Ned ground his teeth, for he began to realize that Merriwell was right in saying he could do so much. Frank had influence, and he would be believed.
“I am giving it to you straight, Noon,” said Merry. “Have a little reason. Do you want to knock yourself out just to down a rival? You say Hodge does not stand much of a show getting on the nine. Then, if this is the case, you are liable to beat him in a fair and square manner. It strikes me that such a thing would be far better revenge than beating him in a sneaking manner. It would be far better to beat him in an honest struggle than it would to have him withdraw and thus give you a better chance of getting on the nine. Isn’t that plain? If you won over him fairly, you would have a chance to crow.”
Frank was talking in his smoothest manner, and he was making his words count.
“Perhaps you are right,” admitted Noon, after a time. “I had not thought of it in that light. But, if I agree to let Hodge alone, you must promise not to tell what you overheard. Will you promise?”
“Sure.”
“Then it’s a bargain.”
Soon after they separated.
Frank sought the officer who had been hurt, and found him in the hospital. The little Irishman did not recognize Frank as one of the students.
“Mr. O’Farrel,” said Frank, “I wish to speak with you concerning a matter of importance.”
O’Farrel gave Merry a close scrutiny.