"Yes," confessed Ben, desperately, "but you must listen to reason. I haven't an idea why you have whiffled around again, but I do know it will ruin your reputation. Word has gone out that you will play full-back in the Harvard game. Forrest has the same as stated that he should put you in at the start, with Marline as substitute. Now think--think what it will mean if you again withdraw! Cæsar's ghost! Merry, you will be a dead duck in athletics and sports. You will be regarded with contempt." "Can't help it." Holiday's desperation increased. "Think of Marline." "I have." "They'll say he cowed you--say you backed down because you feared him." "It will not be true." "But it will go, all the same." "Can't help it." "You must have a reason for this new move." "My studies." "That's the old reason. There must be another." "Perhaps." "Will you tell me what it is?" "No." "And do you want me to go out to the park without you?" "You will have to go without me, for I am not going." "And I have been bragging about getting him back on the eleven!" muttered Ben. "They'll jolly me to death, and I shall be so ashamed that I'll want to crawl into some sort of a hole." "I am sorry about that, Hally," said Frank. "Believe me, I care more about it than about anything else." "You do not mind the ruin of your own reputation?" "I scarcely think my reputation will be damaged so badly." "But it will--it will! If you were sure it would, wouldn't you go along with me?" "No!" That was like the blow of a hammer, and it took the last bit of hope from Halliday's heart. "I think more of my word of honor than anything else," said Frank, grimly. "If I always stand by that, I'll risk my reputation." "They'll say he is a traitor to Yale," muttered Ben, as if Frank could not hear. "They'll say he refused to do his duty--refused to fight for the honor of old Eli. They'll say he is false to his colors." Frank winced somewhat. He could not help it, for he was touched on a tender spot. "No fellow can have the interest of Old Eli more at heart than I," he declared. "But I think the importance of playing me full-back on the eleven is overestimated. There are several fellows who are able to play the position. Marline did excellent work in practice yesterday, and I believe he will show up finely in a game. I won't crowd him out--that's all. It's no use to talk to me." He sat down and picked up his book. Halliday stood looking at Frank, his face showing wrath and disgust, then turned and left the room. As he passed out Frank heard him mutter: "False to his colors!" CHAPTER XXXI. FRANK IS MISERABLE. Frank was expecting a call from Forrest. It came. The captain of the eleven brought Yates and Parker with him. He did not beat about the bush, but immediately asked Frank why he had not come out to practice. With equal directness, Merriwell told him he had finally decided for good and all that he could not play football that season.