“Mr. Hollingsworth is a mere acquaintance,” he hastened to explain. “I was not aware that he had so much confidence in me.”
Back of this Frank seemed to read the speaker’s thoughts, and he was satisfied that Huntley was inwardly cursing Hollingsworth.
“I was led to believe him a friend and to think he had great confidence in you through some talk he made.”
“Well, whatever Mr. Hollingsworth’s opinion of me, I am certain he would rejoice to see me defeated by one or more of the youngsters he has developed here. It would be a feather in his cap to bring out a champion, you know.”
“It would, indeed; and I should be pleased to see a member of this club secure the trophy.”
“What, and you in the race?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, then, were you to find yourself matched against an Ashport man toward the finish, with it settled that one of you two must come in first, you would give the other fellow the race?”
“I have not said so, nor would I do anything of the sort.”
“I thought not!” said Huntley, with the slightest curl to his lips.