"And they think that would have strengthened the team?" "Of course it would! I tell you the fellows have a reason to growl when they see Yale putting out a weak eleven while the best man in college refuses to get into gear and give a lift." "What sort of man is this Marline?" "A good runner and a pretty punter." "Sand?" "Guess so." "Then what's his weak point?" "Temper." "Quick tempered?" "Like a flash of powder. Loses his head. Forrest says he may lose any of the big games for us by getting mad at a critical point, but still he is the best man we have." Frank walked over to his window and looked out, his back toward Halliday. Ben stood watching him with no small anxiety. Now it was over, and he had relieved his feelings by speaking out plainly, Ben wondered at his own boldness. He had been flushed with excitement, but he felt himself growing pale and cold. "Lord, what a crust!" he thought. Three minutes passed this way, and then Frank whirled around with startling suddenness. "Do you practice to-day?" he asked. "Yes." "I'll come out to the park." "What for?" "Don't know yet. I'll look on, anyway." "Shall I tell Forrest?" "No, you needn't say anything about it." "All right." Halliday was well pleased with the result, for he felt sure Merry was aroused. "How do I know I am wanted on the eleven?" Frank asked. "It's all made up now, and----" "Heard Forrest say he'd rather have you for full-back than Marline." "Well, I'll come out and see you practice." So Ben left. At one time he had been envious of Merriwell, but now, like others, he realized that Merry was too good timber to be lost from the eleven. Halliday overcame his selfishness, and, for the interest of Old Yale, desired to see Merry back on the team. Besides that, Ben was not pleased to be changed from full-back to quarter-back and have a fellow like Marline given the position he had played very well thus far that season. He felt that he had much rather be put off the eleven entirely to give room for Frank. After Ben left, Frank attempted to return to his studies, but he could not fix his mind upon them. He went down to recitation in a dazed condition, and made a flunk, much to the surprise of those who knew he had turned into a "greasy grind" of late. Frank's mind was uneasy, and it wandered constantly. The knowledge that he had been regarded as cowardly in declining to go on the eleven was gall and wormwood to him. He was glad Halliday had come to him and let him know how matters stood, and surely no one could have closer at heart the welfare of Yale in all directions. He began to understand that he had won a position in athletics from which he could not voluntarily withdraw without being misunderstood and maligned. That afternoon Halliday came around for Frank, and found him with his sweater and rough clothes on, ready to leave his room. "I was afraid you would forget," said Ben, in a confused way.