“I happen to know that Merriwell’s old man is goin’ off by the express. I heard ’em say somethin’ about it. More’n likely, the kid and that carrot top who played first will come down to see the old man off. It’s gettin’ along toward train time, and if we went down we’d be liable to meet them two comin’ back. If the whole crowd’s with ’em, so much the better.” “Count me out,” growled Squint Fletcher. “I got both eyes shut.” “It ain’t so bad, Bully,” said Ironton. “We can beat ’em up proper, eh? Guess there’s enough of us without Squint.” Bully Carson’s proposal was accepted without any great enthusiasm, but it was decided that Merriwell and his friends needed a lesson, consequently they must be given it without delay. So, after rolling fresh cigarettes, the party decamped toward the railroad station. There were six of them, all told, for two had remained to help Squint Fletcher home, but it was conceded that six Clippers would be enough to handle Merriwell and as many of his “gang” as might be with him. While nearing the station, which was situated at some little distance from the center of town, the train was heard pulling out. Ironton had hastened ahead, and a moment later he returned with word that Merriwell and two others were coming. The Clippers hastily disposed themselves in a dark doorway. CHAPTER XVIII. THE INITIALS IN THE HAT. “Why don’t you finish the year at Fardale, Chip?” Billy Mac was distinctly worried. So was Owen Clancy. “I’m sure I don’t know,” returned Frank, with a frown. “Dad only hinted that he and I might go West. Looked as though Uncle Dick was mixed up in it, too, but I couldn’t get him to say anything definite.” “Looks bad for Fardale if you have to leave,” remarked Clancy. “We’ll lick the spots off Franklin on Monday, anyhow. With Ted Crockett going away, too, the team will be all bust up for sure.” “I s’pose there’ll be a new captain elected,” said Billy slyly. “That’s right!” exclaimed Chip. “I guess there’s only one fellow going to nab that honor, Chip.” “Who?” inquired Frank. “Randall would be a mighty good man, and I’d like to see him get it----” “You old humbug!” cried Clancy. “You’re it, of course! Why, Chip, if you didn’t get it I’d never set foot on the diamond again!” He broke off abruptly as he stubbed his toe. “Why don’t you get some light in your blamed old burg, Billy?” “We’ve got shining lights right now if you’d only take your hat off,” grinned Billy Mac. “But Clan is right, Chip. Captain Chip, I should say!” “Nonsense!” said Merry. “Of course, I won’t say that I wouldn’t appreciate the honor, fellows, but I think that Randall is the one for the place. Besides, remember, dad talked as if he and I would go away. I sure hope it won’t come true.” He paused suddenly, for he had detected a dark figure lurking against a wall ahead of them. “Do you ever have holdups here, Billy?” he went on, in a low voice. “Looks as if that fellow was waiting for a belated traveling man, eh?”