"There are several ways for him to find it out. If we can get hold of a few of Merriwell's IOU's, they might be sent to the uncle for collection."
"I see; but first we must run him out of ready cash."
"Of course. By the time he has lost all his money, he will be eager to play to win it back. We must lend him money, and take his IOU's."
"We'll do it!" Gage jumped up, struck Snell a blow on the back, and then grasped his hand, giving it a shake.
"We'll do it!" he repeated. "Merriwell's goose is beautifully cooked!"
Snell smiled in his crafty way.
"I am glad you take to the scheme, for with your aid, there ought not to be any trouble in carrying it out."
"Oh, we'll work it! But how did you find out so much about Merriwell? That's what sticks me. He has been sort of a mystery here, as none of the fellows knew exactly where he came from, or anything about his folks."
"Oh, I took a fancy to get posted concerning him. At first I didn't see how I was going to do so. That was during camp, and Hans Dunnerwust tented with him then. I cultivated the thick-headed Dutchman, and succeeded in getting into his good graces. So I often visited Hans in the tent when Merriwell and Mulloy, that Irish clown, who thinks Merriwell the finest fellow in the world, were away. I kept my eyes open, and one day I spotted a letter to Merriwell. I swiped it instanter, and it helped me out, for it was from his uncle."
"You're an artist in your line, Wat!" exclaimed Leslie, approvingly.