be in a great rush," one of the party called to
Frank and his friends.

"You had better rush a little, if you want to catch the train," flung
back Griswold.

"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 a