HALLIDAY IS PUZZLED.
Two teams were made up, and a short game was played, while the coachers kept at the men like relentless slave drivers.
The appearance of Frank on the field had seemed to awaken Bob Cook. He opened up on everybody, and the men seemed to find it inspiring to have him scold them.
During the first half Merriwell played full-back on the eleven that was pitted against the regular 'Varsity team. He went into the game as if it was of the utmost importance. Once he went through the center of the opposing team, and once he went around the left end. Had he been well backed up, the regular eleven would have found difficulty in securing two touchdowns, one of which was made by Marline.
On the last half, much to his disgust, Marline was taken off the regular eleven and placed at full-back on the other team, while Merriwell was given his place.
Then the 'Varsity eleven seemed to have new life, and the men played like so many tigers. The "irregulars" could do nothing with them. Merriwell kicked a goal from the field, besides making one of his surprising and bewildering runs.
Marline played desperately, but he gave up in disgust before the end, realizing he could not make a good showing under such conditions. In his bosom his heart was heavy and bitter.
"If I am pulled off the team without having a show, somebody shall suffer!" he vowed.
The practice game over, the men pulled on their coats and started for the two trolley cars which were waiting at the entrance to the park. Halliday got a seat beside Frank on one of the cars.
"You're right in it, old man!" said Ben, enthusiastically. "Why, you worked as if you were in training!"
Frank smiled.
"I suppose I forgot the possibility of making myself lame. Til feel it to-morrow."
"Never mind. You showed everybody that you are as good as ever. Marline will get walking papers."
Merriwell's face suddenly became sober.
"I don't know as that will be using him square, Hally," he said, in a low tone of voice. "I presume he has been told he should play half-back on the eleven."
"Told nothing!" snorted Ben. "Forrest don't tell us fellows we can play anywhere, and there's not a man but knows he's likely to be dropped any time. He told Marline to come and practice, and I'll go my last dollar that is all."
"Still Marline has every reason to suppose he'll be given a show in some sort of a game."
"Huah! If he supposes too much, he'll get left."
"I don't like to crowd anybody. You know that, Hally."
"You are too careful about crowding somebody. You are forever preaching that any fellow must fight his way through this world, but you never fight unless forced to do so. By the way, how could you apologize to that overbearing cur?"
"Well," said Frank, deliberately, "I permitted my good judgment to govern my action."
"Good judgment be hanged! Why, he was insulting!"
"A trifle overbearing, perhaps, but it's natural with him. You know he comes from South Carolina."
"What of that? Is he any better for that reason?"
"Not in the least, but it is probable that he has been brought up to think so. And it is certain that he has sand. He can't be driven into his boots, and I'll bet on it. South Carolina produces tigers, and Marline is one of them, or I have taken his measure wrong."
Halliday looked at Frank in doubt and astonishment.
"Is it possible you are afraid of Robert Marline, Merriwell?" he asked.
"No," was the calm reply; "but I think you will remember that I had a little trouble with one hot-blooded Southerner since entering college. The Southern aristocrat seldom fights with his fists, but he is none the less ready to fight. I am willing to confess that I do not care to become involved in a duel with pistols or swords. Can't afford to take the chances of being found out and expelled, even though honor should be satisfied without the death of either concerned. I have been hot-headed in my day, but I'm trying to hold myself down. I'd rather apologize for the accident to Marline than to have him challenge me to a duel. That's the whole of it, and——"
"What will the fellows think?"
"Let them think what they like!" exclaimed Frank, flushing. "A person who is forever considering what some one will think if he does this, that or the other is forever miserable and uneasy."
"But they'll say Marline cowed you."
"Let them."
"They'll say it is proof you have not the courage every one has thought."
"Let them."
Ben looked hard at Frank, and then slowly observed:
"Thought I understood you, Merriwell, but I'm blowed if I do!"