As soon as he could do so without attracting too much attention, Rains left the excited throng of boys, and hurried away to one of the dressing-rooms.
Hugh Bascomb quickly followed, being the only one among Rains' late friends to note his departure.
Bascomb found Rains rubbing down. Paul did not say a word as the big plebe entered.
"Well," said Bascomb, as he sat down on a stool, "what do you think of Merriwell?"
"I think he is a mighty hard fellow to beat at anything," growled Paul.
"But he can be beaten—eh?"
"How?"
"There are ways."
"What do you mean? Speak plainly."
"You ought to know what I mean," said Bascomb, doggedly, keeping his eyes on the floor. "It isn't always the best trotter that wins a race."