Читать книгу Frank Merriwell's Prosperity; or, Toil Has Its Reward онлайн

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“You know something you are not telling,” he declared.

“On my word, I do not!” protested Lester, in sudden alarm. “What could I know?”

“Well, you are acting rather queer. Has Hodge been up to anything?”

“Been up to anything?” repeated Bart’s enemy, as if he did not understand. “What do you mean by that?”

“Oh, nothing! Let it drop. But I wonder why you think you will come out best in the end.”

“Because I think this Hodge is a rascal, and I believe others will find it out. That’s all.”

“I don’t understand what there is to warrant such a belief.”

“Oh, I fancy I have read him pretty thoroughly. I know just about how he is made up.”

“I’m afraid you are off your trolley. Hodge is not popular in the company, but I’m inclined to believe he’s on the level, for otherwise Frank Merriwell would not have anything to do with him.”

“Merriwell may be fooled in the fellow, you know.”

“Not likely.”

“Why not?”

“They have been friends a long time. I believe they were schoolmates together. That is why Merriwell sticks by Hodge as he does. He’s a chap who will never turn his back on old friends, no matter what they may do.”