“I wish you would tell me what you started to say a bit ago, Merriwell.”
“I don’t think I had better.”
“Why not?”
“It’s not the thing for me to come here and criticise the methods of your trainer.”
“You may do so privately to me.”
Still Frank was disinclined, seeking to divert Proctor from this inquiry by calling his attention to the fact that Bramwell had a beautiful stride and no lost motion.
“If he had more range,” said Merry, “he would be the man of that lot to back.”
“It’s strange Hollingsworth doesn’t think so—or, at least, hasn’t said anything about it,” said Proctor.
“Perhaps Hollingsworth understands Bramwell’s disposition and doesn’t wish the fellow to get too good an opinion of himself. You know that spoils a runner occasionally.”
Proctor slipped over close to Frank. The two men were now at the western side of the observatory, still watching the runners and talking in low tones. Hodge leaned on the southern rail and seemed absorbed in thought.