“He got hold of the horses?” asked the man frowning.
“Weakling!” muttered the man, contemptuously. “Why, had I been in his place, I’d stopped them in their tracks!”
“They were mad with terror, and it seemed that no one could check them. But there was a young man who ran out, got them by the bridles, and brought them to a stand.”
“Ah!” cried the man, with a show of interest. “He must be the possessor of some strength.”
“He’s the greatest athlete in Yale. His name is Frank Merriwell.”
Elsie had stopped a short distance away. As he leaned against a tree which shielded him from her view, Hodge had not been discovered by her. Standing thus, Bart heard her tell how Frank had stopped the runaway horses. It gave him a strange sensation, and all at once he began to wonder if the meeting between Frank and Elsie had been unintentional, or accidental.
“Oh, yes; I know about him,” said the man called “doctor.” “I have seen him many times in athletic sports and games. I presume some men would regard him as rather strong.”
“You should have seen him drag those horses to a stop, doctor! Mrs. Parker wished me to come and tell you about it. She thought I might find you here, and----”
Elsie stopped. For the first time, she perceived that the man was not alone. Finding he was discovered, Bart stepped out into view, lifting his hat.
“Bart Hodge?” she cried, astonished. “Here?”
“Yes, Miss Bellwood,” he said, in a tone of voice that sounded strained and unnatural. “It is a surprise to us both, I fancy.”
“So you are acquainted?” exclaimed the man, looking from one to the other. “Well, well!”
Elsie started forward, her hands outstretched.
“I am so glad to see you, Bart!” she cried, her cheeks turning crimson.
“Are you?” he exclaimed, feeling his heart give a great throb of joy.
“Why, of course I am!” she asserted, as he met her and clasped her hands.
“But you did not let me know you were in New Haven.”
“You’ll find a letter when you get back to town. I dropped one in the office for you.”
“He did not know I was coming. Oh, Bart, you should have seen him fling himself at the heads of those snorting, terrified horses and bring them to a stop! It was grand, and it was just like him!”
Admiration for Frank thrilled her; Hodge saw it in her face and heard it in her voice.