“Then it looks like an easy matter to cut it out. What do you say, Roberts?” “I will cut it out, Merriwell, if you fellows will come here Wednesday.” “How about expenses?” “We will give you the same guarantee as to-day.” Dick shook his head. “It won’t do, old man. This rain cut our guarantee in two. According to arrangements made, we can’t afford the expense. If you’re so anxious to play us, you will have to give us a regular guarantee under any circumstances, rain or no rain. We will do this by you if you will come to Fardale.” “By Jing, Merriwell! we can’t do it! We can’t afford it. We’re running behind now. I am worrying about our bills. You see we had to give rain checks to-day because the game was not finished.” “Well, if you can’t pay us what we want to come Wednesday, why don’t you accept my offer and take a like amount to come to Fardale? You know you will be treated right there.” “But the umpire——” “Bring your umpire, if you want to,” said Dick. “This chap we had to-day was all right. We’re satisfied with him. We will pay his bills, too. It shan’t cost you a cent to bring him.” Roberts clapped Dick on the shoulder. “That’s generous, Merriwell!” he exclaimed. “That’s a good, square offer! I think we’ll do it. I will try to let you know before you leave. You can’t get a train for an hour. I will see Hoffmore, our manager, and talk it over with him.” “Do,” urged Dick. At the hotel the Fardale boys spent the time while waiting for the train in talking over the game. One of the silent but interested spectators of the game had been Chester Arlington. For once, at least, Chet made himself conspicuous by his retirement. As Dick reached the hotel, however, Arlington stepped out and came face to face with him on the steps. To the surprise of the Fardale captain Chester said: “See here, Merriwell, I suppose you’re onto this business to-day? You must have your eyes opened by this time?” “What do you mean?” asked Dick, unable to repress his surprise. “Why, it was plain enough to everybody,” declared Chet. “That game was thrown away, or would have been thrown away if it had been played out. You have an idea that I am the only fellow in the school who has ever done anything to injure you. But this very day the fellow you had playing at short did his best to throw you down. I mean Darrell. He wanted to see you beaten.” “Stop, Arlington!” exclaimed Dick sharply. “You’re not the fellow to make such a charge against any one.” “It’s the truth,” declared Chet. “Don’t you believe it? Why, you ought to see it’s the truth! You’re not blind!” “Better not let Darrell hear you,” warned Dick. “You refuse to believe?” “Yes, I refuse to believe any clean, upright fellow like Hal Darrell would stoop to such a trick. There is no reason in the world why he should do it. What was his object? What could he gain by it? Don’t talk to me like that, Arlington! Better keep your mouth shut!” Chester stared at Dick a moment, then exclaimed: