HALLIDAY IS PUZZLED.
Two teams were made up, and a short game was played, while the coachers
kept at the men like relentless slave drivers.
The appearance of Frank on the field had seemed to awaken Bob Cook. He
opened up on everybody, and the men seemed to find it inspiring to have
him scold them.
During the first half Merriwell played full-back on the eleven that was
pitted against the regular 'Varsity team. He went into the game as if it
was of the utmost importance. Once he went through the center of the
opposing team, and once he went around the left end. Had he been well
backed up, the regular eleven would have found difficulty in securing
two touchdowns, one of which was made by Marline.
On the last half, much to his disgust, Marline was taken off the regular
eleven and placed at full-back on the other team, while Merriwell was
given his place.
Then the 'Varsity eleven seemed to have new life, and the men played
like so many tigers. The "irregulars" could do nothing with them.
Merriwell kicked a goal from the field, besides making one of his
surprising and bewildering runs.
Marline played desperately, but he gave up in disgust before the end,
realizing he could not make a good showing under such conditions. In his
bosom his heart was heavy and bitter.
"If I am pulled off the team without having a show, somebody shall
suffer!" he vowed.
The practice game over, the men pulled on their coats and started for
the two trolley cars which were waiting at the entrance to the park.
Halliday got a seat beside Frank on one of the cars.
"You're right in it, old man!" said Ben, enthusiastically. "Why, you
worked as if you were in training!"
Frank smiled.
"I suppose I forgot the possibility of making myself lame. Til feel it
to-morrow."
"Never mind. You showed everybody that you are as good as ever. Marline
will get walking papers."
Merriwell's face suddenly became sober.
"I don't know as that will be using him square, Hally," he said, in a
low tone of voice. "I presume he has been told he should play half-back
on the eleven."
"Told nothing!" snorted Ben. "Forrest don't tell us fellows we can play
anywhere, and there's not a man but knows he's likely to be dropped any
time. He told Marline to come and practice, and I'll go my last dollar
that is all."
"Still Marline has every reason to suppose he'll be given a show in some
sort of a game."
"Huah! If he supposes too much, he'll get left."
"I don't like to crowd anybody. You know that, Hally."
"You are too careful about crowding somebody. You are forever preaching
that any fellow must fight his way through this world, but you never
fight unless forced to do so. By the way, how could you apologize to
that overbearing cur?"
"Well," said Frank, deliberately, "I permitted my good judgment to
govern my action."
"Good judgment be hanged! Why, he was insulting!"
"A trifle overbearing, perhaps, but it's natural with him. You know he
comes from South Carolina."
"What of that? Is he any better for that reason?"
"Not in the least, but it is probable that he has been brought up to
think so. And it is certain that he has sand. He can't be driven into
his boots, and I'll bet on it. South Carolina produces tigers, and
Marline is one of them, or I have taken his measure wrong."
Halliday looked at Frank in doubt and astonishment.
"Is it possible you are afraid of Robert Marline, Merriwell?" he asked.
"No," was the calm reply; "but I think you will remember that I had a
little trouble with one hot-blooded Southerner since entering college.
The Southern aristocrat seldom fights with his fists, but he is none the
less ready to fight. I am willing to confess that I do not care to
become involved in a duel with pistols or swords. Can't afford to take
the chances of being found out and expelled, even though honor should be
satisfied without the death of either concerned. I have been hot-headed
in my day, but I'm trying to hold myself down. I'd rather apologize for
the accident to Marline than to have him challenge me to a duel. That's
the whole of it, and----"
"What will the fellows think?"
"Let them think what they like!" exclaimed Frank, flushing. "A person
who is forever considering what some one will think if he does this,
that or the other is forever miserable and uneasy."
"But they'll say Marline cowed you."
"Let them."
"They'll say it is proof you have not the courage every one has
thought."
"Let them."
Ben looked hard at Frank, and then slowly observed:
"Thought I understood you, Merriwell, but I'm blowed if I do!"