The other two men, however, Ned Noon, the junior, and Roger Stone, the sophomore, stood a fair chance of making the team. It was whispered about that Noon had some sort of “pull” with the committee, and he was almost sure to catch on, for all that it was thought Capt. Hardy favored Stone.
Hodge was called “Merriwell’s candidate,” and, for all of Frank’s popularity, for all of the fact that he was looked on as the mainstay of the nine that season, it was agreed that Bart did not have much show of making the nine.
Frank, however, persisted in his attempt to get Bart on. Up to the time of his talk with Griswold he had not suspected the feeling that existed in relation to Hodge. Now he saw it all, and he realized that Bart was in double danger.
“He has injured a policeman, and, should it become known, some of his enemies might hold it over him. I must have a talk with him.”
Frank started for Farnham Hall without delay.
Just outside the wide doorway, before putting his foot on the steps, he paused, brought to a sudden halt by the sound of voices within.
“Noon!” he thought.
Then he heard another voice.
“And Hodge!” he added.
The rivals were standing just within the doorway, talking earnestly. Frank could see the back of Bart’s coat.