Instantly Dick’s anger flashed like powder to which a match has been touched. “You, Arlington, are the cause of it all!” he exclaimed, pointing straight at Chester. “And you are doing it not for the good of the eleven, but to annoy and injure me! I know you, and I know your methods. Yet but for me you would not be on that committee now!” “What?” cried Chester, astonished. “But for you?” “Exactly.” “Bah! You would have kept me off the committee had you dared! I believe you did try to! I believe you did get rid of some of my votes on the first two ballots. You knew you were watched too closely for it the last time, and you didn’t dare try it.” Dick actually laughed. “Why, you poor, mistaken duffer!” he exclaimed, unable to fully control his tongue. “It’s surprising how little you really know about the truth!” “Duffer!” snarled Chester, springing up. “Gentlemen, are you going to permit this? It’s an insult to the entire committee!” “Mr. Merriwell,” said Warne severely, “your language is offensive to us all. If you are not satisfied with what we have done, if you do not care to follow our instructions thoroughly——” “What then?” “You may resign from the team. Another captain will be appointed in your place.” In his intense anger Dick came near making a mistake and playing into the hands of Arlington. It was on the tip of his tongue to utter his resignation, when he saw Chester leaning forward, breathless, expectant, eager. Instantly the rush of blood to Dick’s head ceased, his heart seemed to stop its wild hammering, his pulse dropped back to normal, and he was master of himself. “No, Arlington!” he exultantly thought, “I’ll not do it! You have failed in this. “I’ll stick by the team,” he said aloud. “I could not think of deserting it now.” Warne seemed relieved, while Arlington was plainly disappointed. “Very well,” said the chairman, dismissing him with a gesture. “You have your instructions.” CHAPTER XV—DETERMINED DICK The first half of the game was over. The score at the end of the half stood U. A. A., 18; Fardale, 6. Fardale’s one touch-down and goal had been made on a fluke. The teams had lined up as follows: