Garland looked at Vance steadily for some moments.
“You know something you are not telling,” he declared.
“On my word, I do not!” protested Lester, in sudden alarm. “What could I know?”
“Well, you are acting rather queer. Has Hodge been up to anything?”
“Been up to anything?” repeated Bart’s enemy, as if he did not understand. “What do you mean by that?”
“Oh, nothing! Let it drop. But I wonder why you think you will come out best in the end.”
“Because I think this Hodge is a rascal, and I believe others will find it out. That’s all.”
“I don’t understand what there is to warrant such a belief.”
“Oh, I fancy I have read him pretty thoroughly. I know just about how he is made up.”
“I’m afraid you are off your trolley. Hodge is not popular in the company, but I’m inclined to believe he’s on the level, for otherwise Frank Merriwell would not have anything to do with him.”