Lenning’s face lit up with a sudden glow, and his eyes sparkled. But it was only for a moment. A dejected expression quickly drove away the flash of feeling.
“I don’t think that has anything to do with it, Merriwell,” he returned.
“Then, you won’t play? You won’t give yourself a chance to make good on the diamond?”
There was something about the phrase “make good” which evidently struck the right chord in Lenning’s new resolutions.
“I’d do a heap for you, Merriwell,” said he, in a low tone, “and if you really are anxious to have me go over to the clubhouse grounds this afternoon, and it’s all right with Mr. Burke, I’ll go. But I won’t promise to play until I see how matters stack up on the diamond. How does that strike you?”
“Get your hat, Len, and come along,” answered Merriwell, pleased to secure even that much of a concession.
CHAPTER XXIX.
PLAIN ENGLISH.
Clancy and Ballard were not successful in rounding up all the fellows Merriwell had asked them to see. On such short notice, however, they did very well.
Jerry Spink, who was booked for left held, had gone to the Tin Cup Ranch with an important letter for his father, who was part owner of the cattle outfit. He was expected back some time Thursday, and the boys left word for him to report at the clubhouse by two-thirty Thursday afternoon, if he got back in time.