Lenning had a sinister face and eyes that showed a tendency to waver and shift about, looking anywhere but at the person with whom he happened to be talking. Neither face nor eyes, it must be admitted, were calculated to inspire confidence. And yet, as Merry knew well, such appearances are not to be taken as final in judging a person’s character.
Just at that moment, Lenning’s face wore an overwhelming expression of sadness, perhaps of contrition. He did not have to go far into his past to find abundant cause for self-reproach and regret.
Lenning, when he had posed as the favorite nephew of Colonel Hawtrey, had been allowed everything for his comfort that money could buy. His only work had been to act as his uncle’s secretary, and he had worn expensive clothes and had been supplied with more of the good things of life than often come the way of most boys.
Now, by contrast, he was an ordinary hand at the cyanide plant, and the serviceable corduroys in which he was clad were frayed and stained with oil and dust. From almost a drone, living on another’s bounty, Jode Lenning had become a worker, and was earning his own support.
Here was proof of Lenning’s resolve to be different from what he had been, and it was one of the things that had impelled Merriwell to befriend the fellow when all others had turned against him. With an odd feeling of heightened respect for the lad on the bench, Frank moved forward with a cheery, “Hello, Jode!”
Lenning gave a start, lowered his eyes, and turned. The next moment he had started to his feet, a pleased smile wreathing his lips.
“Howdy, Merriwell?” he called, taking the newcomer’s outstretched hand. “What brings you over this way? Had a notion you’d left Arizona by this time.”
“I wouldn’t do that, Len,” answered Frank, “without coming around to say good-by. Can’t tell just how soon we’ll go, but it won’t be for a few days yet. What sort of a ball player are you, old chap?”
The question rather surprised Lenning.
“Oh,” he answered noncommittally, “I know the game, after a fashion. But I’m no great shucks at it.”