“Well, if you can get two-thirds in the next game, even if you have to wait several days before you play, you may not lose anything.” “I’m willing to wait and lose money if I can get the game.” Raybold found another opportunity that evening to make some betting talk to Seymour Whittaker. Whittaker professed a strong desire to wager money on the Elks, but said he could not, as Lawrence would not consider making another game with the Merries. “Are you one of the directors of the team?” asked Raybold. “Yes, sir.” “It seems that you might have some influence with him.” “Not enough to cause him to change his mind. He’s very set. It’s a good thing for you. I’d feel like a robber after taking your money.” “Would you, indeed?” laughed Raybold. “Well, see here, my dear man, I’ll give you a perfect snap. I’ll wager two hundred to one hundred that you cannot defeat the Merries again, the game to be played here any time next week, with a fair and impartial umpire.” “Why don’t you give me your money!” cried Whittaker. “You might as well.” “What do you say? Two hundred to one hundred.” “No use. It can’t be done, and you’re in luck.” “When does your local paper appear?” “Thursday.” “I’m going to insert a notice in the paper to the effect that the Elkton team does not dare give Merriwell another chance.” “Don’t be so foolish!” “Look the paper over when it comes out,” said Raybold. “You’ll find the notice.” Raybold was in earnest. He really did insert a notice in the local paper, paying advertising rates for the privilege. This notice was sarcastically worded and reflected on the courage of the local team in refusing to give the Merries another game. It called attention to the fact that the Merries had on their tour defeated far better known and much stronger teams than the Elks, while it further stated that no team could draw such a crowd, all of Elkton being desirous of witnessing another “go” with the visitors who had given the locals such a tussle the first time. There was something about this notice that aroused the pride and indignation of the Elktonites. The village hummed over it. The citizens began to tell one another that the Elks must give Frank Merriwell’s team another chance. The Elks were playing in another town, but Lawrence was called up on the phone by two or three persons who asked him why he did not play the Merries again. Frank had not known Raybold intended to insert the notice. After the notice appeared Merry kept still and awaited results. He had lingered in Elkton with his team, hoping another game could be secured. Seymour Whittaker was indignant. He looked around for Raybold and demanded to know why the people of Elkton had been insulted. Raybold laughed and said no insult was intended. Whittaker insisted that the newspaper notice plainly insinuated that the Elktonites were afraid their team would be beaten if it met the Merries again. “It looks that way to me,” said Raybold. “You know we’re not afraid.”