“I know you did, but every time I thought I had a sure thing. With Merriwell off the team I should have been eager for Fardale to win. With him on it, I hated him so much that I was more than eager for the other side to win. Fardale secured victory after victory; but that simply made me all the more confident that the tide must turn and she must lose. What’s the result? I’m flat. Of course, I can get more money, but really, old man, I’m ashamed to call for it.” Thinking of the money Chester had lost and had squandered in foolish ways, Hal did not wonder that he was ashamed. Truly, it was astonishing that a boy of Chester’s years could have so much money to fling about without thought or reason. “That’s the explanation,” nodded Arlington. “I must get on my feet somehow.” “I don’t see how you expect to do it by——” “This time I’ll back Fardale.” “Why, you can’t find any one to bet on New Era.” “Oh, yes, I can! Those New Era fellows have sent some chaps into town looking for bets.” “Why, great Scott! we downed the Trojans, and the Trojans buried New Era!” “All the same, the sports who are looking for bets seem confident that New Era will make Fardale look like thirty cents.” “But you say you’re broke. How are you going to——” “I’ve raised money on everything I could hook. I’ve borrowed some. I want to borrow ten of you, Hal. You know I’ll pay if I lose, but I won’t lose. Will you let me have a sawbuck? It’s my chance to get even, and I’m going to make the best of it.” “Why, yes, I think I can squeeze out a tenner,” said Darrell. “But you will be in up to your eyes if we happen by any chance to drop this game.” “If Fardale loses, I’ll have to make a clean breast to mother and get her to put me on Easy Street again. But Fardale’s not going to lose. That’s one thing I’m sure of. And I want every man in the best possible condition. That’s why I’m working so hard on the fellows who will let me polish them up. See?” Hal saw, but still it seemed strange that Chester Arlington, proud, haughty, independent, should do what he was doing. The following day was Friday. After practise Arlington again stripped in the gym and gave his attention to those who would have him. There was more or less football talk, and the boys gradually dressed and wandered out. A few were left when a little incident occurred that must be recorded. Again Arlington was working over Bradley. Sweating, he paused to pull out his handkerchief and wipe off his face. As he removed the handkerchief from his pocket a knife dropped to the floor. He picked it up and then paused, staring at it. Dick noticed this, and he saw Chester stop and stare at the knife. He also noted a frown on Arlington’s face, a puzzled expression. Suddenly Dick showed interest. “Let me see that knife, Arlington,” he demanded. Chester surrendered it. “Is this your knife?” asked Dick, with something like accusation in his voice and manner. “No,” admitted Chester, “it is not.”