“The rest of them are stopping at a bicycle repair shop near Brooke,” Jack explained. “Merry and I rode out by ourselves for a spin, and that is how we happened to be here. Say, fellows, this is a great idea! Let us into this race, anyway. We are on a regular athletic tour, and have taken part in every event we could get into since leaving San Francisco. We’ve left a trail of glory all the way from California to Virginia.”
The Blue Cove boys looked at each other doubtingly. Bob Dean was the only one who seemed to snap at the scheme with eagerness.
“Let’s do it, fellows!” he cried. “Let’s leave Alexandria out and race with the Yale crowd!”
“I do not think we can leave Alexandria out now,” said Spencer, gravely. “We have agreed to meet them, and the time is set.”
“But think of the sneaking trick they have played on us! That ought to be enough to queer them.”
“It ought to, but we can’t be hasty in this matter. We’ll consider it at the special meeting that will be called to investigate the charges against Harlow. Mr. Merriwell, you and your friend must be present at that meeting.”
“If necessary, we’ll be there.”
“And if we were to decide to let you into the race, have you a boat?”
“If you decide to let us in, we’ll soon provide ourselves with a boat,” declared Frank.
“Anyway, you must come to Blue Cove Academy—all of you. The boys will make you welcome. Will you come?”