“And that has a great deal to do with your feelings,” laughed Hackett. “Oh, I wouldn’t mind beating Mr. Merriwell, just to take some of the confidence out of Miss Inza. It would please me to show him up before her.” “Go ahead. I think you can fix it.” “If I knew he’d have Onslaw I wouldn’t hesitate. Just as soon as I find out Onslaw will play with Merriwell’s team I’ll inform Miss Burrage that we’re simply waiting for a challenge or a proposition from Merriwell.” “That will be all right!” exclaimed Hackett. “I wouldn’t mind getting against Mr. Merriwell at something and rubbing it into him. I’m tired of hearing him proclaimed the greatest all-round wonder the United States has produced.” “So am I. And Miss Burrage has an idea that he cannot be downed. She smiles scornfully when I hint that Merriwell has had luck and might meet with just as many defeats if his luck turned. Then Miss Bellwood is equally confident.” “Say, old man, I’m going to accept your invitation and come round to get a look at these girls.” “All right, but remember my warning about the black-eyed one. She’ll take your fancy, but that won’t do you any good.” “Oh, I don’t know!” said Hackett teasingly. “I think I see through your little game. You’re planning to get on the inside track and push Merriwell out. Better keep me away. I might steal a march on you, old man.” Fillmore flushed. “I’m not worrying about that,” he declared, as he rose to leave. “You’re hit hard,” chuckled Hackett, also rising. “I’ll walk down the street with you. This Inza must be a peach to upset level-headed Fred Fillmore after such a fashion.” CHAPTER XXI. THE PANGS OF JEALOUSY. Fillmore, who did not live in Baltimore, boarded with his sister, Mrs. Loder, on Calvert Street. He returned to his sister’s home, his mind occupied with thoughts of lacrosse and Inza Burrage. It must be confessed that he thought more of Inza than of the game at which he had won fame among his college mates. Reaching home, he found his sister and casually asked about the girls. “They’re in their room, Fred,” smiled Mrs. Loder. “I don’t think you’ll see anything more of them this evening. Be careful, you bad boy! you’re becoming altogether too interested in Miss Burrage. I’m afraid those eyes of hers have wrought havoc with your heart.” “Nonsense!” he laughed. “How foolish you are to get such a notion, sis. I like her because she’s so bright and interesting. I’m not the sort of fellow to get broken up over any girl. They’re all alike to me.” “Oh, I’ve heard youngsters like you talk before! You can’t fool an old married woman. I’ve seen what was going on.” In vain he protested that there was nothing “going on.” “You can’t fool me,” she repeated. “Inza Burrage is handsome and fascinating, and you’ve been sticking to the house in a most amazing way since she arrived. Haven’t you learned that she’s engaged to a Mr. Merriwell?” “Of course.”