The Newport captain proposed three cheers for the M. C. I.’s, which were given. Then he proposed three more for the umpire, and there was an almost universal response. “Well,” said Hodge, coming up to Frank, “that was a better game than I expected to see here, but I know your work had something to do with it. Poor umpiring would have set half these fellows kicking, and ruined the game.” “It’s new work for me,” laughed Frank; “and I am not particularly stuck on it. Now, I’m hungry enough to eat anything. I want some of those ‘army beans.’” “Yaw,” grunted Hans, waddling up, “I vos so hongry dot you can veel id at der bit uf my stomachs. Id vos awful ven you felt all gone ad der bit uf my stomachs.” “Where are Browning and Diamond?” asked Frank. “Don’t know,” answered Bart. “Think they must be taking in the dance. I reckon we’ll find them there.” “Then we’ll go down to the hall.” On their way, however, Browning was seen coming toward them hurriedly, much to the astonishment of all. “He’s really hurrying!” exclaimed Frank. “What does it mean?” “Something is up,” declared Hodge. “Something has gone wrong! Diamond isn’t with him.” Bruce came up, breathing heavily. “Come on, fellows!” he exclaimed. “We are needed.” “Where?” asked Frank. “Up the shore.” “What’s the matter? Diamond in trouble?” “Not yet, but he is in the toughest sort of a crowd, and I knew I would have no influence to get him out of it. That’s why I came for you, Merriwell. He will do as you say.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XXVI A “SKIN GAME.” “What sort of a crowd is Diamond in?” asked Merriwell, somewhat puzzled by the big Yale man’s words. “A poker gang.” “Oh! that’s it?” “Yes.” “How did he get into it?” “Don’t know. I saw him talking with two fellows, and then they walked away, and he went with them. Something made me follow them, and that’s the way I got onto it. You know there is nothing Jack had rather do than play poker.” “But he quit.” “At college, yes; you induced him to do that. That’s why I came for you now. I might have waded into the whole crowd and taken him out by force. Was tempted to do it, but my reason told me it was not a good plan.” “It is strange to me that he should play poker with strangers. It’s not like Jack.” “Well, I suppose he thought he might as well have some sport while he was away down here, and I don’t believe he is looking for sharpers in this part of the country. It’s more likely he thinks himself as sharp as these people. Besides that, they are playing a very small game.” “How small?” “Five-cent ante, twenty-five limit.” “Well, I have seen a man lose ten or fifteen dollars at that. He can lose more if he is playing against crooks. But what made you think Diamond is in a gang of sharpers?” “Mr. Jim Welch is playing with them.”