“Oh, you want to be too easy with the fellow!” broke out Diamond. “I don’t believe he is any good, and I am sure he is crooked.” “You have taken a dislike to him, and that’s why you think that,” said Creighton. “He is all right in his way.” “But that is a very poor way.” “I confess that he lost his head and made a fool of himself, and I hope he will realize it when he cools down.” “If he should apologize I presume you would meet him halfway, Merriwell?” “You may be sure of that,” nodded Frank, getting into his clothes. “I’d be a churl if I didn’t.” “If he ever apologizes I am a fool,” grunted Hodge. When the boys came out of the dressing-room they immediately left the club and proceeded directly to the hotel, where the rest of Frank’s friends were staying. Barney, Hans, Ephraim and Bruce were engaged in a game of pinochle when the others came in, and the Dutch lad was greatly excited. “You poys don’d gif nopody a show!” he squawked. “On der last handt Parney feex der carts, und dese dime I haf a shance to meld dree hundret beenuckle, but you don’t let me done him. Uf dot peen fair blaying you vos a liar!” “Arrah, come off yer perch, ye Dutch chaze!” retorted the Irish lad. “Ye troied to milt two quanes av doimonds an’ two jacks av spades instid av voicy varsey, an’ thot koind av a play don’t go in this game.” “Vot vos der madder mit me anyvay!” cried Hans, flourishing his cards. “You pelief I don’d know nottings apout dot game, hey? I shown you britty queek, py shimminy! Vait a bit! I haf der deese und a hundred und vifty drums, und den I pelief you vill laugh oudt uf der odder side uf my mouth.” “Oh, say!” grunted Browning, with a yawn, “are you chaps going to play cards? or are you going to shoot your mouths at each other all the time? I’m getting tired.” “So be I, b’gosh!” put in Ephraim, banging his fist down on the table. “I never played this game before, and yeou fellers roped me in for a sucker, but I’ll show ye what kind of suckers they raise in Varmont. I’m gittin’ hot enough to melt the hull gol darn pack!” “There is a lively game of cards,” laughed Frank. “It is better than a circus when they get to playing pinochle.” The appearance of Frank and his companions broke up the game, for Hans protested that he was being cheated, and refused to play any more, to the disgust of the other players. Creighton invited the entire party to be present at the bout between Burk and Jackson, and an hour was spent discussing the coming event, at the end of which time Charlie departed, having invited them all to call on him any time. Before departing, he gave Frank and Bart a quiet tip that he would be pleased to see them that evening. Nearly all the boys had secured tickets for the Chestnut Street Theatre that evening, with the exception of Frank and Bart. They were resolved to have a pleasant time while they remained in the Quaker City.