. . . .-|- （ ） THE MERRIWELL SERIES No. 116 STANDI® BURTL ... A * R ( ) T E & T .” 2 *º- Y ? * - -i- *— . . . A R T E S S C I E \; T I A. VERI TAs BOOKS FOR YOUNG MEN MERRIWELL SERIES Stories of Frank and Dick Merriwell PRICE, FIFTE EN CENTS Fascinating Stories of Athletics A half million enthusiastic followers of the Merriwell brother 5 will attest the unfailing interest and wholesomeness of these adventures of two lads of high ideals, who play fair with them- selves, as well as with the rest of the world. These stories are rich in fun and thrills in all branches of sports and athletics. They are extremely high in moral tone, and cannot fail to be of immense benefit to every boy who reads them. - They have the splendid quality of firing a boy's ambition to become a good athlete, in order that he may develop into a strong, vigorous right-thinking man. ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT 1—Frank Merriwell's School Days. . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 2—Frank Merriwell's Chums . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 3—Frank Merriwell's Foes . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 4—Frank Merriwell's Trip West . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 5—Frank Merriwell Down South. . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 6—Frank Merriwell's Bravery . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 7—Frank Merriwell's Hunting Tour . . . . By Burt L. Standish 8—Frank Merriwell in Europe . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 9—Frank Merriweli at Yale . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish MERRIWELL SERIES 28 Io–Frank Merriwell's Sports Afield ..... By Burt L. Standish II-Frank Merriwell's Races ............. By Burt L. Standish I2–Frank Merriwell's Party ...... © tº º ſº tº gº tº By Burt L. Standish 13–Frank Merriwell's Bicycle Tour...... By Burt L. Standish I4–Frank Merriwell's Courage .......... By Burt L. Standish 15–Frank Merriwell's Daring ........... By Burt L. Standish I6–Frank Merriwell's Alarm............ By Burt L. Standish 17—Frank Merriwell's Athletes . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 18—Frank Merriweli's Skill ... . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 19—Frank Merriwell's Champions ........ By Burt L. Standish 20–Frank Merriwell's Return to Yale. . . . . By Burt L. Standish 2I–Frank Merriwell's Secret ........ .... By Burt L. Standish 22—Frank Merriwell's Danger . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 23—Frank Merriwell's Loyalty ... . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 24-Frank Merriwell in Camp . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 25—Frank Merriwell's Vacation ....... ... By Burt L. Standish 26–Frank Merriwell's Cruise ............ By Burt L. Standish 27—Frank Merriwell's Chase. . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 28—Frank Merriwell in Maine........ . . . . By Burt L. Standish 29—Frank Merriwell's Struggle. . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 30—Frank Merriwell's First Job. . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 31—Frank Merriwell's Opportunity. . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 32—Frank Merriwell's Hard Luck. . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 33—Frank Merriwell's Protégé. . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 34—Frank Merriwell on the Road. . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 35—Frank Merriwell's Own Company.... By Burt L. Standish 36—Frank Merriwell's Fame.............. By Burt L. Standish 37—Frank Merriwell's College Chums. . . . By Burt L. Standish 38—Frank Merriwell's Problem. . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 39—Frank Merriwell's Fortune........... By Burt L. Standish 40—Frank Merriwell's New Comedian. . . . . By Burt L. Standish 41—Frank Merriwell's Prosperity. . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 42—Frank Merriwell's Stage Hit. . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 43—Frank Merriwell’s Great Scheme. . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 44—Frank Merriwell in England. . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 45—Frank Merriwell on the Boulevards. . . By Burt L. Standish 46—Frank Merriwell's Duel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 47—Frank Merriwell's Double Shot. . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 48—Frank Merriwell's Baseball Victories. . By Burt L. Standish 49—Frank Merriwell's Confidence......... By Burt L. Standish MERRIWELL SERIES * * 50—Frank Merriwell's Auto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 51—Frank Merriwell's Fun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 52—Frank Merriwell's Generosity. . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 53—Frank Merriwell's Tricks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 54—Frank Merriwell's Temptation. . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 55—Frank Merriwell on Top. . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 56—Frank Merriwell's Luck. . . . . . . . . . ..... By Burt L. Standish 57—Frank Merriwell's Mascot. . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 58—Frank Merriwell's Reward. . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L Standish 59—Frank Merriwell's Phantom. . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 60—Frank Merriwell's Faith... . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 61—Frank Merriwell's Victories. . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 62—Frank Merriwell's Iron Nerve... . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 63—Frank Merriwell in Kentucky. . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 64—Frank Merriwell's Power... . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 65—Frank Merriwell's Shrewdness... . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 66—Frank Merriwell's Set Back. . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 67—Frank Merriwell's Search. . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 68—Frank Merriwell's Club.... . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 69—Frank Merriwell's Trust... . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 70—Frank Merriwell's False Friend. . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 71—Frank Merriwell's Strong Arm. . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 72—Frank Merriwell As Coach. . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 73—Frank Merriwell's Brother. . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 74—Frank Merriwell's Marvel. . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 75—Frank Merriwell's Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Staadish 76—Dick Merriwell At Fardale. . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 77—Dick Merriwell's Glory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 78—Dick Merriwell's Promise... . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 79—Dick Merriwell's Rescue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 8o—Dick Merriwell's Narrow Escape. . . . . . By Burt. L. Standish 81—Dick Merriwell's Racket... . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 82—Dick Merriwell's Revenge............. By Burt L. Standish 83—Dick Merriwell's Ruse................. By Burt L. Standish 84—Dick Merriwell's Delivery............. By Burt L. Standish 85—Dick Merriwell's Wonders... . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. 86–Frank Merriwell's Honor.............. By Burt L. 87—Dick Merriwell's Diamond............. By Burt L. * MERRIWELL SERIES. 88—Frank Merriwell's Winners. . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 89—Dick Merriwell's Dash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 90—Dick Merriwell's Ability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 91—Dick Merriwell's Trap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L Standish 92—Dick Merriwell's Defense... . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 93—Dick Merriwell's Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 94—Dick Merriwell's Mystery . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 95—Frank Merriwell's Backers. . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 96—Dick Merriwell's Backstop . . . . . . . . . . By Burt. L. Standish 97—Dick Merriwell's Western Mission.... By Burt L. Standish 98—Frank Merriwell's Rescue. . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 99—Frank Merriwell's Encounter. . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish 1oo—Dick Merriwell’s Marked Money...... By Burt L. Standish IoI—Frank Merriwell's Nomads. . . . . . . . . . . By Burt H. Standish 102—Dick Merriwell on the Gridiron...... By Burt L. Standish Io9—Dick Merriwell's Disguise. . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish IO4—Dick Merriwell's Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the books listed below will be issued during the respective months in New York City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at a distance promptly, on account of delays in transportation. To be published in January, 1925. 105—Frank Merriwell's Trump Card..... By Burt L. Standish 106—Frank Merriwell’s Strategy. . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish To be published in February, 1925. Io?—Frank Merriwell’s Triumph. . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish IoS—Dick Merriwell’s Grit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish To be published in March, 1925. 109—Dick Merriwell’s Assurance. . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish IIo—Dick Merriwell’s Long Slide. . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish III—Frank Merriwell’s Rough Deal. . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish To be published in April, 1925. 12—Dick Merriwell’s Threat..... ........ By Burt L. Standish 13—Dick Merriwell's Persistence. . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish *ex.- -- MERRIWELL SERIES. To be published in May, 1925. 114—Dick Merriwell's Day................ By Burt L. Standish II5—Frank Merriwell's Peril.............. By Burt L. Standish To be published in June, 1925. II6—Dick Merriwell's Downfall............ By Burt L. Standish II7—Frank Merriwell's Pursuit. . . . . . . . . . . . By Burt L. Standish There is a greater appreciation of athletic sports among Americans than among people of any other nationality. We have had definite proof of this in the correspondence occasioned by our publication of the adventures of Frank and Dick Merriwell. | These two boys are active athletes. They are proficient in every hine of sport, and they play fair or not at all. This last feature of the Merriwell stories fills our daily mail with letters from readers who say that they appreciate the integrity and fairness of the Merriwells more than words can tell. These books, while of greatest interest to the right-thinking boy are educational and make for the development of a character which will enable the average boy to meet his fellows fairly and squarely in the battle of life. STREET & SMITH CORPORATION 79. Seventh Avenue New York City EEE JEEEE| ---, RATTLING GOOD, ADVENTURE SPORT STORIES Price, Fifteen Cents Stories of the Big Outdoors There has been a big demand for outdoor stories, and a very considerable portion of it has been for the Maxwell Stevens stories about Jack Lightfoot, the athlete. These stories are of interest to old and young. They are not, strictly speaking, stories for boys, but boys everywhere will find a great deal in them to engage their interest. The Jack Lightfoot stories deal with every branch of sport —baseball, football, rowing, swimming, racing, tennis, and every sort of occupation, both indoor and out, that the healthy-minded man turn.S to. ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT I—Jack Lightfoot, the Athlete...... tº tº e º 'º e By Maxwell Stevens 2—Jack Lightfoot's Crack Nine...... . . . . . . By Maxwell Stevens 3—Jack Lightfoot Trapped. . . . . . . . 0 e o 'º G & e By Maxwell Stevens 4–Jack Lightfoot's Rival..... . . . . . . . . . . . By Maxwell Stevens 5–Jack Lightfoot in Camp. . . . . . . . . . '.... By Maxwell Stevens 6–Jack Lightfoot's Canoe Trip. . . . . . . . . . By Maxwell Stevens 7–Jack Lightfoot's Iron Arm. . . . . . . . . . . . By Maxwell Stevens 8–Jack Lightfoot's Hoodoo. . . . . . . . ". . . . . . By Maxwell Stevens 9—Jack Lightfoot's Decision... . . . . . . . . . . . By Maxwell Stevens 10–Jack Lightfoot's Gun Club.... . . . . . . . . By Maxwell Stevens II—Jack Lightfoot's Blind... . . . . . . . ". . . . . . . By Maxwell Stevens I2—Jack Lightfoot's Capture... . . . . . . . . . . . By Maxwell Stevens 3—Jack Lightfoot's Head Work. . . . . . . . . . By Maxwell Stevens (4–Jack Lightfoot's Wisdom. . . . . . . . .....By Maxwell Stevens '' Dick Merriwell's Downfall : * - - * * - - 2, 24, 2 4.22% OR, IN A MOMENT'S WEAKNESS ºy BURT L. STANDISH Author of the famous MERRIwell, SºrorIES. STREET & SMITH CORPORATION PUBLISHERS 79–89 Seventh Avenue, New York Juvenile Collection # * * * *s Copyright, 1904 By STREET & SMITH Dick Merriwell's Downfall (Printed in the United States of America) All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign **nguages, including the Scandinavian. , sº DICK MERRIWELL’S DOWNFALL. CHAPTER I. THE ORDER OF OSTRACIZERS. Directly after midday mess at the Fardale Military Academy there was a short period during which the cadets were not called upon to appear in classes or attend drills. During this period they were at liberty to spend their time as they chose, under certain re- strictions, and it was customary for many of them to wander about the grounds. It was during this midday period, a few days after the beginning of the autumn term, that a group of friendss met on the parade ground. Into this group plunged Earl Gardner, who seemed both overjoyed and greatly excited. “We want to be on hand to meet him, fellows!” cried the boy from Maine, his dark eyes flashing and his handsome face flushed. “Let’s give him a rousing welcome back to Fardale " “Him?” grunted big Bob Singleton. “Him?” piped Obediah Tubbs, with the same in- flection. “Him?” said Ted Smart, in a doleful tone of voice. Then in unison several of them cried: “Who’s him P” *ºeese- 6 The Order of Ostracizers. “Why, who do you think?” indignantly demanded Earl. “Who have we been talking about for the last three days? Who do we all want to see? Who is missed here more than any other fellow ever was P’’ “That's heasy to hanswer,” said Billy Bradley, a cockney lad. “Hit's Merriwell, hof course.” “Is it possible any one has missed that fellow !” cried Ted Smart. “I can't believe it! He's the last person in the world I should fancy any one would ever give a thought! Why, the contemptible scoundrel, he ought to be—” Ted stopped abruptly, for suddenly he found sev- eral of the group threatening him with their fists. “You shut up!” cried Harry Dare. “Of course we all know you're making one of your left-handed jokes. but we don't like that kind of talk about Merriwell, even when we know a fellow doesn't mean it.” “Oh, excuse me for living !” said Ted. “I will com- mit suicide immediately 1” “All you need to do,” rumbled Singleton, “is to keep on talking in that manner.” “Is Dick really coming back to-day?” inquired Oliver Stone eagerly. “How do you know, Gard- ner P” “Had a message from him,” answered Earl. “Buck- hart is with him. They'll come in on the afternoon train.” “Every fellow in the school ought to be at the sta- tion to meet them,” declared Hal Darrell. “Every fellow except Clint Shaw and his crowd,” modded Harry Dare. “There they go now.” He nodded toward four fellows who were walking * *ºmsºmºrº--, . The Order of Ostracizers. 7 across the parade ground in a group, talking in low tones in a manner that denoted secretiveness. “Shaw, Larch, Preston, and Walker,” said Gardner. “Where's Jack Harwood? I don't see him with them.” “Harwood has quit traveling with that bunch,” said Harry Dare. “He’s had enough of them, and he told them so.” “He should have quit them lul-lul-lul-lul-long ago,” declared Chip Jolliby. “Always seemed like quite a decent fuf-fuf-fuf-feller, and I never could understand why he trotted round with a cheap crowd like that.” “Look at them,” invited Darrell. “Wonder what they are up to now. They are keeping their heads to- gether and taking care that no one hears what they are saying.” “Dern their picters!” piped Obediah Tubbs; “they had better keep pretty dinged quiet around this school. There won't nobody stand much monkey business out of any of 'em. They’ve had their day.” “That's right,” nodded Barron Black. “But I'll guarantee they are planning some sort of sneaky busi- ness now. You can see it in their actions.” “Here eomes Jack Harwood,” said one of the boys, as a straight, handsome, rather reckless-looking boyſ approached. “Hello, Harwood ſ” called another of the group. “There go your friends. Why aren't you with them?” Handsome Jack's lips curled. “My friends!” he exclaimed scornfully. “Don’t call those chaps friends of mine! I know I have had something to do with them, but I have found them out, one and ail, and quit them for good. Shaw is a sneak, 8 The Order of Ostracizers. Larch is a blowhard, Preston is a coward, and Walker is a liar. And I’d as leave tell them so as to tell you fellers.” • * . ." No one doubted him. Handsome Jack was inclined to speak out whatever he thought. On more than one occasion it had created trouble for him when he had expressed his opinion of Shaw and his set. “How can you say such things about them?” ex- claimed Ted Smart, in a grief-stricken manner. “Why, you know Shaw is open as the day, Larch is modest and retiring, Preston is bold as a lion, and Walker— why, Walker is George Washington reincarnated" Handsome Jack threw back his head and laughed, showing his fine teeth. “I don't know what you fellows thought of me when I traveled with that crowd,” he said. “I fell in with them by accident, and kind of stuck to them after that. But in time I saw enough to convince me that they were first-rate chaps not to have anything to do with. They are pretty sore on me now. They thought I'd be hand and glove with them once more, and when I turned them down and told them what I thought of them, it made them mighty hot.” “You want to look out,” laughed Harry Dare. “I fancy they may be putting up a job on you now.” Harwood shook his head. “No, they are talking over a great piece of news.” “What is it? Do you know?” “Sure thing. Chester Arlington is coming back.” “What?” cried almost all the boys in a breath. “Arlington coming back here?” - - “Straight goods,” nodded Harwood, smiling as he $º- ~. - - &: - - The Order of Ostracizers. 9 : noted the stir his words had created. “Shaw has re- :eived word that Arlington will be here all right.” “Isn’t that perfectly lovely l’’ cried Smart. “How glad I am to hear it!” t “Dern his picterſ” piped Tubbs. “How does he larst show his nose at this school ag’in P” “He’s got nun-nun-nerve enough for anything,” said Jolliby. “When his 'e coming?” inquired Bradley. “Do you know habout that, 'Arwood?” “Comes to-day,” answered Handsome Jack. “To-day ?” exclaimed several. “This afternoon,” nodded Harwood. “Why, he will be on the same train with Dick and Brad l’’ cried Gardner. “Well, certainly that fellow's crust beats anything I ever heard of,” nodded Hal Darrell. “According to what you fellows say of him, he played the traitor and sneak on you this summer.” “That's what he dud-dud-dud-did,” nodded Jolliby, instantly. “He’s the bub-bub-biggest sneak I ever sus- sus-sus-saw. Dick tut-tut-tut-took him down to Ma- plewood to pup-pup-pup-play ball with us, and then he went bub-bub-bub-back on us and played against us.” t “Blawst 'is blooming heyes!” palpitated Billy Brad- ley. “’E done heverything 'e could to beat hus. 'E was ready to beat hus hany hold way.” “But he didn’t succeed,” put in Dave Flint, who had been listening to this conversation, but had pre- viously taken no part in it. “Not much,” grunted Singleton. “He and his old io .--anº-ººººº- The Order of Ostracizers. & ball team came out at the bottom of the heap, where they belonged.” “And Dick—our Dick—came out on top!” cried Gardner, his dark eyes gleaming and dancing. “We won the pennant for Fairhaven, and we did it through the skill and fighting qualities of Richard Merriwell. Every man, woman and child in Fairhaven swears by Dick Merriwell. If you should go down there and open your mouth against Dick you'd be tarred and feathered in short order. You should have seen them paint the town red the night after we played the double-header with Maplewood and took both games. That was the wind-up of the season, and our success in winning both those games placed us at the head and landed Maplewood at the foot.” Arlington must have felt pretty Sore that night,” said Harry Dare. r “Oh, he wasn't playing with Maplewood then,” chuckled Gardner. “He’d quarreled with the mana- ger before that and quit the team.” “And, like the fine fellow that he is,” said Ted Smart, “he pretended to be delighted when we won the pennant. Wasn't that nice of him!” “Derned if I ever thought he'd have the cheek to come back here to school ſ” said Obediah Tubbs. “He knows just about what was thought of him here before what he done this summer, and, of course, he'll under- Stand we're not going to think any more of him now.” “It’s a disgrace to have such a treacherous, cheap fellow in this school,” declared Hal Darrell. “None of us is perfect, but the worst of us can't hold a candle to Arlington for double-distilled meanness. I don't The Order of Ostracizers. D.C. see how he can help being ashamed of himself when- ever he thinks over his acts. He has never lost the opportunity to injure Merriwell, yet only for Merri- well he would have been expelled from Fardale long ago. A fellow like him should not have one friend or associate in the whole school.” “That's all right,” nodded Dave Flint; “but how are you going to keep fellows from associating with him here?” “It can be done!” exclaimed Hal, smashing his right fist in his open left palm. “How P” cried several. “Easiest thing in the world,” asserted Darrell. “At most there can’t be more than a dozen fellows in the school who will have much of anything to do with him. Shaw and his crowd are the ones most liable to take up with him, if he chooses to take up with them. Now, with such a sentiment against him in this school, there's no reason why we shouldn't combine to ostra- cize him. How long do you suppose he'd stand it if he came back here, and there wasn’t a fellow in the school who would speak to him or have the slightest dealings with him. Such treatment would soon cause a fellow like Arlington to pick up and get out of the school. He demands associates, and in the past he has been able to find them by spending his money freely on them.” “He will do the same thing again,” ton. “I dunno abub-bub-bub-bout that,” grinned Jolliby. “I hear his mum-mum-mother is where she can’t fuf- fuf-fork over money as fuf-fuf-freely as she used to. 3 rumbled Single- g 12 The Order of Ostracizers. The old lul-lul-lul-Hady is shut up in a sus-sus-sani- tarium somewhere.” “It would be pretty hard work to fix it so no one in the school would have anything to do with Arlington and every one would decline to speak to him,” said Gardner. But Hal Darrell seemed to think differently. “Get your heads together here, fellows,” he invited. “Don’t let any one outside of this bunch hear what we say. Now, see here, I am in favor of organizing for the purpose of giving Chet Arlington the cold shoul- der. If the thing is done right we can freeze him out of this school. It will be better than abusing him or driving him out by ordinary attacks. If we start in right here and now to use our influence with every fellow we know, and to get every fellow we can to use his influence with others in this school to bring this thing about, it can be done. Instead of applying vio- lence to Arlington, let's let it be understood through- out the school that any fellow who has anything to do with Arlington shall receive a good warming. The ones to be intimidated are Shaw and his crowd. What do you say to this, fellows P Do you believe it can be carried through successfully P” “It's a good idea,” declared Jack Harwood. “It would be dangerous for us to organize for the purpose of hazing and pestering Arlington, for he has money and influence back of him, and such treatment would arouse all his fighting spirit. Whatever we say about him, fellows, we must acknowledge that he's a good fighter. But we can work to keep every one in this school away from him ; and to be ostracized and aban- The Order of Ostracizers. 13 * doned, without a friend or companion, will drive him out of Fardale quicker than anything else.” “Then I propose right here,” said Darrell, “that we join hands and pledge ourselves to the task. Let every fellow who is ready to work in earnest get into the cir- cle. Come on 1 Lively now ! Any one who is against it can keep out.” Almost before he had finished this speech the boys had joined hands, and no one showed an inclination to keep out. “Good " laughed Darrell. “I christen this organi- zation The United Order of Ostracizers.” “That's first-rate,” laughed Harwood. “And I sug- gest that you, Darrell, be known as the Chief Ostra- cizer. Now let's get to work right away to make sure that no one is on hand to welcome Mr. Arlington when he arrives." * CHAPTER II. THE RECEPTION AT FARDALºs It seemed that almost every cadet from the academy was at the little railroad station in Fardale when the afternoon train arrived. There was a roar of delight as they caught sight of Dick Merriwell, followed by his chum, Brad Buckhart, as the two appeared on the platform of a passenger car. First there was a wild cheer for Merriwell. The cadets flung their caps in the air and yelled until it seemed that they would split their throats. Then came a cheer for Buckhart that was scarcely less enthusiastic. The two boys descended to the platform, where they were seized by friends, and their hands were shaken until their arms ached. “We’re going to march back to the academy with you, Dick,” said Gardner. “Never mind your lug- gage, that will be taken care of.” Another boy had appeared on the platform of the car and he paused there, Smiling a little and apparently expecting a welcome from the cadets. It was Chester Arlington. Suddenly he was observed. At first one or two no- ticed him, but the others seemed to do so almost imme- diately, and a remarkable and chilling change came over them. The cheering ceased, the babbling of voices > * * *-*. - The Reception at Fardale. 15 died away, and, with their eyes on Arlington, the cadets became silent and gloomy. He felt the change, and his face paled a little. Still Arlington was a chap with plenty of nerve, and noth- ing seemed to feaze him. Lifting his hand to make a salute, he cried: “Hello, Gerrish How are you, Coffin 2 How do you do, Stevens, old man?” Not one of the three cadets addressed moved even an eyelash in reply. They regarded him with frigid coldness, then turned away, shrugging their shoulders disdainfully. The pallor passed from Chet’s face, and his cheeks grew hot. His eyes gleamed and a wicked little wrin- kle settled at either corner of his mouth. - “Go to thunder, the whole of you!” he muttered. “You can't jar me that way. What a disgusting fuss they are making over Merriwell! To see them, any one would think him of royal blood.” At a little distance he observed Clint Shaw, Len Larch, Fred Preston, and Tom Walker. Now Chester really had no use for any of these fellows, but he felt a desire to receive from some one a welcome back to the school. Therefore, he de- scended the steps and pushed his way down the plat- form toward the quartette. When he brushed against a cadet that cadet simply drew aside without remark. “Hellow, Shaw, old fellow !” said Arlington loudly, as he held out his hand. Clint Shaw looked at him a moment and then turned his back. “Well, I'll be shot!” muttered Chester. *- 16 The Reception at Fardale. Then he turned to Larch. - “What's the matter with Shaw P’’ he demanded. For a moment Len Larch showed his ugly teeth in something like a grin, and then he, too, turned his back on Arlington. - This was more than Chester could stand. With a single Stride he reached the side of Larch, whose shoul- der he grasped, giving him a shake which brought him round so that once more they were face to face. “What in blazes do you mean, you grinning duffer?” he grated in a low tone. “How dare you turn your back on me!” Instead of answering him, Larch spoke to the others. “Come, fellows,” he said, “let’s move.” - Together the trio moved from that spot, leaving Ar- lington glaring after them in perplexity and rage. “Well, this is a fine welcome!” he muttered. By this time the cadets had placed Merriwell and Buckhart in their forward rank, and, quickly form- ing, they marched away from the station singing “Fair Fardale” as they went. One and all they fell into line, and behind them they left a solitary youth, who stood with his arms folded and a dark frown on his face. “It’s a put-up job!” Arlington muttered. “They can’t fool me. So that's the way they mean to do it? Well, they will have a fine time freezing me out! Be- fore they succeed I will make some of them sick of their job.” He found the baggage master and made arrange- ments for the transportation of his luggage to the academy. - ** The Reception at Fardale. 17 “Think I will ride over,” he decided, as he ap- proached a carriage that had not been taken by any of the arriving passengers. “Here, driver,” he called, “take me over to the academy.” The driver was an Irishman by the name of Murphy. He surveyed Chester with a look of profound disdain. “Go on wid yez!” he retorted. “Can't yer see that Oi am busy P” “Busy 2" exclaimed Chet, in surprise. “Why, what are you doing?” “Oi’m busy holding these beasts to keep them from running away,” answered Murphy. “They are divil- ish nervous, so they are. Whoa, ye thafe of the wor- ruld ! Be still, ye divils on hoofs" Saying which, Murphy gaye first one horse and then the other a cut with the whip, and away he went, leaving Chester with his hands on his hips, staring after the carriage. “Well, this is the limit!” growled Chester. “Even that Irish driver refuses to take me as a passenger! It's up to me to walk over.” There was bitterness in Chester's heart as he started out from the station. He thought of the time when he first appeared at Fardale, and how he had impressed the boys with his airs and with his lavish expenditure of money. It was then he tried to become a leader among them, fully believing that the wealth and social standing of his family should cause them to bow down before him. In those early days he had regarded Mer- rivell with disdain, fancying it would be an easy thing to rise above such a common chap. He had -*. 18 The Reception at Fardale. Soon discovered, to his astonishment, that the task was anything but easy. This had aroused his determina- tion to succeed, and it led him into schemes and tricks of all sorts. As he slowly walked through the village, hearing the cadets singing in the distance, on their way to the academy, he reviewed in his mind all the things that had taken place since he first beheld Fardale Academy. He was compelled to admit that his method of rising superior to an enemy had been a complete failure. “I made my mistake in Maplewood this summer,” he muttered. “But how was I to know that Merri- well and his crowd would be able to remain in the Trolley League 2 When Maplewood refused to accept the team, I fancied the jig was up for us, and, seeing an opportunity to get onto the Maplewood team my- self, I decided to stay there. How was I to know that the rest of them would go over to that island and find a way to get into the league? Had I known it, I presume I would have stuck by them. But my pride was touched by the thought that I had traveled 'way down there to play baseball, and was not going to get an opportunity to play, after all. Then, when Fair- haven did get into the league, I was anxious to see it land at the bottom. That is, I was anxious to see it land there until I had a fuss with Benton Hammers- well and quit him. Then I tried to fix the thing up with Merriwell, but he gave me a throw-down. He has returned to Fardale a conquering hero, while I have returned without a friend to meet me. It's pretty tough—pretty tough!” He sat down on a stone by the roadside and medi- The Reception at Fardake. I9 tated. The sun was just disappearing behind the wooded western hills. In the air was a slight tinge of atutumn. It was not this coldness of the air, however, that made ‘Chester shrug his shoulders and shiver a little. “They say I am like my mother,” he muttered. “I suppose it's true. I can see many of her traits in me, but I hope I may never come to what she has come tol Of course, rest in that sanitarium may restore her, but I fear she will never be right again.” For a long time he sat there beside the road, a soli- tary and pathetic figure. The sun disappeared and left a gleam of gold in the western sky. In the valleys and hollows faint shadows began to gather. Finally he started up and looked at his watch. “I will have to hurry,” he said. Past the old cemetery he tramped, and was in sight of Farmer Snodd's when behind him sounded a bi- cycle bell. Glancing back, he saw a boy wearing the uniform of the school rapidly approaching on a wheel. “The mail carrier,” said Chet. “I wonder if I know him.” As the boy passed, Arlington took a good look at him, and saw that he was a Stranger. “One of the plebe class,” decided Chester. In front of Snodd's the boy was stopped by a dog that ran out and attacked him. He sprang down, ſkeeping his wheel between himself and the dog, show- ing symptoms of great alarm. “Confound that dog!” exclaimed Arlington, as he guickly picked up two heavy stones and started on --- * * r 20 The Reception at Fardale. the run. “I’ve had it in for the beast, and I would like to nail him with one of these rocks.” . Unhesitatingly he rushed forward and hurled one of the heavy stones at the dog, striking the beast in the side and nearly knocking it over. * With a howl of pain, the dog turned and fled limp- ingly toward the house. * * “Oh, thank you!” eried the mail carrier, who was a slight-built chap. “I am frightened to death of dogs. I am shaking all over now.” “That one isn't particularly dangerous,” said Chet. “He has a strong dislike for any one on a wheel. Still, I don't wonder you were afraid of him.” . “I won't forget it,” said the boy. “Do you belong around here?” - - …” “I am going down to the academy. I attend school there.” * e “Oh, do you? I am glad of that. I have just en- tered. I was given a scholarship, and I have to do Some things about the academy, you know. Carry- ing the mail is one of them. My name is Weston— Tommy Weston.” “Glad to know you, Tommy,” said Chet, with un- usual cordiality. “I hope we may become better friends.” “So do I,” said Tommy. “What's your name, if you don't mind telling me?” After a moment Chester answered. “My name is Chester Arlington. “Wha—what? Chester Arlington?” gasped the mail carrier, in evident dismay. - A hard look came to Chet’s mouth. The Reception at Fardale. 2. “Yes,” he said, “that’s my name. Evidently you have heard it before.” - “Oh, yes—yes, I have,” admitted Tommy. Arlington laughed grimly. “From your manner, Weston, I should say you had heard no particular good of me. Don't be too hasty in your judgment.” ... : - But Tommy edged off a little, suddenly saying: “I must hurry—I must hurry with the mail.” Then he sprang onto his wheel and was away down the road, - Chester followed, a dark frown on his face. “It’s getting pretty rank,” he growled, “when even a plebe turns up his nose at me. They have tried to drive me out of this school before, and it's plain they are going to try it again. Well, they will find me the hardest fellow to drive in all the world!” CHAPTER III, C H E T S v I s I T or . To Arlington everything about the academy seemed cold and repellent. His room, more luxuriously fur- nished than any other, was likewise cold and repellent. Most of the boys roomed in pairs, but Arlington had a room by himself, and this he had furnished to suit his own taste. He had thought in furnishing it to im- press others with its luxuriousness, but the result had been simply to cause many of them to regard him with envy, while others held in disdain so much display. At first Chester had supposed Dick Merriwell to be poor. This supposition seemed quite natural, for Mer- rivell was most unostentatious in his manners, and his room was one of the plainest and simplest at the school. There were no fine carpets, no Turkish rugs, no ele- gant pictures and costly bric-a-brac. Not until he was given absolute proof that Dick was the heir to a large fortune would Arlington believe it possible for a lad so simple in his style of living and So free and easy in his manners to be other than poverty-stricken. After a time Chester came to believe that Dick's simplicity was only a trick by which craftily to win the good will and esteem of those unable to afford the luxuries he might have enjoyed. Once Chester had resolved to imitate Dick in this matter; but, having been reared to possess anything he might desire, he ~ Chet’s Visitor. 23 found it impossible to sacrifice every luxury and live • { { plainly as other boys in the school. “Well, here I am back again,” he muttered, as he paused on the Turkish rug before the open fireplace and looked around. “I will have to light up. The place is chilly. I don't like the shadows in the corners. Here is wood. I’ll build a fire myself.” Although he did not fancy even the slight task of starting a fire, he piled the wood on the andirons, after arranging kindling and shavings, struck a match and started a blaze. “Well, that's pretty fine!” he muttered, as the fire began to crackle and dance. “That will soon banish the chill from this room. I am not going down to mess. It must be over by this time. I don't care a rap for anything to eat, and I have been given chills enough for one day. I'll just sit down here and think.” He pushed a huge, comfortable chair before the fire and sank upon it with a sigh, resting his head on his hands. “It’s easy to see just what I’m up against,” he mur- mured. “I suppose I might leave this confounded old school and go elsewhere. No one would object to it now. Mother could not object, and I know the gov- ernor has thought it best to take me out of school. But that would be quitting. They would say I was driven out. They would say Merriwell had triumphed over me. I won't go; I will stay right here! Let them play their little game; let them freeze me as much as they like. I will keep away from them all and do some plugging. I will study hard for once in my life, at least. Oh, it will be pretty tough when the foot- **= ------...----' -- - , --~~~~~~ 24 Chet's Visitor. ball season begins—it will be pretty tough! I know that. I will see the rest of them play, and think that I should be in the game myself. But when I start to do a thing, I do it. Right here and now I make a resolve that I will wear them out at their own game. If I had one friend—only one! That would be enough. If I just had some one to whom I could talk.” To his surprise there came a soft knock on the door. He started up, involuntarily crying: - “Conne in ''' He knew it was not the knock of a guard or in- spector, for always they came with a sharp bang on the panel, and followed at once by entering the room without being bidden to do so. * , The door opened quickly, yet with a certain hesita- tion that denoted uncertainty and timidity on the part of the person outside. Chester saw Tommy Weston, who had stopped to glance up and down the corridor as if making sure he was not watched. A moment later Tommy entered the room and nervously closed the door behind him, - “Hello, Weston " said Arlington, again Standing in the middle of the Turkish rug. He made a rather striking figure, with the crackling fire bellind him. The firelight revealed to Weston the unusually luxurious furnishings of the room, and for a moment the boy seemed breathless and taken aback. Chester read all this in the plebe's manner. “Come right up to the fire, Weston, my boy, and have a chair,” he invited, feeling a certain satisfaction because of this visit. * . ; “I can't stay long,” said Tommy, rubbing his hands ſ Chet’s Visitor. 25 together nervously. “I just ran in for a minute or two. I don't—I wouldn't—I should just hate to have any one see me here.” “No danger of that,” said Arlington. “I fancy you're the only visitor I am likely to have to-night. Conne ahead, Weston, and take this big chair. You may as well be comfortable while yoºr. here. Why, boy, you're still nervous. Is it possible you haven't recovered from the fright given you by that dog?” “Oh, it’s not that,” declared the plebe quickly. “But I came to speak of that—I came to thank you again.” Arlington made a graceful gesture and placed his hand on Tommy Weston's shoulder. “Why, that was nothing, my boy,” he said, in a hearty, whole-souled manner. “I saw the beast come at you, and you had no chance to defend yourself, so I just picked up those stones and sailed into him. I had a little grudge of my own to settle, and I was glad of the opportunity to soak that dog. You owe me noth- ing, Weston.” “Still, I am ashamed of myself,” declared Weston. “Yes, sir, I am ashamed ! I know that I–I hurried away and left you without—well, without saying enough. I have thought it all over, and I have de- cided that it was mean of me. I don't see what it is they have against you here at the school. I don't understand why they are all down on you.” “So you've found out about that?” nodded Chester. “I knew you had, Weston, my boy—I knew it. I read it in your actions as Soon as I told you my name. Well, I will explain. My father is a rich man. I have been brought up a little differently from the most of 26 * Chet's Visitor. these fellows here, and they are inferior to me. That's about the size of it, Weston. That's what started it all in the first place. They expect everybody to be on a level here at this school. If you're the son of a mil- lionaire you're supposed to mingle freely and cordially with the sons of laboring men who chance to work their way into this school.” The plebe moved uneasily. t “You know I am the son of a poor man,” he said. “Perhaps you do not care to have anything to do with me?” “Oh, that's all right,” said, Chet, with his hands in his pockets and his feet wide apart. “I can get along very well with some fellows who are poor, in case they recognize there’s a difference between us. Now, you see it's this way, Weston, old chap: You and I might become pretty good friends here at School, but after leaving school we might move in different circles in life. In case I met you on the street or in a barroom, or some place like that, it would be, ‘Hello, Weston, my boy; how are you?' But I couldn't invite you to my home. I couldn't have you at my table. I couldn't introduce you to my swell friends. You can see how it is. They would expect, in case I did such things, that you were wealthy, on the same plane as myself, able to spend liberally and all that, you know. You see, my boy, it would be better for you if I did not introduce you to the people of my set.” “Oh, yes, I suppose that's so,” admitted Weston fal- teringly; “but somehow I've been brought up to think that a poor fellow is as good as a rich fellow in case he has the right stuff in him. I have always been Chet's Visitor. 27 º{\ taught that it is moral and intellectual qualities that make the difference in men, and not wealth and pov- erty. My father never had much money, but he is respected by every one who knows him. I had to work hard myself to obtain a scholarship here. My father thought he could not afford to pay the regular ex- penses, and I was determined to come if possible. Hav- ing set my heart on it, I tried for the scholarship, and got it.” “But now you have secured it, you can't feel that you are on an equal footing with the other fellows here.” “Why not?” “Why, you have to perform little menial duties, such as bringing the mail and things like that. In short, although you are a student here, you have to work.” “I see no disgrace in that,” said the plebe, his face flushing in the firelight. “Oh, I don't know as you can call it disgrace,” said Chet; “but I tell you this: I'd never have an educa- tion if I had to get it in such a way. I couldn't endure it to feel that any one in the school regarded me as inferior to him.” “But you know that they do say you are The plebe checked himself suddenly and seemed greatly confused. “W ell, what do they say?” demanded Chet, thrust- ing his thumbs into the armlets of his vest. “I fancy they say all sorts of things. Spit it right out, Wes- ton, old chap. You have started, and you can't back out. What have you heard them say about me?” “I don't want to hurt your feelings,” said Tommy 28 Chet's Visitor. slowly; “but some of them declared you were a very common chap, indeed, for all of your money. They said you were not fit for fellows here to associate ſwith.” Arlington snapped his fingers disdainfully. “Envy, Weston—envy. That's what it is. Some of the bunch here have entertained such a feeling to- ward me since learning that my father was D. Roscoe Arlington, the great railroad and mining man.” “I am sure I couldn't think you such a bad sort of a fellow after you drove that dog away,” said the plebe. “And I will prove to you, Weston, that I am not a bad fellow at all,” said Chet. Under ordinary circumstances Arlington would not have given Tommy Weston even passing attention. Having discovered the plebe to be the son of a poor Inlan, Arlington would have turned the cold shoulder on him at almost any other time. Just now, finding himself ostracized by the boys of Fardale and longing for at least one companion in whom he might confide, he was more than eager to make a good showing be- fore Weston. “I can drop the fellow any time I wish,” he thought. “He will serve to keep me from being lonesome, and perhaps he will furnish me with some interesting in- formation.” - & Aloud he continued : “I want you to feel at home here in my room, Wes- ton. I want you to drop in any time you choose." “But—but I have been told not to—not to come in here.” * & Chet's Visitor. 29 “Oh, I suppose you have; but that makes no differ- ence. You come just the same.” “I have been told that I shall have trouble if I come here. I have been warned that I shall be hazed if I don't keep away from you.” “Oh-ho!” exclaimed Arlington, in great indigna- tion. “So that's how they are working it! They're keeping fellows away from me by intimidation. Well, this is pretty interesting information, Weston. Things have come to a pretty pass in this school when such doings can go on.” “Don’t you tell any one I said a thing about it,” hastily cried Weston, betraying great alarm. “If you mention my name I will get into trouble. I don't want any trouble here.” - “That's all right,” said Chet easily. “Don't you worry. You trust me, old chap. I am going to take you in hand and fix it so you can hold your head just as high as any one in this school. I will fix it so you won't have to do any work, for I have a few loose dollars that I don't know how to use.” As he spoke, Arlington drew forth a roll of money, which he displayed before the boy. - “You see I'm well loaded,” he laughed. “Now, about fifty dollars ought to take you through this term and relieve you of those little tasks like bringing the mail and similar menial duties. You can easily pay some other fellow to do the things you're supposed to do. Lots of fellows here will be glad to get the money for those jobs. Now, here you have fifty dol- lars—-two twenties and a ten.” 30 Chet's Visitor. Chester stripped the bills off the roll in his hand and carelessly tossed them on the table at Weston’s elbow. The plebe shrank back. “But I don't want the money,” he cried. “I can't take the money.” - “Can't take it?” “No.” “Why not?” “Why, how can I ever pay you back? There's no way for me to do that, so I can't take it.” - “Oh, don’t you worry about that, old chap! If it doesn't worry you, it won’t worry me. You will be able to pay it back some time, I fancy. If you're not, the loss of it won’t ruin me.” - “But I can't accept it,” persisted the plebe, showing positive alarm. “I wouldn't borrow all that money for anything. Such a debt would keep me awake nights. I’d think of it constantly.” Chet laughed heartily. “Why, this is a mere nothing,” he declared. “Fifty dollars! It is scarcely more than fifty cents. Men of success in the world to-day think nothing of going into debt fifty thousand dollars—yes, five hundred thou- sand dollars. Of course, they have to establish great credit in order to do such things, but, my boy, you will find the whole country is run on credit. The old the- ory that it is dangerous to plunge into debt has been shown to be a false theory. The man with courage who judiciously gets into debt is the man who suc- ceeds in the world. Debt is a spur, an incentive to make a man work harder for successes. Here, old - & ~ * N Chet's Visitor. 3 I chap, take this money and forget about it until I re- mind you of it.” Still the plebe persisted in his refusal. “No,” he said, grimly shaking his head, “I can't do it—I won't do it! I thank you for your offer, but it's impossible for me to accept such a favor from you or any one else. Take the money back. Put it out of my sight. Don't tempt me, Mr. Arlington.” Chester Arlington was disappointed. In the past the had succeeded in obtaining a hold on the boys at school by loaning them money, and in this case he fancied it would be a simple matter to follow the same old system. But Weston was made of different stuff, and this attempt on Chet’s part had fizzled. “Oh, well,” said Arlington, as he picked up the bills and carelessly tucked them into his vest pocket, “have it your own way. You can see I am ready to do my best for you. You can see that I am not such a deuced bad fellow.” - -- “I am sure you're not,” nodded Weston, relieved as he saw the money pocketed. “I shall never forget your generous offer.” - - “That's right; don't forget it. Keep it in your mind, and some time you may be glad to accept it. When you are, just come around and say so, You will get tired of petty duties and drudgery after you have been here a while. You will find grinding at your studies and following up the drills and all that sort of stuff will keep you on the jump. It will be pretty tough for you, Weston, after studying and drilling and all that, to be compelled to work while the rest of the fellows are loafing or playing football or spending their time 32 Chet's Visitor. in their rooms. Every fellow ought to have a little time for recreation each day. In fact, I never did have time enough for recreation. It bores me to be bound down by rules and restrictions. I rebel against restrictions. Lots of their regulations here are the veriest rot. That's right, Weston. You will find it out in time. . - “Now, for instance, what's the use of drills and en- forced gymnastics for me? Look at me. I have per- fect physique. I had it when I came here. If anything, my carriage was better when I entered this school than it is now. Still, I had to go through those tiresome drills. I had to appear in the gym so many times each week, and spend just So much time yanking at the chest weights, and pulling on the rowing machine, and doing stunts of that sort. These things come a little easier in the second year, for a fellow's Supposed to be broken in by that time, so he loves it them. You will have to take your medicine, Weston. After per- forming your work, you will be supposed to appear for the regular pounding in the gymnasium. You will be compelled to show up with your company and go through all the drills. You will have to keep your clothes spick and span, your gun polished like a new- minted coin, and your room in perfect order.” “Have you been compelled to comply rigidly with all the regulations?” questioned Weston. “Well,” laughed Chester, with a wink, “I think it possible I have slipped along somewhat easier than oth- ers in the school. You see there was money and in- fluence behind me, and my old lady fixed it up here.” “Your—old—lady?” muttered the plebe doubtingly. Chet's Visitor. 33 “Yes, my old lady—my mother, you know.” “Oh!” gasped Weston; “I didn't quite understand. “Well, she fixed it up, and I have managed to slide along without being compelled to go through all the usual things required of a plebe. That's why lots of the chaps are envious and jealous of me. That's why they have decided to ostracize me, Weston. Do you think it's just right? I am not to blame because I was born wealthy.” “No, I don’t think it right,” declared Tommy hon- estly. t’s “Glad to hear you say so, old chap. Of course some fellows can't help envying others more fortunate, but I don't think they have any right to treat me the way they did.” “You’re not to blame. If any one is to blame it's the faculty here for permitting such things.” “I agree with you, Weston. Just wait a minute. I want to see about that door.” Chester strode over to the door and sprang the catch which locked it. “There now,” he said, “we’re not liable to be both- ered with any one jumping in on us suddenly. I don't fancy that there's one chance in a hundred that such a thing would happen, but there's nothing like taking precautions. Now let me investigate a little. I have my own private hiding place here, and I left something in it when I departed. Let's see if it remains where I left it.” - - Walking over to the corner of the room, he moved a piece of furniture, drew aside the rug, stooped, and } > as ºr * * * 3 **** * * > → 34 Chet's Visitor. the carpet. Beneath the carpet he found a square piece of flooring which was easily lifted. Reaching through the opening thus made, he produced a bottle, some dusty glasses, and two or three packages of cigarettes. “Just as I left them,” he chuckled. The plebe had watched him in great surprise. “I didn't know,” he observed, “that any one was supposed to have things hidden in his room.” “No one is supposed to, but many of them do,” said Arlington. “I have used that little hiding place ever since taking this room. It's been mighty handy for me. Just wait a minute, Weston, till I rinse out these glasses.” He was not long in doing this, and soon returned to the table with the glasses thoroughly rinsed. “Now we will be sociable a little while,” he said, glancing at his watch. “You’re quite safe for the next quarter of an hour, but you should be in your own room after that. Help yourself.” He removed the cork from the bottle and pushed it toward the plebe, also placing a glass before him. “What is it?” asked the visitor. “I don’t believe I care for any.” • “Oh, yes, you do,” said Chet. “It won't hurt you; it will do you good.” “What is it?” again demanded Tommy. “Nothing bad.” “Is it wine? I don’t drink wine.” “Don’t P” “No.” - “Well, it wouldn't hurt you if you did, but it isn't wine, old chap—it isn't wine. It’s good medicine for Chet's Visitor. 35 i \ { 4 Y A. a fellow. Just go ahead and try some. If it proves to be a little strong, don't mind that. Here's a glass of water, and you can reduce it. Just let me pour you out a little.” He seized the bottle and poured some of its amber contents into one of the small glasses. “I think it best to add a little water in your case,” he chuckled. “Water spoils it for me, but you might like it better reduced.” The plebe looked on in doubt and apprehension, his face showing his troubled spirit. Arlington poured a brimming glass of the liquor and stood with it upheld in the firelight. “Here we are, old chap,” he said. “All ready now. Down the brook!” Saying which he lifted the glass, threw back his head, and seemed to toss off its fiery contents at a gulp. He blinked a little, Smacked his lips, but declined to follow the drink with a “chaser.” Then he observed that Weston had not swallowed the stuff in his glass. “Here! here!” he cried. “What's the matter now 2 Why don't you drink it?” “I tasted it,” said Tommy, “but I can't drink it. I don't like it.” “Oh, come, come, boy! They never like it at first. Every fellow has to learn to like it.” “Is it rum?” asked Weston. “NO.” “Is it whisky P” “Well, Tommy, old chap, I won't deceive you—it's whisky.” 36 †: Chet's Visitor. “I thought it must be rum or whisky,” said the plebe, as he pushed the glass still farther away. “I can't drink it. I promised my mother not to touch it. She says it has ruined lots of fellows at school. She says boys of my age are not masters of themselves, and easiby become slaves to liquor.” - - . “Oh, I have heard that kind of talk before,” said Chester. “It’s rot, old chap—rank rot! Look at me. Take me for example. I drink anything I want; I do anything I like, and you can see whether it has harmed me or not. Do you expect to go through college, Wes- ton? You do? And do you fancy you can get through college without taking a drink? You do? Well, that's quite amusing, my boy—quite amusing. In these days every college chap tipples a little. He's thought to be a sissy if he doesn't. He has to get out with the boys once in a while and whoop it up.” - “But it's wrong,” said the plebe. “Are you sure they all do it?” “Oh, practically all of them,” yawned Chet. “Of course there may be a few who do not; but they’re re- garded with disdain by the others.” “I can't believe it,” said Tommy. “I am sure it’s not true. Why, I have heard that Frank Merriwell never drinks. I have heard that he does not smoke, and has absolutely no bad habits. Still, Mr. Arlington, he is respected and admired by all who know him. At Yale he was the lion of the college. Isn't it possible that a fellow who respects his own principles and posi- tively refuses to indulge in petty vices and bad habits is honored and respected for his course?” “It wasn’t because Merriwell was such an honorable r =-z-- = • -N Chet's Visitor. 37 and upright fellow that he won such high esteem,” declared Chet. “Not at all, Weston—not at all. It was because he turned out to be one of the most amaz- ing athletes the college ever produced. Had he been an ordinary sort of chap with no athletic ability he would have received no credit for abstaining from petty vices. Even now I feel sure that Merriwell would have been regarded as a better fellow by many had he occasionally indulged in a few of these petty vices.” • . “But had he smoked, and drank, and done such things, do you think he would have been such a won- derful athlete as he became?” “Oh, Sure, sure!” nodded Arlington. “It makes no difference with a fellow who doesn't overindulge. Now, look at me. How would it be possible for me to be a better man than I am?” “Have you made a great success in athletics since coming to Fardale?” Chet frowned. “No, I suppose not,” he admitted; “but that was not because I was not thoroughly capable. It was be- cause of the prejudices against me—because of the in- fluence brought to bear against me. Had they given me a fair show I would have opened their eyes. Here, Weston, have a cigarette. At least, that won't hurt you.” * The plebe again declined. “I have never smoked yet,” he said, “and I am not going to begin now.” “All right,” snapped Chester shortly. “I have seen chaps like you before. Within a month you will be 38 - Chet's Visitor. taking your medicine like other fellows and smoking a cigarette now and then on the quiet.” “I don't see how you dare smoke here. What if it should be found out?” & " - Arlington shrugged his shoulders once more. “I don't know who the fellows are on duty to- night,” he said; “but I used to stand in with them, and it was pretty certain that I would not be reported un- less detected in the very act of Smoking. Oh, I tell you, Weston, that kind of fixes it easy for a chap at . school or anywhere else.” Having lighted a cigarette, Arlington threw himself loungingly on a chair and smoked contentedly. He took pains to pose in a languid manner just where the firelight fell full upon him, and his visitor could be- hold his aspect of ease and elegance. Through all the interview Chester had done his best to impress Weston. After a few moments more the plebe started up and declared that he must go. Once more Chet glanced at his watch. -- “All right, old boy,” he said; “perhaps it will be well enough for you to get back to your room. Of course you might not be missed from it for the next hour, but should an inspector come around, it would require an explanation from you if you were not found there. Don't forget me, Weston. Come and see me as often as possible. If you don't mind, before you go, you might tell me who warned you against coming here— who threatened you.” “Several fellows did that. They say there's a regu- lar organization to keep every one away from you, Mr. Arlington.” **—--- Chet's Visitor. 39 “A regular organization, eh?” “Yes.” - “Who is in it? All of Merriwell's friends, I sup- pose.” . “I suppose SO. The fellow who started it, or who heads it, is named Darrell.” - * “Ah-ha!” cried Chet. “So that's the chap who is at the head of it, is it? Are you sure, Weston P’’ “Why, I have heard so.” “Well, it strikes me that Mr. Darrell may get into trouble over it. There are supposed to be no cliques or organizations in this school.” Weston seized his companion by the arm. “You won't tell any one that I told you?” he cried anxiously. “Don’t let that worry you,” said Chester, as he walked toward the door with his arm across the plebe's shoulder. “I’ll take care not to get you into trouble, old chap. But I am going out for this Darrell with a tomahawk and a scalping knife. I’ll have his scalp in my wigwam within a week. See if I don’t. I’ll show him what it is to get up against Chester Arlington. Good night, Weston—good night.” He shook hands at the door, turned back the spring lock, glanced out into the corridor, and then per- mitted Weston to depart. CHAPTER IV. D I C K S T E P S I N . Tom Weston glanced around nervously as he left Arlington's room. Apparently no one saw him de- part, and he drew a breath of relief as he hastened along the corridor on the way to his own room. At the head of the stairs which came up from the first floor Weston encountered a plebe, who stopped him. “I say, you,' ton?” “Yes, sir,” answered Tommy. “Then you're the chap I'm looking for. You're wanted.” “Wanted P’’ questioned Tommy wonderingly. “Yes, your bunkie wants you.” - “My bunkie?” said the plebe wonderingly. “Why, who y 9 - - “Your roommate, you dunce" said the other fellow. “Oh!” gasped Tommy, enlightened. “I am just go- ing to my room.” - + “But he isn't there.” “Not there?” “No.” “Where is he P” - t “He is out behind the corner. There's a little racket going on, and he wants you to come around and get into it.”. t . . y said this fellow, “is your name Wes- y * = ** * prº---- * * - alsº Dick Steps In. - 41 “But it's time to be in my room.” “Oh, you have got five or ten minutes to spare. You can run out there and get back all right. Better not miss it.” Tom hesitated at the top of the stairs, but the temp- tation was too much for him, and suddenly he scudded down the flight and out of the open door. With all haste he followed the well-beaten path round to the front of the gymnasium building. At that point he was met by another plebe, who made a gesture, and whispered: . “Right round the corner there. You will find them waiting for you.” - Tommy dusted round the corner in the darkness and ran plumb into the arms of several chaps who were really waiting for him. They seized him in a twin- kling, and in his ear one of them growled: “If you holler you will get your head busted Don't you make a sound if you don't want to be half killed !” “Why, what's the matter?” gasped Tommy, in a whisper. “Where's Nat? That fellow told me he was waiting for me.” “Don't you worry about Nat,” was the retort. “Just you keep your head shut tight and make your feet move.” The next thing Weston knew they were running him swiftly away into the darkness. They plunged into the cedars back of the gym, hurried through them, scaled a fence, crossed a field, and came in short order to a dense piece of timber. During this hurried rush through the darkness the 42 Dick Steps In. captive had been hustled along in a manner that pre- vented him from taking particular notice of his cap- tors. Not having been long at-Fardale, it is doubtful if he would have recognized any of them; but now a blindfold was suddenly placed over his eyes and knotted in that position. - “Better take further precautions, hadn't we?” sug- gested one. - “No,” said another. “He can't get away. If he howls, it's doubtful if any one at the academy will hear him.” Tommy knew they were all around him. He lis- tened to their voices, thinking to recognize Some of them in this manner; but in a few moments he realized that each fellow was endeavoring to disguise his voice by speaking in an unnatural manner. Some were very hoarse, some were husky, and some squealed in such -ridiculous tones that the plebe was tempted to laugh, for all of his unpleasant situation. Through the folds of the handkerchief bound over his face Tom caught a gleam of light, and knew some one had struck a match. At the same time the odor of brimstone reached his nostrils, causing him to sneeze violently. - “Better get used to it, plebe,” growled one of the hoarse-voiced chaps, “You’ll smell it all the time where you're going.” “Look here, plebe,” said a voice, full of harsh sav- ageness, “how dare you break the commands of the United Order of Ostracizers? You have been guilty of a heinous offense. Your crime is punishable with the most heartrending torture.” - Dick Steps In. º t 43 “What do you mean?” asked Weston. “I don't know what you're talking about.” “What?” cried several, in all the different tones from heavy bass down to cracked falsetto. “Don’t pretend innocence with us!” roared the chap with the hoarsest voice of all. “Don’t try deception on us! Don't lie to us! Were you not commanded to have nothing whatever to do with a certain detestable individual known as Chester Arlington f" Tom stiffened up a little, a feeling of defiance tak- ing possession of him. “What if I was so commanded ?” he exclaimed. “You know what,” retorted the heavy voice. “In all this school you are the first one to break the com- mand of the United Order. You must suffer the con- sequences. You must provide Such a horrible example that no one else in the school will dare follow in your footsteps.” “See here,” said Weston indignantly, “I am my own master to a certain extent, and none of you has a right to tell me what I shall do, and what I shan’t do. It's dead wrong for you to ostracize any fellow in the school, and you know it.” s “Hear him! hear him l’exclaimed the furious voices. “Behold him!” squeaked another voice, and once more through the folds of the handkerchief Weston saw the glow of the lighted match that was held be- fore his face. With a sudden movement the plebe tried to tear the blindfold from his eyes. Instantly his hands were seized and exclamations of anger escaped his captors. He struggled and tore one end free, pushing the blind- 44 Dick Steps In. fold up, but just as he did so, the fellow who held the match extinguished it with a sudden puff of his breath. In the darkness beneath the trees Weston could not recognize any of his captors. He heard one of them warning the chap who had lighted the matches to de- sist until the captive was helpless to uncover his eyes. “Better make him helpless without delay,” advised one of the party. “Where are the cords?” Weston was surprised not a little as he felt his coat swiftly removed, but his surprise increased and turned to dismay when the boys stripped him of the garments covering the upper part of his body until he was naked to the waist. A moment later the plebe was placed with his face toward the trunk of a small tree, and his arms clasped about the tree. Then two of the cadets tied his wrists together securely with stout cords. “Cut Some good strong withes, boys,” commanded the leader. “Get half a dozen of them, at least. You can find plenty of them right round here.” - By this time Weston was trembling once more. “What are you going to do?” he chattered. - “You will learn a bitter lesson to-night, plebe,” hissed one of his captors. “In the future I fancy you will obey the commands of the United Order and keep away from Chester Arlington.” “They are going to whip me!” thought the helpless boy. “The wretches! If they dare do such a thing I will make some one sorry!” “He is helpless now,” said one of the boys, “We can't see to do a good job here in the darkness. Dick Steps In. 45 Hadn't we better start a blaze that will give us light enough for, our purpose?” - - “Good idea,” said the one who seemed to be the leader. “Go ahead and light a fire." Weston heard the snapping of dry wood as they gathered and broke the sticks. He knew from their conversation that one or two of them were making shavings with their jackknives, and soon the flickering flare of light that came through the folds of the hand- kerchief told him the fire was started. He heard it crackling and snapping near at hand. “That's the stuff!” said one of the boys. “Now we can see all right. Isn't it a shame to cut up such a beautiful back? Just look at it, fellows. Why, his skin is smooth, white, and soft as can be.” “Is this the kind of a school I have come to?” thought the captive. “Why, they say hazing is a thing of the past here. I wonder what they call this.” Apparently there was very little delay in prepara- tions to punish the captive. Two of the boys lay aside their coats and rolled up their sleeves, each selecting a long, trimmed withe. “Are you ready ?" asked the hoarse voice of the leader. ' “All ready,” they answered. “Then stand where you are until I have a few final words with the prisoner.” He then stepped close to Weston's side and ad- dressed him in a low tone. “See here,” he said, “I really hate to do this, don't you know. It's against my principles.” • *-—y 46 Dick Steps In. “Oh, go on!” chattered Tommy defiantly, although he was shaking in every limb, “I don't believe you have any principles.” “You were given fair warning to keep away from Chester Arlington,” said the leader; “but you visited the fellow in his room in defiance of that warning. The U. O. of O. is determined that Arlington shall have no friends, no associates, no speaking acquaintances even, in this school. And in order to prevent him from having any such, it is necessary that all who seek to associate with him shall be punished until they desist. The members of the order are anxious to punish you to make an example of you, but I confess that I dislike to do it. I think you were thoughtless in your act, and now if you are ready to give me your promise that never again under any circumstances will you volun- tarily visit Arlington, speak to him, or recognize him in any manner, I will urge the members of the order present to let you off this time. What do you say to that P” “I say go ahead with your dirty business!” panted Tommy. “Some of you will regret it! I know I haven't any friends in this school, but I am not afraid of you all ! I say it's a mean, contemptible thing to ostracize any one, and I refuse to let you order me about and tell me what I shall do and what I shall not do. I believe Chester Arlington is more decent than any of you. I believe he is a better fellow, and I tell you now that I shall speak to him I will associate with him | I will be friends with him if you kill me for it !” The boy had wrought himself up to a high pitch of Dick Steps In. 47 excitement, and he shouted forth the final words in Something like frenzy. “Too bad you're such a fool!” growled the disap- pointed leader. * : - . He was not the only one disappointed, for many of the others had fancied the plebe would weaken and give in as soon as it seemed apparent that they really meant to flog him. Weston's nerve and defiance was surprising and discouraging. “Better soak him some,” said one. “Perhaps that will bring him to his Senses and make him change his mind.” *. - “It’s the only thing to do now,” agreed another. “We can’t back out. We've promised him a thrash- ing, and we must deliver the goods.” The leader seemed to think there was no other way, for he stepped back and lifted his hand. “Ready!” he again commanded. Two coatless chaps with long switches aproached and stood ready to lay those switches across Tommy Weston's bare back. The little fire flared and flickered, causing strange, grotesque shadows to dance and cavort amid the un- derbrush. “I will give you one more chance, Weston,” said the leader. “If you promise, on your word of honor, not to have anything to do with Chester Arlington, we will let you off without chastisement. If you refuse to make such a pledge you shall be flogged until you yield. “What do you say to that?" “I refuse!" cried the little plebe. “Go ahead with your flogging!” y ...:-ºn-º’” 48 Dick Steps in. But as the leader lifted his hand in a signal which caused the two chaps with the switches to prepare for the punishment they intended delivering, there came a startling interruption. “Stop!” - The one word sounded clear and distinct as a pistol shot. It made them all start and turn toward a cer- tain point, and the blazing fire threw its light on a youth advancing swiftly out of the darkness. “What's this mean, fellows?” cried the newcomer. “What are you doing with that chap?” “It’s Merriwell!” exclaimed one or two of the startled boys. “What are you doing with him?” repeated Dick in- dignantly. “Do you really intend to flog him P What has he done?” “He has been chummy with Chet Arlington,” an- swered one. “Is that all P” “Is that all ! Isn't that enough 2 Every fellow in this school has been warned to keep away from Chester Arlington. This chap was warned, but he didn't heed it. Something must be done to make him more care- ful in the future.” “And this is the way you propose to do it!” ex- claimed Dick. “It won’t work, fellows. You can’t do such things at Fardale. You can't keep Arlington from having friends by intimidation. I don't believe you actually meant to flog this fellow. I am sure you didn't mean to do so. It was all a bluff. You were trying to frighten him, but he has shown his nerve **=-- - ------ Dick Steps in. 49 by refusing to be frightened. I tell you, boys, I ad- mire him for it. If he wishes to do so, he has a right to be friendly with Arlington. Trying to prevent such friendship in this manner will simply make it stronger. The only way to prevent it is to let him see as much of Arlington as he chooses, and if he is discerning, I fancy he will finally find out the fellow's true character. Throw down those switches! Put on your coats! Get out of this, all of you, and I will look after the plebe.” For a moment they hesitated, and it seemed as if they would defy him. Weston held his breath, wondering that any one could come there in such a manner and command those chaps, compelling them to obey. “Go!” cried Dick, lifting his hand, a stern look on his face. “I know you, one and all. You can't flog this fellow now, if you wished, for should he make complaint to the athletic committee, I'd be called on to testify against you." “That's right,” admitted one of the boys. The leader advanced quickly to Merriwell's side. “We will leave him in your hands,” he said. “You talk to him. See what you can do with him. Induce him to keep away from Arlington if you can. Will you?” - “I will give you no promise," retorted Dick, in a low tone. “I will see that this fellow gets back to he academy all right, and that's all I agree to do.” A few moments later Weston felt his hands re- leased, and then the handkerchief was removed fretu his eyes. • * . . . . . - “sm -- 50 - Dick Steps In. The light of the fire, which was already dying down, revealed to him Dick Merriwell as his only companion. His late captors had disappeared. “You—you—I thank you,” faltered Tommy. “I suppose you're Dick Merriwell. I heard them call you Merriwell when you appeared.” “That's my name,” nodded the dark-eyed boy. “What's yours?” A “It’s Tommy Weston.” “Well, Tommy, you're not hurt, I see; and I think you showed plenty of nerve when they threatened to flog you.” “I don't know about that; but I tell you I was mad —I was awful mad! I just felt myself shaking aſl over, and I said in my heart that I'd die before I’d ever give in to them.” “That's nerve, Tommy—that's nerve. I'm inclined to think you have good sand. Here are your clothes. Put them on, for the air is chilly and you may get cold.” . “I was cold,” said the plebe; “but I'm hot enough now. I have heard about you, but this is the first time I have seen you. All the fellows were talking about you. I couldn't be at the station to meet you with the rest.” Dick assisted Weston in donning his clothes, dur- ing which their conversation continued. “I don't care if they didn't flog me,” said the plebe, “somebody is going to suffer for this business. They meant to do it. They would have done it if you had not stopped them.” - “I don't think so, Weston,” said Dick, shaking his Dick Steps in. 51. head. “I believe it was all a bluff. I know the most of those fellows, and they're not brutal or given to bulldozing.” “They tried to bulldoze me!” palpitated Tommy. “Haven't I a right to speak with any one I choose in this school? Haven't I a right to be friends with any one I choose to be friends with ?” “You have,” nodded Dick. “Well, I have been told that I mustn't have anything to do with Chester Arlington. I have been ordered to keep away from him—not even to speak to him. They say he's your enemy and that he's a pretty mean fel- low ; but he did me a favor to-day and I had to thank him.” “He did you a favor?" questioned Dick quietly. “What sort of a favor P” The plebe explained. Dick nodded his head slowly. “That explains how you happened to visit him in his room,” he said. “I wondered at it myself, Weston, for Arlington is not the sort of a fellow to pick up with a strange plebe, and I didn't fancy you had ever met him before coming here to School.” Weston was putting on his coat. As he finished, he stopped and looked Dick Straight in the eyes. “Tell me the truth about Chester Arlington,” he urged. “Tell me what sort of a fellow he is.” Dick shook his head. “You have heard what others have had to say about him, Weston. I can add nothing to it. If you're not satisfied with their statements concerning him, the only 3. -- Dick Steps in. thing for you to do is to discover what he is by expe- rience.” § . . “Is he bad? Is he low and vicious?” “Time will answer those questions for you.” “But they say he's done everything mean in his power to harm you,” said Weston. “If that's true, you should be the first to denounce him.” ... “I think we'd better get back to the academy,” said Dick, as he stepped toward the fire and kicked the brands to the right and left. Let's make sure there are no coals left here to start a fire in this strip of woods. Help me in Stannping them out, Weston.” - In a few minutes this task was accomplished, and together they made their way out of the woods. “I want to thank you again,” said the plebe. “And I wish you would give me some advice. If you say so, I will keep away from Chester Arlington—ſ won't even speak to him. Do you advise me to keep away from him? You should give me some kin-1 of advice.” “I advise you to do just exactly as you choose to do, Weston. If you wish to visit Arlington in his room, go ahead and do so. If you wish to be friendly with him, and he sees fit to accept you as a friend, it's you who have the decision.” “But I will be ostracized myself if I have anything to do with him.” “No, you won't. I will take care of that. You will find me ready to give you the glad hand any time, Weston, until you prove to me that you are not worthy of it. I think I have some influence here in this school, and there's little danger that you’ll be ostracized or Dick Steps In. 53 abused, even though you see fit to associate with Ar- lington.” - ** “Well, I know one thing,” exclaimed Tommy as they strode across the field toward the school buildings; “you're all right yourself, and I believe you're the squarest chap I ever knew ſ” . “Thanks, Weston,” laughed Dick; “but I'm sure you have not seen enough of me yet to decide on that point. Better hustle up to your room as soon as you can. If I were in your place I'd say nothing about what has happened to-night. Unless you are given further trou- ble, it will be best for you to show that you can keep a still tongue in your head.” . “All right,” said Weston, “I will keep still, although I did think I would lose no time in complaining to the faculty.” “You will simply make trouble for yourself if you complain. It doesn't do for a fellow who is hazed to make too much fuss over it. Here we are, Weston.” They passed round the cedars back of the gymna- sium, turned the corner of the building, and walked together along the path toward the wide door of the barracks building. Dick took his companion's arm and did not release it until they reached the steps. He was seen walking thus by several of the boys, and Tommy felt that this display of friendship on the part of Merriwell meant a great deal. “He is all right !” muttered Weston as he hurried to his room in the cockloft. “I don't know which I like the better—Arlington or Merriwell. Yes, I do, too. There is a big difference in them. Arlington f 54 Dick Steps In, talks about himself and tries to impress a fellow. Mer- rivell doesn’t do that. Then Arlington offered me whisky and cigarettes. I don't believe Merriwell uses either. Arlington boasted about his money and social position. Yes, he's a different sort of a fellow; but still he did me a favor, and I can't forget it. I don't fancy being driven into treating any one in a shabby manner, no matter who he is, and I shall continue to speak to Chester Arlington, even if every other person in the school turns him down.” CHAPTER V. PROFESSOR GOOCH MAKES A MOVE. The following day, at a certain hour in the forenoon, all the cadets were summoned to the main hall of the academy, into which they packed until the place was filled almost to the point of suffocation. Great wonderment was expressed by this summons, and there was a buzzing of whispered comment until Professor Barnaby Gooch rose on the platform and rapped for order. Sitting near Professor Gooch was Professor Gunn and other instructors of the academy. Gooch glared over the sea of boyish faces, his own face looking grim and set, with a sour expression about his thin-lipped mouth. “Come to order,” he commanded, again rapping sharply. “I demand absolute order, young gentlemen.” When he was satisfied with the silence and attention given him, he cleared his throat and spoke as follows: “Young gentlemen, I presume many of you have been surprised by the call for this meeting. Every student in the academy has been requested to be pres- ent here this morning, and I think there are none miss- ing. The cause for calling this meeting is a serious one. As the older classes well understand, this school is supposed to be thoroughly democratic in its atmos- phere. Here one boy is just as good as another until he proves himself to be worse. Here every boy is sup- posed to have an equal opportunity with every other, * * 56 Professor Gooch Makes a Move. boy. After much patience and no end of effort, we have almost totally abolished the evil practice of hazing at this academy. It's now our boast that no boy sent here will be maltreated. A timid or sensitive boy sent here has every opportunity, and is given every protec- tion from violent and rough companions. Having ac- complished these things in this school, we intend to maintain the standard thus set. You know, young gentlemen, that sensitive lads are often driven from School by the brutal treatment of their companions. But that's not the only way to cause a boy to run away from school, or to induce his parents to take him out of the school. There are other methods. . “I regret to say it has come to my knowledge that in this very School one of these other methods is being practiced on a certain cadet. I have been informed that there is at this academy a lad who has been se- lected as the victim of an organization seeking to drive him out of the school. I will not name this lad. It's. quite unnecessary. I have been told, and have reasons. to believe, that the information is true, that the entire, school, from the first class to the last, has organized, for the purpose of ostracizing the intended victim. Those who did not willingly agree to the plan have been terrorized into agreeing. They have been coaxed, urged, and threatened until they finally pledged them- selves to do as directed by the organizers of this move- ment. • , , “This is in direct antagonism to the spirit of the school, and it will not be permitted here. I have dis- cussed the matter with Professor Gunſ, and other mean- Öers of the faculty, and we are united in saying that Professor Gooch Makes a Move. 57 this thing must be crushed and destroyed immediately. I believe the original organizers banded themselves to— gether into what they called the United Order of Os- tracizers. Now, young gentlemen, I am irrevocably op- posed to unions of any kind. We are determined that there shall be no union of any sort in this school. Therefore this meeting. Therefore I invite you now to dissolve at once your union, and unless my warning is heeded I shall take active measures to find out the ringleaders.” Here the withered old professor paused and leaned forward, shaking a quivering finger in the air as he seriously continued : “When I have found out the ringleaders, I promise you, without exception and without favor, one and all shall be expelled from this school. I wish this dis- tinctly understood. We have agreed on this point. Don't think for a minute that you can carry this affair on without exposure. You can see that already I know all about your plan and your method. Dissolve your union at once, for if it exists to-morrow, I shall take measures to learn the names of the ringleaders, and to- morrow night may witness the departure of several boys from this academy, never to return. That's all I have to say. You are dismissed now, and you will file out in order by classes.” Of course this warning from Professor Gooch cre- ated a great stir. At midday intermission the boys gathered in groups on the parade ground to discuss it, and it was generally agreed that the faculty was in earnest and would carry out the threatened action in case the U. O. of O. did not break up at once. 58 Professor Gooch Makes a Move. Little did any of them dream that while they were talking of the matter Chester Arlington himself had sought an interview with Barnaby Gooch, whom he found in the chemical laboratory. Gooch was putter- ing over some of the apparatus when Chet appeared. “Eh P’’ exclaimed the old fellow, starting up and peering at Arlington over his glasses. “You startled me. You nearly caused me to do some damage here. What do you want?” “I wish to speak with you privately, professor.” “Some other time! some other time ! I am busy now. My time is limited.” “It's quite important,” said Chester. “It’s concern- ing the very thing that caused you to call all the classes together this morning and give them warning.” “Is, eh? Oh, yes. Well, you're the chap that brought this organization into existence, I believe. You're the one to be ostracized, I understand. Oh, yes, I know your name—I know your name. You're Cadet Arlington. I have met your mother, a very fine woman—very fine woman. She was a most agreeable lady to meet. Now look here, Cadet Arlington, there must be some reason why this entire school should de- cide to ostracize you. It's an astonishing state of af- fairs. I confess I don't understand it. I confess it's far beyond me. Never such a thing happened in this school before. Can you explain it? Will you explain it? Then do so, sir—do so.” “It’s easy enough to explain,” said Chester prompt- ly. “There is another boy here who is a leader, and he has brought his influence to bear against me. He has been afraid of me ever since I entered this school. y Professor Gooch Makes a Move. 59 You know, Professor Gooch, that my people have paid extra that I might have certain privileges here. This has made this other fellow envious and jealous. He has lost no opportunity to injure me in the eyes of the boys here, and I am certain he is behind this move- ment of the Ostracizers. He thinks to force me out of the school in such a contemptible manner.” “These are pretty broad statements, Cadet Arling- ton,” said Gooch, tapping the forefinger of the right hand into the palm of his left. “I presume you have good authority for this?” “Oh, all the boys here, save the members of the en- tering class, know of the feeling between myself and this chap who is my enemy. It's almost unnecessary to name him. You no doubt know him yourself, Pro- fessor Gooch.” “Ahem! ahem l’ coughed Gooch. “Seems to me I do remember of your having trouble in the past with another cadet. Yes, I remember it quite well. But I thought that matter had been definitely settled. I thought you had become friends.” “Friends !” laughed Chester, with a toss of his head. “That we can never become.” “Too bad too bad l’’ said Gooch. “But I don’t think it possible that this other lad is in any way con- cerned in the present movement against you.” “I know he is ''' cried Chet. “Eh P You know it?” “I know it. If I can bring absolute proof of it, Professor Gooch, will you stand by your promise to have him expelled It seems to me that you have had trouble with him yourself in the past.” 6o Professor Gooch Makes a Move. * “Ahem! ahem' coughed Gooch, behind his hand. “I don't care to discuss that with you, Cadet Arling- ton; but bring me absolute proof of what you say and I promise you that I will leave no stone unturned to turn this fellow out of the school. But I must have the proof. Do you understand?” “What would you do if I should bring you proof that this Merriwell and others took a plebe back into the woods last night and tied him up to a tree, having stripped him to the waist, and threatened to flog him if he did not agree to keep away from me—to have nothing whatever to do with me?” “Why, that's outrageous! That certainly would be enough to turn every one concerned out of the school in short order. Bring me irrevocable proof, and I will guarantee that Richard Merriwell, or any other cadet taking part in such an affair, will receive his dismissal in short order.” -- - . . Arlington's eyes gleamed triumphantly. “You shall have all the proof you want,” he de- clared. “I will bring you evidence right away, if you will wait. I will bring before you the very plebe who was threatened and intimidated.” ', “Bring him here within ten minutes,” said Gooch, “and you will find me.” * - “Very well,” said Chet as he hastened away. Ten minutes had not elapsed when Arlington re- turned, with Tommy Weston reluctantly following at his heels. * “Is that the boy P” asked Gooch, eying Weston keenly. - “This is the boy,” nodded Chet, with an expression. Professor Gooch Makes a Move. 61 of triumph. “Question him. He will tell you the truth.” “Ahem! ahem!” coughed Gooch. “What's your name, sir?” “It's Weston, sir.” “Weston, were you seized last night by certain cadets and carried away into the woods in the rear of the gymnasium ?” “Yes, sir.” “What happened to you there?” Weston told in a few words how he was stripped to the waist, bound to a tree, and threatened by his cap- ſtorS. “Outrageous!” exclaimed Gooch, in high indigna- tion. Such things as this we have endeavored to stamp out here at this school. Now, sir, will you tell me truthfully, if at any time, after you were seized behind the gymnasium and carried into the woods, you recog- nized any one?” Weston had not yet told in what manner he escaped from the hands of his captors. He had not explained that through the interference of Dick Merriwell he was delivered unharmed from the boys who had endeav- ored to intimidate him in a such a manner. “I recognized no one, professor,” he said, “until I was set free and the bandage removed from my eyes.” “And then, sir—then you recognized some of then P” “Only one person, professor.” “And that one—who was he?” “Richard Merriwell,” answered Weston. “But, pro- fessor, it was he—” 62 Professor Gooch Makes a Move. # “That will do,” cried Gooch. “You are here to an- Swer my questions, and that is all.” “But I wish to explain, professor,” persisted Tommy, “that Dick Merriwell prevented the others from flogging me.” “Oh-ho! ah-ha!” cried Gooch. “Became alarmed, did he? Well, it’s a good thing that he did; but he was a trifle slow about it—a trifle slow. You recog- nized no one else, then—not another soul ?” : “They were all gone, professor, when Merriwell re- leased me.” “Well, this is sufficient,” nodded Barnaby. “It’s quite enough. You may go, Weston; but I think I will have cause to Summon you before me again.” Tommy hesitated, seeming anxious to say something further, and, even though the professor waved his hand and pointed toward the door, the plebe ventured to begin : “I trust you understand, professor, that it was Dick Merriwell who interfered and kept my real captors from carrying out their purpose? I trust you under- Stand P” “I understand quite enough "snapped Gooch. “My time is so limited just now that I can't listen to the full particulars of this most reprehensible and outrageous affair. You have given me the main points, and that will do. Go, sir!” Weston went. R CHAPTER VI. WHAT THINGS MAY TRANSPIRE. 'Chester Arlington was more than satisfied with the result; he was delighted. Still, he disguised his real feelings in a clever manner, and by the expression of his face one might have fancied he was both shocked and grieved. “I am sorry now, professor,” he said, “that I breught this fellow to you.” “Sorry, eh? Sorry, hey?” exclaimed Gooch, lifting his thin eyebrows and peering at Chet over his spec- tacles. “How can that be? Why, when you came here, young man, you were “I know it,” murmured Chet, venturing to interrupt Gooch; “but I was too hasty. I permitted my feeling to get the better of me. Oh, yes, I did, professor; and I am sorry now. No matter what Merriwell has done, no matter how he has injured me, I should have re- mained silent. I was not concerned in this affair, and therefore I had no right to say anything about it. In case it becomes generally known in this school that I diti, the cadets will have further cause for ostracizing me.” “Now, see here, my boy,” said the old man grimly, “this ostracizing business is going to come to a sud- den end. I will see to that. I will stop it. You have done a service to the school as well as to yourself. Not concerned? I should say you were concerned' 64 What Things May Transpire Were they not bulldozing and intimidating this boy is order to prevent him from having anything to do with you? Of course you were concerned! You have done nothing more than what was right. I have said in the past that this Cadet Merriwell has been too much fa- vored here. I don't care to say too much now, but I think it has been apparent to many that Professor Gunn has been influenced in his favor. Professor Gunn leaves to-morrow for a trip abroad. His health demands it. While he is gone I shall be in full charge here, and I propose to bring about a new order of things in this school.” Arlington's heart gave a great bound of satisfaction. He had long known that Barnaby Gooch was preju- diced against Dick Merriwell, and he now fancied he saw his opportunity to increase that prejudice until there would come such a change that Merriwell would find remaining in Fardale an impossibility in case he was not expelled. Indeed, a score of Schemes ran through Arlington's fertile brain, although he con- tinued to maintain his air of sad regret for what he had already done. “I am sure, Professor Gooch,” he said, “that I wish no harm to Cadet Merriwell. All I ask is justice for myself.” “You shall have that, never fear, sir,” nodded the old man. “I will see that there is considerable more justice in this school while I am at its head than there has been of late. I will straighten out affairs here. Why, they call this a military school! Military, in- deed! It's being turned into an ordinary prep school, and a very ordinary one, too. If a boy is engaged What Things May Transpire. 65 actively in football, baseball, or any of those useless sports in which Fardale boys compete with the boys of other schools, all he has to do is to ask that he may be excused from drills and from duties of any sort. Even from his classes! And in order that Fardale may maintain her high standard in such foolish things he is excused. High standard, indeed! Do boys come here to learn football, baseball, and such things, or do they come here to prepare for college, to fit themselves for mental effort, for mental capacity in life? Oh, yes, there will be a change here!" “But, professor,” said Chester hastily, “in order to reach the highest manly development and put one's attainment to use, he must have good physical devel- opment. I believe it’s a fact that a brilliant mind and a weak body can never reach the highest possibilities of accomplishment.” “That's all right—that's all right,” nodded Gooch. “There is a grain of truth in that theory, but what are our drills for if they’re not to give boys physical ex- ercise, to give them plenty of free air for their lungs, to give them a better carriage and better appearance? Then you know, sir, that the members of the entering class here are required to spend just so much time each week in the gymnasium, where they are looked after by Professor Broad. When they have been given this attention a full year they are supposed to have acquired the gymnasium habit, if I may call it that. They are supposed thereafter to regularly follow up such exer- cises in the gymnasium as will develop their weak spots and give them sound bodies. I see very little good in these briºn! contests of football and baseball. Such 66 What Things May Transpire. things develop the coarser side of a boy's nature. They brutalize him. They make him reckless and careless of the health and safety of others. What does he care for his opponents if he can win a contest by breaking the arm, the leg, or even the neck of his antagonist! He unhesitatingly goes to the extreme. Don't talk to me about those things, Cadet Arlington I I have seen them; I know all about them. I tell you in the future there will be a decided change in this school.” “I hope you're not going to cut out football and baseball entirely, professor?” gasped Chet, in positive dismay. “Oh, not that l” assured Gooch, shaking his head. “Not quite as bad as that, sir. It’s impossible to carry it to that extreme, even though I might believe it a good thing. Football and baseball have been in vogue here so long now that to eliminate them would create a perfect revolution. Besides that, I know such things are permitted, to a restricted limit, in every school. Oh, yes, they will continue here; but in the future the faculty will be actively interested and actively con- cerned. These things will not be carried on wholly and entirely by the cadets. And I assure you, sir, that no one cadet will have supreme authority in anything.” Arlington knew this final remark referred to Mer- rivell, and again his heart gave an exultant throb. “But what does Professor Gunn say to this change?” he inquired. “Professor Gunn has found it necessary on account of his health to leave all such matters in the hands of his colleagues. His departure is somewhat hasty; but his physician has informed him that he must go at once What Things May Transpire. 67 if he wishes to escape a total collapse and a break- down which may prove fatal. As I have already stated, I shall be at the head of affairs here while he is gone. But, bless my soul, I am wasting valuable time in chat- tering ! You may go, Cadet Arlington.” Chester was disinissed with an angular gesture of Gooch's hand, and he departed with a feeling of ex- ultation in his heart. “Things are going to come my way, after all,” he muttered. “Dick Merriwell's day at Fardale is about over. His sun is setting. Great Scott! Won't there be a hubbub when Barnaby Gooch takes the helm and strikes out on a new course? So Merriwell's crowd meant to ostracize me and drive me out of school, did they? I fancy their move will result in their complete undoing and in the downfall of their idol. I will re- main in this school to see Dick Merriwell humbled in the dust." CHAPTER VII. T H E P A R T I N G . Zenas Gunn was a man little given to display, yet he had thought of making an address to the cadets ere leaving for the rest and vacation ordered by his phy- 'sician. On consulting the physician about this, how- ever, and stating how deeply he felt over the necessity of leaving school so suddenly, the doctor advised him against anything that would arouse his emotions and produce a profound effect upon him. “Your heart is very weak, professor,” said the doc- tor. “I know just how strongly you feel about this affair, and I think it would be a great mistake for yout to do as you suggest. You can’t bid the students fare- well, even for a few months, without being power- fully moved, and it might quite prostrate you. I sug- gest that, instead of doing so, you leave as quietly as possible, without giving them an opportunity to demon- strate their feelings toward you.” t “Very well, doctor,” said the old pedagogue Sadly, “it shall be as you wish. You know my heart and life are wrapped up in this school, and therefore I presume you are quite right in your suggestion.” For this reason, until the head professor had de- parted it was not even generally known that he was going. The greater part of his luggage was quietly removed to the station the night before the day chosen for his departure, and at an early hour the following Lagºs .-------- - The Parting. 69 morning a few cadets were surprised to see a carriage stop before the academy, after which Mr. and Mrs. Gunn entered, accompanied by Dick Merriwell. A few pieces of luggage were placed in the carriage, and then it rolled away. Dick had been surprised when summoned that morn- ing to meet the head professor. He was still more sur- prised when Gunn invited him to enter the carriage and accompany them to the station. Still he repressed his curiosity and desire to ask questions. Dick could see that the professor was profoundly moved as the carriage departed from the academy. Gunn looked back longingly, with tears in his eyes. “Richard, my boy,” said the old man, turning to Dick, “I hope everything goes smoothly at the school while I am away.” “Are you going to be gone long, professor?’’ asked Merriwell, venturing his first question. “It will be very, very long for me,” answered Zenas, sadly shaking his head. “I presume you are surprised because of my sudden departure. It must seem most singular to the boys. I did think of ad- dressing them before departing, but the doctor advised against it, and I gave up the idea.” Gunn then explained his plans, making it clear why he had so suddenly decided on such a move. “I am very sorry, professor,” said Dick simply and sincerely. “You will be missed at the school far more than you can understand.” “Do you think so—do you really think so, my boy P” “I know it,” nodded Dick. “Every one will miss you. The school can't be the same without vou.” l 70 The Parting. “Do you really think that?” exclaimed Zenas. “There's no question about it. Every cadet has felt your influence, and your interest in the school and in him. I know it.” Zenas eagerly seized Dick's hand and pressed it with his thin fingers. - “Your words give me great pleasure,” he declared. “Such a state of affairs is exactly what I could most desire.” “I hope your trip does you the utmost good. I hope it will restore your health and strength, so that you may soon return to Fardale.” 4. “I hope so myself. I presume you are surprised because I invited you to accompany us to the station. I will explain that. I am going to New York, where I expect to meet your brother. I thought you might wish me to bear a message of Some sort from you to him. Besides that, I did wish for one boy at least to bid me good-by at the Station.” - . .” - “You might have had every boy in the school, pro- fessor. They'll regret the lost opportunity to see you off after they find you are gone.” “But you see that it wouldn't do. Had they ac- companied me to the station to see me off, I must have been excited and wrought up over it, which was just what my physician advised me against. It's better this way. I shall have you to shake hands with me ere I board the train, and you, Richard, are my idol as a manly, upright boy. Don't blush. I know you're mod- est. I am not going to compliment you any more, for I feel that it embarrasses you. Still, you may be pr * ſº * The Parting. - 71 t sure I shall think of you often. If it should happen that I can't return to Fardale as soon as I hope, I shall watch your progress from a distance. I wish you would find time to write me ocasionally. I will send you my address. Richard, I almost wish you were going with me. Your brother went abroad with Pro- fessor Scotch as his guardian and tutor, and I believe it was of the utmost benefit to him. - “Still, it wouldn't do to take you out of Fardale now. You are a leading spirit in the School, and all your influence is for good. Every boy looks up to you and tries to follow in your footsteps. I tell you, Rich- ard, it’s a fine thing for any one to set an example in this world and to be taken as a model of nobility and manhood. I have been very proud of your brother, but just now, as I am leaving you—just when I feel it possible we may never meet again—I want to tell you that you have found a place in my heart that has never before been occupied by any boy. Were you my own son I couldn't love you more. I feel that I must tell you this. Had I remained at the head of the school I should not have spoken thus. I should have kept it a secret in my heart until the day you grad- uated from Fardale.” No wonder Dick was stirred until his eyes, like those of the professor, were blurred with heavy mist. No wonder his hand thrilled as it again touched that of Zenas Gunn. In vain he sought words to express his feelings; he was utterly helpless to say what he wished. Gunn saw this quickly, and patted him on the shoulder. “There! there! I know, I understand,” he declared, with a smile of affection. “We won't saw any more 72 The Parting. about this. You will find time to write me occasion- ally, won't you, Richard?” - . . . . . “Surely I will, professor.” “lt will be rather lonely for me, you know,' Zenas. - - - “Lonely?” “Yes.” “Why, you will have Mrs. Gunn with you.” “Oh, no; Mrs. Gunn is not going.” “Not going?” * - “No ; she says she can't endure the trip. She is mortally afraid of steamboats of any description. And, besides that, even a short voyage on comparatively placid waters makes her deathly ill. She is going to visit relatives while I am abroad. You see, Richard, it would be very fine for us both if you were going with me.” º “Indeed it would !” cried Dick. By this time they had entered the village, and soon they arrived at the station. Dick hastened to attend to the luggage, and then the train backed in beside the platform. The boy assisted both Mrs. Gunn and the professor to ascend the steps, and followed them into the car, where he remained until the conductor gave the signal for the train to start. After springing off, Dick stood on the platform and waved his hand at the old professor, who leaned from the car window and waved a handkerchief in response until the train swung round a curve and neither could see the other longer. - y said Heavy-hearted and with a strange feeling of boding. gr $ºr ! :i The Parting. 73 evil upon him, Dick turned his face toward Fardale Academy. For some reason Dick did not choose the road which led directly back to the academy. Instead of that, he took the one leading toward Miss Tartington's Lake- side School. Having reached Lilly Lake, he turned from the highway into the path which would take him through the woods in the direction of the military School. On this path, not far from the little rustic bridge with which he was so familiar, Merriwell came sud- deuly face to face with Chester Arlington. Arlington stood quite still in the centre of the path and surveyed Dick with an insolent air. “Why are you coming back this way ?” he de- manded. “I saw you drive off with old Gunn. He took you over to the station with him. Why did he do that P Oh, I know ! Every one in the school knows you have been his favorite, and he has pushed you ahead and kept you on the top of the heap. But he has gone now, and things will be changed.” At first Dick had thought of passing Chester with- out pausing to waste words on him. In spite of him- self, however, he was aroused somewhat by Arling- ton's insults. He stood quite still and regarded Chet with his pier- cing dark eyes. - “Oh, glare away!” cried Chester, snapping his fin- gers. “You will find no one cares a rap for you now. Your ostracizing scheme is exposed already. Tried to drive me out of the school in that way, did you? Well, let me tell you this: I will drive you out of the 74 The Parting. school before I am done. Oh, I mean it! I will do it in some manner, and it don't make any difference to me how I do it. The old fight is on again between us, and this time I will triumph.” “Have it as you like,” said Merriwell grimly. “I am not going to recall to you the fact that more than once in the past I might have driven you from Far- dale, but I will say this much : Whatever may come to you from your Own Scheming and plotting, I shall let it come, and never again will I lift a hand to pre- vent you from meeting the consequences of your own acts. I am satisfied that eventually crookedness and scheming ends in the downfall of the schemer.” “Bah! That's rot, Merriwell ! You wait and see if I don't drive you in disgrace from Fardale. I know what is going to happen.” Then Chester walked on in a haughty manner, and Dick continued on his way to the academy. Neither of them knew that their talk had been over- heard by two girls, who were seated together in a little nook not far from the path. One of these girls re- strained the other, who would have spoken to the boys. That very day something unusual happened to Dick Merriwell. He asked to be excused from afternoon drill that he might be on the football field when candi- dates for the team came out in the first call by the ath- letic committee. This privilege was denied him, and he was compelled to attend the regular drill, although several of his class were given leave of absence. This was indeed remarkable, as Dick had been chosen cap- tain of the team, and, therefore, was, among all the players, the one most needed on the field that day. * * The Parting. * 75 A still more surprising thing followed. A meeting of the athletic committee had been called, at a certain hour that afternoon, for the purpose of filling a va- cancy. This vacancy had come about through the Sud- den death of Abe Gormon, who had been killed in a railroad wreck during vacation. This meeting was held in a room of the gymnasium generally used for that purpose. It was called to order by Hal Darrell as chairman of the committee, and then, to the surprise of all, Professor Gooch himself ap- peared. The old professor announced his desire to address the committee, and was asked to do SO. “Young gentlemen,” he said, “at my suggestion the faculty has taken into consideration the advisability of being, in the future, more actively concerned in the athletic matters at this school. The faculty has in- structed me to attend this meeting, and to propose a member to fill the vacancy made by the death of Cadet Gornman. I am here for that purpose. I trust it will meet your full approval, and that without comment you will accept the member I propose.” This created some surprise, but three of the four members of the committee at once expressed a willing- ness to accept any one the faculty should suggest to fill the vacancy. Darrell, the chairman, was the only one who remained silent. “Very good, very good,” nodded Gooch, rubbing his hands together. “I am glad you are so entirely agreeable to my proposition. Now, before I name the cadet chosen by the faculty, I wish to say that in the past there has been something that seemed like favor- 76 The Parting. * itism here in this school, and we intend to put an end to it at once. It has given me much regret to know that the cadets united in an effort to drive from this School a certain boy by ostracizing him. Such things cannot go on at Fardale. We have discussed this mat- ter fully, and we feel that, in order to show our 'disap- proval of the action of the cadets, we should propose as a member of this committee the name of Chester Arlington.” At this Darrell half started from his seat, but sank back when Gooch lifted his hand as a signal that he had not finished. “You have stated your willingness to accept any one proposed by the faculty,” he said. “You can't go back on it now. Indeed, there is no reason why you should. Arlington, I understand, is a football player and takes a great interest in athletics of all sorts. I shall insist that he be placed on this committee. I tell you, young gentlemen, that we propose to stamp out favoritism in this school. Cadet Arlington is wait- ing now to be brought in here, and I urge you to settle this point and enroll his name as a member of the committee at once in order that he may have a word in regard to any matter I shall place before you." Darrell was silenced, but his indignation burned in his eyes. Thus forced by Gooch, he carried out the business of enrolling Arlington on the committee in the regular manner, which was quickly done. Gooch then stepped to the door and called to Ches- ter, who seemed to be waiting. - Arlington sauntered in, with just the least bit of a Swagger in his manner. His atmosphere seemed to The Parting. 77 be that of one who had triumphed in the face of them all. . . “Now,” said Gooch, “the committee is complete, and H wish to bring another matter before it. In the past a certain cadet has been given many unusual privileges in order that he might participate in football, baseball, and other things of that sort. In the future he will be given no such privileges. In this school all boys must go through their regular routine, and if any one re- ceives unusual privileges during one term, those privi- leges must be curtailed the following term to an extent that will offset the favor given. Such being the case, it becomes apparent at once that Richard Merriwell will have to be held rigidly to appear at all regular drills and parades, and to be in attendance regularly in his classes. He cannot complain at this, for it is only just that some other boy, who has not received such privileges, should be given them now. This being the case, you can readily see that it will be quite diffi- cult, not to say impossible, for Cadet Merriwell to act as captain of the eleven this season. I wish you to take this matter into consideration without delay, as it will be necessary to appoint another captain as guickly as may be done without unseeming haste.” By this time Darrell was on his feet, his face pale and his lips quivering. “Professor Gooch,” he said, “are you aware what this means to the eleven 2 Are you aware what this means to the school? You can't be, or you would not express yourself in favor of such a thing. With Dick Merriwell as captain Fardale has been successful on the gridiron and on the diamond—far more suc. * 78 The Parting. cessful than at any other time since the days of Frank Merriwell. To remove him from the position will cause untold consternation and dismay. It will take the courage out of the boys and make failure for Far- dale almost certain this season. Oh, professor, it can’t be that you understand this matter fully As a leader Dick Merriwell is unsurpassed, and he always has the absolute confidence of every fellow on the team.” Gooch lifted his hand and shook it to silence Hal. “The faculty is united on this point, Cadet Dar- rell,” he said. “You say Cadet Merriwell has the con- fidence of every member of his team. Why should not that be true, as those members are his particular friends? I tell you favoritism is going to be stamped out at this school, and I am taking active measures to accomplish that object. I insist that you consult at once, with the idea of appointing another captain in Cadet Merriwell's place.” Then Darrell quite lost control of himself and flung the gavel with a thump upon the table. “Very well, Professor Gooch,” he said, his voice shaking; “as long as you insist on Such a thing, I presume you will have your way about it; but I believe it disastrous for the eleven and for the school, and, therefore, I offer my resignation from this committee. I can’t do anything that is totally against my judg- ment and sentiment of justice. My resignation must be accepted.” To Hal's surprise Walter Whitney rose at once and said: “I stand with Darrell, and I also offer my resig- nation.” - - * - * ~ * \ ſhe Parting. - 79 Professor Gooch was angered, and he found it diffi- cult to restrain himself, but immediately he snapped. “Accept both resignations—accept both resigna- tions! This committee must be made up of members who will act in accordance with instructions from the faculty.” For a few moments there was confusion; but, di- rected by Gooch, the tendered resignations were voted upon by the three remaining members of the commit- tee, and soon both Darrell and Whitney walked out of the room, no longer members. - The committee had authority to fill vacancies, and they went about it at once. In the meantime, Darrell and Whitney carried the report outside, and there was a ripple of excitement which rapidly swelled into a wave. The plebes were drilling on the parade ground, but with the end of that drill the members of the various classes gathered there to discuss what had happened. Little attention was paid to the cadet band, which oc- cupied the stand at one end of the ground and began the usual afternoon concert following the plebe drill. Needless to say, Dick Merriwell's friends were dum- founded and indignant, and it soon began to appear as if every boy in the school was a friend to him. The cadets were eager to make a demonstration, and made no effort to suppress their anger over what had hap- pened. But another shock soon followed when some one brought the report that Leon Haughton and Mel Frazer had been chosen to fill the vacancies left by Darrell and Whitney. “That settles it!” cried Earl Gardner, his eyes flash- 8o The Parting. ing and his pink cheeks burning. “Football is dead here at Fardale! Look at the committee as it stands. There is Arlington, who is Merriwell's bitterest enemy. Next comes Haughton, and we all know he is only second to Arlington in hatred for Dick. Mel Frazer used to room with Arlington, and, therefore, he will be an easy chap to handle. Rafe Burrage is a sore- head, and Will Mansford is bursting with conceit. They say Mansford has been chosen chairman in Dar- rell's place; but he will be handled with perfect ease by Arlington, who will have his own way on that com- mittee.” - “’Ush!” exclaimed Billy Bradley. “’Ere they are coming now, the 'ole bunch hof them.” It was true that the committee had appeared on the ground in a body, and, led by Professor Gooch, they marched toward barracks. A sudden hush fell on the assembled cadets. The band stopped playing, and all eyes seemed turned on the committee and the vindictive, little, old professor. Arlington held his head up and marched along, with a triumphant Smile on his lips. - Studdenly the band began playing, but the air was a ſli:1eral march of the most doleful sort. In a mo- ment one of the cadets uttered a deep groan, and following this came a chorus of similar sounds from all sides. The committee marched on, but the cadets had ex- pressed their feelings in a significant manner. § CHAPTER VIII. A N A. Y. R O W E S C A P E . It swiftly became evident that in the school there was a slumbering fire that was liable to burst forth into a great conflagration at any moment. Had Dick Merriwell desired he could have brought about an explosion in short order. His friends were astounded by the coolness of his manner in accepting the situa- tion. But the worst had not come. Imagine the sensation produced on the following day, when the cadets kearned that Dick had been pulled up before the faculty on a charge that might end in his expulsion from the school Then there was excitement of a sort never before wit- nessed at Fardale. The students gathered outside the academy in a dense mass and discussed the affair while waiting to learn the result. Twice Brad Buckhart tried to obtain admission to the room where the investigation was taking place, Both times he found it impossible to get past the guard at the door. After a second refusal he came dewn the steps, his face pale and Set, and a despairing gleam in his blue eyes. “If they turn my pard out of this school,” he said, “I will pack and hike myself; but I will tell them Rwhat I think before I leave, if it costs me the disgrace of expulsion.” “Dern their picters!” piped Obediah Tubbs; “they *~ 82 A Narrow Escape. can't turn him out ! How are they going to do it? What are they doing it for P” “That’s what I'd lul-lul-lul-like to know,” chattered Chip Jolliby. “What's the chu-charge against him?” “It’s something about this ostracizing business,” said Buckhart. “Then let me get in there !” exclaimed Hal Darrell. “Let me tell them what I know. I will tell them the truth, and they can expel me! They have no right to expel Dick.” Several of the boys grasped Darrell and held him. “Wait,” said one. “Perhaps they won't expel Dick. If they do you can talk then, and they may have to reinstate him.” In the meantime, Dick had been accused of being actively concerned in Ostracizing Arlington. When Tommy Weston appeared, however, his testimony cre- ated something of a surprise, for he found an oppor- tunity to tell the whole truth about his captors and about the manner in which he was released. Barnaby Gooch was not only surprised, but he was vexed over it. “Why didn't you make this statement in the first place, Cadet Weston,” he sternly demanded. “Why didn't you tell me of this when I questioned you?” “Because you wouldn't give me an opportunity, professor,” answered Tommy. “When I tried to tell you, you refused to listen. You checked me repeat- edly, and I couldn’t go on without offending you.” “Well, I am not sure that Cadet Merriwell was not behind the affair, anyway,” said Gooch. “It may have been a part of the plan for him to appear in th’ + man- a Narow Escape. 83 her and sets you free. Cadet Merriwell," he said, pointing a finger straight at Dick, “stand where you are and tell the truth. Were you not-concerned in this outrage upon Cadet Weston?” “I was not, sir,” answered Dick quietly, as he stood before the faculty. - “You knew nothing whatever about it in advance?” “Not a thing.” “Then how did it happen that you appeared in time to prevent the others from fleggiºg Cadet \Vesto. 3 and how could you, single-handed, prevent such a thing?” “I was told by a boy, I will not name, that Weston had been captured and run off. I followed and chanced to see the light of the fire in the woods, wiiich ked me to the spot. As for my ability to prevent the flogging of Weston, I succeeded because those boys knew me well and were friendly toward me.” “Eh-he " nodded Gooch. “So they were friends of . yours. You admit they were friends of yours? You - saw thern by the fight of the fire? You recognized then? You knew whom they were? Is this true?” Dick bowed his head slowly. “Then I demand, sir, that you give their names here. Name them, one and alk.” Pick declined to do so. “I can't do that, Professor Gooch,” he said. “I feel certain those boys had no intention of harming Cadet Weston. And, even though I am severely pun- ished for it, H must decline to give their names.” “You see how it is!” cried Geoch, turning to the ºthers of the faculty. “You see, ºritlstuen, he is de- 84 A Narrow Escape. fiant—he is obstinate! I am not yet satisfied that he was not concerned in the effort to oust Cadet Arling- ton from Fardale.” At this very moment a girl, who had forced her way past the guards at the door, hurried down the aisle. Her face was pale and her appearance created a stir of surprise. - As Dick saw her he exclaimed in a whisper “Doris Templeton | What is she doing here?” In front of the platform Doris paused, and her voice shook as she began to speak. “Oh, gentlemen,” she said, “I hope you won't do anything wrong here ! I hope you won't make any mistake | I was told outside that Dick Merriwell might be expelled from the school because he was seeking to injure Chester Arlington Gentlemen, yes- terday another girl and I were sitting near the rustic bridge over Ripple Brook when Dick Merriwell and Chester Arlington met on the path. We heard all their talk. We heard Chester Arlington threaten by fair means or foul to drive Dick Merriwell out of the school | I thought you should know this!” - In a moment Professor Gooch descended from the platform and took her arm. “Don’t worry,” he said, in a low tone, “Cadet Mer- rivell will not be expelled now. He may be punished for refusing to give the names of some boys who were concerned in a mean, reprehensible affair; but I prom- ise you he shall not be expelled.” As he said this Gooch led Doris down the aisle and conducted her outside the door. When the door closed behind her Doris began to gºer -º A Narrow Escape. ~ * : ** 85 fear again on account of what might befall Dick, but she was not permitted to reënter. The suspense outside was great, but finally one of the boys—the guard at the door—told an anxious in- quirer that Merriwell had not been expelled. The word was passed along, and a few moments later, as the door opened and Dick came out, a demonstration of a remarkable nature took place. As Dick reached the steps the assembled cadets broke into a mighty cheer, and then he was caught up to their shoulders and carried thus, in spite of his remonstrances, to the parade ground, where it seemed that every boy in the school assembled to cheer and cheer and cheer again. From a distance Chester Arlington looked on. “All right,” he muttered. “You escaped this time, Merriwell; but there's another time coming.” CHAPTER IX. U N D E R A C L O U B . Ilike a caged lion Brad Buckhart paced the floor of his room. He was excited and angry. He was even more than angry: he was furious. “Who ever heard of such an outrage? Who ever dreamed such a thing?” he snarled. “It's enough to turn this school wrong-side out! If the boys don't rise up on their hind legs and howl like wolves I am a heap mistaken.” The door opened and Dick Merriwell entered. “Hello, old man!” cried Dick, pausing and regard- ing Buckhart with interest. “There's a thundercloud on your face and lightning in your eyes. What's the matter?” - “What's the matter!” roared Brad. “Close that door, pard—close that door and I will tell you what?” Dick closed the door. * “Don’t howl like an Indian at a war dance,” he ad- vised. “You’ll have all barracks up in arms.” “How!! Great horn spoon! who wouldn't howl? It's enough to make a dog how!! It's enough to make a galoot take to the warpath and shed human gore. By the great picturesque Rockies, this is the greatest eutrage ever perpetrated at Fardale !” The Texan was almost frothing now. Indeed, his face was like a thundercloud and there was lightning in his eyes. Fºr - | tºder a 37 - “Where have you Been, pard?” he demanded, peint- ing a finger at Biele. “Been to special drill,” answered Merriwell. “Whoop.” cried Buckhart, flourishing his clinched fist in the air. “Speetal drill, hey? Why have you been to speeiał drill? I know why. You were corn- pelled to do so to keep you away from the field this afternoon. That special drill was called in order to prevent you from coming out with the rest of the bunch. It’s persecution, pard | It's plot and outrage and torture and humiliation' It's a part of the game to trample on you. Oh, yes it is Old Barnaby Gooch is: a-’” “Stop!” interrupted Dick. “Better not let any one hear you say anything against Professor Gooch now. He is at the head of affairs here since Professor Cunn left, and he has supreme authority.” “I don't care an everlasting rap who hears me!” fumed the excited boy. “Tell you what, pard, if this continues a little longer I will light on that old Gooch all spraddled out and tell him a few things that will eurſ; his hair.” “You will be expelled.” “Sure thing. Til be fired instanter, but I will have the satisfaction of relieving my mind. And my mind must be relieved directly, or I'll certain blow up and Bust. If Zenas Gunn knew what was going on here. I opine he'd come back on the jump to straighten things Gut, even if it was his last act on earth. But why did he leave eld Gooch in charge? He knew old . . Barnaby was sore on you. Anyhow, he should have knewn it. Geeeh, always had a knife up is sleeve *. .-ywº 88 Under a Cloud. for you. He produced that knife the instant Pro- fessor Gunn departed, and he's bound to stick it into you clean up to the hilt. Look at what he's doing. You don't get a spare moment. You have to show up in every class, have to take part in all regular drills and special drills arranged to keep you on the jump. Then you're watched like a hawk to see that you remain tied up in this room during study hours. And if there connes a time when you might possibly do a little some- thing, you're placed on patrol, or on guard duty, or something like that. I don't see how you stand it.” “Have to,” said. Dick, with a short laugh, as he flung himself down on a chair. “Can't help standing it. Listen, Brad I’’ - He held up his hand, and both boys heard the meas- ured step of some one pacing along the corridor out- side their door. - - “It's a special patrol placed in this corridor,” said Merriwell. “Of course you know why he's here. No other corridor in this part of the building is being patroled at this hour.” - “Yes, I know why he's here!” hissed the Texan. “He’s here to watch you, to see that you reach your room at a certain minute and that you remain in it until you leave for duty of some sort, or for mess. 'And I’ll guarantee the chap who's patroling that cor- ridor is some one who envies you because of your suc- cess in the past.” “Pretty near right, Brad,” admitted Dick. “It's *Mel Frazer. I saw him take note of the time as I entered this room.” - k “How long are you going to stand for this busi- r * f Under a Cloud. f 89 : mess?” palpitated Buckhart. “Unless you're some- thing more than human, you won't stand it a great while.” . - - “I don't see but I will have to stand it,” said Dick. “What am I going to do against the authority of Barnaby Gooch?” - “You can raise an insurrection in this old schoo in a minute if you wish. You can start something that will open the eyes of the faculty and jar old Barnaby a trifle, Pard, I am not the only one who is burning with indignation. Nine-tenths of the fellows feel just about the same as I do. They will stand be- hind you.” ^ “What would you suggest ?” “I suggest that you place yourself at the head of your friends and we all move out of the academy in a bunch. There'll be a small body left here if we do. Then we can give the faculty notice that unless you have fair show in the future we'll stay out a while. Think what that would mean. It would kick up some excitement, you bet your boots! The faculty would have a come-down in a hurry in order to save the reputation of the school. Dick shook his head. * , “Your plan is wholly impractical, Buckhart,” he de- clared. “It would end in my expulsion from Fardale, and then my friends would be compelled to come back without me.” - “How so?” “You know well enough, Brad, that the boys here "are not independent. Their parents control them, and they cannot leave this school en masse if they wish. 90 Under a Clotid. They might do so for a day or two, butt eventually. they would be compelled to return and suffer for their disobedience. I am not going to lead any one into anything that will compel him to endure punishment here.” “Well, I know there are some fellows who would get out of this old school on the jump if you were fired, Dick. I am one of them. They couldn't keep me here after you left if they tied me. No, sir, they couldn't keep me here with the aid of a Gatling gun.” “You are one, Buckhart, and I presume there might be two or three others among my particular friends who would leave Fardale; but that would do me no particular good. I will have to take my medicine and smiſe. That's all there is to do. Perhaps it may turn out right in the end.” - “How can it?” “I have thought at times that Professor Gooch might not entertain such profound hatred for me. It's possible he's doing this now to test me. It's pos- sible he's doing it to see what kind of stuff there is in me. If I stand the test to his satisfaction, he may let up after a while.” “I don't believe it,” growled Brad, shaking his head. “It's my opinion he's doing this thing with the intention of driving you from the school, Dick.” “If that's his purpose,” declared young Merriwell grimly, “he'll never succeed by fair means.” “Fair means !” sneered the Texan. “I fail to see anything fair about it. It's low down and onery throughout. You hear me how!! You hear me gently & warble!” p-- - - Undes a Cho id: 91. “Well, I'm enduring it,” said Dick. “Unless he puts it on a great deal thicker, he will find I can stand the pressure.” - “But I can't. Listen!. There goes the patrol past the door. I’d like to walk out there and Smack lim one on the jaw. It would relieve my mineſ a heap.” “Better lower your voice, Brad,” advised Dick. “He’s stopped outside. He may be listening.” “Let him listen. He's not likely to hear any gºod ef himself. He's one of Arlington's old cronies. Be- sides the outrage on you, Dick, I can't stand. Arºng- ton's loftiness, and the fellow will be a blamed sight Haore lofty after to-day.” “After to-day ? Why?” “Haven’t you heard about it?” “About what?” “Well, it's plain you haven't heard. You will froth some when you do. Besides giving him every prºvi- lege, and running him onto the athletic committee, old Gasch has done his best to put the fellow into your shoes. That's what made me boil over to-day. That's why I quit the field, and packed my football rig into the locker to let it rest a while. You don't know what has happened, eh? Well, I will tell you, and it certain ought to lift your hair a-plenty. Chet Arlington has been appointed captain of the eleven to fill your place.” To Brad's surprise, Dick displayed no particular emotion, over this. 2’ - “It’s exactly what I expected,” he nodded, speak ing in a low tone. “I saw it coming, Buckhart, with Mansford, Burbage, Haughton, and Arlington him- 92 Under a Cloud. \ self on the athletic committee. It was almost a fore- gone conclusion that Arlington would be appointed.” I}rad found a chair and slowly settled on it, staring at his roommate in astonishment and doubt. “Well, you're certainly some easy, or else you have nerves of iron,” he declared. Although Dick had escaped expulsion, there had been no let-up in the influence brought to bear against him. Instead of that, it increased in intensity and effect, with the result that all the privileges of a cadet in his position were taken from him, and he found himself treated in the harshest manner possible. It soon became evident that Dick would be given no time to organize the eleven, and little, if any, time to take part in the games. This being the case, of course he could not retain the captaincy of the team. At first the boys had done what they could without him on the field at practice, but it was soon seen they were not making progress, and there came a demand for a captain who would be present on all occasions when he was required. Then, without even asking Dick to resign, the new athletic committee removed him, and Chester Arling- ton was appointed in his place. - No wonder Arlington was triumphant! No wonder this created consternation and excitement in the school? The ears of Professor Gooch and the athletic com- mittee would have burned had they heard the re- marks made about them by the cadets. IBuckhart was right in saying that should Dick make such an effort he could lead nearly nine-tenths *a*s-, ---ºf- Under a Cloud. 93 of the cadets into open rebellion. A word from him would have been sufficient to start it. That word was not spoken. No person could have felt the blow more keenly than did young Merriwell. Naturally high-strung, it was only by keeping an iron grip upon himself that he maintained his remarkable bearing under such perse- cution, for persecution it certainly was. Not even Brad Buckhart knew of those secret mo- ments when all Merriwell's soul shook with the in- tense indignation and rage which he felt. Not even Brad Buckhart knew of the terrible battles which took place in Dick Merriwell's heart. A wonderful master of himself was this boy who had once been unable to control his slightest impulse. One thing that gave him strength, and warmed his heart, was the unswerving loyalty of his friends. In his time of trial not one whom he had reckoned as his true friend deserted him. He thought of them all, and in secret he murmured their names one by one, his whole body tingling with the warmth of the in- tense affection he felt for them. It is in such times of trial and adversity that a per- son is able to estimate the real trustworthiness and loyalty of those who profess to be his friends. “It's not exactly nerve, old man,” said Dick, in re- ply to Buckhart. “I fancy it's good judgment. Give me that much credit and I will be satisfied.” y “See here,” said the Texan, “have you heard from Professor Gunn since he left?” “No * 9 94 Under a Cloud. “You expect to lear from him.?” “Yes.” “Well, when you do, pard, it's up to you to seize your pen and give him a full statement of the situa- tion here.” “Do you think so?” “Yes. Don't you?” “NO.” “What?” gasped Brad. “You don’t think so? Why not P” “Professor Gunn has troubles of his own. It nearly broke him up when he was compelled to leave the school so suddenly. I would not for the world add to the burden and worry he now has on his shoulders.” Brad jumped up and seized Dick's hand, saying: “That's just like you, partner—just like you! You're always thinking about others before you think about yourself. But I will tell you what you can do. You can create a variation in this business here.” “Go on.” “You can write the particulars to your brother. That will bring him on here in a hurry.” Dick smiled. - “I wouldn't think of it,” he said. “Wouldn’t P” - “No.” “Well, tell me why not?” “Frank would be intensely disappointed in me.” “I can’t see why,” muttered Brad, puzzled. “He would think me a squealer,” said Dick. “He would think me a chap who could not endure a little adversity. No, Buckhart, old man, I am going to Under a 95 stay here and face it alone without making any fuss over it. I am confident it will come out right in the end." “Well, I see there's no use proposing anything to you," muttered the Texan, in disappointment. “You won't do a thing, but I Swear I'm not going to remain idle on my haunches while Chet Arlington goes pran- cing around. I can't do it, partner. Think of him captain of the eleven' Do you know what he will do? Do you know what he's begun doing? To-day he told Obediah Tubbs that there would be no further use for him! What do you think of that ? Why, Tubbs was one of the best centres Fardale ever had. But he's a friend of yours. Other fellows will get the sanie medicine. Every friend of yours will be fired or placed among the substitutes. Arlington will make up a new team composed of his friends and some of the new candidates.” “If he can win with such a team “Win? Whoop ! Let's see him win Some of the stiff games come right here at the beginning of the season. The schedule is a bum one this year. The first game with Franklin ought to be comparatively easy, but then comes Uniontown right after that, and Uniontown always has a lot of terriers. It's not a school team, and it doesn't care particularly for its reputation. I will guarantee that Arlington's Fardale eleven is practically wiped off the map by Uniontown." Dick could not repress a laugh. “In case that happens,” he said, “it will be neces- sary to get a new eleven.” . At this juncture both boys were startled by a sud- • . : . . . . . . ! . . . . . 96 Under a Cloud. * den bang on the door, and they stood erect and sprang to attention as the door was flung open. Into the room walked the patrol, who regarded them both in a haughty manner. “Cadet Merriwell and Cadet Buckhart,” said the patrol, “you understand that this is the hour for study, and not the time to discuss football.” “Been listening, eh?” whispered Brad. “What's that P’’ demanded the patrol. “What did you say, sir?” “Not a word, sir,” answered the Texan. The intruder walked up to Buckhart, paused in front of him and looked him straight in the eyes. “I heard you mutter something!” he said. “Better keep a silent tongue, Cadet Buckhart. If you're not careful you will land in the guardhouse. And you, Cadet Merriwell,” he added, turning on Dick, “had better take my advice and give attention to your studies during study hours.” Dick made no retort, but his cheeks were burning. He knew that Mel Frazer, the patrol, was exceeding his authority in this manner, yet he knew it would not do to even breathe such a thought. “That's all I have to say,” said Frazer, as he started for the door. Only one step did he take. As he did this Buck- hart thrust out a foot and tripped him. Frazer fell to his hands and knees in a most awkward manner. With an exclamation of rage, he sprang up and wheeled on Buckhart, who remained standing stiffly at “attention,” his face like marble. Under a Cloud. 97 “You swaggering blow-hardl” hissed Frazer, “I’ll teach you to trip me up!” . Saying which, he struck Buckhart on the cheek with his open hand. . With a roar the Texan seized Frazer by the throat, fifted him bodily, carried him three steps forward, and pinned him against the wall. “Hit me, will you!” roared Buckhart. “Soak me, Miłl you! Why, confound your hide, I will skin you and make lariats out of your pelt!” Instantly Dick sprang forward and seized his room. mate's wrist. “Stop that, Buckhart,” he ordered, tearing Brad's hand from Mel Frazer's throat. ~Instantly Frazer let out a lowl that echoed through the corridor. “Now comes trouble !” exclaimed Dick. “Why didn't you let me keep my grip on his wind- pipe?” growled the Texan. “I opine he'd been quiet while I had him that way. Didn't you see him hit me?” At the door appeared several cadets, who peerede into the room, and, judging by the sounds in the cor- ridor, others were coming with a rush. “Take your hands off Frazer,” urged Dick, in a low tone. -- “All right,” said Buckhart, “I’ll do it; but it won't be healthy for him if he swings on me again.” He backed off, keeping his eyes on Frazer and ap- parently holding himself ready to retaliate if the patrol made an offensive movement. Frazer had been frightened, for he was very pale. p :- - ~~~ * 98 Under a Choud. The moment Buckhart released hirn he hastened to the door and said something to a cadet there, who imme- diately backed away, forced a passage through the crowd of boys swarming outside and scudded down the corridor. Some of the cadets were eagerly asking what it was all about, but they could obtain little satisfaction from any one in the room. Buckhart was watching Frazer intently, while the patrol took up a position as if standing guard at the door. “He’d better get out of here!” growled the Texan. “We haven't any use for spies and eavesdroppers around this part of the ranch.” Still Frazer did not go. “Keep still, Brad,” advised Dick. “You have made a bad break, but I will stand by you.” At this moment some of those outside tried to force their way into the room, but were stopped by Frazer. “Keep back,” cautioned the patrol. “Remain where you are. Let me see, there's Cadet Scudder, Cadet Teid, Cadet Andrews, and Cadet Smart. You arrived here in time to see what was taking place, I think. You will be needed later.” - “Now isn't that splendid?” exclaimed Ted Smart, as he backed away. “I’ll take particular delight in telling what I saw? It’ll be jolly fun to tell what I saw ſ” “No use to dodge now,” said Frazer. “I have seen you all and recognized you. You will be summoned by the court-martial.” “Perfectly lovely tº chirped Ted. TM “Court-martial" muttered Reid, in alarm, “Great Scott! are they going to carry the thing that far?” From the far end of the corridor caine the sound of hurried feet. A moment later a cadet corporal, followed by several cadets on duty, marched down the corridor in a most business-like manner. “Clear the doorway !” commanded the cadet cor- parall “Make room there!" As the boys fell back, he gave an order and wheeled his companions up in front of the door, while he strode into the room. “What’s the trouble here 2'' he demanded. “Disobedience of rules by cadets occupying this room, corporal,” answered Frazer, saluting. “Like- wise a brutal attack upon me when I entered this room and warned them. I demand the arrest of both Cadet Buckhart and Cadet Merriwell." At this there was a chorus of groans from the cadets outside the door. Buckhart showed an inclination to argue the mat- ter or to fight, but Dick spoke a word, or two in his eas, and, he submitted to arrest with evident re- luctance: Bath, Dick, and Brad were ordered out of the room. ſhe guard closed round them, and away they went down the corridor, while Mel Frazer stood and grinned: triumphantly. Barely had the guard and their prisoners, disap- peared when one of the cadets, who had been attracted by the racket made an unpleasant remark about Frazer. The patrol turned to see who had spoken, but arº- ºr-. * * .* º *...-------- IOO Under a Cloud. immediately there was a chorus of groans and the boys cried: * “Dirty trick | dirty trickſ" “Who says so?” demanded Frazer hotly. “Let me see the fellow who dares say it to my face.” “Dirty trick! dirty trick" they cried. Then some one gave him a push from behind, and a moment later he was being hustled and thrust about in the most unceremonious manner. His cap was crushed down over his eyes, preventing him from see- ing his assailants, and then he was seized and slammed about vigorously. It seemed as if all the boys joined in this assault, some of them punching him, some of them kicking him, and all expressing their opinion of him. His musket was taken from him, his coat was ripped off and wrapped about his head, and finally he was thrown down and left lying battered and panting as the cadets Scudded away. Frazer sat up and clawed at the coat until he re- moved it from his head. In vain he looked around for any of his assailants. Every one had vanished and he was quite alone. * “Confound them l’’ he muttered. “Some one shall suffer for this! I know some of those fellows.” In the meantine, Merriwell and Buckhart had been conducted from barracks to the guardhouse, where they were placed in Separate rooms. . Formerly high up in the wall between the rooms there had been a grated window, but now Dick saw this window was sealed up, so there could be no com- munication between the two unfortunate cadets who might occupy those rooms at the same time. Under a Cloud. IOI “Well, here I am,” he muttered. “This thing is progressing finelyl Everything is working to the Sat- isfaction of Arlington. It will give him particular delight to learn that I am here in the guardhouse.” Dick was right about this, but he little anticipated that Chet would find an opportunity to visit him under such circumstances. In Some manner, however, Ar- lington arranged it with the cadet on guard, and slipped past him when his back was turned, peering in at the grating of Dick's door. “Hello, Merriwell !” called the visitor. Dick had been pacing the floor. He halted and turned quickly, without seeking to repress his sur- prise. “You—here?” he exclaimed. “Yes,” smiled Chester. “I thought I'd come around and find out how you are enjoying yourself. I know you're pleased to see me.” “How did you get past the guard P’’ “That's all right. Don't you worry about that. I fixed it. Are you having a good time?” Dick felt his blood grow warm, but he held him- self in perfect control. “If I remember rightly, you know how it is your- self,” he said, “You’ve been here, Arlington.” “That's true,” admitted Chester, the smile vanish- ing from his face. “And I have not forgotten that you were responsible. Only for you I'd never seen the inside of this place. It's a long lane that has no turn, Merriwell.” Dick made no retort, but his eyes seemed looking straight through the boy outside the grating. Chet IO2. Under a Cloudſ. could not return that steady gaze, and he moved rest- lessly, “You're beginning to understand how it feels not to be favored at Fardale, Merriwell,” he said. “You're beginning to understand how it feels to have every- thing going against you. You have carried things here with a pretty high hand in the past, but there has been a turnover of late, and you're not such a grand mogul as you were. You thought to keep me down. You nearly drove me from the school, but I stuck to it—I stuck to it. Now you're the one who is underneath. I will give you a good taste of what you gave me.” There was vindictive hatred in Arlington's face and voice. All this revengeful feeling toward Merriwell, which he had been forced to hold in suppression, now rose to the surface. “It is useless to waste words on you, Arlington,” said Dick quietly. “You know as well as I do. that I never did anything to hold you down here at Far- dale. You know as well as. I do that I did, every- thing to help you up. You kept yourself down by your own actions.” “Nothing of the sortſ” cried Chester. “When I. came here you were practically cock of the walk. Whatever you said was taken as law and gospel by the cadets. Had you been so anxious to help me up, as you put it, a word from you would have placed me on the football team and on the baseball team. Why didn't you say that word?” “You l-row why: You know the rules in regard: *** *** * * : re- $ 3. N Under a Cloud. 103 to such matters. You were requested to come out as - a candidate and show what you could do. Instead of doing that, you demanded admission to the eleven on your record and because you were the son of D. Ros- coe Arlington, a rich man. You know how you have looked down with disdain on every poor chap inere who is getting through this School on a small allow- ance. According to your idea, there are two classes in this school, the common herd and the aristocrats; and of the latter class you are the chief representative. Such ideas do not go here, Arlington. As you very well know, every fellow in this school is judged by the record he makes after entering here. Had you ap- peared on the football field like any other boy and demonstrated that you were fitted for the eleven, there is no question but you would have been placed on the team.” “Under you!” hissed the boy, outside the grating. “Do you think that I, Chester Arlington, could stand for that? Not a bit of it. I have played on the team under you, but I want you to understand that even when I did so I was simply waiting for the day and the hour when I could retaliate. That day and hour have come. Never again will you be able to lord it over me, Merriwell. You're under a shadow now, and that shadow is rapidly growing blacker. You saw me nearly driven in disgrace from this school. Be careful or I may remain to see you thus disgraced and driven out.” “I have no doubt you are plotting to accomplish such an object,” said Dick quietly. “You forget that sonby for me you’d not be here now. You forget that, IO4 . Under a Cloud. because your sister entreated me, to do so, I appeared before the faculty and asked for your reinstatement in the school. You forget that a dozen times I have rentained silent when Scarcely more than a word from me would have turned you in disgrace from this acad- emy. I don't expect you to remember these things. I admit, Arlington, that it was your sister's influence that saved you, and gave you this opportunity for revenge. Make the most of it now, for, as you say, it's a long lane that has no turning, and the fellow who obtains revenge on another by plotting and scheming invariably undoes himself and works his own destruction.” “That's tommyrot, Merriwell! I have heard that kind of talk from you before. You're one of the chaps who think no fellow can succeed by scheming and craftiness. Why, you poor fool! "How do you suppose men start out poor in these days and become money kings? Do you think they accomplish it hon- estly 2 Do you think any man has the capacity to honestly accumulate millions of dollars? Those men are successful. All the world recognizes them as sac- cessful. They are plotters and schemers. They put aside little scruples to accomplish their designs. The idea that honesty is the best policy is decidedly old- fashioned.” “I have thought sometimes, Arlington,” said Dick, as he stepped closer to the door, “that you did not really believe many of the things like this that you have said. At last I realize that you do believe them and that you are a chap wholly without s Jes, with- f Under a Cloud. 105 out principle, without regard for others and without fear of punishment for your wrongdoings. I expect some day, for all of any successes that you may attain in life, to see you punished most bitterly. I expect to see your career terminate in disgrace and shame.” “Ha! haſ” sneered Chet. “You’re at liberty to an- ticipate and expect anything you wish. Just now I am in the ascendant, and you're going downward steadily. How will it seem to remain here plugging at your studies or doing Sentry duty, while I and others representing the Fardale eleven are playing football in Fairport? Oh, you will enjoy that! Think of me as captain in your place!” “I wish you all the success you deserve—and no more,” said Dick, his face pale and set. “Thanks for your kindness!” chuckled Chet. “I will show you what I can do. You have had lots of luck with a picked team, made up of your special friends. Now I will show you what a team can do with none of your friends on it. I hope you are soaked good and hard when you come up for trial. Perhaps you will have a chance to walk post a while after this, Merriwell.” Dick was tingling to get his hands on Arlington; but Chet seemed to divine the prisoner's purpose, and he backed off a bit as Merriwell stepped close to the door. “Don’t get excited,” he grinned mockingly. “Sit down and keep cool. You won't have to wait long. I understand they are going to have you up for trial directly. Perhaps I had better sift out of this. I hope ioë - Under a Cloud you enjoy yourself finely while you wait. So-long, Merriweli.” With a burst of mocking laughter, Chet retreated to the outer door, peered forth to make sure no otle was watching and then dodged out quickly, closing the door behind him. - CHAPTER x. THE TRIAL. Both the prisoners were compelled to remain in the guardhouse overnight. Although Dick was deeply affected by the injustice of it, he remained outwardly calm and indifferent. Perhaps it is not an accurate statement to say that Dick and Brad were compelled to remain in the guard- house that night. Had Merriwell chosen, it is quite Hkely he might have been released. At any rate, when food was brought him at even- ing mess time the cadet who delivered it managed to ship a little wad of paper into his hand. Unrolling this paper when he was no longer observed, Dick read the following message, written upon it in a fine, com- pressed hand: “DEAR DICK : Say the word and we will yank you out of that pen to-night. If you want us to do it, just say to the fellow who comes for the dishes, ‘It’s all right.” He will know what you mean. If you don't want us to come, say, ‘I am satisfied.” With the “exception of Arlington and his friends, the whole school is indignant. Rely on us. H. D.” “H. D.,” muttered Dick. “It’s Hal Darrell. Yes, this is JDarrell's writing. Buckhart was not mistaken in saying the whole school is ready for a revolt.” He then tore up the paper with the utmost care, 108 . The Trial. mincing it into fine particles, so that it would be prac- tically impossible for any one to join the pieces again. When the boy came for the dishes Dick saw it was Tommy Weston. - “The guard may hear,” whispered Tommy eagerly, as he paused outside the door. “What do you say?" “I am satisfied,” answered Dick. A look of intense disappointment passed over Wes- ton's face. “Perhaps you are,” he ventured to whisper, “but you bet there are a lot of other fellows who are not. Good night.” It was a restless night for Dick, in spite of his remarkable nerves and astonishing self-control. He was troubled with unpleasant dreams and awoke fre- quently, tossing and turning on the hard bunk. Much of his dreaming was of the old days of his boyhood with his Indian tutor, old Joe Crowfoot. Once more he fancied himself roving over the open prairies, tramping through mountain defiles, or threading some lonely forest trail. Again he lay in the gleam of the camp fire, feeling its warmth upon him and listening to his Indian comrade, as the latter instructed him in the art of hunting some wary wild beast. Once again he heard old Joe warning him against the manhood- destroying schools of the white men. Then he seemed to be in the heart of a leafy forest, sitting on the ground, with his back against a tree trunk, again call- ing about him the birds and wild things of the woods. The birds perched on the branches above his head, even on lº- shoulders, while squirrels ran over his The Trial. . 109 limbs and timid rabbits lifted themselves within reach of his hand to gaze at him in absolute fearlessness. This was the life he had lived and loved long ago —so long ago! He awoke to feel the hard bunk be- neath him and to strike his hand against the unyield- ing wall at his side. In the darkness and gloom of that night he regretted that fortune had ever taken him from that life. During one of his waking mo- ments, as he realized his position, he whispered in the silence of his prison room : “I may go back to it some day ! Where is old Joe now 2 I seem to hear him calling me.” That very night, thousands of miles away, the old redskin lay wrapped in a dirty red blanket, his bed the ground, his canopy the starry sky. And as he slept the Indian dreamed of a chalk-marked field far, far away. He dreamed of twenty-two young pale- faced lads and saw them battling on the field. One party was led by a handsome, dark-eyed youth, who seemed greatly the 'superior of them all, and he finally tore through the ranks of the enemy, flinging first one and then another of his opponents to the right and left, dashed like a hunted deer across the chalk marks and planted a yellow, oblong ball directly behind two tall posts, which were connected at a height by a bar. Then the dreaming redskin seemed to hear a great roar, as of many voices in exultation and applause over this wonderful act. The sound was music in his ears and, with a yell of joy, he awoke and sat up to realize with sinking heart that he was alone and it was nothing but a dream. -” {{ O The Trial. “Oh, Injun Heart!” he muttered. “Oh, Dick! when old Joe he see you some more?” Then he lay down again, but with the coming of dawn he had not once more closed his eyes. With the coming of dawn Dick Merriwell arose to await what might transpire at Fardake. He made up the bunk after the usual manner, and finally he was given an opportunity to wash his face and hands. Then breakfast was brought, and shortly after break- fast a cadet corporal appeared and ordered him to come forth. Dick stepped out, was Surrounded by the corporal's guard and marched away. Buckhart was with him, and soon they were ar- raigned before the court-martial selected to try them. The trial was brief, and with no unnecessary de- lays. Frazer made against both Merriwell and Buck- hart the charge of assault, telling how, while on patrol duty, he had heard them discussing football in their room during study hours and had entered to warn them. How he had been tripped and choked by Buck- hart, assisted by Dick. Buckhart was next called upon, and, after address- ing the guard in the customary manner, he told his story without hesitation and without a break. “I opine we may have said something about foot- ball,” he confessed. “Cadet Frazer came in and gave us a reprimand. I acknowledge I was some sore, and, without thinking just what I was doing, I put out my foot and tripped him when he started to leave. He jumped up and struck me in the face. Now I am not the sort that lets any one hit me without hitting The Trial. ! { back. I grabbed him and pushed him against the wall. Then Cadet Merriwell jumped in to part us. He didn't lift a hand against Frazer. Instead of that he saved Frazer from getting it good and plenty right be- tween the eyes. I'm ready to take what's coming to me; but there's nothing due Cadet Merriwell.” And now it seemed that several of the cadets, who had heard the racket and rushed to the scene of the encounter, were on hand to testify. One and all agreed that Merriwell had been endeavoring to pull his roommate off Frazer when they arrived at the scene of action. For some reason Dick was called last, and, although he tried to take a share of the blame on his shoul- ders, he was unable to do this and stick to the truth. As a result Merriwell was discharged with a repri- mand while Buckhart was placed on record for his act and condemned to walk post during recreation and leisure hours for the following twenty-one days. An attempt had been made by the cadets to gather outside and await the result of the trial; but they had been dispersed, and only a few were on hand when Dick appeared. They had learned, however, of his discharge, and they hastened to shake hands with him and congratulate him. Darrell was one of these. “I couldn't do anything for you, Dick,” he said, in a low tone. “You wouldn't have it last night, and 11 ºf ». - “Now you cart see it was better for me,” said Dick; “but I am sorry about Brad. Three weeks at post, 112 The Trial. and not a minute for recreation of any sort l That puts him out of football.” - * * “That doesn’t put him out !” muttered Darrell, with a sudden show of indignation. “He’d be out of it anyway. Arlington would give him no chance. All the old team has been dropped. If I can find an Op- portunity, I will see you and tell you just what has happened.” . Hal found an opportunity shortly after midday. Even though a sentry was passing the corridor, Dar- rell managed to slip into Merriwell's room, where Dick was studying. “Look here, old man,” said Hal, “I wish you would tell me what this old school is coming to " “Hush '' warned Dick. “Speak low or we will be heard by that chap in the corridor.” “Don’t worry,” retorted Darrell. “I have fixed it with him. I gave him a sign, and he turned his back for me to dodge in here. He won't bother us. Where's Buckhart?” “Taking his medicine,” answered Dick. “He’s packing a gun somewhere.” “And I will guarantee Chet Arlington is smoking cigarettes in his room and having a high old time.” said Hal indignantly. “This afternoon he will ap- pear on the field and give off orders. Oh, you should see him It would make you sizzle.” - “I don’t think I care to see him,” said Dick. “I am sizzling quite enough as it is.” “I don't blame you,” nodded Hal. “I tell you there will be a riot in this school before long if things keep up the way they are going. The boys can't stand for The Trial. $º I 13 it. Old Gooch is raising the dickens. He is soaking every fellow who happened to be a favorite with Professor Gunn. You were Professor Gunn's ideal, and for that reason you're bound to get it the heaviest. ‘I don't know how much you can stand, but I do know how I would feel in your place. At first Arlington didn't dare rip the team all to pieces, and so he began dropping your friends one at a time, or putting them onto the scrub. Do you know the kind of a team he had out yesterday as the regular team 2" “Well, I heard something about it; but not just how it was made up.” “Well, I will tell you. There wasn't one of the old team on it.” “How about Black P’’ “Oh, I forgot Black. Still, I never reckoned that fellow as a regular on the old team. I never quite trusted him for some reason. Yes, he's on Arling- ton's team. He plays right end. Next to him comes Jack Harwood at right tackle.” w “Harwood?” said Dick. “Why, I thought he had practically quit associating with Arlington's old 'friends.” - “So he did, for a time; but he's a fellow who likes to be strictly in it, and the moment he saw you were being held down he flopped back again to his old chums.” - - “At best he's not much of a football player.” “That's right. He lacks sand or something. Looks as if he ought to play, but he doesn't make good in a prºve. Just the same, he's right tackle, and next to right guard is that fine fell ºrch.” .* * di 4 * The Trial. “Len Larch in the line?” cried Dick. “That’s where he is,” nodded Darrell. “He’s on the right of Rafe Burbage, who is playing centre. Now Burbage and Black are the only two men in the line who have real football in them. Burbage is big enough, and heavy enough, and plucky enough, but he's inclined to Sulk and be hard to manage.” - “I know all about him,” nodded Dick. “I have studied his peculiarities.” “To the left of Burbage is Hogan.” “I expected he would be in the line.” “Clint Shaw has been placed at left tackle.” “There isn't an atom of football in Shaw,” said Dick decisively. “I know it,” nodded Darrell. “He is too much of a sneak and a coward. On the left end is Dole Col- son, a plebe. He seems to be pretty good, and I am sure he feels flattered at his success in getting onto the team so soon. Another plebe by the name of Tip Neil is quarter-back.” “Where is Arlington?” “In your old position at right half. I presume he's taken that position in order to show you up. He wants to show the fellows how much better he can fili it than you could.” “Who is left half P” “Haughton.” “A fellow who can play football,” nodded Dick, “but who can't be trusted. He is thoroughly un- trustworthy.” . “The full-back is Roger Overman,” sail ". “And there you have them all. He kept The Trial. 115 b- old players among the substitutes, or telling them he wouldn't want them at all, until nearly every one of them has quit. Saturday this team goes against Fair- port. From all I can learn, Fairport is weak, and Arlington expects to have a walkover. But it will not be much of a walkover when he tackles Uniontown next week. Just keep still, Dick, and let things take their course. It's my opinion that what is happening cam't be stood a great while, and your turn will come again. When it does you want to see that Arlington gets what he deserves. Think I'd better skip out now. But don't you forget for a minute that all your old friends are still with you, and you can depend upon them to the last one. So-long.” Darrell peered out into the corridor, then quickly stepped forth and closed the door behind him. * * * CHAPTER XI. DICK's DETERMINATION. At evening mess time on Saturday the cadets were anxiously asking one another what had been heard concerning the game in Fairport. It seemed natural at that hour there should be some sort of news from the game. In fact, the boys were wondering greatly that they had not heard the final score. “Of course, Dick Merriwell was fully as anxious as any one. To him the day had been unnatural and wretched enough. Scarcely had he been able to con- vince himself that the team representing Fardale was that afternoon playing another School team, while he remained at the academy, debarred from taking any part in the game and from having any influence upon it. - As Dick sat quietly in his place at the long table he noted that scores of curious and sympathetic eyes were turned in his direction. Not only that, but many of the boys openly expressed their sympathy and their belief that the treatment accorded Merriwell was out- rageous. They did this, even though they were quite certain there were spies and listeners present who would take note of their words and record against them everything uttered. After noting what boys were absent, Dick spoke to Harry Dare sat near him. . . Dick's Determination. 117 “Evidently a few of the old players are with the team to-day,” he said. “I’d like to know who they are?” said Dare. “Why, I see Jolliby and Bradley are not here. Yes, and Obediah Tubbs is gone.” - “Oh, they're with the team; but don't you think for a moment that they’re playing on it. They went along to witness the game.” “Then they were not even taken as substitutes?” “I guess not!” laughed Dare. “Arlington dropped Tubbs the very first day of practice. Told him he was a fat hobster and couldn't play football, anyhow. Next day he put Bradley into the scrub and informed him he was too thick-headed to be anything more than a substitute. That cooked Bradley. He quit that night. Jolliby hung to it another day, but Arlington insulted him repeatedly on the field, and finally he was placed among the substitutes. After that Arlington took care to keep Jolliby standing around while the others were playing, without giving him a chance to get in practice. In that manner he finally got rid of Chip. He's succeeded in disposing of all of the old team. It's mighty lucky for him that Fairport is weak this year.” “Then you think Arlington's team has a good chance of winning this game?” “If they can't win this one,” grinned Harry, “they'll never win any. Wait till they get against those bruis- ers from Uniontown.” . “Where's Buckhart to-night, Merriwell?” asked one of the boys. “He’s not at the table.” “Didn't you notice him when you came * * asked I 18. Dick's Determination. Dick. “He’s packing a musket up and down the half outside. He'll have a chance to take his rations by his lonesome until his twenty-one days are up,” “You wait,” whispered Harry Dare. “Mel Frazer is due to get a good trimming for that piece of busi- ness. It's tough on Buckhart, but the fellows don't dare say it, for everything they say is reported to old, Barney. This school is plumb full of spies and tattlers. now.” - As the boys marched from mess hall by classes, most of them took note of Brad Buckhart, who, stood stiffly outside the door, with his musket at “carry.” Dick gave his roommate a sympathetic look, and in return Brad ventured to wink in a manner that caused; Merriwell to smile. “He’s taking it like a man,” thought Dick. After leaving the mess hall, many of the boys pro- ceeded to the open air, and among them was Merni- well. Barely had he reached the steps, however, when he was stopped by a cadet wearing chevrons, who ordered him to his room and notified him that he was to remain there. Some of the boys in the vicinity expressed their in- dignation by hissing. But Dick simply saluted, turned about at once, and ascended to his room. Half an hour later Buckhart appeared and found Merriwell studying. “I feel a whole lot like a criminal,” observed the Westerner. “I opine I can endure this thing to the finish, but it's galling me worse than a cockle burr under a broncho's saddle. What are you doing in here at this hour, pard? What's that book, a novel; *~ * * ~ * Dick's Determination. 1 to What, Cicero? Well, don't you ever get tired cf ore Cis? Why aren't you out getting a mouthful of air?” - Dick explained, and the Texan Smote the table with shis fist as he dropped on a chair. * “They're keeping it up on you just the same as they are on me,” he said. “That's old Barney's work. You can see, pard, that Barney is determined to pester as until we are driven out of Fardale.” “He may find it difficult to drive me,” said Dick grimly. “I am not easily driven.” “If he keeps it up, there will come a limit,” nodded the Texan. “I know you, partner. You hold your- self in check a long time, but when you do bºak loose, there's always a red-hot explosion. Look fºre, Dick: if you don't write to Frank, and tell him just what's going on here, I am blowed if I don't do it nayself!” * “If you do,” said Dick, in a manner that his com- panion well understood, “you will mortally offend me. Why, this is really a simple matter, Brad. I can hardly call it genuine hardship. Do you know what my brother had to face? Well, I will tell you: After £ritering college, at the very time when he was on the height of his prosperity and popularity at Yale, he received notice that every penny of his small fortune had been wiped away. He was left practically a bag- gar. His guardian, Professor Scotch, had placed the money in what he believed a safe and solid invest- ment. The fact that he had made such a terrible bhunder and had beggared Frank caused the death of poor Scotch, and at that time Frank found himself left, as he supposed, without a living relatº e. without 120 Dick's Determination. º - ------> The Athletic Committee Acts. 169 “I am glad the boys realize at last that I have tried to be strictly impartial,” said Dick. “They do realize it,” nodded Mansford. “Now we are coming to our point, old man. You know what has happened since Arlington was given command of the team. He was the chap who said the most about partiality, yet he lost no time in getting rid of every one of your pronounced friends and filling their places with fellows who at one time or another showed friend- liness toward him. Never before was there such a dis- play of favoritism in making up a team, and the result has been disastrous. With a weak team Fairport de- feated Fardale forty-eight to nothing. This week we must go against Uniontown, and, judging from Satur- day’s game, we know just about what must happen. This committee recognizes the necessity of a change, and for that purpose we called a meeting to-night. We pointed out to Arlington in what manner he had failed, and asked for his resignation as captain of the eleven.” An added bit of color glowed in Dick's cheeks, but otherwise he remained unchanged. He had not dreamed that this thing could happen so soon. He had fancied Arlington would work his own downfall in time, but this was surprisingly sudden. “At first,” Mansford went on, “he kicked against it; but to his surprise he found a majority of the com- mittee against him. Frazer was the only man who backed him up.” “If he reckoned on me,” laughed Haughton, “he received a jolly good bump. No fellow can call me down publicly, and have me stand behind him. That fellow has an idea that he can wipe his feet on any one, 17o The Athletic Committee Acts. - and the one thus treated should cringe and cower be- fore him. You didn't see the game in Fairport, Mer- rivell. Had you been there you’d understood just how I felt about this thing. We had the ball ten yards from Fairport's goal when Fisher made a bad pass to 1me and I lost the ball. One of the Fairport fellows dropped on it, and the tide turned against us. I think we would have scored only for that bad pass and my fumble, but every one knew the fumble was excusable. “Arlington opened up on me, and called me every- thing he could think of. He made me hot, and I con- fess I didn't do my best to win afterward. I couldn't; I was too mad. I tell you I grew madder when I saw Larch and Shaw quit as soon as they got a little bump- ing. Arlington had the whole team up in the air. He was snarling and raging like a lunatic. When any- thing bad used to happen, you always succeeded in cooling the fellows down and steadying them, but Arlington simply ripped them to pieces and helped Fairport win the game. I have always thought him quite a fighter, and I had an idea that he would be a good leader. Take him alone and he is a good fighter; but he doesn't know how to handle others any more than a lunatic. I knew when that game ended just what would happen. I knew he would have to get off the team, for he wasn't fit to be captain, and he won't play under any one else. Not half the fellows came out for practice to-day. With Arlington retained as cºptain, Fardale won't have a team two weeks from Inow." - “Haughton is right,” nodded Mansford. “We all recognize the fact. Of course Frazer stood by Arling- Wºº-º-º-º- The Athletic Committee Acts. f 171 ton, but that was not enough to save him. When he saw we meant business he became furious and resigned as captain of the eleven. I am happy to say he also relieved the situation somewhat by resigning from this committee. His place has not yet been filled, but we are ready to fill it to-night. We have come to you, Mr. Merriwell, not only to ask you to accept a position on the committee, but to again take charge of the eleven as captain. What's your answer?” Haughton had stated that Merriwell would jump at the opening to again take command of the eleven, and he was not a little surprised when he saw Dick slowly shake his head. “I am afraid, gentlemen,” said Dick, “that such a thing is impossible.” “No! no!” said Burbage. - “Why impossible?” questioned Mansford. “As far as I am concerned, conditions have changed here at School within a short time. A fellow who acts as captain of the eleven, and gives proper attention to it, must have plenty of time for that purpose. He need not neglect his studies, but he must be excused from many drills and from duties of that sort. Since Pro- fessor Gunn left Fardale, my presence has been de- manded at every regular drill and at some special ones. Not only that, but I have been watched to see that I stay in my room during study hours. I have not had the usual periods of recreation in which I might pass the time as I chose. It makes no difference that I have always stood well in my classes and that I is ve invari- ably attended drills when possible. It seems there are 172 The Athletic Committee Acts. reasons to suppose. I have received too many favors in the past, and now I am called on to make up time spent on the football field and on the diamond. As long as this is required of me I can't give attention to football. It's doubtful if I can find time to take part in the games. Even the usual Saturday half holiday is denied me. Something is found to occupy my time and attention, then.” " “Oh, but I think there should be some way to fix it,” hastily said Mansford. “It seems to me there must be a way.” * “You know that Professor Gooch announced his in- tention to take an active interest in football matters?” “Yes.” - . . “He was concerned in dropping me from the eleven P He directed you to do so?" - “Yes.” “He also advised you to fill my place with Ar- lington?” - . . . “That's right,” nodded Mansford. “Now, has he any knowledge of your new move? Have you consulted him about it? Did you tell him you were going to drop Arlington P Did you inform him you were going to invite me to again take charge of the team 2" - “We did not,” confessed the chairman of the com- mittee. - “You didn't even let him know you contemplated holding a meeting to-night?" - “No." * , “Well, it seems to me you will find Professor Gooch opposed to all you have done. He will be liable to 3 =º The Athletic Committee Acts. 173 call you to account for making such positive changes without consulting any member of the faculty.” “But the committee has never consulted the faculty in the past. Of course, at all times the faculty has had authority to revoke any action of the committee, but, as a rule, the committee has not been interfered with.” “That was at the time when Professor Gunn was at the head of things. You must have entirely for- gotten Professor Gooch's announcement that the fac- ulty would be actively concerned in athletics and in the doings of the athletic committee. Gentlemen, I am afraid you will suffer a reprimand for your haste, and it is even possible you will be informed that your action was without authority." - “Well, what are we going to do?" Snapped Haugh- ton, with a show of exasperation. “We might as well not have a committee. We might as well let old Bar- ney run things. He'd run them finely He'd be a bird to take charge of football matters! He'd soon put an end to football at Fardale !” “Haven't you once thought it possible he has such an object in view P You know that he is decidedly old- ‘fashioned and set, and that he has opposed athletics right along.” “Oh, he is willing we should play croquet and mar- bles,” sneered Haughton. “He thinks such games are perfectly moral and quite devoid of brutality.” “Unless you can obtain his approval,” said Dick, “there will be no possibility of giving me a place on the committee or of restoring me to the command of the eleven. There is only one way to accomplish this, and that is through Barnaby Gooch. If you can open I 74 The Athletic Committee Acts. his eyes and convince him that such a thing is an ab- solute necessity—which I greatly doubt—it's barely possible he will agree to this change you wish to make.” “It's pretty tough to think we've got to go crawling round him,” said Haughton, with curling lips. “But Merriwell is right,” nodded Mansford. “I am sure of it, now that I consider the matter. I ex- pect old Barney will be pretty hot when he finds out what we've done. The best thing we can do now is to get at him in a hurry, and be the first ones to talk with him. We’ll suggest the necessity of dropping Arlington and restoring Merriwell to power.” “That's a good plan,” said Burbage. “Well, let's prance right in on Barney now,” said Haughton. “We might as well tackle him and have it over. Probably we will find him in Professor Gunn's room, where he spends the most of his time when not delivering his dry-as-dust lectures.” Mansford rose and placed a hand on Dick's shoulder. “If we can bring this thing round right, Merriwell, will you take charge of the team P’’ he asked. “If I am given the same authority I had last year, I will gladly do so,” answered Dick. “I will take charge of it and strain every nerve to straighten things out and get together a bunch of winners.” “That's all we want to know. I will bet anything we'll have you back there right away.” Leaving Merriwell's room, the three proceeded to that one where they expected to find Professor Gooch. The Athletic Committee Acts. 175. As they approached it they were met by Arlington himself. - Haughton nudged Mansford and whispered : “Look at him. I bet a dollar he's been to see old Barney.” Arlington eyed them scornfully, his red lips curling with a sneering expression. There was also in his eyes a look of triumph as he passed them. Mansford's knock on the door was answered by the querulous voice of Barnaby Gooch, bidding them come in. He was writing beneath a shaded electric light as they entered and stood in a line before the table. Scratch, Scratch, Scratch, went his pen, as the old man's thin hand laboriously worked it over the page. For at least two minutes the boys stood still and watched. Mansford coughed in a manner intended to attract his attention. Scratch, Scratch—splutter! The pen caught in the paper, and the ink flew in lit- tle blots and splotches. “Great Pluto''' exclaimed the old man, as he caught up a blotter and put it into Service. Seizing an ink eraser, he went at the blots in earnest, while the boys watched with growing impatience. Having erased those blots to his satisfaction, he again dipped the pen and resumed writing. As he wrote the words, he muttered them aloud as follows: “We may remark—in passing—that the term ‘sat- ire'—commonly applied—to poems of aºise—ias nothing—whatever—to do with Great jupiter " <=sº 176 The Athletic Committee Acts. The final exclamation was brought about as the pen caught again and the ink spattered once more in all directions. * * Having again had recourse to the blotter, the old fellow glared at the point of the pen with an expres- sion of such disgust and anger on his face that the three boys came near exploding with laughter, and only expressed their merriment by the aid of some choking sounds and hoarse coughing. Still Professor Gooch seemed totally unaware of their presence. Removing the pen, he applied a fresh one to the holder, wet it with his lips, thrust it into the ink, and tested it on a sheet of paper at his elbow. It seemed to satisfy him, and he resumed his writing . after this fashion: “Has nothing whatever to do with the ‘Satyrs’— and for—this reason should—not be written ‘satyre’— though derived from—satura. The latter is-z-an old Latin word—which signified originally—— Thunder and lightning !” - The new pen had caught and made a mess worse than ever upon the page. Mansford covered his mouth with both hands to hold back the shout of laughter that threatened to burst from his lips. In fact, all three of the boys gave vent to the most peculiar sounds, as they endeavored to check the threatened outburst. “Is it a pig P’’ said Gooch, looking around, “or do I hear rats?” *-- Then, for the first time, he lifted his eyes and ob- served them. “Eh-hey?” he exclaimed. “Are you ill, young gen- The Athletic Committee Acts. 177 tlemen? You seem to be in distress. I am afraid you have a touch of the colic. What do you want? Can't you see I’m very busy 2" “Sorry to interrupt you, professor,” said Mans- ford. “Indeed, if you're too busy to listen now we'll find another time.” º “Well, well, you're here. Might as well waste little time now on you as to waste it by and by. 'What do you want? Speak right up. Don't beat around the bush. Come, out with it?” “We’ve come to ask your advice, professor.” “Have, eh? Something unusual | Something quite remarkable ! You're not in the habit of seeking my advice. You seem to have the idea that you don't need anybody's advice. I confess that you surprise me—you astonish me.” * “You have stated the intention of the faculty to take an active interest in athletics in the future.” “Exactly so. Precisely right. Perfectly correct. Such is the intention of the faculty. It's not only their intention, but it's their purpose.” “That's what brings us to you,” continued Mans- ford. “We represent the athletic committee.” “Do, ell ? Why, I thought that committee was com— posed of five cadets.” “So it is, sir.” “One, two, three—only three here.” “We're a majority of the committee.” “Yes, yes. Well, go ahead.” t “Things are not working right, professor. The Fardale eleven was defeated by Fairport, Saturday.” “Yes, yes. Well, I don’t suppose you expect to win -ses 3. 178 - The Athletic Committee Acts. - -- *** - all the time, do you? I don't suppose you think your- Self invulnerable. If you do, it's time you had the idea driven out of your heads. One thing all boys should learn is that they will meet defeat some time, and they must be prepared to face it.” “That's not the matter, professor. We expect de- feat sometimes, but we don't expect defeat from a team that should be much weaker than ours. If the weaker teams defeat us, what are we going to do against the strong ones?” “Why, they'll defeat you also, I presume.” “In that case, sir, Fardale will have few victorie to her credit this season.” - “Well, what about it—what about it?” “We have arrived at the conclusion that a change should be made. The boys are almost united in think- ing we've made a mistake in selecting a captain to fill Merriwell's place.” “Eh-hel” coughed the old professor, behind his hand. “Seems to me you've arrived at this conclusion rather suddenly.” - “Perhaps it does seem so, sir; but Cadet Arlington displayed his incompetency on the field at Fairport, as almost any one who witnessed the game can tell you. Not only that, but he offended the various members of his team to such an extent that they have refused to play under him longer. This afternoon very few of them appeared on the field for practice.” “Is that so? Well, I am interested to hear it. I want their names. J will see that they come out for practice. I wiil see that there's no insubordination. Just give me their names.” The Athletic Committee Acts. I79 “Unless Arlington is replaced by sodie one better qualified for the position, I think you i iáy as well count on the whole eleven as declining to pla ay. He has removed from the team the majority of the old players and filled their places with inferior met.” “Well, I don't know as that was anything wrong,” said Gooch. “If a lot of fellows played on the team last year, they ought to be willing to let another set of fellows take their places, this year. That's the way to give everybody a chance. That is the way to see that the school is impartially represented. This business of keeping a few boys prominent in football or baseball or anything else is wrong—yes, sir, wrong ! It creates cliques and hard feelings, and defeats the very object of athletics. What are athletics for if not to develop the physical ability and stamina of the cadets at this School P How does it accomplish its purpose if only a certain number of boys are retained in certain posi- tions, season after season, as long as they're in this school, while other boys are excluded ?” - “I will answer that, professor. Some fellows are better adapted for football than for anything else. Others are adapted for baseball. Still others become runners or jumpers, or take part in ice hockey or bas- ketball or sports to which they are especially suited or in which they are especially interested. In this man- ner all the boys in the school have an opportunity to engage in something, in case they show ability. There's no favoritism or partiality in this.” “Is that so? Now, look here: It seems to me that a certain cadet in this school has been actively con- cerned in all the sports you name. It seems to me t * I 180 The Athletic Committee Acts. * that he has been a leader in almost everything to which he has turned his attention. Now, sir, do you think it right that one boy should be thus favored? If he leads at football or baseball, that's enough. Let him remain in the background and permit others to lead at other things.” - - “I know to whom you refer, professor,” said Mans- ford. “He’s not the chap to push himself forward. He has been induced to take part in the various sports mentioned, because the school has been proud of him and has been anxious to be represented by the very best teams in all departments. It is because he is a natural leader that he so often commanded in these different fields.” - “Well, that may be so, but I don't think it right.” “Unless something is done at once, professor, Far- dale will have no football team this season. Arling- ton has resigned from this committee and from the captaincy of the team.” “Indeed 2 How did that happen?” asked Gooch, eying the three boys searchingly. “I am quite sur- prised. Yes, indeed. Did he do this thing voluntarily P Answer me? Mansford hesitated a little, but finally spoke up truthfully: “No, he did not do it voluntarily, professor. He did it because he was advised to do so.” “By whom, sir—by whom P’’ “By the athletic committee,” hastened to add: “There's but one thing, professor, that will save Fardale on the gridiron this year. Arlington has re- said the chairman, who The Athletic Committee Acts. 181 signed. His place must be filled by some one in whom the players will have absolute confidence. . The one who fills his place must be able to call out the very best players and to reorganize the team so that, with- out delay, it will get into condition to play good foot- ball. This committee, as seen before you, have con- sidered this matter, and we think there is only one person who can do this thing. We have decided that that person is the same one who commanded the team last year—namely, Dick Merriwell. We are united in the belief that Merriwell should be again invited to • take command of the team. What do you say to this, professor?” . - “I say no!” answered Gooch, rapping the table with his bony knuckles, his wrinkled face screwed into many hard knots. “Such a thing is quite out of the question. | Such a thing can't be considered for a moment, Cadet Merriwell will have no time to spare in giving his attention to athletics and such frivolities. He has philandered his time away here in the past, and now he must make up for it. This is not the kind of a school that lets any boy slide through haphazard and without effort. It requires effort and attention to studies, drills and regular duties in order for a boy to go through this school and graduate. If a fellow happens to be quicker and more adept than his com- panions, so that he doesn't find it necessary to study as hard to accomplish the regular course, it's the duty of the faculty to see that he has additional tasks to perform, additional studies to make up—in short, he should be given enough work to keep him just as busy as the dullest and most backward boy in his class. 182 The Athletic Committee Acts. That's the way to make an industrious, determined persevering man of him. If he slips through easily and without effort, he is liable to get the impression that he can slip through the world in the same careless manner. This is my theory—one of my pet theories. I propose to put it to the test.” - - “If such a rule should be enforced, professor,” said Mansford, endeavoring to maintain his air of defer- ence and respect, “I fail to see how any boy in this school can find time for footfall or any other sport. It would keep us all on the jump. We wouldn't have many minutes of ſeisure.” “I don't propose for you to have,” declared the old pedagogue. “Perhaps you think that those boys who play football now are being excused from their duties. Eh-hel Ah-ha! It's possible they are being excused temporarily, but every one will have to make up the time he wastes in such foolishness. Later on he will be called up for additional study and extra drilling. That's my idea of the proper way to handle a boy. Keep his nose to the grindstone and you will keep him out of mischief. While I am at the head of affairs there will be few of those outrageous pranks which have disgraced this School in the past. Some people believe in handling one boy in one manner and another boy in another manner. The theory is wrong—all wrong. The proper way to handle them is to treat them all alike and rule them with a rod of iron. I am telling you this so you will know exactly what is expected of the cadets here while I have charge of this school.” y Leon Haughton shrugged his shoulders ºn opened - The Athletic Committee Acts. 183 his lips to speak, but seemed to think better of it and remained silent. Mansford also was silenced at last. He knew now that words would be wasted on Old Barney. Gooch surveyed them one at a time over the upper rim of his spectacles, having clasped the fingers of his hands together and set his thumbs to twirling over each other. He seemed to be waiting for the mean- ing of his words to impress itself upon them. Finally he continued : “I wish to add that there will be no leniency shown any boy here who breaks rules and attempts to cut up. In the past there has been too much leniency—alto- gether too much. If any of the cadets get gay while I am in charge I shall make an example of them just as sure as I discover who they are. I will not dilly- dally about it either. I will show them without hesi- tation and without delay that they can’t fool with me. I will not have a boy in this school who dares dis- obey the rules and regulations. If his offense is a minor one, he will be punished after the usual man- ner; but if his offense deserves it, he will be expelled instantly. “Now, Merriwell understands perfectly what is re- Quired of him. He understands that, under the new Order of things, he must make up for the time he has heretofore spent in foolish sports and pastimes. He'll not be permitted to appear on the football field this Season. If he shows willingness to work hard and study hard, he may be given an opportunity at some future time to occasionally play football or baseball. But never again will it be possible for him to become a 184 The Athletic Committee Acts. leader in all sorts of sports and games at this academy. Other boys shall have a chance to display their ability as leaders. It makes no difference to me if they are not quite as capable as Merriwell, and if on that ac- count the various teams they command are not as suc- cessful as they might be under Cadet Merriweli. There's too much of this one-man business in the world to-day. I am opposed to it, irrevocably opposed to it." “Then,” said Mansford, “having received your an- swer, we will go.” - - “One minute, please—wait one minute more. I have not quite finished. It seems to me that you have peen rather hasty in your judgment of Cadet Arling- ton. Simply because he did not have the success you expected in the opening football game, you, who placed him in power, have whiffled around and expressed a desire to take away authority given him. You came here and informed me that he had resigned. I wish to ask one question. Why did he resign f" ; : The three boys were silent. “Why did he resign?” repeated Barnaby, again rap- ping the table with his hard knuckles. “Answer me that. Was he not asked to resign 2 Was he not told that he must resign? Is it not true that every possible influence to compel him to resign was brought to bear upon him? Answer me.” - Mansford knew well enough that Arlington had al- ready seen the professor, and told him what had hap- pened in the committee meeting that evening. Gooch. knew already that Chester's resignation had been de- manded. . . . . . . . . “It is true,” confessed Mansford, “that practically The Athletic Committee Acts. * * 185 the entire school is united in thinking that Arlington is not capable of filling the position and that his resig- nation will be to the advantage of the team.” *Yes, yes; the whole school, eh? Well, I think I informed you that the faculty would take an active interest in such matters. Now, if the whole school should unite in the belief that chemistry is a bad thing and should be abolished, do you think the faculty would agree? Do you think we would bow to the united opinion of the cadets on such a matter? Eh- ha? Having decided to take an interest in football, the faculty will maintain its opinions, regardless of the opinion of the school. You were instructed to place Cadet Arlington at the head of the eleven. We gave you such instructions, and until we give you directions to make a change, you have absolutely no authority to bring pressure to bear upon Arlington to force his res- ignation. Is that plain enough 2 Do you understand that P’’ “We can't help understanding it,” muttered Haugh- ton. - “It’s plain enough,” admitted Mansford. “Very well, then; you will retain Cadet Arlington as captain of the eleven. You will inform him to– night, and without delay, that he has been retained. After leaving this room, you will find him at once and notify him. As for Cadet Merriwell, I shall give him notice that he's not to take part in football during the present term. . I shall also make it clear to him that disobedience of orders will be severely punished. That's all, young gentlemen. You may go. Good- evening.” - ------f 186 The Athletic Committee Acts. Gooch again seized his pen, dabbed it into the ink, and began scratching away as if he had not been inter- rupted at his task. The boys filed out, and Mansford caught the door just in time to prevent Haughton from slamming it fiercely behind them. - “The old lobster!” hissed Leon. “What are you go— ing to do with such a dried-up old dead one at the head of affairs? He's been dead for the last ten years, but he doesn't know it. I see where football at Fardale goes to the dogs in a hurry.” - “Let's get away from his door before we talk it over," urged Mansford. “What do you think about it, Burbage?” “Think?" muttered Rafe. “I am paralyzed I can't think ''' “It's up to us,” said the chairman. “We’ve been given orders, and we must obey.” • “Excuse me,” palpitated Haughton. “I am not go- ing to bow down before Arlington after being called all sorts of dirty names by him.” “You had better go with us and notify him,” urged Mansford. “If you do not, Gooch will learn of it, and Something may happen to you.” y “I suppose that's right,” grated Leon. “Old Bar- ney is set as the hills, and nothing can change him.” “He will run things into the ground in very quick time," nodded the chairman. “What's the athletic committee good for now P Might as well be no com- 1mittee ''' *s- -------- - -** The Athletic Committee Acts. 187 “Better be no committeeſ” rumbled Burbage. “We have no authority.” “And think of it!” exclaimed Haughton; “this year the big games come early Uniontown this week, and Eaton next week. Eaton trapped us into taking her On early in the season. She's seen in past years how we prepared for her as the season advanced, and there- fore she forced us into playing her early or not at all. Had we been wise, we would have refused to play at all, unless near the close of the season.” “I doubt if we do play her at all,” said Mansford. “It’s my belief that Arlington will have no team to meet Eaton after the Uniontown game. This is Far- dale's year of humiliation and disgrace.” “How will we notify Arlington P’’ asked Burbage. “Shall we go to his room?” “No!” hissed Haughton. “I won't do that I won't give him that much satisfaction He will laugh in his sleeve. He'll tell how we practically forced him to re- sign, and then had to come creeping after him to get him back.” . “What can we do?” asked Mansford, who seemed lacking in ideas. “Why not call another committee meeting and send word to him that he's wanted P’’ “To-night?” “To-night. Old Barney commanded us to notify him at once.” “What if he refuses to come to the meeting * “Then we can send him a written notice. We can get out of it that way.” - 188 The Athletic Committee Acts. “The suggestion is a good one, Haughton. Come on fellows, we will carry it out. I am deuced sorry we said anything to Merriwell, but he will learn it was not our fault that things didn't pan out the way we planned.” - - **. CHAPTER XVI. ARLINGTON HAS His way. Arlington was sitting alone in his luxuriously fur- nished room, reading a novel and smoking a cigarette. His feet were deposited upon the top of a table, and his position was one of lazy ease. Suddenly, without warning, the door opened, and, with a snap of his wrist, Chet flung the cigarette into the open grate fire. - “No need to do that, old man,” grinned Mel Frazer, as he entered the room. “Thought it might be some one else,” said Arling- ton, as he fumbled in his pocket, and brought out his cigarette case. “I had an idea that door was locked.” “You’re getting careless to leave it unlocked while you're smoking.” “Oh, I don't know. Things are coming my way round here. There was a time when I had to do lots of ducking, but the new régime is on, and I'm rapidly becoming it. Old Barney had a club up his sleeve for Merriwell, and the very fact that I am Merriwell's enemy has led the old duffer to give me all kinds of privileges. Spring the lock, Mel, and have a whiff with me.” “We haven't time to Smoke. We're wanted.” “Wanted P” “Yes.” “Where P” 190 Arlington Has His Way. { -. “In the gym.” “What for P” - “Something doing. The athletic committee holds another session to-night.” “That doesn't interest me.” “Yes, it does.” “Why?” . . . “Just saw Mansford, and he requested me to politely notify you to appear with the rest of the committee at the meeting.” Chester laughed aloud. “Indeed?” he cried. “How does that happen? Seems to me there has been a sudden change in the wind. What do they want of me?” “I don’t know just what they want, but I under- stand they've been to see old Barney.” “Then perhaps I know what they want,” chuckled Chet, as he roiled a cigarette in his fingers and pulled a little tobacco from the end of it. “I am pretty sure I know what they want. They’re coming down from their perch, and they’re coming down in a hurry.” He struck a match and lighted his cigarette. Then he pushed the case across the table to his companion. “Have one?” he invited. “Aren’t you going to respond to this call from the chairman of the committee?” - “I am going to take my time about it,” answered Arlington. “I am not going to tear my clothes get- ting there, and you can bet your sweet life on that. They'll wait until I get ready to come. If they don't care to wait, they can do any old thing they choose. I’ll show them that I’m not eager to hustle at their -\ Arlington Has His Way. 191 beck and call. Light up, Frazer, and make yourself comfortable.” - -- “Well, you're a dandy!” said Frazer; “but I guess you're about right in this matter. Perhaps they would think you too anxious if you hurried. I believe it will be a good thing if you take your time.” “Don’t worry about that. They forced my hand a while ago, and I imagine they begin to realize I had a card hidden in my sleeve. I have played that card, Mel, and the mighty committee has collapsed." “What do you think they want of you now *" “I’ll bet ten dollars to ten cents they are going to notify me that my resignation will not be accepted that they have reconsidered their action on the matter.” Again Chester laughed, and the expression on his face was one of triumphant conceit. “How did you work it?" asked his admiring corn- panion. “I know you said you'd give them a throw- down, but I didn't believe you could do it so sud- denly.” “I tell you, Mel, I am pretty hear it now. Merri- well has had his day and my turn has come. I knew my pull was strong with old Barney. I knew what -I could do with the old chump, and I proceeded to do it. You see, old Barney practically compelled the com- mittee to put me in power, and I felt certain he'd be red-hot in case I informed him, in the proper manner, how that committee had taken the reins in its hands and kicked me out. Oh, you should have heard me describe the business to Barney! I was smooth as silk and crafty as you please. I led him to think that the committee had insulted him by this action, in which ºr \! 192 Arlington Has His Way. they had not asked his advice. Oh, I put him in the proper mood to meet them when they called on him!” “How did you know they would call on him?” “Well, I figured it out in case they attempted to restore Merriwell, that Merriwell himself would not dare accept the reinstatement without the permission of Barney. That being the case, they would be com- pelled to see the old slob. In strategy the side that makes the first move often gains a pronounced advan- tage. I lost no time in making that move.” - “You're all right, Chester ſ” nodded Frazer, as he inhaled the smoke of his cigarette and permitted it to escape in little puffs as he talked. “I reckon it’s a sure , thing that they're going to do just what you think. They're going to put you back in authority. Now what will you do about it? The fellows refused to support you Saturday, and lots of them refused to come out for practice to-day.” “They are not the only ones in this school. There are others. I can find the kind of chaps I can handle and the kind that will fight for me.” “You can't depend on Larch and Shaw.” “Not as football players. They lack sand. Still, I believe I can make use of them in another way. Larch is always hard-up, and a little boodle keeps him loyal. Shaw hates Merriwell, and, even if he doesn't like me, he will back me in order to hold Merriwell down. Just you wait and see if I don't get something out of those chaps. As for football, they both had an idea they could play the game, but that idea was pretty well knocked out of them Saturday. They have had their chance, and now they will not be sore if they play no Arlington Has His Way. 193 more. Still, I think they are looking for glory in that line, and it will flatter them if they are kept among the substitutes. They'll be able to show them- selves in suits, and when they go home from School they can tell of the great things they did on the team. Oh, I know how to handle that sort of cattle !” ‘. . “Some of the boys are saying it's because you don't know how to handle the fellows that we were so badly beaten Saturday.” “Oh, those are the jealous ones. They are my ene- mies. Of course they will say things like that. Let them talk all they please. I know a dozen plebes who have seen little of Merriwell, and who have not felt his influence. They have no particular liking for him, and they know there'd be little chance for them to get onto the eleven if he were in command. The fact that I am ready to give them a show will make them good, strong backers. Don't you think for a moment, Fra- zer, that I am going to lose my grip simply because we were beaten by Fairport.” “I did begin to think so to-night,” confessed Mel. “I thought you had ruined your own chances by get- Ming hot and resigning as you did. Now I see you were able to pose as one who had been injured.” Chester grinned. “I am not given to boasting after that fashion,” fie said; “but I saw my opportunity this time and im- proved it. Still I don't think you can justly call it a pose. Wasn't I injured? Wasn't I treated in a shab- by manner? Of course I was You know that.” * “Yes, yes, I know you were,” Frazer hastened to agree.” “But now you want to be ready for anything -N . 194 Arlington Has His Way. this committee attempts. Perhaps they are going to restore you, with the idea that they will find some other way to throw you down. You will have to keep your peepers open.” - - “Leave it to me,” said Chet, with a wave of his hand. “When they get ahead of me they will have to stay awake twenty-four hours out of twenty-four. If they even close their eyes to sleep, I will steal a march on them. I am on the right side of old Barney, and I'll take pains to stay there. I know just how to flat- ter him without seeming to do so. The old lobster makes me sick, and I give him the impression that he's the greatest thing that ever happened.” - “You’re clever, Chester—clever !” said Frazer. “But don't you think we'd better be going?” “Don’t rush,” said the other. “Take it easy, Mel. The longer we keep that bunch waiting the more they will think of us.” - “But they may get an idea you're not coming.” “Oh, no, I guess not. As long as you fail to return they will wait. Even if they do not wait, they will have to hold another session to-morrow.” Fully thirty minutes elapsed before Chester was ready to leave the room. Ere doing so, he opened the window to air the place and let the smoke escape. “Now we will saunter down and see the mighty ones,” he chuckled, as he took his cap from the couch, on which it had been tossed. Mansford, Burbage, and Haughton were waiting when Arlington and Frazer appeared. Chester saun- tered leisurely and gracefully into the room, a look of Smiling disdain on his face. - - - Arlington Has His Way. 195 “You sent for me, I believe?” he said. “And you have taken your time about coming !” exclaimed Mansford resentfully. “Sure thing,” was the insolent answer. “Consider it a favor that I come at all. I have not much time to waste on you. What do you want?” The face of Rafe Burbage flushed, and he made a move as if longing to rise from his seat and place his broad hands on the insolent chap. Haughton muttered something under his breath. Mansford lost no time about coming to the point. “We have reconsidered matters,” he said, “and it's my duty to inform you that the commitee withdraws its request for you to resign.” Chester snapped his fingers. “Withdraw P” he laughed. “Is that it? You will have to do more than that. You forced me to resign against my will. You will have to politely ask me to withdraw my resignation.” It was a bitter pill for Mansford, but he swallowed it like a man. “Very well,” he said; “have it that way. You are urged to withdraw your resignation.” “Very well; I will do so, with the understanding that I am to remain in command of the eleven, as well as a member of this committee. I am likewise to have full authority on the team.” “As far as I am concerned,” said Mansford, “you may have all the authority you like.” “All right,” laughed Chester. “Then that thing is settled, is it?” “Yes, it is settled,” nodded the chairman. :*: 196 Arlington Has His Way. Haughton Sprang up. : “Now it's settled,” he cried, in a harsh tone, “I wish to offer my resignation from this committee, and I ask that the matter be acted upon at once.” “I move that Cadet Haughton's resignation be ac- cepted,” said Chester instantly. - “I second the motion,” said Frazer. - A moment later Haughton was no longer a member of the athletic committee. Usually Rafe Burbage was slow and deliberate in his movements, but there was nothing of slowness in the manner in which he followed Haughton's example. Again Arlington made a motion to accept, and again Frazer seconded it. Burbage was out. “Cadet Arlington,” said Mansford, “I wish you would act as temporary chairman. I have something to say. Will you kindly take this seat?” “With pleasure,” said Chester, as he moved into the seat. “We will listen to you, Cadet Mansford.” “Then,” said Mansford, “I offer my resignation from this committee.” - “I move and second the motion that the resignation be accepted,” grinned Frazer. - “You have heard the motion,” said Arlington, with a scornful curl of his lips. “If it is your mind that it be carried you will say ay.”, “Ay!” said Frazer. “It’s settled,” nodded Chester. “The resignation is accepted, Mr. Mansford.” : “And now,” said Mansford, as with his two com- panions he jºined and paused by the door, “you are is -s is º. we . Arlington Has His Way. 197 absolute power, Chester Arlington. Go ahead and run things to your pleasure, and may you have the success you deserve l’’ With Arlington's sneering laugh sounding in their ears the ex-members of the committee left the room. “Well,” said Frazer, with a grin, “we seem to be the only ones left. It strikes me this committee has practically exploded.” - “Hardly that,” said Chester grimly. “This commit- tee is in session, and I am temporary chairman. As the regular chairman has seen fit to resign and his resignation has been accepted, it's up to us to appoint some one to permanently fill his place.” “What?” gasped Frazer, astounded by his com- panion's seriousness. “You don't mean that we two are going to carry on business alone?” “Why not? We're still on the committee, and we're the only members left. There's a clause in the by- laws which gives the committee authority to fill va- cancies, and it's up to us to get into gear.” Frazer realized at last that Chet was in earnest. “In what manner, Mr. Chairman,” said he, “shall we elect new members to fill the vacancies?” “In the usual manner,” was the answer. “Cadets may be proposed by any member of the committee and voted upon.” f Again Frazer was inclined to grin at the idea of one man proposing cadets for the committee and vot- ing them in, but the gravity of Chet’s demeanor re- strained him. “I believe, Mr. Chairman,” he said, “that the com- * * * - a * 198 Arlington Has His Way. mittee has the privilege of asking for instructions or suggestions from the chair. Now it occurs to me that possibly the chairman might wish to make some sug- gestions in regard to the names to be proposed.” “Wishing to address the meeting,” said Chester, with the same grave face, “I must ask Mr. Frazer to give me the opportunity by temporarily occupying the chair.” Copying his companion's gravity, Frazer stepped forward and accepted the chairman's seat. “Now, Mr. Chairman and fellow member of the committee,” said Arlington, still without a shadow of 1 merriment on his countenance, “it seems to me that football matters at Fardale have reached a critical stage. It seems to me that some members of this committee who have lately resigned are to be severely censured for their action at such a time. It was their duty to themselves and to the school to remain on the committee until the crisis was passed. They betrayed their weakness and cowardly natures by ducking at the time when their advice and counsel was most needed. “It behooves us to fill their places with members who will stand united as one, and who will work to- gether for the interests of Fardale as a school. We must have a committee that will recognize the neces- sity of crushing this hero-worshiping spirit at the academy. We must have a committee that will not permit one man, who has, in the past, sought to rise above his fellows, to again gain the ascendency. There lias been too much of this one-man business at Far- dale. Now let us take care to have a committee that will work together as a unit. If we choose, I believe p" * ſº h Arlington Has His Way. 199 l we may propose the names of three persons at one time to fill the vacancies. The three may be voted upon as one. Such being the case, I move that Clint Shaw, Len Larch, and Fred Preston be accepted as members of this committee.” Chester thcn gravely returned to his seat as chair- man, and Frazer, thus given the opportunity, hastened to second the motion. “The motion that vacancies caused by the resigma- tion of certain' members of this committee be filled by Clint Shaw, Len Larch, and Fred Preston has been made and seconded. If it's your opinion that these mo- tions be carried you will say ay.” “Ay!” cried Frazer. “Contrary minded will say nay.” There was dead silence. “It’s a vote,” declared Arlington, rapping the table with his gavel; “and I declare Clint Shaw, Len Larch, and Fred Preston regularly and properly chosen as members of the Fardale Athletic Committee. Now, Mr. Frazer, as there may still be some business to come before this committee to-night, I wish you would find the new members without delay, and bring them here. I will remain and keep the meeting in session until they appear.” Frazer whisked out of the room, but paused at the outer door of the gymnasium to slap his knee and dou- ble up with suppressed laughter. “Richest thing I ever heard of !” he muttered. “Those chaps thought they were going to leave Chet in the soup by resigning, but he rose to the occasion, * , 2OO . Arlington Has His Way. and he will come out on top. Say, if the fellows around this academy could have seen us swapping places as chairman in order to put the motion in a regular manner! Mansford, Burbage, and Haughton thought the committee would be paralyzed if they dropped out in a bunch, but it takes more than that to paralyze Arlington. He's made the committee up to suit himself, and he will be able to handle it just as he likes in the future.” . . . . Outside the gym Frazer ran into a little gathering of cadets who were talking excitedly in low tones. -- “No athletic committee now,” he heard one of them say. “All gone to pieces,” said another. “That ends football at Fardale for a while,” de- clared a third. Mel backed out and ducked to avoid a hand out- stretched to grasp him. “Hold on 1" cried the owner of the hand. “You can tell us something about it.” - “Haven’t time,” Snickered Med. “Excuse me.” And he dusted away toward barracks. As he hastily ascended the stairs he encountered two hoys who were hurrying down. - One of them recognized him and grabbed his arm. “What about this committee business, Frazer P” he asked. “The whole school is boiling. Has the ath- letic committee gone up the spout?” “Not yet,” answered Mel, as he brushed the fel- flow's hand aside and dodged past. “The committee is all right !” he flung over his shoulder. . In one of the upper corridors he was stopped again - **--- r y Arlington Has His Way. :2Ol by three cadets, and once more he was questioned about the committee. . . • . . “Don’t bother me!” he exclaimed. “I’m in an awful hurry. Tell you all about it in the morning.” Thus he broke away. Arlington remained calmly seated until the sound of feet outside the door told him Frazer was returning and was not alone. The door opened and Mel en- tered, followed by Clint Shaw, Len Larch, and Fred Preston. . “Bolt that door, Frazer,” commanded the temporary chairman. “We want no interruptions.” Frazer obeyed orders. “Have you notified the gentlemen of the action of this committee?” asked Chet. . “I have not, Mr. Chairman,” answered Frazer, copying Arlington's gravity. “I urged them to come at once on important business, but didn't give them any particulars.” Shaw, Larch, and Preston were looking on and lis- tening with mingled curiosity and surprise. “Gentlemen,” said Chester, motioning toward chairs, “you will please be seated.” They sat down. “I regret to inform you,” Arlington continued, “that three of your schoolmates, who were chosen for posi- tions of importance and trust on this committee, have betrayed actual cowardice in the face of a crisis, and have resigned from the committee. It's my pleasure, however, to inform you that, under the section of the by-laws that gives the committee authority to fill such 2O2 Arlington Has His Way. vacancies, you, Cadet Shaw, Cadet Larch, and Cadet Preston, have been regularly elected to this commit- tee. It's possible, gentlemen, that I brought my influ- ence to bear on the committee in the selection of cadets to fill the vacancies recently made. It's but natural under such circumstances that I should choose per- sonal friends and such fellows as I know I can trust. You will now observe that the athletic committee is made up of yourselves, Mr. Frazer, and myself, and that we have absolute authority in football matters as long as we do not go contrary to certain wishes and suggestions of the faculty. As those wishes and sug- gestions are that the former captain of the eleven, a chap who has been practically Supreme in authority here, should be suppressed and kept in the background, I think there is no reason why the committee should have the slightest trouble with the faculty. I believe that in the past, as individuals, few of us have been satisfied with the way things were run at this school. We now have the opportunity to run things for a while.” “Gee whiz" whispered Larch, in Clint Shaw's ear. “I didn't suppose he'd feel so friendly toward us. He seemed pretty sore because we were knocked out of the game Saturday.” “Evidently he has recovered from that,” Shaw whis- pered back. “He knows he can trust us to hold Dick Merriwell down. They were telling around that the committee had gone to pieces. I guess they will find out differently ſ” For a few moments the three new members whis- pered together. Then Preston rose and expressed his Arlington Has His Way. 2O3 thanks for them all, and stated that they felt it their duty to the school to accept. “I am glad you look at it in that light, gentlemen,” said Chester. “Since the resignation of Mansford, who was chairman, I have been acting as temporary chairman. It is now the duty of the committee to elect a regular chairman.” Immediately Frazer sprang up and proposed Ar- lington for the position. Shaw seconded the motion, and Chester was elected without the slightest delay. He thanked them and accepted the position. After this football matters were discussed for some time, and Arlington found the committee ready to sup- port him in anything and everything. It seemed at last that he had reached the position of supreme power so long desired, and he was well satisfied with the things the day had brought about. CHAPTER XVII. T H R E E O F A K I N D . Of course Arlington's action in refilling and restor- ing the committee created no end of talk when the cadets learned just what had happened. There were those who seemed to believe the new committee would have little authority, for they declared that the members taken in to fill the places of the ones who resigned had not been elected in a legal manner. It was said that a majority of the committee was required to fill vacan- cies, and no majority existed, as three members had resigned, which practically put an end to the entire committee. There were others who pointed out that the two remaining members had been able to make a majority of all the committee then in existence and, therefore, their actions and appointments were perfectly legal. Many of the cadets regarded the whole affair as a huge joke, and not a few of those who laughed over it were Dick Merriwell's personal friends. º, On the following day, however, it was learned that Professor Gooch and the faculty supported the action of the committee, and recognized the new members as legally appointed, which seemed to settle matters. At an early hour, before the first morning classes, Buckhart and Merriwell were surprised to receive a caller, who was none other than Barnaby Gooch. Having rapped sharply, the old professor doddered Three of a Kind. 205 t into the room and regarded both lads grimly over the upper rim of his spectacles. “Eh-hum!” he coughed. “Good morning, Cadet Merriwell. Good morning, Cadet Buckhart. Don't stare at me like that. I am no curiosity. Where is your politeness, Cadet Buckhart? That's better, sir— much better! I presume you are surprised to see me here at such an early hour. I have a few words I wish to say to Cadet Merriwell. I learned last night that Cadet Merriwell has aspirations to again take an active part in football matters. This, in spite of the fact that I have told you, sir, you would have no time for such things this term. Be quiet, sir, until I finish Don't interrupt me ! If there's anything I dislike it's interruptions. If there's anything I will not endure it’s to be interrupted. When I have finished you may speak, in case you speak respectfully. “Now, sir, I wish to ask you a question. I wish to ask if you have not in the past been many times ex- cused from classes and from drills in order that you might take an active part in football? You have? Just what I knew. I thought you wouldn't deny it. You can’t deny it! You have been excused repeated- ly, when other boys have not been thus favored. In order to show that there's no favoritism here in the treatment of cadets, I have decided that you must not participate in football and such useless sports during the present term. I have concluded that it's right and proper I should inform you of the penalty of disobe- dieńce. “I believe too much leniency has in the past been shown cadets who disobey orders in this school. While ‘. . - 2O6 Three of a Kind. I am at the head of affairs all rules and all orders will be rigidly enforced. The cadet who disobeys cannot escape punishment, and, if his disobedience is serious, he will stand in danger of immediate expulsion. I am convinced that the expulsion of one or two would serve as a warning to others. Now, Cadet Merriwell, you will carefully keep away from the football field at all times until you are given permission by me to appear upon it. That's all, sir. I have nothing more to say. In fact, I have no time to say anything more. I must be in the main hall in exactly two minutes. Good morning.” “Why, burn his old hide l’ panted Buckhart, as the door closed behind Gooch. “He didn't give you a cliance to peep ! He didn't let you open your face! He said you might talk after he finished, and when }.e finished he hiked out hot-footed.” “It's just as well,” said Dick. “My words would have made no impression on him. Football at Far- dale has gone to the dogs this year.” “Cone to the dogs!” cried Buckhart. “That just about expresses it, for football has gone to Arlington aid his bunch. If they are not dogs of a mongrel breed, I am a Hottentot The whole school is some hot over it. Just think of it—think of the present ath- letic committeel Aren't the members birds?” “The committee is made up of Arlington's tools. He will handle them just as he chooses. He's the only one in authority now.” “Let him go ahead "grated Brad. “His career will come to an end rigit soon. He may have full power on the committee and may be in command of the * * Three of a Kind. 2O7 eleven, but he can't win against Uniontown with the team he has pulled together. In fact, I doubt if he has any team to meet Uniontown. His players are afraid, and they will quit before the game.” “I don't suppose that will make any particular dif- ference with Barnaby Gooch. He doesn't care a rap if football at Fardale comes to an end with the present term. He's against it and all similar sports. In fact, it seems that he has taken this method to put an end to such sports in the school.” “Say, pard, there'll be a riot here when Zenas Gunn returns.” “But there's no telling how long Professor Gunn may be away. He may not return for a year, and the elapse of so much time will give Barnaby Gooch a chance to practically abolish athletics from the school.” “I don't believe the boys will stand for it,” growled the Texan. “They're getting pretty near ready to rise in their wrath now. When they do rise, Arlington and his gang had better look out.” That day, at midday intermission, the boys gath- ered on the parade ground and excitedly and earnestly discussed what had happened at the meeting of the athletic committee the previous evening. In the meantime Chester Arlington was lounging in his room and waiting for the appearance of some one. He did not have to wait long. Frazer and Shaw entered, without knocking. “Slip the catch," said Chester. “We don't wish to be interrupted.” Frazer fastened the door so it could not be opened from the outside. i 208 Three of a Kind. “I want to shake hands with you,” grinned Shaw, as he hurried to Arlington. “I swear, old man, you're cleverer than I thought ! You've set them to talking around this old school. Mansford and his two friends fancied they would floor you by resigning from the committee; but, instead of that, they gave you the very chance you wanted, and you took advantage of it.” “Exactly so,' y said Chester languidly. “You should hear the boys chattering over it out on the parade ground,” laughed Frazer. “I don't care to hear it,” said Chet. “I can imagine what they are saying.” - “Some of them think your triumph will be a short one. They believe the game with Uniontown will prove your undoing. If Fardale is defeated by Union- town in a crushing manner, the cadets are going to rise up in revolt without delay. They are going to demand the canceling of the Eaton game, unless there is an immediate change in the management of affairs.” Arlington yawned behind his hand. “I have just written a letter to the Uniontown man- ager,” he said. “I think we can fix it all right. We can fool the bunch around here by putting the Union- town game over until after we play Eaton. That will give me time to make up my team, and get it ready for Eaton, without having another defeat to give the croakers material to croak over.” “You mean that you will cut the Uniontown game out and not play again until you play Eaton P” “I hope to put the Uniontown game ahead, and I do not intend to play until we meet Eaton. If Union- Three of a Kind. - 209 * town, cannot, or will not, change the date, I will cancel their game. That's the way to settle it.” “Such an action will bring down a lot of criticism on you.” Arlington Snapped his fingers. “Of course,” he smiled. “Let them criticize | Let them talk as much as they like!" ! “There will be some excitement,” said Shaw, “when the boys find Fardale is to meet Eaton in their next game played. When do you propose to let them know about it?” “Not before Saturday. Before that time I shall not say anything about the changing or canceling of the |Uniontown date. Will you smoke, fellows? There are cigarettes on the table.” All three selected cigarettes and lighted them. “Now,” said Chet, “I asked you two to come here in order that we might talk over a matter I don't care to discuss before Larch and Preston. I know Larch and Preston are with me on this, but I don't like to trust too many. Sometimes fellows get careless and let slip things they don't intend betraying. Larch has a mouth altogether too big. He talks too much. Pres- ton is a fellow with mighty poor judgment about things he should say and things he should leave un- said. Now, you, Shaw, are always close-mouthed.” Clint's thin lips were pressed together, and the cor- ners of his mouth took an additional droop. “I know I can trust Frazer,” said Arlington. “He’s never failed me yet. Now, fellows, just as long as Dick Merriwell remains in this school there will be danger that in some manner he may regain his lost 2.IO Three of a Kind. supremacy. It’s up to us to see that he has to get out of Fardale. In the past it could not have been an easy thing to force him out. Conditions have changed. Barnaby Gooch has informed us that it is his purpose to make an example of some cadet who disobeys or- ders by expelling that cadet. Now, why can’t we see to it that the blow falls on our very particular friend, Richard Merriwell ?” - “How are we going to do it?” asked Frazer. “Oh, but wouldn't it be a corker to have Merriwell ex- pelled ” “There ought to be a way to accomplish it,” said Arlington. “Of course it will be almost impossible to lead Merriwell into any act that will bring it about. But still I am confident my ingenuity may devise some method. What I want is two of the committee to back me up, to stand by me, to be ready to lie for me, if necessary. The three of us will make a majority. Now I have chosen you two as the ones to trust. I understand Merriwell has been ordered to keep away from the football team. If the three of us could lead him into disobeying this order, I am certain that Bar- naby will be furious. Then if we could deny our action, and stick by each other, Merriwell would get it in the neck for fair.” “I don't see just how we're going to do it,” said Shaw, shaking his head. “I don’t see myself at present,” confessed Chet. “But I will wait and watch for the opportunity, and, if I know you two will back me, I'll seize that oppor- tunity when it presents itself. What do you say?” “You can count on me,” nodded Shaw. “I have **** Three of a ‘Kind. * , as 21 i always despised Merriwell, and I wouldn't miss an opportunity to soak him.” “You know you can count on me,” said Frazer. sº “Let’s shake hands on it,” said Chester. “Dick Mer- " * rivell is as good as expelled.” - 9 Vºs. as; " CHAPTER XVIII. ARLINGTON II AS A SCHEME. Day after day the cadets came out to the field and watched Arlington's team at practice. Chester had a team. It made no difference to him that he had lost six of his original players, and that a majority of the old players refused to appear on the field in suits. He sco-1 red around among the plebes and filled all vacancies. He then encouraged the plebes, as a class, to organize a team, and with this team he played practice games. * Dick Merriwell's friends were confident that the game with Uniontown would put Arlington's team out of existence. Imagine their surprise on Saturday morning when they learned that Uniontown would not play with Fardale that day. - The report was given out that Uniontown had felt compelled, for some reason, to change the date. The fact that Arlington had persuaded Uniontown to make a change was kept quiet. In the place of the game with Uniontown, it was stated that Fardale would play the villagers. That afternoon the cadets assembled to watch the game be- tween the academy boys and the village team, It must be acknowledged that Chester had been working hard to lift his team to the highest possible point, and had accomplished a great deal with it. The f * : - Arlington Has a Scheme. 2 I 3 new members of the team were ambitious, and they endured Chester's overbearing ways, feeling that they had been highly favored in obtaining positions on the eleven. - The villagers had learned of the weakened condi- tion of the cadets, and they were confident of victory. The first half was a furious struggle, and it ended with the two teams tied, each having made eleven points. “What do you think of it, Bob?” asked Earl Gard- ner, addressing big Bob Singleton at intermission. “Hu-ah!” grunted the big chap. “There's only one thing to think. Had Arlington faced Uniontown, in- stead of these village chaps, he would have been ob- literated. He's managed to hold his own thus far, but I am inclined to think he will be done up in the last half.” - “If he is * 9 - “If he is the boys will surely do the riot act. They'll never stand to see him put that bunch against Eaton after a defeat at the hands of the villagers.” “Then let us pray that the villagers win,” Earl. . . i But the villagers did not win. Arlington succeeded in bracing his players for the final half, and they fought in a creditable manner to the very finish. The village boys obtained another touchdown and kicked a goal, but that was not sufficient. The cadets made a touchdown and failed in kicking goal. r - This left the villagers one point ahead. All through the game the plebes did most of the muttered 2I4 Arlington Has a Scheme. cheering for the cadets. The members of the other classes were nearly all silent. Realizing that he must do something, and that the game was drawing toward a close, Arlington urged his players on. Within a minute or so of the finish Chester, himself, tore through the villagers' line and made a wonderful run to within eleven yards of the enemy's goal. - Nothing could stop him then. Although he was tackled and thrown, when the next scrimmage came he was like a raging tiger. He hurled himself into the midst of the struggle, and carried the ball full six yards. The villagers held the cadets at that point for an- other down, and then, fighting like a demon, Arling- ton made a hole through the enemy and finally fell, with the ball planted behind the goal line. Although Chester failed to kick a goal, his team had made points enough, and the game ended with the score twenty-one to seventeen. As Arlington was changing his clothes in the room of the gymnasium used for that purpose, other mem- bers of the team crowded around him to offer congrat- ulations. He listened with a sneering smile on his face. “You won out, old man,” said Fred Hume, one of the plebe players on the team. “No thanks to you!” retorted Chet. “You were full of dope in the last half. You must have had lead in your shoes!” - Hume flushed and retreated, muttering that he had done *" Another plebe by the name of Sedg- me." - , -, t Arlington Has a Scheme. - 215 wick offered congratulations, and he was treated in the same manner as Hume. “Hope you will have nerve enough to tackle a man coming head on if you get another chance,” said Chet. “You dodged two men to-day.” One after another he taſked to them in a similar manner, and they submitted to it. The fact that Chester had succeeded in winning the game enabled him to retain his power and hold the cadets opposed to him in check. Day after day Arlington's team continued to prac- tice and make ready for the game with Eaton. It was on Friday, the day before the game was to take place, that Chester called the two trusty men:bers of the athletic committee to his room. “Fellows,” he said, in a whisper, when he had closed and locked the door, “the time has come to fall on Merriwell. We will have our chance to-morrow. Is your nerve still good, Shaw P’’ “As good as ever,” answered Clint. “And yours, Frazer?” “You know you can depend on me.” “Then to-morrow we lead Dick Merriwell into a trap.” “What is the trap? Explain it to us.” “Not to-day. I will explain it to-morrow. Old Barney is going away in the morning. He will not return until late to-morrow night. While he is gone we will floor Richard Merriwell for keeps. You can see, fellows, that I’ve been practicing writing a little.” * º: * ºw 216 Arlington Has a Scheme. He waved his hand toward the table, on which were writing material and sheets of paper, the latter scrawled upon and scattered about. - , - “What I want now,” said Arlington, “is a good specimen of old Barney's handwriting. I did think I could make a clever imitation of it from memory, but I find I can't satisfy myself. You know how peculiar his handwriting is. Now can either of you secure a specimen of it for me?” : t “I will try it,” said Shaw. “I believe I can do it. I will make an excuse to visit old Barney in his room some time to-day, and if I can't hook something he has written on, I'm a chump.” “Go ahead,” urged Chet, “and bring it to me as soon as possible. I'd like to have it to-night, so that I may work alone and without interruption." “The old duffer may be in his room now," said Clint. “Let me see if I can think of a good excuse to visit him. I have it! All right. Just hang up here a few minutes, Arlington, and I will let you know how I succeed.” - He hurried from the room, leaving Chet and Frazer to talk it over while he was gone. ** Twenty minutes later Shaw came dodging in, a look of triumph on his sallow face. •. “Did you do it?” asked Chet, with eagerness he could not repress. Clint locked the door. “Hush I’’ he whispered, holding up his hand. “Did ſº do it? Take a look at me. What do you think?” .. “I think you did.” \ . Arlington Has a Scheme. 217 “Well, you're a good thinker. Old Plug was there, and he was crabbed as a bear. Snapped and Snaried at The, but I just bluffed my way right in and gave him a pretty game of talk. I watched my chance to edge 1p close to the table on which he had his documents scattered. He had been writing a lecture on mythol- >gy, and the sheets were sprawled all over the table. I tried every way I could to distract his attention in 3rder to get hold of one of those sheets. I leaned on he table, and he snapped at me and asked me where my manners were. Said I needed special drilling. Fold me to stand up straight and throw my shoulders jack. After a while I began to run ashore for talk. was beating around the bush, without really coming o the point, and he got tired. Advised me to cut it hort, as his time was precious. I thought I couldn't urn the trick. “I set my wits to work again and happened to think ild Barney was as frightened of a mouse as a woman. [hen I pretended to see a mouse over in the corner, fetched a howl and called his attention to it. He uttered nother howl, dropping his spectacles and leaped on a hair, where he stood with his back toward the table. , Kou bet I swiped one of those sheets in a hurry! Then I threw a paperweight slam in the corner and retended to chase the mouse. When the excitement was all over I had the sheet of paper safely in my locket, and here it is.” | Shaw produced a crumpled sheet, bearing the pe- uliar chirography of Barnaby Gooch, and spread it ºut before Arlington. “Just the thing!” cried Chester, in deep satisfaction. 218 Arlington Has a Scheme. “Shaw, you're a dandy! With this I can do the job to the queen's taste! I believe I will be able to de- ceive any one. If I can work the trick on Merriwell, the chances are he will be fired from Fardale in short order.” - CHAPTER XIX. E V E R Y T H I N G R E A D Y . It was Saturday afternoon. Chester Arlington, and the players chosen by him to represent Fardale, were dressing in the gymnasium. The Eaton team was likewise dressing in another room of the building. - Chester was ready for the field. He began to look his companions over. “Only four substitutes,” he muttered. “Ought to have more.” Big Roger Overman, the fullback, touched Arling- ton on the arm and spoke to him in a low tone. “How's your courage, captain he asked. “First-rate,” answered Chet, with an air of confi- dence. “We will surprise them a little to-day.” Overman shook his head a bit. “I am afraid we haven't the men to do it,” he mut- tered. “Don’t like to hear you talk that way,” said Chet re- provingly. “We’ve practiced faithfully, and I flatter myself the team will work together to-day. The boys understand one another now, and they are all in ear- nest.” “But they are greenhorns,” said Overman. “You don't call Hogan a greenhorn, do you?” “He wasn't fast enough for the team last season.” “On the contrary, he didn't make the tea:; last sea- 22O - Everything Ready. son because he was not one of Merriwell's particular friends. You don't call yourself a greenhorn, I fancy; and I am sure I’m no greenhorn.” “But every other man on the team is a plebe,’ Overman. - - - - “Oh, well, they've played football before they came here. Colson was captain of his school team, and Tar- box has a record for a youngster. We know Kelley is all right, and during the past week Hume has dem- onstrated that he is a great Sprinter and a good tack- 1er. For Heaven's sake, don't wear that anxious phiz, Overman' You look as if you were going to a funeral l’’ - “I feel that way,” confessed Roger. Chester was vexed at Overman's manner, and he now sharply commanded him to brace up and wear a smile. He then began talking to the various players, one at a time, giving them advice. “Keep your eyes Open, Fisher, and be careful that you get the ball right from Staples. And now, Tar- box, look out for Fisher's passes. Make sure. Don't fumble. Hogan, I expect you and Downs to protect Staples and keep the centre of the line like a stone wall. Kelley, you're a little slow, but you can move like a flash when you have your wits about you. Play the way you practiced yesterday, Colson, and you will be all right. Sedgwick, remember to tackle low. You're inclined to tackle too ligh. And you, Hume, I want you right down the field at your prettiest every time we kick off. You're fast enough to keep under the ball and tackle a man who catches it, without giv- ing him a chance to advance a foot. Every one of you y said *~~s. ~~~~ºss Everything Ready. 22 || fellows must keep on your toes. Let's go after Eaton at the start and show her what we can do.” He then talked to them about signals, making sure that every man understood. The door opened and Clint Shaw slipped in. “Eaton is ready,” said Clint. “They are coming out now.” -- “Let them come,” said Chester. “We will follow directly.” * Shaw winked at Arlington and made a motion with his head. The two drew aside, and in a low tone the newcomer asked: “Did you fix it up all right? Did you find that sample of old Barney's chirography just what you wanted P” “Just what I wanted,” nodded Chet, making sure no one save Shaw heard him. “I have the forged let- ter in my coat pocket there.” “When are you going to use it?” “Between halves. Don't you suppose Merriwell will sneak down to the field to-day ? Old Barney is gone, and he might venture it, you know.” “I don't believe he will,” answered Clint. “It’s my opinion he will keep away from the field, and stick to his room. He can't bear to see any one else in his place, and it would kill him to see you there!" “I have told Frazer to be on hand the moment the first half is over,” said Chet. “I want you around, too. Never mind Larch and Preston. We'll leave them out. Three of us will be enough.” “You can count on me,” said Clint; “but I'm afraid 222 Everything Ready. your scheme won't work. I am afraid Merriwell will refuse.” º - - “Leave that to me,” said Chet. “I think I can fool him.” A few minutes later Arlington led his team from the gymnasium. The Eaton team was in advance, and he saw it pass- ing through the gate to the fenced field. Then suddenly the Eaton cheer came rolling in a mighty billow of sound over the fence. “There must be a few Eaton chaps here to-day,” ob- served Chester. . “A few ſ” exclaimed Shaw, who was walking at his side. “I should guess yes! Why, Eaton never before sent over such a bunch. There's an awful mob of them. Looks like the whole school.” “Evidently they feel sure of walking off with this game.” “That's what's the matter. They've heard Merriwell is not captain of the eleven this year, and they believe the time has come when they will wipe out the dis- grace of past defeats at the hands of Fardale.” “Well, they may find they have fooled themselves to the limit,” said Chester. “They’ll have no cinch with my boys to-day.” Chester strutted like a peacock as he led his team and substitutes through the gate. He trotted onto the field, with his head held very high. The Eaton team had been cheered vociferously by the great mass of visitors, and now it was Fardale's turn to welcome her representatives. The cadets were gathered in classes, the plebes being Everything Ready. 223 crowded into one corner. Apparently aimost every boy in the school was present, yet, to the surprise of the visitors and general spectators, only a feeble cheer arose from the corner occupied by the plebes. The rest of the cadets sat in grim silence as the Fardale team trotted onto the gridiron. Arlington's face filashed and then grew paie. “The curs! The whelps" he grated savagely. What's the matter with them 2 Why don't they cheer 2 They are keeping still just to gail me! Well, I will make them cheer before this game is over !" Both teams began practicing with Some foot;alls brought along for the purpose. They chased the yel- low ovals about and fell on them. They passed them fron.: hand to hand, and One or two chaps denon...tra- ted what they could do in the line of kicking. The two captains and the referee drew aside and passed a few words. Arlington took a look at the sun and noted the direction of the wind. He saw the sun was bright and the wind of small consequence. The referee sent a coin spinning in the air. “Heads,” said Captain Carvel, of the Eaton team. “Tails it is,” said the referee. “Your choice, Cap- tain Arlington.” “I will take the west side,” said Chester. “Give Eaton the ball.” A few moments later the two teams spread out on the chalk-marked field, and the pigskin was placed on the spot for the kick-off. Pudl—the toe of Rawson, Eaton's quarter-back, sent the oval spinning toward the west. The game was on. 224 Everything Ready. It was Arlington, himself, who got the pigskin. Both Garter and Dayton had raced down beneath the ball, and Garter made a lunge at Chet. . It was Sedgwick who blocked the tackler. Garter's failure to tackle gave Arlington his chance and he im- proved it. With the speed of the wind he sprang away, dodging a second tackler, and clean to the fifty-yard line he carried the ball before he was brought down. It was really a brilliant run, and Chet's cheeks flushed as he heard the plebes shout his name. “I will show them—I will show them to-day !” he nuttered. The two teams lined up for the first scrimmage. With their noses almost touching, the men of the opposing teams crouched in readiness. - Before coming to the field Arlington had arranged it so that, without any spoken signals, several plays were to be made by his team as soon as the ball was secured. . - Staples snapped the ball to Fisher, and Fisher passed it to Tarbox. The Eaton players lunged into the cadets, but Ho- gan and Downs supported Staples at the centre, and quickly made an open, through which Tarbox hurled himself for a gain of four yards. The ball was now almost at the very centre of the field. One more gain like the last would carry it into Eaton's territory. Arlington was enthusiastic and satisfied. He spoke a few hasty, encouraging words as the players again lined up. + On the next play the ball went to Chester himself, ar Everything Ready. 225 and once more Fardale's heavy centre made an opening through which the runner secured a gain. The ball was down full five yards into Eaton's ter- ritory. “Why, this is easy ſ” panted Chet. “They'll never stop us! We can walk right down the field with it.” In truth - these successes by Arlington's team had surprised every one. And among those surprised none could be more so than Dick Merriwell's friends, several of whom were assembled in a cluster. “Gug-gug-gug-gug-great Scott!” Stuttered Chip Jol- liby. “What do you thuth-thuth-think of that, fuf- fuf-fellows P” “Dern my picter if I don't feel faint!” piped Obe- dial, Tubbs. “If this keeps up, it will take more'n one pie to restore me!” “It can't keep up !” muttered Earl Gardner. “Why, Eaton has practically the same team she put against us last year. There are only two new men on her whole team.” “What do you think of it, Darrell ?” asked big Bob Singleton, appealing to Hal, who sat grim and silent, with his eyes fastened on the players. “I don’t know just what to think,” confessed Dar- rell; “but it seems to me they've started off too bril- liantly. If I remember right, Fardale usually got the worst of it at the first end of the game, and won out at last by pluck and persistency. The very fact that they have done so well is liable to turn the heads of those chaps. They think they have a snap, and when they find they are up against the real thing, they'll lose courage.” - f- ~A se--------- 226 Everything Ready. By this time the two teams were again ready for the clash, and when it came, the Eaton line withstood the assault much better than before. In fact, Fardale gained not more than a single yard. . “Now they're bracing up,” said Darrell. Indeed Eaton was bracing up, and another lunge by Fardale at her centre was met by a line that stood like a stone wall. Not an inch could the cadets gain. If anything, they lost a foot or more. “They're going to kick!” sibilated Obediah Tubbs. Indeed it seemed that Arlington had decided on a kick; but this proved to be a fake play, for the ball went to Chester, who dashed to the left and attempted to get through the right wing of Eaton's line. In the scrimmage that followed Arlington somehow . lost the ball, and an Eaton man was found sprawled on it when the mass of players untangled and arose. The Eaton cheer rose to the blue sky in a mighty volunge of sound. . “Now we will see what Arlington's team can do in the way of defense,” muttered Hal Darrell. “Here's where the real test comes.” It proved to be a severe test, for Eaton wałked through the cadets for seven yards in the first assault. Indeed the visitors actually bore the Fardale line back when it seemed that the cadets should have stopped and held them without a gain. - - “There it is ſ” said Darrell. “No matter how well a team may play on the offensive, in order to make good it must be strong in defense.” The cadets were not strong in defense. Time after time they seemed to melt before the mass plays of the -A Everything Ready. 227 enemy, and Eaton steadily bore the ball toward the home team's goal. It was down on the forty-yard line, then on the thirty-eighth, then on the twenty- fourth, and Chester Arlington's face was ashen gray. He began snarling at his men and calling them hard 113H16S. It was Fisher, the little quarter-back, who checked the advance at that point. Eaton's quarter made a bad pass, and Field lost the ball. Fisher had shot through Jones and Berry, and was in position to fling himself upon the oval, which he did, an Eaton man dropping upon him. As they realized that Fardale had the ball, the plebes rose and cheered wildly. Arlington's relief was great. He spoke a word to Fisher as the teams lined up. At this stage of the game Chet made his most bril- 1iant play. On a double pass he took the ball from Tarbox. Tarbox was running to the right and Arling- ton passed him, going in the opposite direction. With the ball hugged in the hollow of his arm, Ar- lington passed round Eaton's right end without being forced beyond the chalk marks. Maddox came at him on the jump, but Chet leaped sidewise and avoided the fellow's outstretched arms as he sought to tackle. His heart leaped with delight as he realized he had escaped Maddox. - Carvel came at him. - Chet knew Carvel's skill as a tackler, and realized that, unaided, he could not avoid Eaton's veteran full- back. | Fortune led Chet to slacken speed just a bit at the * **) 228 Everything Ready. proper time, and his heart bounded again as he saw Tarbox shoot past his shoulder and fling himself into the clutches of Carvel. Saved in this manner, Arlington set his teeth and Once more made the ground fly beneath his feet. “They'll never stop me now !” he thought. “I will make a touchdown ſ” He was confident in his skill as a runner. But during the past summer evil influences had been at work upon Chester. While playing ball in Maple- wood, Arlington had been associated with those who Smoked and drank, and he had indulged in these vices to a reckless extent. Liquor had weakened his staying powers and smoking had injured his “wind.” He be- gan to breathe heavily, with his lips open. His breast heaved like a storm-beaten sea. A blurring mist rose before his eyes, and a strange feeling of faintness Swiftly crept over him. “How much farther is it?” he thought. “I must be almost there—almost there!” Then just behind him he heard the sound of thud- ding feet and knew that he was pursued. He made one last effort to spurt on when the thudding sounds came nearer. Suddenly it seemed that the ground flew from beneath his feet and sprang up to Smite him in the face. He had been tackled and brought down. Only seven yards from the goal! But for the weakening effect of liquor and tobacco Arlington would have made that touchdown. CHAPTER XX. I N T O T H E T R A P . That was Fardale's last brilliant work in the first half. By this time Eaton had come to regard her op- ponents with such disdain that she did not even kick in 3rder to drive the ball away from her goal. Instead of that, she massed her players and hurled them into the cadets, ripping a hole, through which a runner car- ried the ball for fourteen yards. -- Gain followed gain in rapid succession. The pigskin was hustled back to the centre of the field, and soon Eaton had Fardale fighting on the defensive on her own territory. Nothing could stop the fierce onslaughts of the en- emy. Two of the Fardale players were carried from the field, and substitutes filled the vacancies. Arlington was panting, and Snarling, and raging again. “Stop them, if you have to kill them!” he exclaimed. But there...was no stopping Eaton. With deadly persistency she hammered away and pushed the ball down close to Fardale's goal line. Five yards more would give her a touchdown. For one single scrimmage the cadets stood firm at that point. The next assault carried them off their feet, and Eaton pushed the ball over, amid the wild cheering of he visitors at the eastern end-of the field. 230 Into the Trap. No time was lost. The oval was punted out, and Maddox sent it sailing over the crossbar, which gave Eaton six points. Now the visitors began to sing their famous “Fu- neral Bell” chorus. - From that time till the end of the first half the vis- iting team had things pretty much its own way. True, it was baffled in its effort to make another touchdown when such a result seemed certain, but this defeat came through another funble by Field. This time it was Downs who got through Eaton's line and managed to fall on the ball. Chester lost not a moment in making ready to kick, and it was he who sent the oval far out onto the chalk- marked field. Mansford tackled the Eaton man who tried to run with the ball, and the enemy was temporarily checked forty-five yards from Fardale's goal. Two attacks gave Eaton ten yards more; but, realiz- ing there was little chance to hammer her way through for another touchdown, she decided to try for a field goal. It was Maddox who lifted the ball handsomely and sent it sailing through the air and over the bar. - This added five more points to Eaton's score. Twenty seconds later the whistle sounded, and the first half was ended. Arlington staggered from the field like one in a trance. Three times Shaw spoke to him before Ches- ter realized he was being addressed. “Hard luck!” said Clint; “but it may change in the next half, You started off well, old man.” - Into, the Trap. 231 “Change—nothing !” snapped Chet. “How do you suppose I am going to do anything with such a weak- kneed, white-livered lot of dubs behind me? It’s no go, Shaw Eaton can make a hundred points in the next half, if she wishes to.” “What are you going to do?” “Carry out my scheme. Where's Frazer? Not a second is to be wasted l’’ They found Frazer waiting in the gymnasium. Ar- lington hastened to his coat and removed the forged letter from his pocket. “Come on, both of you,” he said, addressing Shaw and Frazer. - From the gymnasium they hastened round to bar- racks and went pattering up the stairs. Merriwell was in his room, and he looked up ºn as- tonishment as the door was flung Open and Arlington came panting in, followed by Shaw and Frazer. “Hello!” exclaimed Dick, rising. “What's the mat- ter?” - - “See here, Merriwell, old man,” said Chester, “we’ve got to have you to-day! Now wait a minute; just lis- ten to me. The whole school is calling for yo. I am done, Merriwell ! There's no more football for me. I am sorry I ever tackled it. The fellows want you to come back and take charge of the team. Now don't say we haven't used you right; we know that. I acknowledge it, and both Frazer and Shaw acknowl- edge it. We're three of the athletic committee, and we're here to ask you to come out for the second half. Eaton has made eleven points.” Dick held up his hand and shook his head. 232 into the Trap. “Impossible,” he said grimly. “I think you have nerve to come here, Arlington.” . . . “Hold on 1 hold on " cried Chet. “You don't un- derstand. The whole school wants you. You can have everything your own way. You may put any one you choose into the second half. Pick out your own play- ers. Don't mind me, and don't pay any attention to the men I have been using.” * “It can't be done. There's no time,” said Dick. “It can be done! I will fix it. I will pretend I am ill. I will have word sent to Carvel and ask him to delay ten minutes. He will do it.” • “Even if I were foolish enough to agree to this,” said Dick, “I couldn't do it without serious conse- quences to myself. I have been forbidden playing football by Professor Gooch.” “That's all right,” said Chet. “I thought we might need you to-day, and I went to Gooch last night and talked with him. I confessed to him that you were the only man who had made an unqualified success of football since my entrance to this school. I even begged him to let you play. He agreed to it. He said you could play if the majority of the committee was willing. Here's a majority of the committee right here!” “Arlington,” said Dick, “you're lying to me!” ! “I knew you wouldn't take my word for it,” palpi- tated Chet, “and so I made the professor write it out. Here it is, in his own handwriting. You know his writing, Merriwell.” - - Saying this, Chester thrust the forged letter into Dick's hands. . . . . * , a Q. Into the Trap. 233 Merriwell opened it and hastily read its contents. Apparently it was exactly what Arlington claimed. Apparently it had been written by Barnaby Gooch. His name was signed to it. It gave the athletic com- mittee permission to call on Merriwell to play football, in case it was found absolutely necessary. - Suddenly Dick's mind was made up. Holding the letter above his head, he cried: “In case this is a trick, some one besides me will suffer! I will keep this letter.” “Do so,” said Chet; “but come out and save the game for Fardale. For Heaven's sake, don't waste another minute!” Merriwell turned and threw the letter into a drawer of a desk, which he closed and locked. “I am ready,” he said; “but you must fix it with Carvel so he will give me the time I need. Besides that, you must call Jolliby, Flint, Tubbs, Singleton, Gardner, and Darrell. I want every one of them.” “We will fix it,” promised Chet, and to himself he added: “We will fix you, too!” Captain Carvel was a generous chap, and he con- sented to an additional delay between halves when he was told that Chester Arlington had fainted in the dressing room of the gymnasium and the whole team was disorganized. “It would be a shame to have the game end in this way,” said Carvel. “Let them take their time in get- ting together for the last half.” He saw a dozen fellows hurrying down the field, but 234 into the Trap. neither he nor many of the cadets suspected what was taking place. Finally some one shouted: “Here they come!” A few of the spectators caught a glimpse of the Far- dale players as they hurried from the gym and ap- proached the field. The watching cadets started, and stared, and gasped as they saw the team representing Fardale trotting through the gate. They rubbed their eyes in bewilder- ment as they recognized the handsome, ruddy-cheeked youth at the head of those players. They wondered if they were dreaming as they recognized player after player who followed the handsome leader onto the field. There was big Bob, Earl Gardner, Hal Darrell, Obediah Tubbs, Dave Flint, Chip Jolliby—all the fel- lows who had aided Dick in making the name of Far- dale famous on the gridiron. And that one in the lead 2 It was not Chester Ar- lington; it was Merriwell, himself! The scene that followed beggars description. The mass of cadets rose as one man and shrieked, and howled, and yelled in their joyous delight. Their faces were purple and their eyes bulged from their heads. Such a wild tumult of joy had never before been witnessed on that field. - For full five minutes the uproar continued. Finally it resolved itself into one name thundered over and over and over. - “Merriwell—Dick Merriwell! Merriwell—Dick Merriwell l’’ Dick went about matters in a very business-like way. Into the Trap. -- 235 He shook hands with Carvel and seemed to speak a few words of explanation. There was little delay, and, while the cheering still continued, the two teams spread out on the field for the beginning of the final half. The way Fardale played football in that half was enough to set every cadet throbbing with pride and joy. - Dick handled his team with all the old-time skill. True, he had been hampered by lack of practice, and several of his players were not in the best condition, but every one of them seemed ready to sacrifice him- self on the altar of loyalty and devotion. . Eaton did not weaken. Eaton played the game for all there was in it, but she could not withstand the wonderful speed and enthusiasm of her antagonists. Three times Eaton succeeded in checking Fardale when it seemed that the cadets were on the verge of making a goal, but the fourth effort of the home team was successful. Starting at the fortieth-yard line, Dick sent his players into the enemy in a bewildering variety of ways. He tried all the old plays, but changed from one thing to another with such rapidity that the visitors were repeatedly taken off guard and never seemed able to divine just what was going to happen. *- The gains were not much, but they were steady and persistent. Yard after yard the ball was carried along the field toward Eaton's goal line. Every assault gave a gain of more or less value. Three yards from the goal line Eaton made a des- 236 • Into the Trap. perate stand and held the home team so well that it seemed the necessary distance could not be secured. It was Merriwell, himself, who tore a hole through the Eaton line and dragged Darrell through behind him. Darrell had the ball, and it was planted just six inches over the line. It was Hal who kicked the first goal. Still Eaton was five points ahead, and the second half was rapidly dwindling. The visitors fought like tigers to hold the advantage they had gained. Indeed, at one time it seemed as if Eaton had a fair chance to increase her score, for, through a misunderstanding on the part of the Fardale players, she was able to push the ball to within twelve yards of the cadet's goal line. - At that point, however, she stuck and could not gain the necessary distance. She lost the ball on downs. The game was almost over. “Eaton has it after all!” said one of the spectators. “Fardale can't win now. Merriwell came too late.” Five seconds later the spectators were brought to their feet by something electrifying. With a mass play Fardale tore an opening through Eaton's right wing. All alone, without a single interferer to assist him, Dick Merriwell shot through that opening, carrying the ball. - Maddox sprang at him. With a wonderful leap Dick shot over the visitors’ right halfback as the latter flung himself forward for the tackle. . *. 3, Into the Trap. *. 237 Others tried to stop the runner. To the right and to the left he darted. Even when he made those as- tounding dodges he did not seem to slacken speed. But Carvel blocked his path. There seemed no escape. Dick Swerved to the right, and Carvel sprang to tackle him. Like a flash of light the runner darted to the left. He felt Carvel's hands strike his legs, but they slipped off and he was free. With half the Eaton team at his heels, Dick went tearing down the field. He heard them behind him, and his determined heart carried him on like a speeding deer. Tobacco and liquor had not weakened him, and his pursuers lost ground as they sought to reach him. Over the line he carried the ball, planting it on the ground squarely in the centre between the goal posts. “Ha! haſ ha! Rah! rah! rah! Ziggerboom! rig- gerboom! Merriwell! Merriwell! Merriwell!” No heed was given to the wild cheering of the ca- dets, who were dancing up and down, waving their arms, pounding one another over the head and shoul- ders and acting like so many madmen. The ball was punted out. Darrell lay with it in his hands and carefully balanced it, the seam uppermost. Every eye was on Dick Merriwell, who stood at a little distance, his gaze fixed on the yellow pigskin. Slowly he started to advance. Then he moved more Quickly. Gauging himself with perfect accuracy, he swung his strong right leg and his foot lifted the oval and sent it sailing through the air high above the out- stretched and helpless hands of the Eaton players. 2- - 238 into the Trap. Over the crossbar it went, giving Fardale six points more and placing her one in the lead. There was no time for further playing. The game was over, and for Dick there was no escape from that cataract of humanity which poured down from the seats and came at him in a living billow. It did not overwhelm him, however. It caught him up on its crest and bore him along. Its voice was the voice of a tempest. - This was Dick Merriwell's day of glory. CHAPTER XXI. THE STORM CLOU ID BREAKS. It was ten o'clock on Monday morning. The main hall of the academy was packed with silent, pale-faced, anxious-looking cadets. They were sitting very still, and the look on the faces of many betrayed suppressed indignation, as well as anxiety. On the platform were the various members of the faculty, with Barnaby Gooch, grim-faced, determined and unrelenting, sitting in their midst. For a few mo– ments Gooch turned to speak in low tones to his asso- ciates. One after another they nodded, as if agreeing with him. Then the head professor rose to his feet and fixed his cold eyes on a boy who sat quite alone, slightly in advance of his classmates and School fellows. This boy was frank of face, clear-eyed and handsome. He returned Barnaby Gooch's gaze, yet without a trace of defiance or insolence. “Cadet Merriwell,” said the head professor. “Sir,” answered the boy, promptly rising to his feet. “Cadet Merriwell,” said Gooch, in a harsh, decisive way, “you have heard the charge against you—that of willful disobedience of orders. You have heard the evidence, and you have not denied that, after receiving orders from me not to appear on the football field this season, on Saturday last you did appear there and participated in a game of football. This was in direct 240 The Storm Cloud Breaks. defiance of me. Notwithstanding my warning that I would surely make an example of any boy who dis- obeyed my orders, you dared do this thing. We have listened to your excuse. We have heard your statement that you were called upon to participate in the game by three members of the Fardale Athletic Committee. You have named these three members, Cadet Arling- ton, Cadet Shaw, and Cadet Frazer. - “You, and all present, have heard each and every one of them deny that they asked you to participate in the game. Cadet Arlington has stated that you came hurrying to him, having heard that the game was going against Fardale, and entreated him to let you go on the field. It is true that you have pronounced this false, but all the evidence is against you. It's not pos- sible that three members of the committee would boldly stand up here in the presence of the faculty and their classmates and deliberately make a false statement of such magnitude. The evidence is overwhelmingly against you, and, unless you have some further and some better excuse to make, you must suffer the con- sequences of your rashness and disobedience. If you have any further excuse, now is the time for you to present it, as it'll soon be too late for you to do so.” The old pedagogue closed his lips and paused. There was a breathless hush in that room. It seemed as if every person present sought to still the beating of his heart that he might hear more dis- tinctly. * - - Dick Merriwell took one step forward. His voice was low, yet wonderfully clear and distinct as he spoke. “Professor Gooch and members of the faculty,” he vºy - Aſ The Storm Cloud Breaks. 24 said, “I wish again to declare upon my word of honor that I have stated the truth to you. If there's one boy in this school, one member of the faculty, one person in all Fardale, who ever knew me to tell a falsehood, I wish he would rise now and say so.” Dick turned and faced his classmates. His eyes sought and found in that gathering Chester Arlington, Mel Frazer, and Clint Shaw. He gazed straight at them, as if challenging them to speak. t Not a soul stirred. - - - “That will do!” sharply cried Gooch, rapping with his knuckles on the desk at his side. “Such an appeal can do you no good, sir. We're not judging by past occurrences, but by this one affair under considera-. tion.” “Then, sir, let me say one word more,” urged Dick. “The three members of the athletic committee who came to me brought me a letter, apparently in your handwriting, giving the committee permission to call on me to play football in case I might be needed and they thought it best to do so.” “Eh-haw What's that?” cried Barnaby, in aston- ishment. “Brought you a letter in my handwriting P” This statement produced a decided stir. The mem- bers of the faculty looked deeply interested, while the listening cadets straightened up and leaned forward on their seats. “Yes, sir,” said Dick, “they brought me such a let- ter. Apparently it was in your handwriting, Pro- ºfessor Gooch.” - - “I never wrote anything of the sort!” declared Bar- 242 The Storm Cloud Breaks. * naby. “I know nothing about it. Where is this let- ter? Produce it, sir?” Dick paused a moment, and then regretfully shook his head. “I can’t do it,” he confessed. “You can’t P” “No, sir.” “Why not?” - “Because I haven’t it. I took it from the hand of Arlington, and placed it in a drawer of a desk in 1my room. That drawer I locked. At the time there may have been a suspicion that the letter was not genuine or that I would need it to defend my action. At any rate, I was determined to keep it. I did appear on the field, and I did take part in that game of football. I do not deny it, and I have not denied it at any time. But when I returned to my room I found the desk in which that letter was placed broken open and the letter gone.” As the word “gone” was uttered, the boys present seemed to catch their breath with a sound that was almost a sob of disappointment. For a moment Barnaby Gooch stood quite still, as if thinking on the matter, his eyes still fastened upon the standing boy before him. Directly, he also shook his head, and his voice seemed harsher and clearer than before, when he again spoke. . “Cadet Merriwell, such a statement will not serve to save you. It's altogether too thin, sir—altogether too thin. Had you been able to produce this i, . I assure you it would have received our atteº . sion on your case would have been suspe * The Storm Cloud Breaks. 243 thorough investigation had been made. As the three members of the committee accused by you have denied your statement, it is certain they will also deny any knowledge of such a letter. I am Sorry for you, Cadet Merriwell, but your efforts to save yourself are quite unavailing. “You knew, sir, the danger of severe punishment— nay, the certainty of severe punishment, in case you disobeyed my order. It is barely possible you fancied that, as happened in the past with other cadets, you might escape with a reprimand or with punishment of a mild degree. There has been too much of this in the past. It has been harmful to discipline at this school. When I accepted my present position here, I did so with the determination to rule firmly, justly, and impartially, with the Support of my fellow mem- bers of the faculty. “We have considered this case, the first of serious disobedience since the departure of Professor Gunn, and have decided that there is but one course to pur- sue. The cadets in this School must know by actual evidence that rigid obedience will be maintained, and, therefore, it is necessary to make an example of the first to disobey. Such being the case, Cadet Merriwell, we have decided that your presence in this school is no longer desirable. From this day, from this hour, sir, you are no longer a cadet at Fardale Academy.” Dick's face was pale and his jaws set. In his heart there was a perfect tumult of rage and fury at the in- justice of it, yet his magnificent control enabled him to hide his emotions, which seemed tearing his very soul to shreds. He did not bow his head in humble sub- * 244 The Storm Cloud Breaks. mission, and before the fire in his dark eyes Barnaby Gooch suddenly seemed to shrink and draw back. Then the disgraced boy turned quickly to his silent comrades, and all that fire became a glow of affection and regret. He lifted his arms and held out his hands to them. The silence was broken by a groan. That groan swelled into a dismal chorus. And then the astounded faculty started up and stood wondering and angered before a storm of hisses and cries of “Shame! shame!” Then came a tumult that threatened to be a riot. The cadets were on their feet. They sprang upon the seats and scrambled to surround Merriwell. They lifted him, still shouting their disapproval of the fac- ulty's action. - Barnaby Gooch pounded on the desk and cried that they were dismissed from the room, but it is not likely they heard his words. Like a river they poured out through the wide doors, still carrying their disgraced idol. - There was a mist in Dick's eyes as he felt himself borne through those doors. “Good-by, old school I’’ he murmured. “Good-by- forever!” - CHAPTER XXII. rare well to far bale. Dick Merriwell was leaving the old School. He had sent his baggage in advance to the railway station in the village, having decided to walk over. It was midday intermission when Dick came down the stairs, and paused on barracks steps to look around, an expression of unspeakable regret and sadness on his handsome face. A short distance away, Arlington stood in the midst of a small group of his friends. There were not more than five or six of them in all, and they were laughing at something Chet had just told them. As Dick paused on the steps, Arlington nodded to- ward him and made a remark that caused his com- panions to laugh still more loudly. Burning with the injustice of the whole wretched affair, Dick felt his cheeks flush, while a strange trem- i. bling seized him and he longed to rush at his enemy and strike him down. “Some day our account shall be settled—with in- terest !” he inwardly cried. Where were his friends? He had fancied some of them would be on hand to see him off, but now he looked round for them in vain. A chill struck to his heart. . - Could it be possible that all his old school fellows, * 246 Farewell to Fardale. whom he had loved and who had seemed to love him, had deserted him in this his time of great sorrow? Heavy-hearted and miserable, he descended the steps, the sneering laughter of Arlington and his com- panions in his ears. Alone he started down the long, broad walk leading to the highway. Suddenly, without a word of command, four abreast, the first class came marching from the direc- | tion of the gym, silently swinging in behind the ban- ished boy. Almost to the last one, the members of that class came solemnly wheeling at an angle round the corner, and fell in behind Dick. The first class was followed by the second in like | manner, and then came the third, with the plebes bring- ing up the rear. Their manner was that of marchers in a funeral procession. A moment Dick had paused in wonderment. Then he realized what was taking place, and another peculiar thrill ran over him. He knew these boys, including, with the exception of about a dozen, every cadet at Fardale Academy, were breaking the rule which for- bade them to leave the grounds of the school at that hour without permission. - But did they intend to leave the grounds? Perhaps they would march with him to the limit, and there halt to bid him farewell. . Not one of them paid the slightest attention to Ar- lington and his companions as they passed. When the highway was reached, Dick paused, think- ing the boys might stop there; but they did not hesi- tate, and suddenly he realized that, in defiance of rules, they intended to follow him to the station. \\ ~sº Farewell to Fardale. 247 . A mist came into Dick's eyes, but he brushed it away, and his heart was swelling in his bosom as he started up the road. - g No such demonstration had ever before been wit- nessed at that s’’ ool. Still silent, without even a word, the boys marched up the hill. Farmer Snodd saw them coming, and rushed out to the highway. He looked both sad and angry. “What in tarnation is this I hear ‘bout you goin' away, Dick?” he cried. - “It is true, Mr. Snodd,” said Dick. “I have been expelled.” “Ex-pelled?” shouted Snodd, in the greatest amaze- ment and indignation. “Now what was that for? Who done it? How could they do it? How darst they do it?” “The faculty did it.” “For what?” “Playing football against orders.” “Playin' football? They expelled you fer playin' football? Why, the dratted old fools | The withered old curmudgeons ! The hide-bound old sarnips | The dad-binged, dum-gasted, consarned, dod-rotted old back numbers! I'll tell the hull of 'em jest what I think about 'em the fust chance I git! They'll Bear my 'pinion, an' they'll be welcome to it, by the jumpin' tomcats!” At another time, John Snodd's spluttering indigna- tion would have been ludicious; but new, i.o. a boy smiled. 248 Farewell to Fardale. “Good-by, Mr. Snodd,” said Dick, holding out his hand, which the farmer grasped. - “Good-by, Dick” literally groaned the old man. “I say it's a hangnation shame, that's what it is I allus thought ev'rything of your brother, an' you come next to him. I bet I git inter a fight with some of that old faculty within a week! I bet I'll knock the block off any of um that sez a word doggertory to you, Dick.” “Don’t get into any trouble on my account, Mr. Snodd; it will do no good.” “It'll do me a heap of good if I can punch some of them old puddin' heads,” nodded the exasperated man, giving Dick's hand a last squeeze. “I wish ye the best luck in the world, boy, for you deserve it. Don't you let this break you up. This old school will git, pritty bum now Zenas Gunn has left it.” They left him at the gate, muttering about the “ding- battered, dong-swizzled, hog-razzled old faculty.” At the top of the hill, Dick stepped aside and looked back, waving his hand in farewell to Snodd, and taking a last view of the academy buildings. A sob welled up into his throat, but, setting his teeth, he held it back. Through Fardale marched the expelled lad at the head of his loyal companions, who were bound to see him off. The villagers, who had not heard of Dick's misfortune, looked on in wonderment, for it was quite unusual for the academy lads to pass through the place . ºn such a silent and solemn manner. | The station was reached. Dick bought his ticket and ſehecked his baggage. Then the train backed in from the siding. Then came the hardest thing of all, the saying of * * * Farewell to Fardale. 249 ºfarewells to the boys. At first, as Billy Bradley clutched his hand, he sought to say something, but the words stuck in his throat, and he stopped short, fear- ing he would break down. - Billy tried to smile and say something, but his smile • was a pitiful failure, and his words were unintelligible. He turned away quickly. Big Bob Singleton followed, gripping Dick's fingers with loving fierceness. Chip Jolliby's chin was quiver- ing, while Hal Darrell’s pale face was set and grim as granite. Dave Flint looked positively sick at heart, and Barron Black, regarded as a proud and haughty lad, actually put his arms round Tick. “I’m glad you're going!” said Ted Smart, and tilen burst into genuine tears. Great tears were rolling down the fat cheeks of Obediah Tubbs, while sobs shook his entire frame. Earl Gardner's red cheeks were devoid of color, an:l the expression on his face was one of grief difficult to suppress and hold in check. Others followed these particular friends. “All aboard P’ cried the conductor. Dick sprang onto the steps of the car and mounted to the platfornm, where he turned to wave his hand to the great crowd of assembled cadets. To his astonish- ment every cadet was standing with his head uncov- ered. They had their eyes fastened on the boy who was leaving them—the boy they now knew they loved with that love that is the deepest and truest form of friendship. - . * The train started. “Where was Buckhart?” muttered Dick, in wonder- 250 Farewell to Fardale. ing disappointment. “He was not with them. Why didn't he come to bid me good-by with the others?” He entered the car, and there, in one of the seats, sat Brad Buckhart, a look of grim determination on his rugged face. - “What are you doing, Brad P” exclaimed Dick, hur- rying to the seat occupied by his faithful friend and rOOnnmate. - “Taking a ride on these yere old steam cars,” an- swered the Texan, with attempted cheerfulness. “But where are you going?” “Wherever you do, pard.” “But I–I am leaving Fardale for good.” “So am I?" declared Buckhart, CHAPTER XXIII. IN NEW YORK. Frank Merriwell and Bart Hodge were in consulta- iºn in Frank's room at the Herald Square Hotel, New º, when there came a knock on the door, which Bart opened. Into the room walked Dick Merriwell, followed by Brad Buckhart. “Dick I’’ exclaimed Merry, springing to his feet in astonishment. “You are the last person I expected to see.” As the brothers shook hands, Dick said : \ “We found the number of your room on the register, came right up.” “We were just speaking about you, Dick,” said rry, after giving Buckhart a handclasp. “I was telling Hodge about my letter from Professor Pºſin, whom, I am sorry to say, I failed to see when e wº, in this city.” Both Dick and Brad shook hands with Hodge, who “pressed his pleasure in seeing them. “Then you did not see the professor * exclaimed ck's “He counted on Seeing you, and having a talk h you.” Twas up in the Adirondacks while he was here. Mè is in London by this time. He said in his letter £hat he felt, great regret because you could not go broad with him as your pitor, and spoke of the fact *. 252 In New York. that I visited many foreign lands with Professor Scotch when I was about the age you are now.” | “I hope you will permit me to join him on the other side,” said Dick. - “What's that? Why you would have to leave school, and I didn't suppose you would think for a moment of that.” Frank's tone indicated disappointment. “I have left school already,” said Dick. “What?” cried Merry, in annazement. “Left school? Left Fardale Academy P" “Yes.” “You’re joking, boy P" “It’s no joke to me,” retorted Dick grimly. “But you're going back?” questioned Merry, with growing understanding that Something was wrong. “I can't.” “Why not?" “I was expelled.” Merry stood like a statue of stone, his eyes se ing his brother as if seeking to read the meani it in Dick's crimson face. Without any furthe. pression of surprise, he stepped forward, played h hand on Dick's shoulder, and drew him tow chair. “Sit down, boy, and tell me all about it,” he s quietly. • “I hope you don't think I was to blame” crie lad, with an intonation of deep distress in his Wººd The moment he uttered those words Merry’knew" was not to blame, and gravely said so. , - Then Dick hurriedly tºld of the important thin