“Telegram, just arrived.”
“Thank you.”
Merry took the message and tore it open. A cry of amazement broke from him, followed by an incredulous laugh. Then he turned.
“Mr. Trayne! Clan! Come over here!”
Coach Trayne and Clancy joined him, and Merry proceeded to read the message aloud:
“Frank Merriwell, Junior, Captain Fardale Baseball Team: The Carsonville Clippers challenge you to a game next Saturday, at Fardale. Anxious to meet regular Fardale team. Wire my expense.
“Colonel Carson, Owner.”
Frank looked up, his eyes twinkling.
“Say, fellows, talk about nerve!”
“Nerve!” cried Clancy. “After you went over to Carsonville, picked up a team, and beat them! After Colonel Carson and his son tried to keep you out of the Franklin game last Saturday by kidnaping you! Nerve’s no name for it, Chip. Tell ’em to go to thunder.”