It had been predicted that Merriwell would remove Knight from the boat and put a lighter man in his place, and there was no little surprise when he failed to do so.
As far as possible, Frank’s work with the freshmen was carried on privately. It seemed too early to get out on the harbor at night, but the weather came on warm and delightful, which gave the four crews the opportunity they desired.
The freshmen were the first to take advantage of a warm evening, and, under cover of darkness, they put in an hour of hard work.
The next day Orson Arnold withdrew from the freshman crew, and Ben Snodgrass took himself out of the sophomore eight. Frank Merriwell was responsible for both resignations.
Merry was a great character-reader, and somehow he had suspected Arnold the first time he talked with the fellow. Arnold was one who made a great pretense of frankness and honesty, and he was forever calling attention to these traits of character, which he wished people to suppose he possessed. He had a way of telling how much he despised deceit, and Frank soon decided that the fellow was a bluffer and needed watching.
Then, without delay, he had set Jim Hooker to watching the suspect. Ordinarily, Hooker would not have relished the job, for he remembered how he had once been suspected and spied upon, but he was ready to do anything for Merriwell.
Hooker proved a good detective. He soon brought Merriwell information that made Frank look both grim and regretful.
“I thought it,” said Merry; “but I hoped I was wrong.”
“They meet in the old back room in Jackson’s,” said Hooker. “They do not choose to be seen together, you know, for that would create comment. Freshmen and sophomores do not become chums, especially if they belong to rival class crews.”
“Jackson keeps a bad place,” said Frank. “He should not be permitted in the city. I believe more crooked work has been planned in his joint than in any other place in New Haven, and I’m sorry to say that Yale men have been in many of the plots.”
Frank flushed a little, but promptly said:
“Yes, he knows me. I used to wander in there sometimes. I have found it necessary to go there in search of friends, and I’ve had one or two little encounters there. I once threatened Jackson with police investigation if he did not refuse to let certain men play cards for money in that famous little back room of his. I had him on his knees before I was done with him, and he’s been very respectful since. He always lifts his hat to me on the street, even though I may not choose to speak.”