CHAPTER XIII.
COWARDICE OF THE CHICKERING SET.
Merriwell encountered Hodge in the campus, informed him of what he had done, and together they started down-town.

By and by they took a street-car, and, getting out at a familiar corner, found themselves in front of a group of Merriwell's friends.
"Excuse me if I walk on!" said Bart.
"No, you are going with me!" "My room is preferred to my company with those fellows!" They had not yet been seen by Merry's friends, who were grouped on the sidewalk about Jack Ready, who was talking and gesticulating in his inimitable way.
"Now don't get sulky, Bart!" Frank commanded.

"Those fellows are my friends." "They don't like me.

I've seen it, Merry.

When I think of some things they have said, it makes me hot even against you." "Do you want to turn me against you, Bart?
That is a good way to do it." "I don't care! I shall never snivel round those fellows!" Bart snarled.
"I'm your friend, Merry! That's enough, isn't it ?" "You take a poor way to show your friendship, Hodge! You vex me sometimes.