“He’s little better than Merriwell,” declared Ives. “He has a swelled head.”
“That’s because he fooled Merriwell and made him the butt of a joke, you know,” said Hull. “It was a pretty clever thing. It was lucky for us that we were not invited to take part in the hazing of the freshman.”
“I should think,” said Chickering, “that they would try Badger at full-back. He’s a great man.”
“Don’t speak of that fellow!” snarled Skelding. “What ails you? Have you forgotten that he has repudiated us? He won’t have a thing to do with us now! I don’t think much more of him than I do of Frank Merriwell!”
“Well, I’m right glad of that!” said a voice that made them jump, and they saw Badger standing near, regarding them with an expression of contempt. “You’re a rank lot, and I haven’t any use for you whatever.”
“You were glad enough to be friends with us once,” said Chickering, with a show of resentment. “You have even borrowed money of me.”
Badger took two steps that brought him face to face with Rupert.
“Did I pay it?” he demanded fiercely.
“Why—yes, of course!” exclaimed Chickering hastily.
“Well, if you ever mention it again, I reckon I’ll have to soak you!” came from the Westerner. “I’d hate to hit a thing like you, but there is a limit. Keep your mouth shut!”