Frank Merriwell's Fame — page 26: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

er oo een ee AO a ge i a A = A —r ad TIP TOP WEEKLY. “I have said all I have to say to you,” he_ decalred. “You may go.” Lockwell walked out, giving Frank a look of deadly hatred. CHAPTER IX. EXPOSING ,THE RASCALS. “T have invited Merriwell to come into the game to-night,” said Parker Folansbee, after the play was over that evening. “What!” exclaimed both Lockwell and Lawrence, to whom he had spoken. “Yes,” nodded Folansbee. “Got to talk- ing with him about draw poker, you know. Why, he’s a perfect enthusiast over the game. Says he used to play it at college. You know how many times we have wished for a fourth man in the game, as three-handed draw is such a mean game.” “But I’d rather have something to say about the fourth man,” burst from Lockwell. “T know you think Merriwell is all right, but I am not stuck on him, myself. I don’t fancy his society in a game of cards.” “Oh, you’re prejudiced. He’ll be all right.” “But he doesn’t drink.” “He doesn’t object if others drink.” “T don’t want to play with him. Do you, Leslie?” “Oh, I don’t know,’ drawled Lawrence, much to Lockwell’s amazement. ‘Almost anybody that can play will do to make up a good game.” “Why—why stammered Lockwell, ‘and then stopped, catching a meaning wink from his rascally comrade. “I’m glad Lawrence doesn’t object,” said Folansbee. “I’ve had beastly luck playing three handed, and I hope it will turn when we get another man in. Later, when the “angel” was gone, Lock- well made a jump at Lawrence, exclaiming: “What in blazes do-you mean? What are you driving at? Why do you want Merriwell in the game? I hate the fellow, and fe “All the better. He can’t play against us both, any more than Folansbee. Here is our chance to sink the knife in him.” “But I hate him so I can’t sit down at a table with him and ‘ There Was No Doubt About the Hardened Character of Clif’s Captors. “Yes you can. You’re smooth enough when you try to be. We'll join hands against both of these chaps, and we'll fleece them. Merriwell won't last long, and we'll freeze him out the moment his money is gone. Per- haps he will try to keep in a while by draw- ing on Folansbee. If he does, that will be all the better.” “But you are getting the best end of this.”’ “How?” “You have made the most.” “Pure luck.” “But. I don’t like it.” “You may be the one in the future.” “T don’t like the scheme.” “Noe” “Not a little bit. «Hereafter we will each make what we can, but we'll divvy on the proceeds.” “Oh, I don’t know about that!” “Ido. That’s the only way I will play with Merriwell in the game.” Lockwell was determined, and Lawrence was forced to give in at last. Thus the two rascals formed a compact to rob Frank as well as Parker Folansbee. That night the three, Lawrence, Lockwell and Folansbee were gathered in the room of the latter, and they had begun to wonder where Merriwell could be when there came a knock at the door. The “angel” opened. it, and Frank came in. “Hello, Merriwell, old fellow!” cried Law- rence. “Begun to think you wasn’t coming.” “Yes,” said Lockwell, as pleasantly as pos- sible. ‘We were just getting ready to begin the game without you.” ies “We've been wanting another man for some time,” said Lawrence. “Didn’t suppose you ever played, as you seem to have no vices. I am astonished now when [I think af it.” Frank laughed lightly. “Poker has been one of my great faults,”’ he confessed. “The game has a powerful fascination for me. Several times I have vowed I’d never play it again, but—well, here F ae The men gathered about the table, and True Blue No. 36. (a6) boo