“Don’t worry about me,” advised Manton smilingly.
Now the strange thing of the affair was that Grafter, although he had bet on Frank, was inclined to believe Merry would be beaten. He knew Manton to be a wonderfully good bowler, while he was not at all certain that Merriwell had ever accomplished much at it. Having made betting talk on the veranda, however, he was not the fellow to let Manton back him down, and, therefore, he had ventured a hundred dollars on the result.
It is likely that Bart Hodge was the only person present who had perfect confidence in Merry as a bowler. Bart’s face was grave and unreadable as that of a stone image.
Frank picked up one of the two balls he had selected. He was watched closely to note his “form” by all present. He poised the ball in front of his face, made a short run and a single swing.
Seven pins fell.
Denton Frost smiled chillingly.
Farley Fisher shrugged his military shoulders.
Manton managed to repress any exhibition of satisfaction.
Not a word of complaint did Merriwell utter. By his manner no one could have dreamed he was in the least disappointed.