“I will!” he resolved. “I am going to win! I’ll beat Frank Merriwell at something!”
Dick’s brother was looking on with breathless interest, being more excited than the big college man, if possible. He longed for Dick to come off victor, yet fancied such a thing could not happen, with Frank Merriwell for an opponent.
That look from Inza aided in giving Starbright courage. He swung into the work with remarkable skill, making another beautiful run, reeling off point after point.
Phil Starbright could scarcely keep still. He wanted to dance and shout when Dick passed Frank and took the lead. Browning looked on in amazed silence, while Ready gasped:
“What’s this? what’s this? I fear me much the result is to be a surprise. Be still, my fluttering heart, be still!”
“I believe Mr. Starbright is going to beat Frank!” whispered Winnie to Buck.
“None whatever!” returned the Westerner. “Don’t get that idea into your head, girl. I’ve seen Frank Merriwell before, and he’s never beaten till the game is ended. He has nerves, while the big fellow is unsteady and liable to go into the air any minute. You hear me!”
Starbright ran eighteen points, which gave him a lead of twelve.
“Now, Merry, old man,” urged Buck, “get into gear and do your pretty work. We know you’re a bit out of practise, but just show us how you can play at any old game when you have to play.”
Not a word did Frank say, though he smiled faintly at Badger. He began by making three difficult shots, the third one bunching the balls. Then he played in splendid form till he had added nineteen to the three, making a run of twenty-two, which turned the tables on Starbright, leaving Merry ten in the lead.