"I say, what's up?" asked Jack, seeing that something was exciting the Racer brothers.
"I've got to go out of town on a little business," explained Frank quickly. "Oh, I'll be back in time to row the race," he added, as he saw looks of apprehension come over the faces of Jack and Ward.
"Well, if you have to—you have to, that's all, I suppose," commented Jack. "But take care of yourself—and get back soon."
Frank promised, and then started off to catch the first trolley car for Dailsburg.
"If Old Thorny comes to our room while I'm out, rig up some sort of a dummy in my bed," Frank instructed his brother. "Then you snore double, and if he does come in, tell him I'm not feeling well—which is the truth. If he sees a hump in the bed he'll think it's me."
"Do you think he'll be especially on the lookout to-night?" asked Ward.
"I believe he'd do anything to prevent me rowing in the race," answered Frank grimly. "Well, so long, fellows."
He hurried off, and his chums walked back to the school buildings discussing the coming race.
"Jove! I hope Frank gets back in time, and isn't caught!" exclaimed Andy a bit apprehensively. "He's taking chances—and all for a girl. Well—I guess I'd do the same if I had to."
Frank's first act, on reaching Dailsburg, was to go to a telephone and hold a conversation with Mr. Bolton, the lawyer his father had engaged. It was news to Mr. Bolton to learn that he had been outwitted.