Frank Merriwells Races | Page 7

proof enough that he
is careless of life and limb at times."
For some time Frank paid very little attention to Nemo, but the
lameness of the horse became so pronounced at last that he could not
help observing it once more.
"That worries me, old fellow," he admitted, with a troubled face. "It is
something I can't understand."
He rode slowly back to the stable.
It was growing dark when he arrived at the stable. A strange man was
standing outside as Frank rode up. The man looked keenly at the boy
and the horse, and then, as the doors rolled open, followed into the
stable.
"Horse is lame, eh?" he said, questioningly. "I didn't notice that when

he went out. He wasn't lame then, was he?"
Frank paid not the least attention to this question. The man was a
stranger, and the boy did not care to talk with him.
"I spotted that horse when yer rode out, young man," the stranger
persisted. "Fine lookin' critter--just the kind I've been wantin' some
time for a saddle horse. Whose critter is it?"
"Grody," said Frank, utterly ignoring the man, "I want you to see if you
can tell what ails Nemo. He is lame in one of his hind feet. He was
taken that way after I had been out a while. I think it possible there is
something the matter with the way he is shod. Will you look after him
without delay?"
"To be sure, sir--I'll not fail, sir," said Grody.
"Then the horse belongs ter you, does it?" asked the strange man,
coming forward and addressing Frank in a point-blank manner. "I am a
horseman, and I know all about critters. If there's anything the
matter--and there seems to be--I can tell what it is in five minutes. Shall
I make an examination, young man?"
"No, sir!" came sharply from Merriwell's lips. "I do not propose to have
strangers fooling around my horse. I do not know you, sir, so your offer
is respectfully declined."
CHAPTER III.
TEACHING A RASCAL A LESSON.
"Now hold on, young man, don't be so fast," said the stranger. "You do
not know me now, and I don't blame yer fer not wantin' anybody yer
don't know doing anything fer yer horse; but here's my card--Professor
James Colbath--and now I know you have heard of me. I am one of the
greatest veterinary surgeons in the country."
Frank ignored the card, and the man began to show signs of anger.

"This is no bluff!" he exclaimed. "It's on the level. I have nary doubt
but I can find out what's the matter with the critter in five minutes, and
if I don't give yer a square deal I don't want a cent for my services,
that's all."
He would have lifted one of Nemo's feet, but Frank cried:
"Drop that! I tell you I don't want you, and I won't have you! Get away
from this horse!"
The man growled and stiffened up.
"All right," he said, somewhat savagely. "I did think of trying to buy
the critter off yer, but you're too flip. If the animal stays lame, don't
blame me."
Although Frank had seemed to pay very little attention to the stranger,
he was inspecting him closely. He saw the man had pulled his hat down
over his eyes, and wore his coat collar turned up. He had a black beard
that concealed his features to a great extent.
Grody was also looking the stranger over closely. He fancied he
detected a familiar sound in the man's voice. The light in the stable was
rather dim, and that served to make the inspection of the boy and the
hostler rather unsatisfactory.
All at once, Grody started as if struck by a sudden idea. As soon as
possible, he whispered in Frank's ear:
"That mug is the same chap that were here this afternoon, sir."
"The same chap? What chap?"
"The one what gave his name as Diamond."
"No? You said that fellow had no beard."
"I don't believe this man's beard is all right."

Frank was aroused. He fancied that he saw a ray of light.
The fellow who had called himself Professor Colbath turned away. He
had heard the hostler whisper, and he caught Frank's question.
Immediately he showed a desire to get out.
Leaving the horse to Grody, Frank quickly placed himself before the
stranger, saying:
"Hold on a minute. I don't know but I'll talk with you a little."
"No, yer won't!" growled the man. "I'm done tryin' to talk with a fresh
youngster like you--I'm done with you."
"Well, I am not done with you!"
Frank's voice rang out sharp and stern.
"What do you want?" asked the man, uneasily.
"I want to see your face."
"Well, look