Hollingsworth laughed craftily.
“I know the bell boys at the Hashport ’Ouse, where Merriwell and his party are stopping.”
“What of that?”
“They ’ave passkeys to all the rooms. They’re not supposed to ’ave them, but that makes no difference.”
“Go on.”
“If I pay one of those boys, I can keep informed on all of Merriwell’s acts. Let him enter for the race. Between now and the day of the run he will go over the course. On that day I’ll get my bell boy to admit me to his room. Somewhere among his effects I will find his certificate. I’ll destroy it.”
Hollingsworth was calm again—calm with confidence in his own villainy.
“The plan is both desperate and dangerous,” said Huntley.
“I’ll take all the chances, Arthur. I never forget a friend and a countryman. Rely on me.”
“I hope you may succeed, but I assure you that I have my doubts. I shall try to find a method of making sure Merriwell does not defeat me if you fail to keep him from running. In the meantime, go ahead and do your best.”