In fact, he was envious of Merriwell's popularity, although he did his best to keep the fact concealed.

Being a sly, secretive person, it was but natural that Rains should come to be considered as modest and unassuming.

In truth, he was not modest at all, for, in his secret heart, there was nothing that any one else could do that he did not believe he could do.

And so, while appearing to be very modest, he was really intensely egotistical.
Rains had not been given much attention for a time after he entered the academy, but his athletic abilities, for he was really a capable fellow, although his capabilities were limited, were bringing him into notice.
Jolly, open as the day, Frank did not know what it was to be crafty or secretive.

He had a way of saying things he thought, and he did not understand people who kept their fancies and ambitious desires bottled up.
Hodge had not been the first to give Frank a hint that he had a rival in Rains, but he was the first to tell him that Rains had declared he would not play on the ball team if Merriwell was captain.
Frank remembered that, and he wondered what Rains could have against him.