He watched until Merriwell, Hodge, and Bramwell vanished, and then he sought Paul Proctor.
“I have to go into town, Mr. Proctor,” he said. “I’ll be back soon as possible.”
“Why, I supposed you were going out with our boys this morning,” said Paul, his face betraying displeasure. “How is it that you are not?”
“Other business, sir. They don’t need me. I told them I would go out after noon.”
“But you claim that morning is the time for the best work. I am afraid——”
“Now I know what you’re going to say, sir; but you are wrong. They don’t need me this morning. I’ve given them complete instructions. It’s all right, sir, I assure you. Those boys are going to make some people open their eyes. They’re in fine form.”
Proctor seemed anything but satisfied, although Hollingsworth added a great deal more.
A few minutes later the treacherous trainer set off toward the village, making considerable haste.
At the Ashport House, Hollingsworth lingered about until he found an opportunity to call one of the bell boys aside by means of a signal.
“Charley,” said the Englishman, “do you want to earn a fiver?”