“You are under obligations to Merriwell, colonel,” said he, “and so am I. He came to Ophir and immediately identified himself with the affairs of the Ophir Athletic Club, which, as you know, were in pretty bad shape. He and his friends have brought a new spirit into the club, and from being always on the losing side, now and then we’re able to win. You remember how he coached our football team, and steered the boys to victory?” The colonel winced and a smile unfolded itself around Bradlaugh’s lips. “No,” he went on, “I see you haven’t forgotten that, colonel. Well, as president of the O. A. C., I’m indebted to Merriwell. If he asks me to give Lenning a chance, and will become personally responsible for his actions, I can’t refuse. That’s flat.”
“Merriwell is taking a long chance on Lenning,” growled Colonel Hawtrey, “and I hate to see the boy make such a mistake. I’m Lenning’s uncle, and it’s a chance I wouldn’t think of taking myself.” He turned to Frank. “Think it over,” he urged, “before you finally make up your mind. Don’t forget that Jode has tried several times to be tricky with you. He may be trying it now.”
“I’ve got a hunch that he’s trying to be square, and not to be tricky,” Merriwell answered. “And it’s a man’s fight, colonel, for every one seems to be down on him. He ought to be given a boost. If I’m willing to forget the past and take a chance, you ought to be.”
“I think, and you’ll pardon me for saying it, that my judgment is too sound. What are you going to do, Bradlaugh?”
“Lenning goes on duty at the cyanide plant to-night,” said the general manager, “but he’s accepted solely and provisionally as Merriwell’s protégé. I shall phone the superintendent to that effect in a few minutes.”
The colonel frowned and got to his feet. “I wash my hands of the consequences,” said he, “but if Merriwell gets into trouble on account of his rashness, I shall do all I can to help him.”
With that, Colonel Hawtrey strode out of the office, very much wrought up over the result of his call on Mr. Bradlaugh. As soon as he was gone, the general manager left his chair and came around to take Merriwell’s hand.
“This move of yours does you credit, Merriwell,” said he, “and I’m backing your judgment against the colonel’s. But—and please consider this a tip—keep track of Lenning as well as you can. That’s all. Hannibal,” he laughed, turning to his son, “you’re something of a schemer yourself. Why didn’t you tell me you were going after Chip?”