“Hasn’t he? Are you sure?”
“I am positive.”
“How can that be?” grunted the stout man.
“Why, he has simply been doing what might be called exhibition work. No record of any of his accomplishments on this trip has been made. Any one might get together an athletic team and go about doing the same. Of course, he can secure baseball games, being Frank Merriwell, no matter if he should have a team made up of all professionals.”
“If this is correct, it is quite surprising,” said the Spaniard; but it was plain that he doubted.
Hollingsworth did not fancy having any one doubt his statement.
“Of course it is correct!” he declared, being stirred up slightly. “I am willing to bet a ’undred dollars that Merriwell does not start in the cross-country run.”
It happened that Buck Badger and Bruce Browning, having returned from a stroll, entered the office just in time to hear this.
“Whatever is that you’re saying?” demanded the Kansan, in surprise. “Did I hear you offering to bet that Frank Merriwell would not start in that race?”
“Hexactly,” answered the trainer.