Unless it was Pierson who had pursued him on the previous night, Frank had never spoken a word to the fellow in his life.

And this public recognition of a freshman on the campus by a man like Pierson was almost unprecedented.
"Ah, Mr.Merriwell, I would like to speak with you," said Pierson in a manner that was not exactly unfriendly.
Frank remembered that the fellow who chased him the night before had promised to see him again, but he had thought at the time that the man did not mean it.

Now he wondered what in the world Pierson could want.
"Yes, sir," said Merriwell, stopping and bowing respectfully.
"I understand that you are something of a sprinter," said Pierson as he surveyed the freshman critically.

"A--ah--friend of mine told me so." "Well, I don't know, but I believe I can run fairly well," replied Frank, with an air of modesty.
"My friend is a very good judge of runners, and he says you're all right.

In doing so he settled a point in my mind.