“My enemies have thought the same thing about many things I have taken part in,” he said, quietly. “But this is different,” Rattleton declared. “I tell you this is a plot, and I believe Phil Hardy is in it. He knew they would put you in captain, and that is why he got out. There’s no more trouble with his heart than there is with mine.” “He has the doctor’s certified statement.” “That’s nothing. Bet he had to pay for it.” Still Frank refused to believe that. He had known Hardy but a short time, but he believed the fellow on the level. Phil had played fast ball on the team the season before, although he had not been friendly with Merriwell, who was one of the regular pitchers. He had been chosen to captain the nine, as well as manage it, and, with few exceptions, the choice was considered a good one. It did not seem possible now that because Yale had not turned out as strong a team as usual, Hardy had weakened and resorted to a trick to get out of his position of responsibility. “You must remember, Rattles,” said Frank, “that he had a bad spell in the game last Saturday.” “Made it.” “Then he is a corking actor.” “He didn’t fool me.” Still Frank refused to be convinced. “There is little danger that I’ll be put in captain of the nine,” he said. “There is every danger of it. You are the very man who will be offered the place.” “But the committee will not accept my terms.” “Your terms?” “That’s what I said.” “Why, you----” “I shall have a proposal to make to them.” Harry did not have such scruples about questioning Frank as troubled Hodge. His curiosity was aroused. “What sort of a proposal will you make?” he asked. Frank did not answer the question, for, at that moment, another man entered the park, saw Merriwell, and approached him swiftly. “Hardy!” exclaimed Frank. “Hardy!” cried Rattleton, softly. “He’s up to something now. Look out for him, Merry! Don’t be trapped.” CHAPTER XXI. CAPT. MERRIWELL. Phil Hardy was an honest-looking fellow, and it was not remarkable that Merriwell did not believe him the crafty chap Rattleton represented him to be. He came forward swiftly. “You are the very man I am looking for, Mr. Merriwell,” he said. “Well, you have found me,” smiled Frank. “I thought I might find you here when I found you were not in your room or on the campus. You are wanted at a meeting of the directors of the ball team.” Rattleton gave Frank a warning look. Hardy took hold of Merriwell’s arm and led him away, while Hodge and Rattleton followed. “It’s a shame to drag Merry into this!” spluttered Harry. “Into what?” asked Bart, innocently. “Why, don’t you know? They’re after him to be captain of the ’varsity nine in Hardy’s place.” “That’s good.” “Good!” cried Harry. “It’s a conspiracy--a plot--an outrage! That’s what it is!” “Oh, come off! What are you driving at, anyway? Are you nutty?”