“Yes.”
“There is no man by that name on the team,” said Hickman. “So you see that you have been led astray in this matter.”
“Of course it is possible,” admitted Dick, “But we have not forgotten last year, Mr. Hickman.”
“Last year?” said Hickman uneasily. “What do you mean by that?”
“You should remember very well.”
“Why not——”
“Yes, your little trick you played on us. I believe a fellow by the name of Jabez Lynch played with you, and he was a Fardale man at the time. He wore a nose-guard and head-harness that so disguised him he was not recognized; but he did a piece of dirty work that exposed him before the game was over. You remember, Captain Hickman.”
Hickman forced a short laugh.
“That was a joke, Merriwell.”
“A joke!” exclaimed Dick, his eyes flashing. “Is that what you call it? It was no joke, Mr. Hickman, and you know very well that it came very near ending all athletic relations between our teams and our schools.”