“You will have to, just the same,” asserted Dick. “I am here to see you through this thing.” In spite of Arlington’s protestations, Dick forced him to get out of bed, compelled him to take a cold bath, made him drink a strong cup of coffee, and finally led him like a lamb back to the academy. And for a time, at least, it seemed as if Chester Arlington had really learned a lesson that he took to heart. CHAPTER XVI. DARRELL CALLED INTO THE GAME. Fairport’s new grand stand was filled long before the time arrived for the game with Fardale to begin. As Hal Darrell entered he was both surprised and pleased to see, seated together, three girls, two of whom he knew, for they were Doris Templeton and Zona Desmond. Zona smiled on Hal and bowed to him, but Doris seemed anxiously watching the Fardale players, who were grouped about their captain, near the bench. “Oh, Doris!” cried Zona; “here is Hal! I say, here is Hal, Doris! Are you asleep?” The girl addressed gave a slight start and greeted Hal with a fleeting smile and a welcoming word. “This is my cousin, Miss Dale, Mr. Darrell,” said Zona. “She lives here, you know, and that’s how Doris and I happened to be here to-day.” Hal bowed, cap in hand. Bessie Dale, a freckled, vivacious, lively little girl, gave him a smile and a nod. “I suppose you came to see your team beaten to-day, didn’t you?” she said, laughing. “I expect so,” was his surprising answer. “You don’t mean it, Hal!” cried Doris quickly. “Why not?” he said. “Fairport has been winning right along this season, and Fardale might be in better shape.” “What’s the matter?” Doris questioned. “I knew something was wrong. I could tell it by their actions.” “Oh, I don’t know that there is anything particular the matter, but the whole team is in bad shape. It has struck one of those streaks when a team goes down hill. They have fallen off in their batting and in their fielding.” “I told you Fairport would win to-day,” said Bessie Dale. “Of course, I am sorry for you girls, and I know you think your great Captain Merriwell can’t be defeated.” Doris made a place at her side, and Hal sat down. “Can’t you find out what the trouble is?” she asked. “I am not particularly anxious about it,” he indifferently retorted, speaking in a low tone. “In fact, I don’t care a rap if Mr. Merriwell does get his bumps to-day.” “How can you say so, Hal! I don’t understand you!” “I have good reasons,” he grimly retorted. “I have heard a few things lately. He needn’t take me for a chump.” “I am sure he doesn’t, Hal.” “And I fail to see why you should be so greatly interested in him. If you knew everything——” Darrell checked himself, as if fearing he would say too much. “If I knew everything!” palpitated Doris. “Why, I know that it is Fardale against Fairport, and you are a Fardale boy! Isn’t Dick in condition to pitch to-day?” “I don’t know about that.”