“Have I?”

“Yes. What’s up?”

“Perhaps I may tell you sometime.”

“Merriwell, am I your friend?”

Frank turned about, and faced Diamond, who looked very grave and earnest.

“I sincerely hope you are, and I have every reason to believe so,” he said.

Jack was nervous.

“I have something to say to you,” he faltered.

“Well, old man, I am ready to listen. Go ahead.”

Plainly, it was not easy for the Southerner to begin. Frank was surprised to see Jack so embarrassed.