Frank would have given something to be able to see the expression on Bart’s face when those words were spoken, but he could not do so. Breathlessly he awaited Hodge’s retort. “So that is your game, is it?” grated the voice of Merry’s Fardale chum. “Well, I swear, I did not think it of you, and I haven’t liked you, either!” “You are shooting off too soon,” hastily said Noon. “I didn’t say I had any game at all, but I wanted you to understand just where you stood. You can do me a favor. Of course, I would not be mean enough to go back on a fellow who did me a favor. Instead of that, I would protect him, if necessary, by swearing one of the ‘townies’ knocked out the cop.” “I do not ask that much of my friends, much less of you!” flashed Hodge. “If you want to blow on me, go ahead. All I can say is, that I’ll punch the face off you if you do!” “You wouldn’t get the chance,” declared Noon. “You’d be pulled for assaulting an officer in performance of his duty, and it would go hard with you.” Again Hodge was silent. Once more Merriwell was on the point of ascending the steps, when Noon began again: “There is no reason why we should be enemies, Hodge. We should be friends----” “Not by a long distance!” exclaimed Bart, contempt in his voice. “I know you now too well for that, Ned Noon! We can’t be friends.” “Oh, have it as you like; but you’ll find it for your good not to make an enemy of me.” Hodge uttered a scornful exclamation. “Oh, you needn’t turn up your nose!” cried Noon; “for you’ll have to pull it down again. I see I’ve got to talk straight to you. You make me tired! For a freshman you put on too many airs. What I want to say is this: If it wasn’t for Merriwell’s influence, you would not have a ghost of a show to get on the nine. As it is, you do not stand much chance, but----” “But you are worried,” sneered Bart. “That is remarkable.” “You do not stand much chance,” Noon repeated; “but I shall stand a better show if you retire, for the only man against me who is at all dangerous will be Stone. It is easy enough for you to get out. You can tell Merriwell that you have decided not to play, anyhow. That will settle it, if you stick to it. If you do that, I’m ready to swear that I saw one of the ‘townies’ flop the little cop up against the post.” CHAPTER XII. FRANK TALKS PLAINLY. Merry listened breathlessly to hear what Hodge would say to that. There was a few seconds of silence, during which Frank fancied he could hear Bart breathing heavily. Then Hodge spoke, and the scorn and contempt in his voice was withering. “You have proved yourself to be just the cheap cur that I thought you were at first!” he said. “Nobody but a dirty dog would try to get the best of a rival in such a manner!” Frank felt like crying out, “Good for you!” but clasped a hand over his mouth and held back the words, while he laughed softly with intense satisfaction. Noon uttered a curse.