You know it, too. I can twirl a ball just as good as Frank Merriwell, or
any other fellow in Yale, and you know that, too. I reckon I'm able to
ride my bronco alone, without Merriwell's help. I am not asking
favors--none whatever! I'm simply returning a favor already given! You
can see through that, can't you? If you can't, you're as chuckle-headed
as a prairie-dog!"
"I can see that you are becoming Frank Merriwell's friend just as fast
as you can!"
"You're riding away off the line, Pike! I shall never be Merry's friend
in the sense you think. But you know that he is the clean white article.
He is straight goods. I've found that out. I used to think different,
just as you do, but I've found out I was mistaken. He is a square man.
And when he sent that invitation I knew there was no underhand business
about it whatever. That's the reason I accepted it; that and because it
would have made me feel meaner than a Digger Indian if I had refused it.
I'm going to pitch for him Saturday forenoon, and I'll win that game for
him, too. Don't you let that fact escape your memory! I hope Bart Hodge
will refuse to catch. I'm afraid I couldn't resist the temptation to
throw the ball square at his head every time, if he was behind the bat.
I want him to stay out!"
"Well, you're a fool!" Pike snapped, striding toward the door.
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