"Ah!" said Andy Emery, with an undisguised sneer; "it's Merriwell and his trainers. They are putting him in condition to beat the field in that race he expects to enter." "Go him to the station, Yates!" exclaimed one of the lads accompanying Duncan. "Just show him he doesn't know how to run." "Yah!" flung back Griswold, quick as a flash. "Yates knows better than to try that. Where would he be when Merriwell reached the station?" "Buying his ticket inside," sneered Emery, in return. That aroused Jack Diamond, who flushed hotly and turned on Andy. "I'll go you ten even that Merriwell beats Yates to the station platform," he flashed, producing a roll of bills. "This is business! Take me if you have the nerve!" "Oh, I'll take you!" cried Emery; "and, when the business is over, I'll take your money, too." He promptly produced a ten-dollar bill, and the money was quickly thrust into the hands of a stakeholder, who was chosen by mutual agreement. "It strikes me you men are pretty swift," said Yates, in a manner that showed his disapproval. "How do you know I will run?" "'Sh!" warned Flemming. "You'll have to run now, or they'll say you were afraid to go against Merriwell." It was plain that Yates did not feel at all pleased by the situation, but he said: "If I must run, I will, and I'll beat the fellow, but I don't care about getting into a sweat just now." "Never mind that," said Emery, in Yates' ear. "If you beat Merriwell to the station, it is pretty sure that you spoil his show for getting into the mile run. This is your chance to do that little job, so don't let it slip." Frank had said very little. It was not easy to tell if he felt satisfied or displeased over the situation. The party turned a corner, and came in view of the station. "Here is a good starting point," said Emery. "Does it satisfy you, Diamond?" "Perfectly," bowed Jack. "Then that's all right. Are you going to run, fellows?" "I leave that entirely to Mr. Yates," said Frank, quietly. "Oh, I'll go you--and I'll do you!" exclaimed Yates, as he tore off both coat and vest and flung them at Flemming, who caught them. That started Rattleton, who excitedly cried: "I'll tet you ben dollars--I mean I'll bet you ten dollars you don't do it!" Yates paid no attention to this, but Flemming said: "I'll have to go you, Rattleton. Put up the tenner." The money was quickly posted, and then the rivals stood side by side, with their coats and vests removed, ready for the word. Merriwell seemed quiet and indifferent, as if it were an event of no particular moment; while on Yates' face there was a look that plainly showed he was determined to settle all dispute by winning the dash to the station. One of the committee had been chosen to give the word, and he stepped out, sharply calling: "Ready!" The lads leaned forward over the scratch in the dirt, which had been drawn by somebody's heel. "Go!"