"Huah! If he supposes too much, he'll get left."
"I don't like to crowd anybody. You know that, Hally."
"You are too careful about crowding somebody. You are forever preaching that any fellow must fight his way through this world, but you never fight unless forced to do so. By the way, how could you apologize to that overbearing cur?"
"Well," said Frank, deliberately, "I permitted my good judgment to govern my action."
"Good judgment be hanged! Why, he was insulting!"
"A trifle overbearing, perhaps, but it's natural with him. You know he comes from South Carolina."
"What of that? Is he any better for that reason?"
"Not in the least, but it is probable that he has been brought up to think so. And it is certain that he has sand. He can't be driven into his boots, and I'll bet on it. South Carolina produces tigers, and Marline is one of them, or I have taken his measure wrong."
Halliday looked at Frank in doubt and astonishment.
"Is it possible you are afraid of Robert Marline, Merriwell?" he asked.
"No," was the calm reply; "but I think you will remember that I had a little trouble with one hot-blooded Southerner since entering college. The Southern aristocrat seldom fights with his fists, but he is none the less ready to fight. I am willing to confess that I do not care to become involved in a duel with pistols or swords. Can't afford to take the chances of being found out and expelled, even though honor should be satisfied without the death of either concerned. I have been hot-headed in my day, but I'm trying to hold myself down. I'd rather apologize for the accident to Marline than to have him challenge me to a duel. That's the whole of it, and----"
"Let them think what they like!" exclaimed Frank, flushing. "A person who is forever considering what some one will think if he does this, that or the other is forever miserable and uneasy."
"They'll say it is proof you have not the courage every one has thought."
Ben looked hard at Frank, and then slowly observed:
"Thought I understood you, Merriwell, but I'm blowed if I do!"
Despite himself, Frank was somewhat disturbed by what had taken place that afternoon. He knew Halliday was right in saying it would be believed he had apologized to Marline through fear of the proud Southerner.