Frank Merriwell was one who believed that a man should be judged not alone by the company he kept, but by the example he set. He believed that some of the world’s best and greatest men had associated with the meek and lowly, but had exalted and uplifted others by their exemplary behavior. He who keeps constantly in mind the desire to set a good example before others, cannot very well go wrong himself. “It’s pleasant to know some one has such confidence in our team,” nodded Merry; “but, of course, you are aware that we’ll be doing something remarkable if we break the winning streak of the great Outcasts.” “I know; still I think you’ll break it. Some one will. It can’t keep up.” McGann laughed. “We wouldn’t think of letting Merriwell’s team defeat us,” he said. “We shall take extra precautions. Every man will be in the best condition possible, Mat O’Neill will pitch, and we’ll try to shut the mighty Merriwell bunch out.” “You’ll succeed!” exclaimed Bart Hodge; “I don’t think!” “You may think,” chuckled McGann. “Wait until after the game. Why, you don’t know what you are going up against.” “By the way, Merriwell,” said Grafter, placing a hand on Frank’s arm, “have you seen anything of Hobe Manton lately?” “I haven’t seen him since the day of the meet at Eagle Heights.” “I have. Ran across him yesterday by accident. He stopped to speak with me, although I fancy he dislikes me now almost as much as he does you. He’s a dangerous chap, and you want to keep your eyes open for him.” “Why, I fancied he was pretty well cooled down.” “Not at all; he’s pretty well warmed up. He hasn’t forgotten that he, the great ‘gentleman pugilist,’ was soundly thrashed by you out behind the cedars at Eagle Heights. And that is why he is determined to get even with you some time. He stopped me yesterday to tell me that he was going to square up the score. He said he had been keeping track of your movements, and he meant to catch you alone and off your guard. You want to be careful, Merriwell. There is no telling what he may try to do.” “Oh, I think he’s not nearly as dangerous as he would have people believe.” “I don’t know about it. He felt most keenly the disgrace of being kicked out of Eagle Heights.” “He brought it on himself.” “He thinks you were the cause of it all. He doesn’t blame himself. At least, he doesn’t seem to.” “Well, I’m much obliged for your warning, Grafter. I’ll keep my eyes peeled.” Grafter and McGann now took their departure, bidding Frank and Bart good day. The manager had secured Merriwell’s address, so that he might communicate with him if he should desire to do so before Saturday. “Well, Bart,” said Merry, as the manager of the Outcasts and the shot-putter of the Eagle Heights A.A. were disappearing from the lot, “how do you like the prospect?” “It’s great!” answered Bart. “Merry, if it is in us, we must defeat those chaps. I’d rather beat them than any team we have met this season.” “It would give us more glory.”