From that day Frank Merriwell never attempted to tell a story that was
in the slightest degree vulgar. He had learned his lesson, and he never
forgot it.

Some boys swagger, chew tobacco, talk vulgar, and swear because they do
not wish to be called "sissies." They fancy such actions and language
make them manly, but nothing could be a greater mistake.

Frank did nothing of the sort, and all who knew him regarded him as
thoroughly manly. Better to be called a "sissy" than to win reputed
manliness at the cost of self-respect.

Frank had forced those who would have regarded him with scorn to respect
him. He could play baseball or football with the best of them; he could
run, jump, swim, ride, and he excelled by sheer determination in almost
everything he undertook. He would not be beaten. If defeated once, he
did not rest, but prepared himself for another trial and went in to win
or die. In this way he showed himself manly, and he commanded the
respect of enemies as well as friends.

Rattleton was ashamed of the language he had used after the departure of
Bloodgood, and he did not attempt to excuse himself further. He lay back
in his berth, looking sicker than ever.

"I'd give ten dollars for the privilege of helping Mr. Bloodgood out
with my foot!" hissed Jack Diamond. "Never saw anybody so fresh!"

"Oh, I've seen lots of people just like him," grunted Browning, getting
out a pipe and lighting it.