“It is Bramwell who might press you hard, sir, if he had confidence in himself, and had been trained in much cross-country running. I have not given him the training, and I’ve taken pains not to let him know he’s half as good as he really is.” “Oh, I think you overestimate him, Hollingsworth. Besides, the men I fear are Pope, Neil, Lyons, and—Merriwell. There is where you made another blunder.” “Where, sir?” “In hounding Merriwell to get into the match. Why did you do it?” “I didn’t think he would enter.” “He’s going to enter, and he’s the man I fear above all others.” “Which shows you have real horse sense,” muttered the unseen listener in the stand, smiling grimly. “Look ’ere,” said Hollingsworth, growing excited again, “I looked at it this way, sir: If you defeat Merriwell it will be a great feather in your cap.” “If!” said Huntley significantly. “You ought to do it with the advantage you ’ave. With ’im in the match, you can well claim the championship of Hamerica when you win.” “I tell you, Hollingsworth, you made a blunder when you forced him into it. No man in America understands the requirements of the work as well as he, and I have a feeling that he will be the one to defeat me. I would give a hundred dollars—clean, cold cash—to keep him from entering.” “Perhaps ’e may be kept hout of it.” “How?” “Every man who henters must be a member of the Amateur Athletic Union of America.” “Of course.” “He must show his certificate of membership before starting in the race.” “That’s the rule.” “If Merriwell didn’t ’ave his certificate he couldn’t compete.” “No.” “There may be some way to get ’old of it and destroy it.” “I see no way of doing that.” “Will you give me a ’undred dollars if I find a way?” Apparently Huntley was surprised by this question, for he remained silent some moments, while the eavesdropper in the stand hushed his breathing and strained his ear in order not to miss a word. Finally the rascal from Buffalo vehemently but guardedly exclaimed: “Yes, by the Lord Harry, I’ll give you a hundred dollars if you will find a way to do that trick—and do it!” “It’s good as done, sir!” declared Hollingsworth. “’Ave the money ready when I call for it.” “But how do you propose to perform the trick?” Hollingsworth laughed craftily. “I know the bell boys at the Hashport ’Ouse, where Merriwell and his party are stopping.” “What of that?” “They ’ave passkeys to all the rooms. They’re not supposed to ’ave them, but that makes no difference.” “Go on.” “If I pay one of those boys, I can keep informed on all of Merriwell’s acts. Let him enter for the race. Between now and the day of the run he will go over the course. On that day I’ll get my bell boy to admit me to his room. Somewhere among his effects I will find his certificate. I’ll destroy it.” Hollingsworth was calm again—calm with confidence in his own villainy. “The plan is both desperate and dangerous,” said Huntley.