Frank smiled a bit.
"A fellow can do almost anything if he sets his determination on it," he said. "But I came near not having the opportunity to try."
"How was that?"
"Collingwood found out about my hand. I am afraid you said something about it, Harry."
"Not a word, save to Diamond, and not to him till after the race began."
"Well, Coll found it out some way, and he came near laying me off for Flemming, who was on hand."
"And now I understand a few things I heard this morning," broke in Diamond. "Emery and Parker were offering to bet that Flemming would row to-day."
"How much did you fake 'em tor—I mean take 'em for?" cried Harry.
"I didn't know but some of the men had given out or something, so I did not take them at all. I did not
imagine for a moment that they thought Flemming was going to row in Merry's place."