It was Hollingsworth, the English trainer, who betrayed his origin whenever excited in the least by the misuse of the letter “h” in his speech. In ordinary conversation he seldom did this.
Proctor knew at once that the trainer had overheard some of their talk, which threw him into confusion.
Merriwell did not seem disturbed. He surveyed Hollingsworth with quiet interest.
Proctor hastened to introduce them.
Hollingsworth did not remove his hands from his hips, but gave a little jerk of his bullet head in acknowledgment of the introduction.
“I knew it was Mr. Merriwell,” he said. “No one helse would think of being so hextremely generous.”
These words were meant to be very cutting.
“Besides,” continued the Englishman, as Frank did not speak at once, “no one helse is so wonderfully wise.”
Bart Hodge was frowning blackly. He had taken an instant dislike to Hollingsworth. He afterward confessed a desire to punch the fellow on sight.
Proctor sought to mediate and pour oil on the waters.