hem.

Not a few of the girls were known to the boys. Those who were not known
were introduced.

"What a place for a dance!" thought Frank, as he looked the dining room
over. "These tables could be cleared away, and then we----"

He caught sight of the proprietor, and, in another moment, he drew the
man aside.

"If you want to dance, I'm willing," was the consent of the genial owner
of the Summit House. "But where's your music? There's a fiddle here, but
who can play it?"

"I'll find somebody!" cried Frank, and he rushed for Diamond.

But, before the dance could be started, it was found that the consent of
the young lady chaperon who had accompanied the girls must be obtained.
Frank approached her. At first she was not favorable, but Merriwell used
diplomacy and finally won her over so that she consented to let the
girls remain and dance an hour.

Then there was a hustling to clear the dining room floor. The old violin
was brought out and Diamond proceeded to tune up.

Frank sought Phebe and asked her to waltz with him.

"I don't think I will dance," she said, pretending to pout a bit.

"Why not?" asked Merry, in surprise. "You do dance, do you not?"

"Oh, sometimes."

"And you will refuse me?"

"You deserve to be refused."

"Why, pray?" asked Frank, surprised.

"I asked a favor of you to-day."

A light broke in on Frank.

"Oh, is that it? You wanted me to pitch for Camden?"

"Yes."

"And I didn't. Well, can't you pardon me this time?"

"Really, I do not think you deserve it."

"Perhaps not, but, if I promise to do better, will you----"

"It's too late now."

"How is that?"

"Camden lost."

"And might have lost just the same if I had pitched."

"No," she said, with confidence, "I know all about your pitching. You
would have won the game."

"There is another game to-morrow."

"Oh, that's in Rockland, and the Rocklands always win on their own
ground."

"Is that their reputation? Well, perhaps we may be able to break the
spell and defeat them on their own ground once."

"'We!' What do you mean by that? It can't be that you will pitch for
Camden to-morrow?"

"Will you waltz with me if I'll agree to do so?"

"Yes," was her instant answer.

"Done!" said Frank. "I'll pitch."

Then Diamond struck into a beautiful waltz, and Frank and Phebe were the
first on the floor, his arm about her waist, her hand gently clasped in
his.

CHAPTER XIV.

MERRIWELL'S DOUBLE SHOOT.

"He