CHAPTER XX.
BASCOMB'S MISTAKE.
Paul Rains was struck with dismay and confusion, which threatened to turn to anger.
He saw the crowd gathering round Frank, and congratulating him.

Paul was left quite alone.

Not even Bascomb approached him, for the big plebe was too dismayed to say anything or do anything.
Wat Snell simply muttered: "I knew it!" His tone expressed his hopeless disgust.
Frank's hand was wrung till his arm ached, and he was told over and over that he would make a new record for Fardale Academy if he chose to enter the athletic contests in the spring.
"If he chooses!" shouted one enthusiastic fellow.

"He'll have to enter, whether he chooses or not! You don't suppose we will let a fellow like him remain out of it, do you!" "I knew you could do it, old man!" murmured Bart Hodge, his dark face flushed with pleasure.

"You were bluffing all the while that you pretended to doubt." "I wanted to see how much confidence you actually had in me," said Frank, with a smile.
"Well, you found out." "Yes, and that gave me a great deal more of confidence in myself.