In due time they arrived at Hastings’ place. As soon as they appeared they were hailed with shouts of welcome from several young fellows, who were sitting on the broad veranda.
“There’s Branch, Whisper, and the others,” said Fillmore. “I telephoned before we started, and they’re looking for us.”
A colored man appeared and took charge of the horses as soon as they drove up. A few moments later Frank and Bart were shaking hands with the Hopkins men on the veranda, Fillmore introducing them.
Jack Branch, the manager of the lacrosse team, was a shrewd-faced, freckled chap, sharp-voiced and gimlet-eyed. He was a Connecticut Yankee, and had been appointed manager of the team on account of his natural shrewdness.
While Frank and Bart were chatting with their new acquaintances Fillmore and Hackett entered the house.
“It’s worked well thus far,” said Fillmore. “Now, if we can send Mr. Merriwell and Mr. Hodge back to their ladies with a jag on, I’ll be satisfied. I’d like to show Merriwell up to Inza. He’s going to take her out to the theatre to-night. We’ll keep him and Hodge here for dinner and fill them up. Then we can take them directly to my sister’s house and show them off in all their glory.”
“You certainly have it in for Merriwell, all right,” grinned Hackett.
“I have. Didn’t I see him meet Inza Burrage and kiss her! She thinks he’s perfection. She even told me he didn’t drink; but I know better.”
“Of course he takes something, but it’s plain he’s been telling her different. Is she straight-laced?”