"I think so," was the half-laughing answer. "I am holding myself in so that I can make an attempt to follow you a short distance when you get ready to run away from me."
"Great smoke!" thought Paul. "Is he guying me? or does he fancy I have not been doing my best?"
After a little, he confessed:
"I am beginning to think that won't be an easy trick, Merriwell. You will not be far behind when we reach your room."
At this, Frank suddenly came up beside Paul.
"Judging by the way you talk, you are somewhat out of wind," he said.
"Not at all," declared Pierson.
"Then I presume you are in condition for a little dash?"
"Oh, of course! But you may beat yourself out if you crowd yourself too hard."