

"I can't endure tennis, " drawled Browning. 

"I should say not. Too much exertion for you. "

"It is not that. I don't like to be around where others are playing it. "

"Don't? Why not?"

"Because it is so noisy. "

"Noisy? Christmas! How do you make that out?"

"Why, you can't play it without a racket, " said Browning. 

Griswold staggered and clutched at his heart. 

"What papers have you been reading?" he gasped. 

Diamond spoke up for the first time:

"I'll tell you what I'll do, Merriwell--I'll go on this bicycle tripacross the continent, if I can secure my mother's consent?"

"Will you?" cried Frank, eagerly. "Then see her as soon as possible. Icouldn't ask for a better fellow than you. Harry thinks he can go, andthat makes three of us. We'll do the trick, even if we can't get anotherfellow. Is it agreed?"

"It is agreed if I can get my mother to agree to it, " assured Jack. 

"Well, let's talk about another matter, " said Bruce. "The tournament atMadison Square Garden is right upon us. Are you on for anything, Merriwell?"

"Yes, " answered Frank, "I shall take part in several contests. "

"How about the mile run?" questioned Diamond. 

"I believe Yates is in for that, " said Merriwell. 

"That's something I want to speak to you about, " drawled Bruce. 

Frank was rather surprised, as Browning had taken very little interestin athletics of late. During his early days at Yale, Bruce had been apusher in athletic matters, being at that time an athlete himself, as hekept himself in form and held back the threatening development of fleshby the severest sort of training. 

But Bruce could not continue to resist the temptations of his appetite, and it became more and more difficult for him to keep in trim. As longas he was a freshman he had done so, but when he became a sophomore hegradually abandoned the struggle. 

Still he had remained active as a leader, and had been known at one timeas "the King of the Sophomores. " His final effort at training had beenwhen he put himself in condition to meet Merriwell in a four-roundhard-glove contest. 

The bout had been pronounced a draw, but Browning afterward acknowledgedthat he must have been knocked out had it continued to a finish. 

From that time Browning's interest in athletic matters waned. 

He lost ambition in that line, and he soon became so overburdened withflesh that nothing save a question of life or death could have inducedhim to go into training. 

It was not so very long before Bruce was known as the champion lazy manat Yale. All that he seemed to care about was to eat, drink, smoke andloaf. He seldom was known to "grind, " and his attempts at "skinning"were pitiable failures. 

Then he was dropped a class, and, as he still stuck to Yale, he foundhimself arrayed with Merriwell and the fellows whom he at one time hadregarded as enemies. 

In that class Merriwell was regarded as a leader in athletic matters, and Bruce seldom mentioned anything of the kind. Now, however, toMerriwell's surprise, he displayed sudden interest in the greatintercollegiate tournament to be held in Madison Square Garden, NewYork, directly at the close of the spring terms. 

In the various contests Yale was to be represented by her best men. There had been some uncertainty concerning the one who would wear Yale'scolors in the mile run, but the belief grew that Duncan Yates, a junior, would be the one finally settled on by the committee in charge of thematter. 

"Why don't you go into that race, Browning, old sylph?" grinned DannyGriswold. "You would astonish the public. "

"Some time I'll sit on you, runtie, " growled Bruce. 

Stubbs remarked:

"That will settle it, as the sugar observed when the egg dropped intothe coffee. "

Rattleton threw a slipper at Bink, who grunted as it struck him in theribs, but serenely continued to smoke, his mottled face wrinkled into aquaint grimace. 

"What is it that you want to say about the mile race, Browning?" askedFrank, his curiosity aroused. 

"I want to say that I do not believe Yates is the proper man torepresent Old Eli. "

"He is fast, and he has a record. "

"It's no use to talk about his record. "

"Why not?"

"Orton, of U. P. , lays over him, and this will be a case of Yale againstthe field. Better men than Orton may show up. "

"Yates may break his own record. "

"That word 'may' is all right, but it can be applied both ways. He maynot. "

"There's Van Tassle, " said Diamond. "He claims to be a record-breaker. "

"A record-breaker!" sniffed Griswold. "Why, that fellow couldn't breakan egg!"

"That's right, " nodded Rattleton. "He breaks records with his mouth. Don't talk about him. "

"Well, there are others, " laughed Frank. 

"Name a few of them, " invited Browning, with more animation than he haddisplayed for some time. 

"There's Hickson. "

"He's stiff in the joints, as you know. "

"Walter Gordan. "

"He's no stayer. That fellow can run, but he has not the sand to makehimself a winner. "

"He thinks himself the biggest thing on ice, " said Rattleton. 

"By the way, " broke in Griswold, "what is the biggest thing on ice?"

"The profit, " promptly answered Stubbs, and then he made a scramble toget out of Griswold's way. 

"It's no use, I can't shine when that chap is around!" exclaimed Danny, with attempted seriousness. "He has an answer for all my conundrums. "

"That makes me think of one for you, " piped Bink, who was now perched onthe back of a high chair, like a monkey. "Why is a duel a quick affair?"

"Answer it yourself. I'll never tell. "

"Well, a duel is a quick affair because it takes only two seconds toarrange it. "

"There won't be a duel in this case, " grunted Browning; "but there'llbe a cold-blooded murder if you kids keep on. I'll assassinate youboth!"

Frank laughed. 

"Oh, let them go it, Bruce, " he said. "It seems to amuse them, and itdoesn't harm anybody else. "

"I think Browning is right about Yates, " declared Diamond. "He is notthe proper man to represent Yale in that race. "

"Whom would you suggest?" asked Frank. 

"Frank Merriwell, by all means. "

"Now that is folly!" said Merriwell, seriously. 

"I fail to see why it is folly, " cried Browning. "You are the man I havehad in my mind all along. "

"But I have no record. "

"To the winds with your records! What we want is a man who can run. He'll make a record. "

"Why do you think I can run?"

"I have seen you run, and I have heard the fellows tell about yourspeed. That is enough in your case. "

Frank shook his head. 

"It is not enough, " he contradicted. "I know I have a record as a baserunner in a ball game, but the best base runners are not always able tomake good showings in races. Besides that, base running is dash work, and this is a case of running a mile. There is a vast difference. "

"That's all right, " spluttered Harry, quickly. "You can mun a rile--Imean run a mile with the best of 'em. I've seen you on a long run. "

"When was that?"

"When we had that turkey chase. You led us all, and it didn't bother youa bit. Then, after you made the run out into the country and back, Pierson got after you before you could get to our rooms. You ran awayfrom him, and held on to the turkey. That settled in Pierson's mind thatyou could hustle along all right, and it had something to do with hisgiving you a place for a trial on the ball team. "

"That is true, " Frank was forced to confess. 

"Have you ever been in any races?" asked Diamond. 

"Oh, I took part in some races when I was at Fardale Academy. "

"What did you do in them?"

"I believe I won, but you must remember that I had no such rivals to goagainst as will be found at the tournament. "

"And you were in no such condition as you are now. Is that right?"

Frank was forced to confess that it was. Then Browning tried to pinFrank down and make him answer the question whether he did not haveconfidence enough in himself to believe he could race Duncan Yates for amile. 

"Of course I could race him, " smiled Frank, "but the matter of winningis another question. "

"Well, I believe you are the man to run for Yale in that race, " saidBrowning; "and I am going to use my influence to see that you, and notYates, are entered. That is settled, and it is no use for you to makeany objections. "

CHAPTER XXX. 

A HOT RUN. 

Soon it became evident that Bruce Browning had not lost his old-timepush entirely. When there was something to arouse him, he could bestirhimself and get to work in a marvelous manner, as long as it was notnecessary for him to again go into training. 

Browning knew Paul Pierson, who was one of the committee of arrangementsfor the coming tournament, and he knew that Pierson was well aware ofFrank Merriwell's general ability. Bruce had heard Pierson express abelief that Merriwell was one of the persons who, by sheer determinationand sand, as well as ability, was bound to win in almost everything heattempted. 

Bruce went to Pierson immediately after leaving Merriwell's room. Pierson was one of the sort who seldom said much, and Browning left himwithout knowing whether he had made an impression or not. 

Late that afternoon, however, Pierson accidentally met Frank, who wascrossing the campus. 

"I say, Merriwell, " said Paul, in his abrupt manner, "can you run?"

"Some, " answered Frank, sententiously. 

"Hum!" grunted Pierson. 

Then he looked Frank all over, as if he had never seen him before andwas taking his physical measure. 

"You keep yourself in the very best condition all the time, I see, " hefinally observed. 

"Well I seldom do anything to abuse myself. "

"Are you in training for a race?"

"Not exactly. "

"How long would it take for you to put yourself in condition?"

"Possibly a week. "

"What are you good for--a short dash, or a long run?"

"I think I can do either fairly well. "

"Fairly well does not go at Yale, as you know, Merriwell. You must dothings exceptionally well. You are altogether too modest. If somethinghad not brought you out, nobody could have known you could do anythingat all. You have been pushed in various ways by others, but you fail topush yourself. "

"Oh, I do not go about blowing my own horn, " said Frank, smiling. 

"You will find you'll have to blow your own horn when you go intobusiness, or my brother is a liar. He keeps hammering at me that the manwho does not blow his horn is the fellow who gets left. To a largeextent, it is that way here at Yale. The fellow who keeps still and sitsback gets left. That's my sermon. I'm not going to say any more now. Getinto training for a long run. I'll come round at nine this evening andgo you a sprint of a mile or two, just to see how you show up. "

That was all. Pierson turned and sauntered away, without another word. 

Frank whistled softly, and smiled. 

"This is Browning's work, " he muttered. "Pierson takes things forgranted. How does he know I will take any part in a race? He does notask if I will, but he tells me to go to work and get into shape. He iscoming round to-night to see how I show up. All right. "

At ten minutes of nine that evening, Paul Pierson rapped on the door ofMerriwell's room, and was invited to walk in. He was in a rig forrunning, and he immediately said:

"Come, come! get out of those duds, Merriwell. You are to run with meto-night. "

"How far?"

"From one to five miles, as I take a fancy. "

"Oh, well, I won't change my clothes for a little thing like that, " saidFrank, carelessly. 

"You'd better, " declared Paul. "I'm going to give you a hustle, andyou'll find you can keep up better if you are in a suitable rig. "

"I'll take the chances of keeping just as I am. "

Pierson's teeth came together with a click. He did not like that, although he tried not to show it. 

"The fellow thinks he can outrun me on a long pull, as he happened to doso for a short distance once on a time, " he thought. "I'll see if I canfool him. "

Pierson considered himself an excellent long-distance runner, althoughhe seldom took part in races, realizing that, good though he was, therewere still better men. 

Frank had on a loose thin shirt, and a light-weight suit of clothes. Hecaught up a cap, and announced that he was ready to go with Paul. 

They went out, and soon were crossing the campus. Having arrived at apoint quite outside the college grounds, Paul paused and said:

"We will start from here and make a run out into the country. I will setthe pace going out, but when we turn to come back, it will be a case ofthe best man gets home first. The termination of the run will be yourroom. "

"That is satisfactory, " nodded Frank. 

Far away a band of jolly students were singing "Stars of the SummerNight, " their melodious voices making sweet music beneath the greatelms. The soft breath of June came across the campus, seeming to gentlybear the words of the beautiful song to their ears. 

"Are you ready?" asked Pierson, sharply. 

"All ready. "

"Then here we go. "

They were off, shoulder to shoulder. 

Although Frank had not seemed to prepare for the run, he had put on hisrunning shoes, feeling that he might absolutely need them. 

Along the streets of New Haven they went, attracting but littleattention, as it was not an uncommon sight at that season to see some ofthe college lads taking a night run in that manner. 

They passed a group of fellows who were standing beneath a street lightnear a corner. 

"Here!" softly exclaimed one of the group; "who are these chaps?"

The entire party turned to take a look at the runners. 

"It's Pierson----"

"And Merriwell!"

"What did I tell you, Yates!" exclaimed Fred Flemming, a ring ofsatisfaction in his voice. 

"Well, may I be kicked!" growled Duncan Yates, as he started after thetwo lads, who had passed and were scudding along the street at a steadytrot. 

"Flem seldom makes a mistake, " murmured Tom Thornton. 

"But Merriwell is not in his rig, " said Andy Emery, the fourth one ofthe group. 

"That doesn't make any difference, " declared Flemming. "He is taking arun with Pierson, and that proves what I told Yates. You all know howthat chap undermined me on the crew. I don't say that he can't row, mindyou--I do not claim that I could have done any better than he did; but Ido claim that he is full of such sneaking underhand tricks, and I knewhe was trying for something when I saw him stop Pierson on the campusto-day. "

Yates was silent, staring along the street, down which the two runnershad disappeared. 

"Come, old man!" cried Flemming, slapping Yates on the back, "let's gointo Morey's and sit down, where we can have a drink and talk thismatter over. "

Duncan shook his head. 

"I won't go in there, " he said. 

"Why not?"

"I am in training, you know, and somebody would see me drinking there. That would kick up some talk. "

"Well, will you go anywhere?"

"Yes, I'll go somewhere that we can sit down in a quiet room, wherethere is no chance that fellows who know me will drop in. I feel justlike having something. "

"I know the very place, " declared Flemming. "Come on. "

Then the quartet moved away, Flemming leading. 

In the meantime Merriwell and Pierson had continued on their way. As hadbeen agreed, Pierson set the pace. At first he ran along at a gentletrot, but by the time the outskirts of New Haven were reached he hadbegun to increase his speed. 

"Now, " he thought, "I'll put Merriwell to the test, and I do not fancyhe will be in condition to make a very hot run on the return. "

Faster and faster went Paul, and still the lad at his side kept therewith apparent ease. With their clinched hands held close to theirbreasts and their heads thrown back, they ran on and on. 

There was a slice of a moon in the western sky, shedding a thin whitelight over the world. From far to the south came the shrill whistle of alocomotive, cutting through the air like a keen knife. 

The road which Pierson had selected was one over which there wasconsiderable travel, and it was in very fair condition. 

Without appearing to do so, Paul slyly kept watch of Merriwell, wishingto see just how Frank stood the strain. He was forced to acknowledgethat, for a time at least, Merriwell was standing it very well. 

"Oh, he is endeavoring to show me how easy he can do it!" mentallyexclaimed Paul. "Wait--wait a bit! I think I will give him a hot pushfor a bit. "

Faster and faster ran Pierson, and soon he was rather gratified to hearFrank beginning to breathe heavily. Yes, although Paul had hoped thatMerriwell would show up well, he did feel a momentary sense ofsatisfaction when it seemed that he was making the pace a hot one forhis companion. 

Then Frank began to lag. He did not fall far behind Paul, and still heseemed unable to keep his place at Pierson's side. 

"I won't do a thing to him coming back!" decided Paul. "Browning wasdead wrong. The fellow is capable of short dashes, but he is not the manfor a long run. I am rather sorry. "

At last, he decided that they had gone far enough into the country, andso he turned about, without stopping, calling to Frank:

"Now for the hustle into town, and let's see what you are made of, myboy. I am going to run away from you as if you were standing still. "

"I wouldn't do that!" flung back Merriwell, as he wheeled about. 

Somehow it seemed to Paul that there was a touch of sarcasm in the wayFrank uttered the words. That aroused the committeeman still more, andhe retorted:

"No, you wouldn't do it, because you couldn't; but I am going to. "

"All right, " laughed Frank. "I don't suppose there is any danger thatsomebody will steal me for my beauty if you leave me alone out here inthe country. Go ahead and run away from me. "

"Good-by. "

"Good-by. "

Then Pierson did run. He skimmed over the ground in a wonderful manner, but the sound of running feet clung close behind him, and, when heglanced over his shoulder, Merriwell was still there. 

"Hanged if he doesn't hold on well!" mentally exclaimed Paul. 

Then, as he glanced around, it began to seem that Merriwell was runningwith still greater ease than he had at any previous time. Somehow itappeared as if he was keeping close behind Pierson without anyparticular effort. 

"You're doing well, " Paul finally flung over his shoulder. "Can you keepit up?"

"I think so, " was the half-laughing answer. "I am holding myself in sothat I can make an attempt to follow you a short distance when you getready to run away from me. "

"Great smoke!" thought Paul. "Is he guying me? or does he fancy I havenot been doing my best?"

After a little, he confessed:

"I am beginning to think that won't be an easy trick, Merriwell. Youwill not be far behind when we reach your room. "

At this, Frank suddenly came up beside Paul. 

"Judging by the way you talk, you are somewhat out of wind, " he said. 

"Not at all, " declared Pierson. 

"Then I presume you are in condition for a little dash?"

"Oh, of course! But you may beat yourself out if you crowd yourself toohard. "

"Think so?"

"Sure. Better not. "

"Oh, I think I'll chance it. Come on, old man, let's tear up some dust. "

Then Frank spurted. 

Pierson set his teeth and made a desperate effort to keep up, but, despite his determination not to fall behind, he found that Merriwellwas steadily and surely drawing away. 

"Come on, " called Frank, in a rather tantalizing manner. "It can't bethat you are going to let me run away from you?"

Paul did not answer. 

"What's the matter?" called Frank again. "Are you ill?"

Still no answer. 

"Well, you are not sociable at all, " laughed the lad in advance, tauntingly. "I don't seem to like your company, and so I think I willmove along. Good-by. "

With that, Pierson could see that the tantalizing fellow actually madean increase of speed. 

"Confound him!" grated Paul. "I believe he was fooling me all along whenhe seemed to be having a hard time to keep up. All that panting andheavy breathing was put on. "

It was decidedly humiliating to be "jollied" in such a manner; but Paulfound he could not hold his own with Frank, and he finally gave up thestruggle. Still he continued to run on, thinking that the lad aheadwould use up his wind by such a burst of speed, and believing there wasa possibility of overtaking Merriwell before South Middle was reached. 

This did not happen, however, and when Paul burst into Frank's room, hefound Rattleton there, listening to a funny story that Merriwell wastelling. 

And Merriwell? He had his feet resting comfortably on the top of atable, while he lay back in an easy-chair, looking remarkably cool, asif he had not lately made a run of several miles. 

More than that, he had changed his clothes, as the suit he had on wasnot the same he had worn during the run!

Paul staggered in, and dropped limply on the couch, staring at Frank, asif he saw a ghost. 

"Look--here--Merriwell, " he panted, "what--are--you--made--of?Are--you--run--by--steam?"

"Oh, no!" laughed Frank. "I beg your pardon for leaving you in such amanner, but you know you had become so very unsociable that I had todo----"

Pierson made a weak gesture, and interrupted with:

"Don't apologize for that--it was the agreement that one should run awayfrom the other, if possible, on the way back. You had a right to do it. "

"What is all this about?" asked Rattleton, in a mystified manner. "Whathave you fellows been doing?"

"Don't you know?" cried Paul, amazed. 

"No, I don't know, " declared Rattleton. "Frank walked into the room ashort time ago, went into his bedroom, took a sponge bath and changedhis clothes, and we have been telling stories since then. "

"Took a sponge bath?" shouted Pierson, popping bolt upright. "Jerusalem. You talk as if he had been here half an hour! I will admitthat this beats anything I ever experienced!"

Then he flopped down on the couch again, as if utterly overcome. 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

AN INCENTIVE TO WIN. 

Paul Pierson had made a discovery that night, and, before he left, hetold Frank Merriwell to put himself into condition to enter one of theraces at the Madison Square Garden tournament in New York. 

"You seem to be in pretty good condition now, " he said, with a grimsmile; "but you know whether you can improve your condition or not. Ifyou can, do it, for you are liable to be pitted against men who willgive you a decidedly hotter time than you have ever struck. "

"All right, " said Frank, quietly. "You'll find that I shall be in shape, and I'll do my best to be a credit to Old Yale. "

"You have been a credit to Yale ever since the day you entered college, "said Pierson, sincerely. "To-night has settled one thing in my mind. Ibelieve you are a wonder in almost anything in the way of athletics. "

"Oh, not a wonder!" said Frank. "But you can be sure that I am bound todo my level best in anything I attempt. "

"I know it! I am not sure I'll be able to get you on, but I am going totry to run you into the one-mile race. We have some men for the shorterdashes, but do not seem to have but one man besides yourself who can beconsidered for the mile run. He has been in training for some time, andthe committee had nearly decided on him. Now I am satisfied that you arethe better man, but I'll have to satisfy the others. "

"I want you to bear witness that I have not worked to fill the place ofany other fellow. "

"It might be better for Yale if you would work for such things, " growledPierson. "You will not find other fellows holding back. If any chap iscapable of filling your place at anything, you may be sure he will fillit, and he'll never stop to consider your feelings about the matter. "

"That is rust jite--I mean just right!" cried Rattleton, approvingly. 

"Well, I am going to my rooms and take a rub down, " said Paul. "Good-night, fellows. "

"Good-night, Mr. Pierson. "

When the door had closed behind Paul, Rattleton executed a grotesquedance on the carpet. 

"Whoop!" he softly cried. "Didn't I knock him silly when I pretended notto know anything about the run this evening! Oh, wheejiz--er, jeewhiz!he nearly fainted when I told him you calmly walked into the room, tooka sponge bath, put on another suit, and then we had been tellingstories. "

"You rascal!" cried Frank, laughing and giving Harry a shake. "That wasall your own work. I didn't know you were thinking of running such abluff on him. "

"Never thought of it myself till he came in, " chuckled Harry. "Betweenus we managed to get you out of your other clothes, give you a quickrub, and jump you into a fresh suit before Pierson showed up. "

"It has been a very enjoyable evening, " smiled Frank, as he againdeposited himself on the easy-chair. "If I had planned to have sportwith Pierson, I could not have worked it better. You should have heardme panting and puffing along behind him on our way out! You should haveheard him bidding me good-by when we started to come back! And then youshould have heard me asking him if he was ill when I got ready to leavehim!"

Harry laughed in the heartiest manner, as his imagination supplied thepicture. 

"It is too good!" he cried. "And you will go into the mile run sure!Browning caused Pierson to tackle you. "

"It seems that I have done pretty well in athletic matters this spring, "said Frank, "and I was rather indifferent concerning the matter oftaking any prominent part in the tournament at Madison Square. However, if I can do anything to uphold the standard of Old Eli, I want to do mybest. "

"Frank, if you run in that race, you will win, " came soberly fromHarry's lips. "I shall stake every dollar I can rake on you. If you dowin, I'll have enough cash to take me through the summer vacation wehave planned. "

The door had been softly opened, and the most of Rattleton's speech wasoverheard by a third person, who now exclaimed:

"And I'm going to bank my cash on you, Merriwell! If you win, I'll--I'll--why, hang me! I'll make that trip across the continent withyou!"

It was Bruce Browning, who advanced into the room. 

"Are you in earnest about that, Bruce?" asked Frank. 

"You bet I am in earnest!" was the assurance. 

"You will try to pump a bicycle from New York to San Francisco?"

"Try it! Confound it! I tell you I'll do it if you win the mile run forOld Yale!"

"Then, " said Frank, "I have a double object to work for, and I am goingto win if it is in my body to do so!"

Rattleton was astonished to see Browning show so much animation. 

"Why, you actually appear like your old self!" he exclaimed. 

Bruce sat down. 

"Tell me about it, " he invited, speaking to Frank. "Some of the fellowssaid they saw you and Pierson chasing yourselves, and I caught whatRattleton was saying just as I came in. "

Frank told Bruce all about the night run, and a lazy smile spread overthe fat lad's round face as he listened. 

"That's one on Pierson!" he exclaimed. "He thinks he is unequalled whenit comes to a long-distance run, and I'll wager something that you havefixed him so he will fight to get you into that race. I can see himbidding you farewell! Ha! ha! ha! And then I can see him when you tookyour turn! Ha! ha! ha!"

Bruce laughed in a hearty manner, and, for some time they talked overthe events of the evening. 

"What sort of a fellow is Yates?" asked Frank. "I've never met him tohave a talk with him. "

"Oh, he isn't half bad, " answered Bruce, in a somewhat noncommittalmanner. 

"I presume he will feel injured if I am chosen to run, instead of him?"

"What if he does? That's none of your business. "

CHAPTER XXXII. 

THE RUN TO THE STATION. 

The final ball game of the series between Harvard and Yale was to takeplace at Springfield. The day of the game arrived, and there was anexodus from Yale. 

There was a rush for the last train by which the college lads couldreach Springfield in time to witness the whole of the game. 

On their way to the station, Frank and Harry fell in with Jack Diamondand Danny Griswold. 

"We've got to hurry, " said Diamond, glancing at his watch. "There is notime to waste if we want to catch the train. "

They soon overtook Flemming, Emery and Yates. These fellows were in thecompany of several other lads, among whom were two of the committee ofarrangements for the tournament. 

"You fellows seem to be in a great rush, " one of the party called toFrank and his friends. 

"You had better rush a little, if you want to catch the train, " flungback Griswold. 

"Ah!" said Andy Emery, with an undisguised sneer; "it's Merriwell andhis trainers. They are putting him in condition to beat the field inthat race he expects to enter. "

"Go him to the station, Yates!" exclaimed one of the lads accompanyingDuncan. "Just show him he doesn't know how to run. "

"Yah!" flung back Griswold, quick as a flash. "Yates knows better thanto try that. Where would he be when Merriwell reached the station?"

"Buying his ticket inside, " sneered Emery, in return. 

That aroused Jack Diamond, who flushed hotly and turned on Andy. 

"I'll go you ten even that Merriwell beats Yates to the stationplatform, " he flashed, producing a roll of bills. "This is business!Take me if you have the nerve!"

"Oh, I'll take you!" cried Emery; "and, when the business is over, I'lltake your money, too. "

He promptly produced a ten-dollar bill, and the money was quicklythrust into the hands of a stakeholder, who was chosen by mutualagreement. 

"It strikes me you men are pretty swift, " said Yates, in a manner thatshowed his disapproval. "How do you know I will run?"

"'Sh!" warned Flemming. "You'll have to run now, or they'll say you wereafraid to go against Merriwell. "

It was plain that Yates did not feel at all pleased by the situation, but he said:

"If I must run, I will, and I'll beat the fellow, but I don't care aboutgetting into a sweat just now. "

"Never mind that, " said Emery, in Yates' ear. "If you beat Merriwell tothe station, it is pretty sure that you spoil his show for getting intothe mile run. This is your chance to do that little job, so don't let itslip. "

Frank had said very little. It was not easy to tell if he felt satisfiedor displeased over the situation. 

The party turned a corner, and came in view of the station. 

"Here is a good starting point, " said Emery. "Does it satisfy you, Diamond?"

"Perfectly, " bowed Jack. 

"Then that's all right. Are you going to run, fellows?"

"I leave that entirely to Mr. Yates, " said Frank, quietly. 

"Oh, I'll go you--and I'll do you!" exclaimed Yates, as he tore off bothcoat and vest and flung them at Flemming, who caught them. 

That started Rattleton, who excitedly cried:

"I'll tet you ben dollars--I mean I'll bet you ten dollars you don't doit!"

Yates paid no attention to this, but Flemming said:

"I'll have to go you, Rattleton. Put up the tenner. "

The money was quickly posted, and then the rivals stood side by side, with their coats and vests removed, ready for the word. 

Merriwell seemed quiet and indifferent, as if it were an event of noparticular moment; while on Yates' face there was a look that plainlyshowed he was determined to settle all dispute by winning the dash tothe station. 

One of the committee had been chosen to give the word, and he steppedout, sharply calling:

"Ready!"

The lads leaned forward over the scratch in the dirt, which had beendrawn by somebody's heel. 

"Go!"

Away shot the rivals like leaping fawns. They seemed like two foxes, andthe crowd of lads who broke away in pursuit resembled a pack of hounds. 

It was a hot dash, and, for some time, the boys were running side byside, neither seeming to have an advantage. 

"Wait a bit, " panted Emery, at Diamond's side; "you'll soon see Yatesspurt and leave Merriwell. "

"What do you think Merriwell will be doing while Yates is spurting?"asked Jack, sarcastically. 

"He'll seem to be standing still. "

"Will he? Wait and see!"

The rivals were drawing near the station, and still it seemed that theywere keeping side by side. 

"Now they are spurting!"

Yes, they were spurting for the finish, but, to the amazement of Yates'friends, a single bound had seemed to carry Frank Merriwell two yards inadvance of the other runner, and this advantage Merriwell maintained. 

In another moment the station would be reached, and the race must end. Seeing this, Andy Emery was bitterly grinding out an exclamation of rageand disgust. 

Suddenly Yates seemed to trip and fall heavily. He tried to spring up, but seemed to be hurt, and he was struggling to rise when Flemmingreached the spot and lifted him to his feet. 

"Are you hurt?" asked several, as they gathered around Duncan. 

"Not much, " he answered, rather thickly; "but I lost the dash by thatfall. "

"Rats!" muttered Harry Rattleton. "He had lost it before he fell. "

"I was ready to make the final spurt, which would have carried me aheadof Merriwell at the finish, " declared Yates. 

"Oh, it is a case of beastly luck!" growled Andy Emery. "It is the wayeverything turns in Merriwell's favor. He never wins except it is bycold luck. "

"Oh, come off!" chirped Danny Griswold. "You're sore, that's all ailsyou!"

"Shut up, or I'll wring your neck!"

"You can't catch me, you know, " taunted the little fellow, as he skippedout of reach. 

On the station platform Merriwell was quietly waiting the arrival of theothers, fanning himself with his handkerchief. 

It happened that Bruce Browning was at the station, and he had seen therace between the rivals. In his ponderous manner, he hurried tocongratulate Frank. 

"Yates was a fool to try it!" declared Bruce, his round face seeming toexpand into one broad grin. "He might have known what would happen. Isee Crockett and Gibbs, two of the committee, with the fellows. Theywitnessed the whole business, and it must have settled matters in theirminds. "

"I wish Yates had not fallen, " said Frank, with regret. 

"He did not fall accidentally, and you can bet your greasy coin on that!It was plain enough. "

"Then you think--just what?"

"That he saw he was beaten, and fell so that he might make a claim thatyou outran him by accident. "

"I had the lead. "

"Yes, and he could not have recovered and overtaken you in a week! Butthat makes no difference. Allee samee, I rather fancy Yates will notfool anybody very much. "

The knot of fellows now approached the station, where there was a greatthrong of Yale lads who had seen the race. 

Yates was very pale, but there was a burning light in his eyes. Headvanced straight to Frank, and distinctly said:

"Mr. Merriwell, you beat me this time through an accident; but I willrun you again, and I'll win. "

Frank bowed with the utmost courtesy. 

"Mr. Yates, " he said, "you will find me willing and ready to run withyou any time. "

"Whoopee!" squealed Danny Griswold, turning a handspring. "That'sbusiness straight from headquarters!"

"Here comes the train!" was the cry. 

Then there was a scramble for tickets and for seats on the train. 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

ENEMIES AT WORK. 

It happened that Merriwell and his friends entered the smoker. Theyfound Bink Stubbs curled up in a corner, puffing away at a cigarette. 

"You seem to be well fixed, Stubbs, " said Frank. 

And the little fellow cheerfully returned:

"Oh, I've got a snap, as the bear said when he stepped into the steeltrap. "

Then room was made for a jolly little party in the corner, and all thefellows who smoked lighted up cigarettes or cigars. 

"I've got ten more to put on the game to-day, " cried Rattleton, gleefully. "And I took it out of Flemming. That is what pleases me themost. "

Jack Diamond smiled. 

"It pleases me to say that I pulled a sawbuck out of Emery, " he said. "He squirmed a little, but it was too late to squeal. "

"We'll all come back with our clothes stuffed with money, " declaredBrowning. "Yale is sure to win to-day, and that will put lots of fellowson their feet. Some of the boys have soaked everything they could raketogether to get money to put on the game, for Heffiner's arm is in greatform, and he says he will make monkeys of the Harvard Willies. "

"Speaking about hocking things, " said Bandy Robinson, "I let my unc. Have a dozen white shirts, among other things. If Yale doesn't win, Iwon't have a shirt to my name. "

"That's nothing, " declared Ben Halliday, nonchalantly, as he blew out abig whiff of smoke. "I've soaked my entire wardrobe, save what I have onmy back. But Willis Paulding did the slickest trick to raise the wind. "

"Paulding?" cried Diamond. "I'd never dreamed he could do anything verysmooth. "

"He did, just the same. Last year, when Merry pitched the deciding gameof the series, Paulding felt sure Harvard would win, and he stuck on 'emevery last rag of money he could rake and scrape. Well, Yale won, andWillis was busted. He was forced to tell his old man the whole truthbefore he could get money enough to let him out of New Haven for thesummer. More than that, the old man has taken precautions to preventWillis from having any money to waste in betting this year. He has allof Willis' bills sent to him to settle, and keeps his son horribly shortof filthy. Just as hard, Willis found out that the governor had told histailor to make the boy all the clothes he wanted. That was enough. Willis ordered six suits at fifty dollars each, and he soaked every oneof them at ten each as soon as he got them. So you see Paulding isprovided with plenty of coin for this little racket, and he says he isgoing to put every red he has on Old Yale. Last year cured him ofbetting against his own colors. "

"If Willis thought of that scheme himself, he has more brains in hishead than I fancied, " smiled Diamond. 

"Tell you how I made a strike, " chirped Danny Griswold. "You know I'vebeen writing a few things and giving them away to the papers. Well, thegovernor heard of it, and he decided I was making a fool of myself, sohe sat down and fired a shot at me. He called my attention to the factthat Johnson said the man who writes for anything but money is a fool. This is the way I answered: 'Dear Gov: I observe you say some chap bythe name of Johnson says the man who writes for anything but money is afool. I quite agree with Mr. Johnson. Please send me one hundreddollars. ' That must have hit the old boy about right, for he sent mefifty. "

Danny ended with a gleeful chuckle, and the listening lads laughed. 

"That's pretty good--for you, " nodded Bink Stubbs; "but speaking aboutclothes reminds me that I had a little lunch in a restaurant lastevening, and I found a button in the salad. I called the waiter'sattention to it, and he calmly said, 'That's all right, sir; it's partof the dressing. '"

"Now he has broken loose!" cried Danny Griswold. "There is no tellingwhat sort of a rusty old gag he'll try to spring. If we only had a fewstale eggs for him!"

Bink grinned, as he observed:

"There's nothing like poached eggs, as the nigger said when he robbedthe hencoop. "

Diamond proposed a song, and soon the boys were at it. When they hadfinished one song, Browning soberly observed:

"It seems to me that there is one song which would be particularlyappropriate for this season when all of us are soaking something inorder to raise the wind. "

"What is it?" shouted several voices. 

"Solomon Levi. "

In another moment the merry lads were shouting:

 "My name is Solomon Levi, my store's on Salem Street; That's where you buy your coats and vests and everything that's neat. I've second-handed ulsterettes, and everything that's fine, For all the boys they trade with me at a hundred and forty-nine. 

 CHORUS: "Oh, Solomon Levi! tra, la, la, la! Poor Sheeny Levi! tra, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!

 "And if a bummer comes along to my store on Salem Street And tries to hang me up for coats and vests so very neat, I kick that bummer right out of my store, and on him sets my pup, For I won't sell clothing to any man who tries to hang me up. "

Thus the rollicking lads spent the time as the train rolled alongbearing them to witness the great ball game of the season with Harvard. 

Again and again Frank Merriwell's friends expressed regret because hishand, on which there had been a felon, prevented him from taking part inthe game. They could not forget that he had pitched the deciding gamebetween Yale and Harvard the previous year, and had won it. 

Frank had also done some good work during the present season, andsporting papers all over the country had declared that he was one of thevery best college "twirlers. "

This, however, was Hugh Heffiner's last year at Yale, and, withoutdoubt, the coming game was the last he would ever pitch for "Old Eli. "

Until Merriwell appeared, Heffiner had been Yale's mainstay in the box, and his admirers declared that it was pretty sure that a long time wouldelapse before he would have a worthy successor. 

But Heffiner was overworked, and he came near throwing his arm out. Asit was, he strained his arm so that he was utterly unable to pitch atall. 

Then it was that it was found necessary to find somebody to assist the"change pitcher, " Dad Hicks, in his work. 

Hicks was good for four or five innings, but he was unable to keep upthe strain through an entire game. 

Paul Pierson, captain and manager of the Yale nine, had seen Merriwelldo some pitching for the freshmen, and he resolved to give Frank atrial. 

Pierson's judgment was not at fault, and Merriwell quickly proved thathe was worthy to become Heffiner's successor. 

Of course there was much regret because Frank could not be on the bench, at least, ready to go into the game if needed; but all seemed to feelconfident that Heffiner would make his last game for Yale a hot one. Hehad done some marvelous work, and, as he declared himself in primecondition, there was no reason why he should not hold Harvard down onthis occasion. 

While Merriwell was surrounded by friends in the smoker, and the boyswere having a decidedly jolly time, Duncan Yates was getting into adecidedly ugly mood in the adjoining car. 

When Yates thought of his failure to beat his rival in the dash to thestation he ground his teeth and muttered bitter curses. 

And he was egged on by Fred Flemming and Andy Emery. Tom Thornton hadjoined the group, but he said very little; and, when he found anopportunity, he whispered in Flemming's ear:

"Better go slow. Remember the promise we gave Merriwell. If he finds outwe are working against him, it will go hard with us. "

"He won't find it out. I hate him too much to keep still if I can arouseanother fellow against him. Give me your flask. Yates has killed all Ihave in mine. "

Thornton took a whiskey flask from his pocket, and slipped it intoFlemming's hand. Then he left, for he did not wish Merriwell's friendsto see him in such company. 

Flemming and Emery made a pretense of drinking with Yates, but they didnot take much. Yates, however, continued to "hit the bottle hard. " Hisface became flushed, and his eyes glowed as Flemming continued to tellhim of Merriwell's "underhand work. "

"That fellow did me dirt, " declared Flemming. "In this same sneakingway, he had me dropped from the crew this spring, and got on in myplace. "

"That's right, " agreed Emery. "He has a way of influencing such men ashe can get at, and he is using his influence to get the committee tothrow you over. "

"And he can't run with you, anyway, " said Flemming. "It is possible thathe can lead you in a short dash, like the race to the station to-day, but he would not be in it in a long run. "

"That race was one of his tricks, " asserted Emery. "I believe the jobwas put up by him. "

"How?" asked Yates, huskily. 

"Why, he saw you in company with the rest of us, and he thought he stooda good show of outrunning you for a short spurt, so he had Diamond andRattleton make the talk that they did to bring the race about. "

"If that was not crooked, I don't know what you could call it, " noddedFlemming. "He sprung it on you when you were not suspecting, and he ledyou to go against him for a short run, in which he is at his best. Allthe time, he knew he was not your match for a long race. That doesn'tmake a bit of difference to him. "

"Not a bit, " said Andy. "He is not looking for the good of Old Yale, buthe is looking to get into the big race at the tournament. He has beenlucky in everything he has tried, and he is depending on his luck towin the race and acquire further glory for himself. "

"Let's have another drink all round, " suggested Flemming, as he producedThornton's flask once more. 

Yates took several swallows. Emery and Flemming pretended to drink in ahearty manner, but they allowed very little whiskey to go down theirthroats. 

This drink seemed to be the one that aroused Yates to action. Hesuddenly jumped to his feet, and there was a fierce look on his face ashe cried:

"Come on!"

"What are you going to do?" asked Flemming, quickly thrusting the flaskinto his pocket. 

"I am going to find Frank Merriwell!" came hoarsely from Yates' lips. 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

BASEBALL. 

There was a crush in the rear end of the smoker. A crowd had gatheredthere, and the lads were singing, shouting, laughing and making merry invarious ways. 

Some fellows were sitting on the backs of the seats. The trainmen couldnot drive them down. It was useless to try with such a set of lads. 

Danny Griswold was astride the shoulders of Dismal Jones, who was theonly solemn-looking man in the car. Occasionally Jones would "break out"in his peculiar camp-meeting revivalist's style and would deliverfragments of a sermon on the frivolous things of the world. Each time hewas quickly suppressed, however. 

Into the midst of this jolly crowd came a lad whose face was flushed andwhose eyes were gleaming strangely. His lips curled back over his setteeth, and he seemed to quiver with a strange eagerness. 

"Let me through!" he growled, forcing his way along. "There is a fellowhere I want to see. "

There was something in his voice that caused them to give him room toadvance till he was standing directly in front of Frank Merriwell. Thenhis hands clinched, and, as he tried to speak, he choked with passion, so that words failed him. 

A sudden hush came over the throng, for they saw that there was troubleimpending. 

"It's Yates!"

Somebody muttered the words, and they seemed to break the spell that hadfallen on the enraged lad who was glaring at Frank. 

"Yes, it is Yates!" he snarled. "I suppose all you fellows are FrankMerriwell's chums, but that makes no difference to me. "

He stopped a moment, but he did not take his eyes from Frank's face. Heseemed to be gathering himself for the supreme effort. 

"Merriwell, " he said, his voice shaking, "you are a sneak!"

Every one expected Frank would leap to his feet and strike Yates, but hedid nothing of the kind. The hot blood rushed to his face, and thenfled away again, leaving him cold and pale. About his firm jaws therewas a sudden hardening, and in turn he showed his teeth. 

"Mr. Yates, " he said, "you are not complimentary. "

"I do not mean to be to such a fellow as you!" Yates shot back. 

"You are insulting!"

"I am if the truth can be considered an insult. "

"I demand an explanation. "

"I do not propose to waste any breath in giving explanations to such asyou. You know why I say you are a sneak--you know you are a sneak!"

Frank Merriwell laughed. That laugh was a warning that he was dangerous. Diamond knew it; Rattleton knew it. They held themselves ready to makeroom when Frank Merriwell saw fit to act. 

"You put yourself in a bad light by calling a man a sneak and thenrefusing to tell why you call him that, " said Frank. 

Yates did not know Merriwell very well and that laugh had not sounded awarning to him. Instead, it really seemed that Frank was frightened, and he had laughed to conceal the fact. 

"It is my conviction, " he cried, "that you are not only a sneak, but youare also a coward! If that is not enough, I will make it still moreforcible. "

Quick as a flash, he struck Frank in the face with his clinched fist. 

A gasp came from those who witnessed this act. There was no time givenfor further words. 

Like a leaping panther, Frank Merriwell shot up and alighted on DuncanYates. He clutched Yates in his strong grasp, snapped him off his feet, swung him into the air. 

The spectators had fallen back in a wild sort of scramble to get out ofthe way. Thus enough room was made for Merriwell to act. 

It was a warm day, and the car door was open. Almost before any onecould tell what Frank thought of doing, he leaped out through thedoorway, and, with the lad who had delivered the blow still poised abovehis head, seemed on the verge of hurling Yates from the flying train!

"Stop, Frank!"

Diamond shouted the words. 

Cries of horror broke from the lips of the other spectators of thescene, but, strangely enough, none of them made a move to preventMerriwell from carrying out his apparent purpose. 

If Merriwell flung Yates from the train the unfortunate lad who hadaroused Frank's wrath must be instantly killed. 

At first, when he had felt himself clutched, Yates had struggled, but, to his amazement, he seemed like a child in the grasp of the infuriatedathlete. 

As Frank reached the platform and poised Yates aloft, the latter seemedto realize his peril, and fear robbed him of nerve and strength. He waslimp and helpless in Merriwell's grasp. 

And then, almost as quickly as Frank had caught the lad up, he loweredhim to his feet. 

Again Merriwell laughed, but this time there really seemed to besomething of amusement in the sound. 

"If I had dropped you off, Mr. Yates, you must have been injured, " hesaid, and his voice was soft and gentle. 

Yates gasped. 

"Jee!" chattered Bink Stubbs. "That was a regular hair-raiser, as thefellow said when he finished the blood-and-thunder story. "

Yates swayed and caught at the iron rail. The flush had gone out of hisface, which was ashen-gray. 

"Better go into the car, " said Merriwell. "You seem rather unsteady, andyou might fall off here. "

Without a word, Yates steadied himself by taking hold of the side of thedoor, and entered the car. 

Merriwell followed, taking out his handkerchief and pressing it lightlyto the spot on his cheek where a slight bruise marked the spot that hadfelt the enraged lad's fist. 

The witnesses of this scene seemed to breathe freely for the first time. They stared at Frank as if his marvelous display of strength had been arevelation to them. 

Yates had plenty of friends, as he had never seemed a bad sort offellow, but the fact that he had struck Merriwell while the latter wassitting down was against him. 

"He's been drinking, " one declared. "Merriwell could not have handledhim that way otherwise. "

"Did Merriwell really mean to throw him off?" asked another. 

There were some murmurs of disapproval at Frank's action, but theexpressions of astonishment and admiration for his display of strengthdrowned all other sounds. 

Yates turned and looked at Frank, but he seemed unable to express hisfeelings by means of words. 

Jack Diamond was flushed with rage. 

"It would have served the fellow right if Merriwell had dropped himoff!" declared the hot-blooded Southerner. 

Andy Emery was near at hand, but he had been unable to give Yates anyassistance when the latter was grasped by Frank. 

"Good heavens!" he kept repeating, as he stared at Frank Merriwell in amanner that showed his unutterable amazement. 

It was plain that such a display of strength had been a revelation tohim, and from that time Emery was bound to regard Merriwell with renewedrespect. 

"Mr. Yates, " said Frank, quietly, "this is no place to settle anyquarrel that has arisen between us; but I wish to say before witnessesthat I consider you entirely in the wrong, and certainly you owe me anapology. You may not think so now, but I believe you will think so intime. "

That was all. He returned to his seat and sat down. Yates seemed tohesitate, and then turned away, accompanied by Emery. 

Flemming had kept himself in the background during the entire affair. 

When the train reached Springfield Yates was in no condition to go tothe ball ground. He had taken too much whiskey to carry, and hispretended friends, Flemming and Emery, were forced to get him out ofsight as soon as possible. 

"That ought to be a settler for him, " said Diamond. "A fellow who is intraining for a race can't afford to get loaded. "

Yale men had heavily backed their own club to win, and it seemed thatthe majority of the Harvard crew was trying to put money on the blue. 

It was expected by Harvard that Merriwell would pitch the deciding game, for the actual condition of his hand had been kept a secret, andHarvard feared Merriwell. 

To himself Frank confessed that he could pitch the game, as his hand wasin fairly good condition, but such improvement had not been expected, and it had been arranged that he should do no "twirling. "

Besides that, it was Heffiner's last game for Yale, and, taking intoconsideration the record he had made, it seemed no more than right thathe should be placed in the box. 

The usual crowd had gathered to witness the game, and there was theusual display of flags. Yale was over-confident; Harvard was hopeful, but filled with fears. 

The game began, and for three innings Yale had the advantage. The "sonsof Old Eli" were jubilant, and they made the air ring with their cheersand songs. 

At the end of the third inning it was seen that Harvard must make achange if it had any hope of winning. Yedding, the great Cambridgepitcher, was "rocky. " He could not find the plate, and he was "hammered"when he did "get 'em over. "

Some Yale man with an inclination to rhyme had composed some doggerelverse, which about twenty lads were singing to some sort of mongreltune. 

 "Poor Harvard she can talk-- (That's all!) At other things she'll balk; We'll beat her in a walk-- Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!

 "Poor Harvard's lost her grip-- (That's so!) She's let the pennant slip, We've done her up this trip-- Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!"

"It is altogether too early in the game to crow, " declared FrankMerriwell. "Several things may happen before the ninth inning is over. "

"Oh, we've got the game nailed solid now!" declared Bruce Browning, in asatisfied way. "Robinson will be able to get his shirts out of soak. "

In the fourth inning Harvard sent a new pitcher into the box. It wasCoulter, who, as a freshman, had pitched against Merriwell. 

Coulter was nervous and rather wild at first, but he puzzled the Yalemen, who could not hit him when he did get them over the plate. 

"If he steadies down, he will prove to be a bad man, " said Frank, soberly. "This is his first trial on the regular team, and he is not athis best just now. "

Yale secured one score in the fourth inning, while Harvard retired withher third whitewash. 

In the fifth there was a change. Coulter did steady down in a mostastonishing manner, for he sent the Yale men to the bench inone-two-three order. 

That seemed to give Harvard new life, and, when she came to bat, sheshowed a determination to do something. 

Right there was where Heffiner took a streak of wildness, and Harvardscored three times. 

Coulter kept up his work in the sixth, by allowing but one short singleto be taken off his delivery, and no Yale man got further than secondbase. 

Then it seemed that Harvard came to the plate with a determination to"pound it out. " The defenders of the crimson jumped on Heffiner'scurves, and the way they banged the leather gave the Yale crowd symptomsof heart failure. A single, a two-bagger and a homer in quick successioncaused Heffiner to develop a bad case of "rattles, " and it seemed thatHarvard would never let up. There was consternation in the Yale rankswhen Harvard tied the score with but one man out, and that consternationthreatened to become a panic when two more scores came in. 

Old Man Hicks was set at work "warming up, " although it was felt that hemust be a desperate resort. When Harvard scored again, Hicks was sentinto the box. 

The change seemed to work well, for Harvard's score getting was broughtto an abrupt termination. 

But Yale was in a desperate situation, for, at the beginning of theseventh, Harvard was three scores in the lead. 

Merriwell had been on the point of going down and offering to do what hecould to check Harvard's wild career, but it seemed that Old Man Hickshad done that, and so he sat still. 

But Yale could not score. Coulter seemed to feel that the opportunity ofhis life had arrived, and he sent the Spalding's over the plate with allsorts of twists. The Yale men could not make fair and satisfactoryconnections with the ball, so no man reached home. 

Hicks was lucky, and he succeeded in scattering the hits, which, withfine support, enabled him to retire Harvard with another goose's egg. 

The eighth inning was disastrous for the blue, although Yale won a scoreby hard base running. When Harvard took her turn, she seemed to fathomDad Hicks' delivery, and, for a short time, he was treated quite as badas Heffiner had been. At the end of the eighth inning Harvard was sixscores ahead, and it was plain that the game was lost for Yale. 

Scores of sad-faced Yale spectators were heard expressing regret thatFrank Merriwell had not been used in the game. Some of the wearers ofthe blue left the field immediately, unwilling to witness thetermination of the game. 

With despair set upon their faces, the Yale men went to the bat, readyto fight to the last gasp. But Coulter was also determined not to letslip any of the glory he had won, and all Yale's efforts to score werefruitless. The game ended with Harvard still six in the lead. 

Phil Coulter was the hero of Harvard that night, while poor HughHeffiner returned to New Haven with his heart almost bursting withdisappointment. 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

KIDNAPED. 

"We'll down Harvard in everything at the tournament, " was the angryresolve of the disappointed Yale crowd, who returned to New Haven tofind no band and no great gathering of cheering students awaiting themat the station. 

Among them all, not excepting Hugh Heffiner himself, no one felt worseabout the defeat than did Frank Merriwell. In his heart, he blamedhimself for not going to the manager of the Yale team and offering hisservices in case of emergency. He knew it was possible he might not havebeen able to save the game, but still the possibility that he might havedone so bore heavily upon him. 

But Frank did not dream that his enemies would make capital out of thefact that he had not taken any part in the game. He did not know theywere saying he had kept among the spectators where he could not be foundwhen things seemed to turn against Yale. 

"Merriwell didn't dare pitch any part of that game, " they were saying. "He was afraid, and he knew it would dim his glory if Harvard won. Hehas his record, and you won't see him pitching out any games in order topull Yale out of a hole. "

But Yates had ruined his chance of running in the mile race at thetournament by getting full on the train. Directly after the next meetingof the committee of arrangements, Frank was notified that he had beenchosen to represent Yale. 

Each night Frank took a run out into the country. He was determined toput himself in the very best condition possible. 

This practice of Merriwell's was generally known, and he was watchedwith interest by friends and foes. 

The time for the tournament drew near. Arrangements for all the contestshad been completed. The end of the spring terms had come. Commencementwas over, and another class had been showered with sheepskins. 

In all the doings of this busy time of the college year Merriwell tooklittle part, as he was putting himself in shape to do his best at thetournament, and the time he had to spare from "grinding" was given tohard physical work. 

Then he went down to a summer cottage on the sound. The cottage waslocated near Southport, and there he continued his training, taking longruns into the country. 

The day before the great tournament came at last. That afternoon Franktook his last run in training. He waited till near evening, and thenjogged gently out along the country road. 

It was dusk when he turned back toward the cottage where he knew BruceBrowning, Rattleton and Diamond were loafing on the veranda and awaitinghis reappearance. 

As he was passing through a small patch of woods, a cord that was strungacross the road, about six inches from the ground, tripped him, and hefell heavily. 

Frank was stunned by the shock. Before he could recover, dark formsrushed out and flung themselves upon him. 

Frank realized that he had been attacked, and he tried to make a fightof it, but the shock of the fall had taken away his strength, and thenhe found there were three against him. 

"Work lively!" growled a hoarse voice. "He's worse than a tiger in ascrap!"

His hands were twisted about behind his back and held there, while acord was bound about them. In a remarkably brief space of time he wasrendered helpless. 

Then Frank's feet were bound, and he was forced to submit to the tyingof a blindfold over his eyes. Before this was accomplished, however, hesaw the three men through the gloom, and discovered that all wore masksto hide their faces. 

When Frank was blindfolded, the man who had given all the commands, andwho seemed to be the leader, said:

"Bring out the team. "

Frank's ears told him that one of the men went away, and soon, by thesound, the boy decided that a team was being brought from some place inthe woods, where it had been concealed. 

"What sort of a job is this?" thought the captive lad. "It seems to be acase of real highwaymen right here in Connecticut. And still they donot seem like highwaymen, for then they would have robbed me and let mego. They are up to something else. "

He soon found that his captors meant to remove him from the spot, for hewas lifted from the ground and tossed into the bottom of the wagon, likea sack of grain. Then the men climbed in, the horses were whipped up, and away they all went. 

After a drive of at least two hours, during which Frank had severaltimes asked where they were taking him, and had been repeatedlycautioned to "shut up, " the team came to a halt. 

Frank was glad of it, for much of the distance had been made over roughroads, and he had been several times menaced in order to keep him quiet, and once choked into silence by two of the men, who sat upon him whilethey passed another team. 

Frank was taken from the wagon, his feet were set at liberty, and he wasmarched into some sort of a building. 

"There, " said the hoarse voice of the leader. "He's safe and solidhere. "

Through the blindfold there was a glow of light, and then the cloth wasremoved from his eyes. 

Frank found himself in a rough room, to which there seemed to be nowindows and but one door. In the room there was a table, a broken chair, and a rude sort of bed. 

One of the two men who had brought him into the room coolly sat downastride the chair, and stared at Frank, his eyes gleaming by the flaringlight of the tallow-dip that burned on the table. 

"Set down, " invited the man, making a motion toward the bed. "We offerour visitors the upholstered furniture out of courtesy. Make yourself athome. "

"Don't care if I do, " returned the boy, with equal coolness, "but inorder for me to be thoroughly comfortable, it will be necessary for meto have my hands free. "

"Sorry I can't accommodate ye just now, but I want to have a talk withyer first. Set down. "

Frank obeyed. 

"Well, " he observed, "I suppose I might as well, as long as I do notseem to have much to say about it; but I'd like to know what this littlegame is. "

"Thought you'd be kinder curious, " said the man, with a hoarse laugh. "Well, ye see, it's this way. We've heard so much about you that wethought we'd kinder like the pleasure of your company for a day or two, and so we brought you over here. "

A day or two! Frank gasped for breath, as a sudden light dawned uponhim. 

If he were held there for a single day he would not appear at MadisonSquare Garden to take part in the tournament!

"This is the work of my enemies!" he mentally cried. "They have hiredthese ruffians to kidnap and hold me till the tournament is over!Cæsar's ghost! I never dreamed such a thing could be done in this quietpart of the New England States!"

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

THE TOURNAMENT. 

The interior of Madison Square Garden was decorated with the colors of adozen colleges, and was aglow with hundreds of bright lights. The rowsof seats, tier upon tier, were packed with people. The private boxeswere all taken. A band was playing a lively air, and the tournament wason. Down in the great cleared space young men from the various prominentcolleges of the country were struggling for victory in the athleticfeats on the programme. At times some well-known amateur contestant wasgreeted by cheers as he appeared or accomplished a feat that was plainlyremarkable. The favorites were greeted by the yells of the collegeswhich they represented, as they were seen preparing for some difficultattempt. 

It was a scene of the greatest excitement and enthusiasm. Pretty girlswere there in large numbers, their faces glowing with admiration for theyoung men who were struggling like gladiators down in the modern arena. The swell set of New York occupied the boxes. Fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, cousins and aunts of the contestants were on hand, watching with eagerness for the appearance of those in which theirinterest centered. 

In some instances the parents of the young men engaged in the contestswere plainly from the country. Their manners, their dress, theirlanguage indicated this. It was a wonderful occasion for them, and theirhearts almost ceased beating when the favorite for whom they werewatching showed himself and made his brave effort in some trial ofstrength and skill. Happy were they if he acquitted himself nobly. 

The blue of Old Yale dominated one great section of seats. And when aYale man won in some of the contests hundreds upon hundreds ofstrong-lunged young men arose to their feet and sent the college sloganpealing forth, while that great mass of blue fluttered and swayed as ifswept by a fitful tempest. 

It was Yale against the field, and Old Eli was acquitting herself nobly. 

One of the private boxes was occupied by the Hon. Andrew Flemming andhis family. His wife and his two daughters were there. In a corner ofthe box sat two lads who were talking earnestly in guarded tones. Theywere Tom Thornton and Andy Emery. 

Thornton and Emery had been entertaining Fred Flemming's sisters, butnow, for the moment, they had drawn aside and were earnestly discussingsome point that seemed to interest them greatly. 

"It must be that the matter is settled, and Yates has been substitutedfor the one who is missing, " said Thornton; "but it seems ratherastonishing that Flem should be so sure Merriwell would not appear. "

"But he did seem sure, " nodded Emery. "He told me over and over thatMerriwell would not be here to run. "

"And you must know enough of Frank Merriwell to be sure he would be hereif he could get here, even if he had to crawl on his knees. "

"That's right. "

"Then what has happened to Merriwell?"

"You tell!"

"I can't. I know Flemming would go to any extreme to carry out hisdesires. In fact, he is altogether too reckless and headstrong. I knewhe did not mean it when he told Merriwell he was ready to bury thehatchet, and I have felt that he was not talking to hear his own voicewhen he told us Merriwell would not be on hand to race to-night. "

At this moment Fred Flemming entered the box. His face was flushed, andthere was a look of triumph in his eyes. He spoke to his mother, andthen addressed himself to the two boys, saying:

"It's all right. "

Some event below attracted the full attention of all in the box save thetrio in one corner. 

"Yates will run?" asked Emery, eagerly. 

"You bet your filthy!" nodded Fred. "I told you he would. "

"But where is Merriwell?"

Flemming smiled mysteriously. 

"It is evident, " he said, "that Mr. Merriwell decided not to attend thetournament. "

"Look here, Fred, " said Thornton, nervously, "you haven't done anythingthat will get you into trouble, have you?"

Flemming snapped his fingers. 

"What is it to me if Merriwell sees fit to stay away?" he asked. "Hemay tell some sort of a wild story, but it seems that he was afraid toappear and run. All I ask of you fellows is that you keep your mouthsclosed on one point. "

"What is that?"

"I don't care to have you breathe to a living soul that I knew inadvance that Merriwell would not be on hand. "

"We'll not say a word about it. "

"Yates had no idea that he might be called on. I found it necessary tokeep with him all the time and see that he did not get geared up. Then Ihad him where he could be found by the committee in case he was needed. "

"And----"

"And he was found. "

"He has gone to prepare for the race?"

"Sure. "

"That settles it! Merriwell has failed to show up!"

A wild Yale cheer turned their attention to the arena at this moment. Big Hickok was preparing to put the shot, and he had been greeted inthis manner by his admirers as he stepped out. 

Hickok was a giant, and Yale had the utmost confidence in him. Thus farthe best record made by any other man was forty-one feet and fiveinches. Hickok must do his very best to beat that. 

The cheers died away as the Yale Goliath poised himself for the effort. He crouched, and then the heavy iron sailed through the air and fellwith a thud to the ground. 

The tape was quickly drawn, and then the score went up. 

Forty-two feet and three inches!

Once more Yale let herself loose, and it seemed that the roof mustcrack. 

Hickok quietly declined to take the two remaining trials open to him. Hewas the last man on the list, and Yale had won. The hammer-throwing wasto follow, and he was entered for the contest. 

In the hammer-throwing contest Yale had another opportunity to yell, forHickok was again the winner over all others, making a record of onehundred and twenty-three feet and nine inches. 

The contests followed each other in swift succession, and Yale more thanheld her own. There was no reason why the wearers of the blue shouldnot be jubilant. 

At last, the races came on. Up in the Flemming box were three lads whowere anxiously awaiting the announcement of the one-mile run. 

Despite the triumph which he felt, Fred Flemming betrayed a sort ofhilarious nervousness as he chatted with his sisters and his friends. 

Watching Fred closely, Tom Thornton saw that he was under a strain. Andagain Thornton wondered what had become of Frank Merriwell. 

Princeton won one of the shorter races, and Harvard won another. In eachof these a Yale man was second. 

"If Mr. Merriwell had contented himself with being less ambitious, hemight be here to-night, " said Flemming, in an aside to his collegecomrades. 

Emery and Thornton exchanged glances. There was a significance aboutsuch language that could not be misunderstood. Thornton shivered a bit, and, unconsciously, drew back from Flemming. 

The excitement of the evening was at its highest pitch thus far. Thecontestants for yet another race were getting into position, and, inanother moment, they were off like a pack of greyhounds. 

This time a Yale man carried his colors to victory, and the "Sons of OldEli" yelled their approval and delight. Yale was doing nobly. This nightshe was making a record for herself that would be remembered. 

But now came the greatest race of all--the mile run. Preparations weremade for it, and feverish anticipation swayed the great multitude. 

Fred Flemming was literally quivering as he leaned over the rail of thebox. 

"Let's give Yatsie a great send-off!" he exclaimed. "They are coming outin a minute. "

He was watching the point where the runners must first appear. His handshook on the rail. 

The runners appeared. The first was Beatty, the Harvard man, and theHarvard crowd "hoo-rahed" hoarsely. Then came Mansford, of Princeton, and the Tigers let themselves loose. Jetting, of Dartmouth, followed, and the New Hampshire lads greeted him in a manner that brought theblood to his cheeks. Then little Judd, the U. P. Man, trotted out, andhe was received with howls of delight from the Quakers. 

"Now--now comes Yates!" cried Fred Flemming. 

The Yale man appeared, and Flemming stood up to cheer. He dropped intohis seat as if he had been shot, his face turning ashen gray, and thecheer dying on his lips. 

"Good heavens!" gasped Tom Thornton. "It is Frank Merriwell!"

But his exclamation was drowned by the mighty cheer which greeted theappearance of the Yale standard-bearer. 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

TO VICTORY--CONCLUSION. 

"Merriwell! Merriwell! 'Rah! 'rah! 'rah!"

It was a mighty roar of voices. Then came the well-known Yale yell, which was repeated again and again. The entire Yale crowd was standing, wildly waving hands, hats, flags, handkerchiefs, anything and everythingthat could be found to wave. It was an ovation that might have gladdenedthe heart of an emperor. 

It was not strange that the sound nerved the Yale man to vow withinhimself to die in the effort to win for dear "Old Eli, " if he could notwin otherwise. 

But up in one of the boxes not far from the starting point were threeyoung men who were utterly overcome with amazement and consternation. One of them had a face that was drawn and pale, as if he had received amortal wound. 

"What's it mean, Flem?" asked Andy Emery, in Fred's ear. "Merriwell ishere! Have you been horsing us?"

Then, for all that his parents and his sisters were present, FredFlemming ground out a bitter cry. His voice shook and he choked, as heanswered:

"You know as well as I what it means! Oh, what luck!"

He was utterly unmanned, and his mother, observing his pallor, asked himif he had been suddenly taken ill. He answered her with a snarl, like amad dog. 

The five runners came down to the line. Just as they did so, DuncanYates burst into the Flemming box. 

"What sort of a jolly business is this, Flemming?" he demanded, his facepale with anger. 

And then, seeing there were ladies present, he removed his cap andmumbled an apology. 

Fred did not introduce Yates; he was too much broken up to think of sucha thing. 

"That's what I'd like to know, " he said, helplessly. "You know we weretold Merriwell was not on hand to run. "

"But he showed up in time to dress, and I was coolly informed that Iwasn't in it. I object to such treatment, and I want to know if it was ajob on me. "

"If it was a job, I'll give you my word I know nothing about it, " saidFred, in a weak and humble manner. 

At this moment, as they looked down, Frank Merriwell was seen to gazestraight toward them, and something like a scornful, triumphant smileflitted across his face. 

"I'd like to strangle him!" grated Flemming. 

The runners were preparing for the start. Pistol in hand, the starterstood ready to give the signal. His voice was heard bidding them makeready. 

A moment later, the pistol cracked, and the runners leaped away. 

"Oh, if he'll come in the tail-ender!" panted Fred Flemming. 

The band was playing its liveliest air, and the runners sped around thetrack like fawns. Graceful fellows they were, with the possibleexception of little Judd. Judd started off bravely, however, seeming toscoot into the lead like a squirrel, his short legs fairly twinkling. 

The U. P. Crowd let out a great cheer to encourage the little fellow. 

Beatty, of Harvard, was likewise a quick starter, and he was right atJudd's heels, while Mansford and Merriwell got away side by side. Jetting, the Dartmouth representative, was slow about starting, butstill he was a runner. 

It had been expected that other colleges would take part in this race, but, for certain reasons, there were but five starters. 

Around the track ran the lithe-limbed youngsters, with Judd holding thelead for two laps. Then he was passed by Beatty, who spurted to get tothe front, and this gave Harvard an opportunity to "hoo-rah. "

From the very outset it seemed that Merriwell and Mansford were in for aneck-and-neck match. They clung together in a singular manner. 

For a time the five runners were well bunched, but there came astringing out at last. Little Judd began to lag, and Jetting, who hadpushed past Merriwell and Mansford, went by the U. P. Man and began tocrowd Beatty. 

The New Hampshire boys cheered him on, and the sound of the yell heloved to hear got into his head and worked his undoing. OtherwiseJetting must have been a dangerous man for the leaders at the finish. Asit was, he pumped himself out some seconds too soon. 

At the first quarter Harvard led, and she was still leading, withDartmouth second, when the first half was passed. 

Then came a fierce struggle for the lead, which ended with the weakeningof both Beatty and Jetting. Beatty weakened first, however, and fellback, but Jetting was seen to stagger a bit, recover and go on. 

Merriwell and Mansford passed Beatty and narrowed the gap between themand Jetting. Mansford set his teeth and gained an advantage of ten feetby a quick break. This advantage he was resolved to hold. 

Jetting fought like a tiger to hold the lead, but Mansford crowded himharder and harder, finally going to the front. 

Then came a desperate struggle between Merriwell and Jetting, but Yale'scolors were carried into second place at the beginning of the lastquarter. 

And now--now there was excitement. The finish was drawing near, andPrinceton had the lead, although the distance was short. 

As Frank passed the Yale crowd he was given a rousing cheer, whichseemed to put fresh life and strength into his body. He crept up onMansford, who was running like the wind. The difference grew less andless. Eight feet, six feet, four feet--could he close the gap?

Then, for a moment, a black cloud seemed to pass before Frank's eyes. His heart was in his mouth, where it lay hot and dry, like a stone thathas baked in the sun. It seemed that he must fall. 

"Win or die! win or die!"

Those words rang through his head as if some one had shouted them intohis ear. 

"I will!"

He knew the end was close at hand, and still the black and yellow wasbefore him. 

Then it was that Frank nerved himself for one last great effort, anddashed forward with a fresh burst of speed that seemed little short ofmarvelous. That burst carried him to Mansford's side--carried him intothe lead--carried him over the line at the finish--a winner!

There was a grand supper in New York that night, at which FrankMerriwell was the guest of honor. He was toasted again and again by hisadmiring friends, and it seemed that everybody was his friend at last. There were speeches and songs and a general merry time. Old Yale hadcarved her way to glory once more, and among her standard-bearersMerriwell was the leader. 

"Tell us, tell us, old man, " cried Paul Pierson, "how was it that youhappened to be so late in appearing at the garden? Really we had givenup hope that you would come, and were for getting Yates into runningrig. You barely got along in time. What kept you away?"

"I was unavoidably detained, " answered Frank, smiling. 

"Yes, but that is an unsatisfactory explanation. Rattleton and thefellows who were with you reported your mysterious disappearance, and wewere for putting detectives on the case to-morrow. Can't you clear upthe mystery?"

"Well, you see, it is like this: I fell in with some gentlemen whoseemed to take a strong interest in me. Note the word strong there. Infact they were too strong for me. They seemed to like me exceedinglywell, and they pressed me to stay all night with them. I was sort ofroped into it, as it were. I found it difficult to get away withoutwounding their feelings. "

This was said in a queer manner, and the lads about the table looked ateach other inquiringly. 

"But you managed to get away?" said Pierson. 

"Yes, I offered them inducements in the shape of coin of the realm. Theyseemed to be out for stuff, and some person, who must love medearly--had induced them to take charge of me and care for me tenderly. However I worked on their greed by offering more than my friend hadoffered, and, as I promised not to make too much of a fuss about it, Iwas let off, but barely in time to reach here. I am not going to sayanything more about this matter just now, but I expect to look aroundsome and find out who my friend is who engaged the gentlemen to care forme so tenderly. When I find him--well, I won't do a thing to him!"

"Well, here's luck to you!" cried Pierson, lifting his glass. "Gentlemen, here's luck to Frank Merriwell, the best all-around man whoever called dear Old Yale _alma mater_. Drink--drink hearty!"

A few words more and we will bring this story to a close. 

Frank was truly the hero of the college, and it was many a day beforehis wonderful dash was forgotten by even the most indifferent of thestudents.