“That’s generous, Merriwell!” he exclaimed.
“That’s a good, square offer! I think we’ll do it. I will try to let you know before you leave. You can’t get a train for an hour. I will see Hoffmore, our manager, and talk it over with him.”
“Do,” urged Dick.
At the hotel the Fardale boys spent the time while waiting for the train in talking over the game.
One of the silent but interested spectators of the game had been Chester Arlington. For once, at least, Chet made himself conspicuous by his retirement. As Dick reached the hotel, however, Arlington stepped out and came face to face with him on the steps.
To the surprise of the Fardale captain Chester said:
“See here, Merriwell, I suppose you’re onto this business to-day? You must have your eyes opened by this time?”
“What do you mean?” asked Dick, unable to repress his surprise.
“Why, it was plain enough to everybody,” declared Chet. “That game was thrown away, or would have been thrown away if it had been played out. You have an idea that I am the only fellow in the school who has ever done anything to injure you. But this very day the fellow you had playing at short did his best to throw you down. I mean Darrell. He wanted to see you beaten.”
“Stop, Arlington!” exclaimed Dick sharply. “You’re not the fellow to make such a charge against any one.”