Читать книгу Frank Merriwell's Marriage; Or, Inza's Happiest Day онлайн

39 страница из 77

Grafter kept close to Merry. Before Frank left the club, he found an opportunity to say:

“I’d like to have a little private talk with you, Mr. Merriwell. Will it be too much bother?”

“Not at all, Mr. Grafter. I’m at liberty any time you may select.”

“Where are you stopping?”

“At Elm Tree Inn, down below. Just going down for lunch now. Will you take lunch with me?”

“I should be pleased to!” exclaimed Grafter. “But why don’t you stop here to lunch?”

“I invited him,” the club president hastened to explain; “but he said he had some business that he must look after, and so he could not stay to-day.”

“Oh, then I’ll interfere with your business?” said the shot putter.

“Not at all. The fact is, I’m half expecting some of my boys to arrive at the inn, and I wish to be there when they show up.”

A few minutes later Grafter was in the carriage with Merriwell, Hodge, and Fuller. Manton and his particular chums watched the four depart.

“Grafter makes me ill!” growled Manton. “He’s ready to bow down and worship Merriwell. Seems to think the fellow has some wonderful secret method of becoming a champion. Oh, hang the luck! Why did I fail to defeat him to-day! I’ll guarantee I can do it next time!”