“Why, I thought his manner very lofty and proud.”
“But, just the same, there was something in it that confessed Frank Merriwell his master. I wonder if all my brother’s friends are like that.”
The boy’s sharp eyes had read the truth, and his sensation was one of mingled regret and pride, for, despite himself, he could not help being proud that Frank was a leader of men.
“I’m glad to see you, Jack,” said Merriwell, in his hearty way, that left no doubt as to his sincerity.
“I told you that you were,” nodded Ready, with a haughty pose. “And I have traveled far to make you glad.”
“Wish you had brought all the fellows along with you.”
“Ha!” exclaimed Ready, with a wave of his hand. “Methinks I have a thought. Why not gather the clans together and once more swoop down on the wild and woolly? We wiped up everything on the turf last year; why not do a little wiping this year?”
“You mean——”
“Why not call the boys together, organize a baseball-team, and indulge in the lively sport of killing umpires? What sayest thou? Is it not a radiant thought?”
“I have thought of it myself.”