“Very well.”

“You will make it?” exclaimed Filkins, in great relief.

“I did not say so.”

“But you said ‘very well.’”

“Which simply meant that I would hear your suggestion.”

Filkins’ relief changed to uneasiness again. He had been instructed to be firm and impress on Merriwell that a change must be made, and he had promised to do so. Now, however, he found all his firmness oozing before the steady gaze of that grim-faced athlete.

“But you—you must act on it,” he said huskily.

“Must?” said Frank, still more grimly. “Who says so?”

“Why, I—er—we—the board says so. There is general dissatisfaction.”

“Filkins, I believe it is generally understood that I am to use my own judgment in handling this team?”