“If our positions had been reversed, Merriwell, I think you would have been as bitter against me as I have been against you. It isn’t pleasant to feel that money and fortune which rightfully are mine are in the possession of some one else.”
“That will do, Morgan. I haven’t said that I accept your story without reservation, and you will not be able to win me to your way of thinking by slandering my father. I know the history of that case much better than you do.”
“No offense intended,” Morgan urged. “I have given you the story as it was told to me. It explains why Mr. Santenel is so bitter against you, and why I have done the things that you complain of. But I have never struck at you criminally.”
Dade’s face was firm as he made the claim, even though it was under Frank’s searching glance.
“You look as if you don’t believe that, Merriwell; but it is true, every word of it. I have tried to injure you, I will admit, but in legitimate ways.”
“Are there any legitimate ways of injuring a man?”
“Well, you understand what I mean! I tried to organize Yale sentiment against you. You were flying pretty high when I came here, and I thought to take you down.”
The smile had come back to his face, and with it an air of almost defiant courage.
“And failed!” said Frank.
“Well, yes; I suppose I shall have to admit that I didn’t accomplish just the things I intended.”