“Why not remain here?” suggested Dick. “Hammerswell counts on our making the trip to-morrow, and without doubt he expects his players to be in first-class condition, while we should be somewhat shaken up. Let’s fool him.”
“A good suggestion!” cried Garrett. “If they celebrate on the island to-night they will have to do so without us. We’ll stay right here.”
Thus it came about that the Lady May returned to Fairhaven without the ball team.
That night Dick Merriwell and Bart Hodge sat up until a late hour talking. Of course, Dick was anxious to hear all about his brother, and therefore he plied Hodge with questions.
“Why didn’t Frank come himself?” he asked for the third time.
“He wanted to,” said Hodge, “but he felt that he couldn’t spare the time just now. His mining interests have kept him busy during the last few weeks.”
“Where did you leave him—in Denver?”
“No; in Chicago.”
“Chicago?” exclaimed Dick. “Why? How was that? I didn’t suppose——”
“It was business that took us both to Chicago. We have been negotiating with a syndicate that wants to buy the Phantom Mine in the Mazatzals. They sent an expert to examine the property, and we know he made a favorable report, for they offered us a price on it. We wired our terms, and they urged us to come on to Chicago. When we arrived there, however, they attempted to cut down on us, and the whole deal hung up. Had we put it through, it was our intention to come on here together in time to witness the final games in this league. I have left everything in Frank’s hands. He wished me to come on, and we agreed on our rock-bottom price before I pulled out of Chicago. If the syndicate comes to terms, all right; if they don’t accept our figures, the deal is off.”