Defarge left Merriwell that night with the firm conviction that Frank’s one great ambition in life was to make friends of his enemies. And he told himself that he had deceived Merry finely with his tearful protestations of sorrow, repentance, admiration, and pledges of future friendship. He had seen Merriwell do much in the past for enemies who had become his friends, and Bertrand worked to deceive Frank into giving him a lift toward the goal of his ambitions, “Bones.” In this he was crafty, knowing that open speech would not do, but yet he fancied he had managed to convey his meaning and desires in a most delicate manner.
The fellow had even been so confident that he boasted of his cleverness to one or two intimate and confidential friends.
“Merriwell is the easiest fellow in the world to fool if you know how to go about it,” he had said.
“Do you think that?”
“I know it. I’ve been playing my cards wrong with him. I’ve just found out the trick.”
“What is it?”
“Make him think you love him. Make him believe you’re awfully sorry for any harm you may have tried to do him. Be a repentant sinner, and seek forgiveness. He loves to forgive. He has a magnanimous way of saying: ‘Oh, that’s all right, old man; don’t mention it.’ Then he’ll turn to and do more for the enemy he believes has become his friend than for any one else.”
“What makes you think that?”
“His record. Diamond was his enemy; see what he did for Diamond. Browning was his enemy, and he has stood ready to do anything for him. Hodge was one of the bitterest enemies he ever had, yet they are bosom friends now. Badger, who hated him, finally turned friend, and Merriwell helped Badger win and carry off Winnie Lee for his wife. That is proof enough. I’ve given him the hint, and I know he’ll throw his influence for me. Not a word, old man, but I’m sure of making ‘Bones’ now.”
So Defarge stood by the fence and smiled as he saw man after man tapped and ordered away. He had little interest in a chap he knew was looking for a “Keys” candidate, and none whatever in the Wolf’s Head searcher.