crookedness.

Frank Merriwell knew that if Ditson had been listening to the
conversation that was taking place in that room his enemies must know
in what light he regarded Nemo.

This caused Frank to caution both Toots and Grody to redouble their
vigilance in watching over and caring for the splendid creature.

"Don' yo' worry about me, Marser Frank," assured the darky lad. "Dat's
de fines' hawse dat dis chile ebber seen, an' I'se gwan ter watch ober
heem lek he wus de apple ob mah eye."

"I have decided to enter Nemo in the Mystic Park races at Bethany,
Toots," Merriwell declared, "and I think I'll let you ride him, my boy."

Toots showed two rows of gleaming ivories and beamed with the greatest
delight.

"If yer done dat, Marser Frank, I'se gwan ter win on dat hawse jes ez
shore ez yeh bawn, sar!" he cried. "I'se done rid dat critter enough teh
know he's a wondah, sar. Dat hawse is wuf a forchune, sar!"

"If you win, Toots, I may give you a chance to ride him in some races
later in the season."

"If I don' win dat race, I done hope I nebber dror annodder bref, sar!"
cried the darky boy, excitedly. "Dat'll show yo' what yo' kin do at de
Coney Islan' races. If yo's gwan ter gamble on dat hawse, yo's a dead
sho' winnar, sar!"

"I am not much of a gambler, Toots, but I may back Nemo for a little
something."

"Yo'll win, Marser Frank. If dis darky ebber knowed what he wus talking
about yo'll win!"

Frank's enemies seemed remarkably quiet, but something told him that
every move he made was watched. This was true, and they soon knew
exactly what races he intended to enter Nemo for, and that the darky was
going to ride the horse.

One night Harris, Hartwick, Harlow, Ditson and Mike Hogan met in the
saloon where they had first formed a combine against Merriwell. They
were there by appointment, called together by Hartwick, who seemed to
have assumed the leadership.

Hartwick was taking no chances on any thin partitions, and so he secured
a little back room in the place, where it seemed that nothing could be
overheard by any one who might chance to be watching them.

Drinks were ordered, and when they were brought and the waiter had
departed Hartwick said:

"Gentlemen, we may as well get down to business at once. I have called
you together to make arrangements for striking a blow at our common
enemy."

"Well, I think it's erbout time!" growled Mike Hogan. "I've been wantin'
ter do something fer a long whil