CHAPTER XXX.
RATTLETON IS EXCITED.
"It wasn't Merriwell's fault that the freshies didn't win," said Bob Collingwood to Paul Pierson as they were riding back to New Haven on the train that night.
"Not a bit of it," agreed Pierson.

"I was expecting a great deal of Merriwell, but I believe he is a better man than I thought he could be." "Then you have arrived at the conclusion that he is fast enough for the regular team ?" "I rather think he is." "Will you give him a trial ?" "We may.

It is a bad thing for any freshman to get an exalted opinion of himself and his abilities, for it is likely to spoil him.

I don't want to spoil Merriwell--" "Look here," interrupted Collingwood, impulsively.

"I am inclined to doubt if it is an easy thing to spoil that fellow.