“I’ve never heard that he is regarded as an especial wonder as a runner,” grunted the stout man. “Never mind what you have heard; he has a reputation that frightens people from risking any money on other contestants when he takes part. I came here to back Huntley, but I’m not risking my good money against Merriwell.” “You doped Huntley to win?” asked the man in black, smiling. “Why, man, if Merriwell wasn’t entered I’d take the field and give you big odds. I’d almost go you even, if necessary, that Pope would cut the mustard.” Hollingsworth was keenly interested, and he did not hesitate to “butt in.” “Gentlemen,” he said, “Merriwell is much over-rated. I don’t believe he could win if he ran, but he will not run.” The trio turned and stared hard at him. “Hello!” grunted the stout man. “I believe it’s the fellow who was pointed out to me as the trainer of the Ashport squad.” “I am Herbert Hollingsworth,” stated the Englishman, speaking slowly and taking care not to lose that troublesome initial letter from his name. “What makes you think Merriwell will not run?” inquired the slim man. Hollingsworth hesitated a trifle, and then said: “You were just saying he should be barred from the race, sir.” “Yes; but——” “If I am correctly informed he will be barred.” Naturally these words created a slight sensation. “What information leads you to think such a thing?” was the quick demand of the Spaniard. “I have it from a reliable source that he is not now a member of the Amateur Athletic Union, and the rules governing this cross-country run will exclude any one who is not a member.” “But he must be a member!” cried the man in black. “Why so?” “He is touring with his own team of athletes.” “But he has not taken part in any contest conducted under the rules of the A. A. U.,” asserted Hollingsworth. “Hasn’t he? Are you sure?” “I am positive.” “How can that be?” grunted the stout man. “Why, he has simply been doing what might be called exhibition work. No record of any of his accomplishments on this trip has been made. Any one might get together an athletic team and go about doing the same. Of course, he can secure baseball games, being Frank Merriwell, no matter if he should have a team made up of all professionals.” “If this is correct, it is quite surprising,” said the Spaniard; but it was plain that he doubted. Hollingsworth did not fancy having any one doubt his statement. “Of course it is correct!” he declared, being stirred up slightly. “I am willing to bet a ’undred dollars that Merriwell does not start in the cross-country run.” It happened that Buck Badger and Bruce Browning, having returned from a stroll, entered the office just in time to hear this. “Whatever is that you’re saying?” demanded the Kansan, in surprise. “Did I hear you offering to bet that Frank Merriwell would not start in that race?” “Hexactly,” answered the trainer. “Well, you’re sure blowing off a lot of hot air, Mr. Man.”