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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Frank Merriwell's Cruise, by Burt L. Standish
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Frank Merriwell's Cruise
+
+Author: Burt L. Standish
+
+Release Date: August 8, 2007 [EBook #22265]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK MERRIWELL'S CRUISE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+FRANK MERRIWELL'S CRUISE
+
+BY BURT L. STANDISH
+
+AUTHOR OF "Frank Merriwell's Schooldays," "Frank Merriwell's Chums,"
+"Frank Merriwell's Foes," "Frank Merriwell's Trip West," etc.
+
+
+PHILADELPHIA
+DAVID McKAY, PUBLISHER
+604-8 SOUTH WASHINGTON SQUARE
+
+Copyright, 1898
+By STREET & SMITH
+Frank Merriwell's Cruise
+
+
+
+
+FRANK MERRIWELL'S CRUISE.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE MEETING IN BOSTON.
+
+
+     "MR. JOHN DIAMOND, Lexington, Pa.: If you wish cruise in down East
+     waters, join me Monday next at American Hotel, Boston. Have
+     purchased yacht. Hodge and Browning will be in party. Great sport
+     anticipated.
+
+     "MERRIWELL."
+
+Jack Diamond was reclining in a hammock suspended in the shade of an
+artificial arbor when this message from Frank Merriwell was handed to
+him by a boy. He tore open the envelope and read it, his eyes beginning
+to sparkle and a flush coming to his handsome, aristocratic face.
+
+"Just like him!" exclaimed Jack. "Before leaving Fardale he aroused our
+curiosity about that part of the country, and now he proposes taking us
+down there in his own yacht. Will I go? Will I? I wouldn't miss it for
+the world!"
+
+It had not taken him a minute to decide.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A cab rattled up to the front of the American Hotel, on Hanover Street,
+Boston, and stopped. The door flew open, and out stepped a smartly
+dressed young man, wearing russet shoes, a light-colored box coat and a
+brown Alpine hat. He carried a handsome alligator-skin traveling bag in
+his hand.
+
+Paying cabbie without speaking a word, this youth turned and walked into
+the hotel. As he entered, a colored boy hastened forward and relieved
+him of his traveling bag. He stepped up to the clerk's desk and said:
+
+"I am Jack Diamond, of Virginia, and I wish to see Mr. Frank Merriwell,
+who is stopping here."
+
+"Yes, sir," said the clerk, politely. "Mr. Merriwell left orders that
+you be shown up immediately on your arrival. Twenty-three, show Mr.
+Diamond to Mr. Merriwell's rooms."
+
+"Right this way, sah," said the colored boy.
+
+Jack followed the uniformed bell boy, who paused at the elevator shaft
+and pressed a button. In a moment the elevator came gliding noiselessly
+down, the door slid open, a lady and a gentleman stepped out and Diamond
+stepped in.
+
+"Third," said the bell boy, and then he turned and disappeared, while
+the elevator man closed the door and sent the car gliding upward. He
+stopped at the third floor, and, to Jack's surprise, the bell boy with
+the grip was there, calmly awaiting his arrival.
+
+Jack followed him to the door of a room at the front of the house. As
+the boy lifted his hand to knock at the door, there was a burst of
+laughter within, plainly heard, as the transom was open, and Frank
+Merriwell's voice cried:
+
+"Hans, if you could tell that story on the stage just as you told it
+then you would make your fortune."
+
+"Vot vos der madder mit me?" exclaimed the voice of Hans Dunnerwust,
+Frank's German friend. "Dot nefer vos a funny stories! You don'd seen
+vot I larft ad! Dot peen a bathetic sdory. I oxbected you vould took
+mein handkersheft oudt und cried id indo, but you sed roundt und laugh
+ad dot bathetic sdory like I vos a lot of monkeys. You don't like dot as
+vell as I might!"
+
+Then there was another burst of laughter, and the knock of the bell boy
+was not heard.
+
+"Never mind," said Diamond, taking his traveling bag and giving the boy
+a dime; "I'll go right in."
+
+He opened the door and stepped into the room.
+
+Hodge, Browning, Merriwell and Dunnerwust were there. Bart was tilted
+back in a chair, with his feet on the table, while lazy Bruce was half
+sitting and half reclining on a sofa. Frank sat astride a chair, looking
+over the back of it at Hans, who had stood in the middle of the room as
+he told his "bathetic sdory."
+
+"Hello, fellows!" cried the lad from Virginia, heartily.
+
+There was a shout of welcome. Frank sprang forward quickly and grasped
+Diamond's hand.
+
+"Delighted, old man!" laughed Merry. "I was afraid you wouldn't come
+till I received your telegram stating that you would be on hand. Any
+trouble in persuading the mother?"
+
+"Not much, though she said it did seem that I might remain at home a
+while longer, and she told me to tell you that she is beginning to get
+jealous of you, as I spend so much of my time during vacations with
+you."
+
+"How you vos, Shack?" said Hans, getting hold of Diamond's free hand,
+the latter having dropped his traveling bag. "I vos a sight vor sore
+eyes, ain'd you! You don'd knew how dickled you vos to seen me."
+
+Hodge came forward and shook hands, expressing his pleasure, and, with
+sundry grunts, Browning succeeded in getting upon his feet, saying as he
+rose:
+
+"Suppose I'll have to stand to shake, or you'll challenge me. You
+Southerners are so confoundedly particular about courtesy and all that."
+
+Jack smiled.
+
+"I know you too well to resent it if you lay on your back and offered to
+shake hands with me. In fact, it surprises me to discover you hadn't
+rather fight a duel after you were obliged to get up than to get up when
+not absolutely forced to do so."
+
+"What baggage did you bring?" asked Merry.
+
+"A trunk. It will be brought to the hotel here."
+
+"There is no room for trunks on board the _White Wings_," said Frank.
+"You'll have to store your trunk and such stuff as you do not absolutely
+need till we get back here."
+
+"The _White Wings_? Is that the name of your yacht?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Good name. How did you happen to buy a yacht?"
+
+"Got a bargain of her. I came on to Boston with Miss Burrage, whose aunt
+was waiting here for her. I met Jack Benjamin. You remember him?"
+
+"Harvard man?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Plays football?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I remember him. His sister is a stunningly handsome girl."
+
+"Huah!" grunted Browning. "That explains how you happen to remember
+him."
+
+"Well," Frank went on. "Benjamin turned out to be a fine fellow. Invited
+me over to his house, treated me beautifully. He knows a lot of sporty
+chaps. Among them was Walter Pringle, who owned this yacht. Pringle took
+a party of us out for a cruise down the bay, and we had a grand time.
+Went to Nantasket. Coming back Pringle said he had planned to cruise
+down to the eastward this summer with a party of friends, but something
+had come up that knocked out the arrangement. Then it was that I thought
+of a talk we once had while at Fardale about making a cruise down along
+the Maine coast, and I spoke of it. Said I'd like to own his yacht. Saw
+Pringle looked a little queer. He stared at me a few moments, and then
+asked what I would give for the _White Wings_. I questioned him some
+about her, and then made an offer. He didn't take me up, but the next
+day he came and told me the yacht was mine. I was astonished, for I
+didn't offer much more than one-half what she is really worth. But he
+said he must have the money without delay, as he was going to get out of
+Boston in a hurry. I dispatched Prof. Scotch, and he wired me the
+amount. I bought the boat, and now I hear Pringle has left for Seattle,
+on his way to Alaska. His father is hot over it, for he didn't want his
+son to go. Pringle had the fever, and he sold the yacht in a hurry to
+raise money to go with. I have a bargain. We can make our cruise, and
+then, when it is over, by looking about, I'll be able to get rid of the
+_White Wings_ for more than I paid for her."
+
+"Are you sure the transaction is all right?" asked Diamond.
+
+"All right? How do you mean?"
+
+"Why, strictly on the level. Pringle is not a minor?"
+
+"No," grunted Browning; "but he has gone to be a miner."
+
+"Here! here!" cried Frank, quickly; "that won't do. It's prohibited."
+
+"It may be when we get on board the _White Wings_, but we're ashore now,
+and you are not Capt. Merriwell yet."
+
+"Pringle is twenty-one," said Frank, answering Diamond's question. "He
+is all right."
+
+"And he was sole owner of the yacht? He had the right to sell her?"
+
+"Of course. Benjamin told me Pringle was strictly on the level."
+
+"Well, you're always lucky!" exclaimed the lad from Virginia. "Now you
+will get the fun of this cruise, and, when it is over, you'll be likely
+to sell the yacht for enough so that you will come out ahead on the
+whole deal, expenses included."
+
+"I hope to," acknowledged Frank, laughing. "I considered it a snap, but
+that was not why I wanted the boat. I wanted to make the cruise with my
+friends. Here are five of us, and that is all the _White Wings_ will
+carry with absolute comfort. There is plenty of room for us. We'll make
+a jolly cruise of it, fellows, and I don't believe we'll ever regret
+going. I have the boat stocked with provisions, and some Jew tailors up
+by Scollay Square are at work on uniforms for four of us. We'll go out
+right away, Jack, and you shall be measured for yours. Come on."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+INZA AND PAULA.
+
+
+Frank and Jack left the American House and turned toward Scollay Square.
+
+"These tailors are rushers," said Merry. "They have made a reputation by
+turning out work in short order. That is why we ordered the suits of
+them. You know we sail to-morrow morning."
+
+"What? Not to-morrow?"
+
+"Sure."
+
+"Well, they will not have time to make up a suit for me."
+
+"Oh, yes, they will."
+
+"Impossible."
+
+"Not at all, old man. They will get the work out in a hurry, as I shall
+pay them to do it."
+
+"But I never heard of such a thing."
+
+"Possibly not. You are in Boston now. In Virginia they require more time
+to accomplish anything. Down in this part of the country things move."
+
+Diamond could hardly believe that he could obtain a suit to order in
+such a short time.
+
+They came to Scollay Square, into which trolley cars were pouring from
+various sections, and soon they reached the store of the Jew tailors. It
+was a large store, and at least a dozen customers were looking over
+samples, striking bargains or being measured. However, the boys were not
+forced to wait, for one of the proprietors came forward, greeted Frank
+by name, and said:
+
+"Your order will be ready for you on time, Mr. Merriwell."
+
+"We sail at nine o'clock to-morrow morning," said Frank. "Here is a
+friend of mine who will require a suit like the others."
+
+"That is crowding us somewhat, sir," smiled the tailor. "I hardly think
+we can----"
+
+"I will pay five dollars extra if the suit is delivered at the American
+House at six o'clock in the morning," said Frank, quietly.
+
+"Very well, sir. I think that will cover the extra expense of rushing it
+through. If the gentleman will step back this way, his measure will be
+taken."
+
+So Jack was measured, and, ten minutes after entering the store, the
+boys left it.
+
+"He didn't even ask a deposit of you, Merry," said Jack, in surprise.
+
+"No. Benjamin vouched for me, and that was all that was necessary. No
+deposit was required under such circumstances."
+
+"What if he fails to get the suits round on time?"
+
+"He won't. He wouldn't want them left on his hands."
+
+Frank's confidence reassured Jack, and they strolled over toward Tremont
+Street and finally came out at the Common.
+
+"I'd like to have a little time to look Boston over?" said Jack.
+
+"You can do that when we come back. If you were to stop long enough to
+take in all the interesting sights, we wouldn't get down into Maine this
+summer. I want to spend a little more time in Boston, although I have
+seen Faneuil Hall, the new Public Library Building, the Old South
+Church, Bunker Hill Monument and a hundred other interesting things. The
+business portion of Boston is not particularly attractive, but the
+suburbs and the aristocratic dwelling sections are beautiful."
+
+They walked across the Common to the Public Gardens, then turned round
+and strolled back. From Tremont Row they went down Temple Street to
+Washington, and just as they reached Jordan, Marsh & Co.'s store, two
+girls stepped out upon the sidewalk and came face to face with them.
+
+"Miss Burrage!" exclaimed Diamond, lifting his hat.
+
+"Inza!" cried Frank, also lifting his hat. "Miss Benjamin, too! This is
+an unexpected pleasure. Miss Benjamin, permit me to present a particular
+friend of mine, Mr. Jack Diamond, of Virginia."
+
+Paula Benjamin was a pretty girl. Her eyes met Jack's, and she showed
+her pearly teeth in a most bewitching smile as she bowed, saying:
+
+"I have heard of Mr. Diamond."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Jack. "I was not aware I was quite as famous."
+
+"Yes. My brother mentioned you. Perhaps you know something of him--his
+name is Jack. He plays on the Harvard eleven."
+
+"And he spoke of me? That is surprising. Don't see what he could have
+said about me."
+
+"I don't believe I will tell," laughed the girl, and her manner aroused
+all of the Virginian's curiosity.
+
+"Please tell," he urged, smiling.
+
+"Well," hesitated Paula, still laughing, "before the game on Jarvis
+Field, he said you were fool enough to think Frank Merriwell could beat
+the whole Harvard eleven. After the game he said you weren't half the
+fool he took you for."
+
+This caused them all to laugh, and, as the street was crowded, they
+strolled on together.
+
+"Oh, Frank!" exclaimed Inza; "you can't guess what we are going to do!"
+
+"Then I will give it up without trying. What is it?"
+
+"Paula and I are going to Bar Harbor."
+
+"What?"
+
+"It's true."
+
+"I am astonished!"
+
+"I knew you would be. We've been talking about it, you know--saying we'd
+like to go. Yesterday Paula had a letter from her cousin, who is
+spending the summer down there. Her cousin urged her to come. Paula's
+mother said it was impossible, as two girls like us should not be
+traveling about alone. Then Aunt Abigail said she'd like to spend a week
+or two in Bar Harbor herself, and she volunteered to chaperone us. After
+a while, Paula obtained her mother's consent, and we take the Bangor
+boat for Rockland to-morrow night."
+
+"By Jove, this is interesting! We'll have to run in to Bar Harbor and
+see you on our cruise. I didn't suppose we would see much of each other
+after leaving Fardale."
+
+"I didn't know as you would care about that," said Inza, carelessly.
+
+"Care!" exclaimed Frank. "You should know I would care. How can you say
+anything like that! What made you imagine I wouldn't care?"
+
+"Oh, something!"
+
+"Something! What was it? Tell me, Inza."
+
+"Sometime--perhaps."
+
+"Tell me now," urged Frank, in his masterful way. "During the last of my
+stay in Fardale I noticed a change in your treatment of me, Inza."
+
+"Did you?" she murmured, lifting her eyebrows.
+
+"Yes. You were cold toward me, and you seemed to shun me. If I tried to
+be friendly, as in the old days, you would not give me the opportunity.
+I did not understand it."
+
+"That is singular. The reason was plain enough."
+
+"If so, I must have been thick-witted."
+
+"Elsie Bellwood was there."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I read your secret. You made your choice between us."
+
+Frank was astounded.
+
+"Choice? What can you mean, Inza? I did not make any choice."
+
+"Oh, but you did!"
+
+"If you say so--but I--really----"
+
+"You made your choice that time when the boat upset, and we were
+struggling in the water, Elsie and I. You plunged in to her rescue. I
+was quite as near to you as was Elsie--nearer, if anything."
+
+Frank caught his breath, beginning to realize what she meant. Inza went
+on:
+
+"You swam to Elsie's rescue--you saved her. That was the test. I brought
+it about, for I upset the boat intentionally to settle the point. I
+wanted to know which one of us you cared the most for--and I found out!"
+
+It was like her, Frank realized that. He knew she was telling the truth
+when she said she upset the boat intentionally.
+
+"But you--you could swim some, Inza. I knew it."
+
+"Did you know Elsie could not swim?"
+
+"N--no."
+
+"She is the daughter of a sea captain, and she has been with him on many
+voyages. There was every reason to suppose that she could swim quite as
+well as I--or better. No, Frank, you made your choice between us that
+day. It's all right," and she forced a laugh that was not very musical.
+"I don't deny that, at one time, I did think more of you than any other
+fellow. There was every reason why I should. You saved me from a mad
+dog, saved me from death beneath a railroad engine, saved me from
+drowning. But I am not a fool, if I am a girl! I have not been taking
+stock in all the passionate love stories I have read. I got out of the
+way. I remained Elsie's friend, for she is the sweetest girl I know. I
+don't blame you for thinking more of her than you do of me."
+
+"Inza!"
+
+Frank uttered the word in protest; it was all he could say.
+
+"You can't deny it, so don't try," came almost harshly from the girl.
+"It's all right. We're still friends. We'll always be friends--nothing
+more. Sometime I'll be bridesmaid at the wedding, and----"
+
+But Frank had heard enough, and he stopped her.
+
+"I am not likely to marry anyone very soon," he said. "Elsie knows that.
+Let's talk about something else. How did it happen we met you?"
+
+Inza seemed willing enough to permit the conversation to be turned into
+another channel.
+
+"We were out shopping, you know--making our last purchases before
+starting for Bar Harbor. You must take us out on your yacht after we all
+get down there."
+
+"I'll do it. Your aunt----"
+
+"Oh, she will not object. You know she thinks you the finest fellow in
+all the world. She will come along."
+
+At last the boys were forced to part from the girls, but Jack had made
+such progress with Paula that she offered him her hand at parting,
+saying laughingly:
+
+"Next fall you will not pick the winner if you pick Yale, even if Mr.
+Merriwell is on that eleven. If you want to keep your record for wisdom,
+be careful."
+
+"Jove!" exclaimed Jack, after they had seen the girls on board a car.
+"She's a way-upper, Merry!"
+
+"She's a good sample of the Boston girl."
+
+"Eh? Where's her glasses?"
+
+"You have been reading the comic papers."
+
+"She didn't mention Emerson or Browning."
+
+"And that surprised you?"
+
+"Why, I didn't suppose the genuine Boston girl could talk ten minutes
+without doing so."
+
+"Boston girls are very much like other nice girls, old man. They are
+well educated, refined and all that, but they are not always quoting
+Emerson and Browning, they do not all wear glasses, they are not all
+cold and freezing and they are handsome."
+
+They came to Cornhill. A car was coming down from Scollay Square, and
+they paused close to it to let it swing out upon Washington Street.
+
+Just as the front of the car approached, Frank Merriwell received a push
+from behind that sent him flat upon the track directly in front of the
+car wheels!
+
+That particular car did not have a fender, and it seemed that Frank must
+be mangled beneath the wheels. The motorman saw the lad go down and put
+on the brake hard, but he could not stop the car in time.
+
+Frank realized that he had been pushed upon the track by some one whose
+deliberate purpose it was to maim or murder him, but he could not save
+himself. He struck the paving, and the iron wheels seemed right upon
+him.
+
+But Jack Diamond moved with marvelous quickness. He made a grasp at
+Frank as the latter fell, almost caught him, then stooped, grasped his
+coat and yanked Merry from the track.
+
+The car brushed Frank as it passed, but he was not injured.
+
+"Thank you, old man," said Merriwell, as he quickly rose to his feet.
+"You saved me that time. But who pushed me?"
+
+They looked about. A small crowd had witnessed Frank's peril and
+gathered. In the crowd was a person slipping away. With a bound Frank
+was after him, caught him by the shoulder, swung him to get a look at
+his face.
+
+"Get out!"
+
+The fellow snarled the words and struck at Frank's face with his
+clinched hand.
+
+Frank dodged.
+
+"Wat Snell!" he cried, astounded.
+
+"Yes, Wat Snell!" grated the other, who was a boy well known to him--a
+boy who had been his enemy years before at Fardale Academy, when they
+both went to school.
+
+"You pushed me!" accused Frank.
+
+"You lie! I did not touch you! You fell."
+
+"I felt you push me, you miserable dog!"
+
+"Don't dare talk like that to me!" hissed Snell. "I'll have you----"
+
+"What! You don't dare do anything that is cowardly and treacherous! You
+did push me!"
+
+"That's right!" exclaimed a boy. "I seen him do it!"
+
+There was a murmur from the crowd that began to gather about. Black
+looks were directed toward Snell.
+
+"He ought to be lynched!" blustered a little old man.
+
+Then there were threats, and Snell grew pale, looking around for some
+means of escape. He saw accusing and angry faces on all sides, and he
+quailed and trembled.
+
+"It was an accident," he whined, humbly. "I ran against you by accident.
+I'll swear I didn't recognize you, and I didn't mean you any harm."
+
+"Call an officer!" cried the little old man. "It was an attempt at
+murder! Have him taken care of!"
+
+With a gasp, Snell plunged through the crowd and took to his heels. Some
+tried to stop him, but he ran like a deer up Cornhill. There was a short
+pursuit, but the fellow doubled and dodged, escaping his pursuers.
+
+"Let him go," said Frank. "I wouldn't make a charge against him, for it
+would detain me, and we must get away in the morning, wind and weather
+permitting."
+
+"He ought to be punished," said Diamond. "He tried to kill you."
+
+"It isn't the first time he has tried to do something to me. We are old,
+old foes."
+
+"Why, I supposed him in Fardale."
+
+"So did I."
+
+"It's singular he's here in Boston."
+
+"Rather."
+
+"What is the meaning of it?"
+
+"I can't tell. Don't ask me. He bobs up anywhere. Anyhow, we're not
+liable to see him again for some time after we leave here to-morrow."
+
+They returned to the hotel and told the others of their adventures. All
+the boys were astonished to learn that Wat Snell was in the city.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+A HOODOOED YACHT.
+
+
+Promptly at six o'clock the following morning the uniforms were
+delivered at the American House. Without delay the boys put them on, and
+they proved satisfactory in every way, so Frank paid the bill and the
+messenger who brought them departed satisfied.
+
+The boys ate an early breakfast, and all had good appetites. The
+American House dining room is rather somber, but they joked and laughed
+in the best of spirits.
+
+After breakfast final arrangements for the care of their baggage were
+made, then a cab was ordered, and they all piled in and were rattled
+away toward Atlantic Avenue.
+
+Jack had not seen Frank's yacht, and he was curious, concerning her
+appearance.
+
+Not far from the pier of the Bangor boat lay the _White Wings_, guarded
+by a watchman, who saluted Merriwell as the boys went aboard.
+
+The _White Wings_ was a sloop yacht with club and jib topsails. She was
+not large, and it did not strike Diamond that she would prove to be
+fast, but she looked comfortable, and comfort was what they sought. They
+were not thinking of racing.
+
+Frank paid the watchman for his services, and gave him something extra,
+whereupon the man departed greatly satisfied.
+
+"Come, fellows," called Merry; "we'll go below and see how she looks
+down there."
+
+They descended into the cabin, which was locked, Merry having the key.
+Jack was astonished when they entered the cabin, for it was far more
+roomy than he had supposed possible. A glimpse at the curtained berths
+showed there was plenty of sleeping room for all of them. There was a
+folding table, an oil stove, comfortable seats on the lockers, and
+everything looked inviting. Four handsome repeating shotguns and a
+magazine rifle hung above the lockers.
+
+"How does she look down here, fellows?" asked Frank.
+
+"She looks all right," grunted Browning, as he lazily rolled into one of
+the bunks. "Excuse me. I want to see what kind of a place I'll be stowed
+in when I am seasick."
+
+"What do you think you'll do with those guns, Frank?" asked Jack.
+
+"Can't tell," smiled Frank. "Remember, we are going down into Maine."
+
+"Yes, but you told us Maine was a civilized State. From your talk when
+we discussed the matter I didn't suppose guns would be needed down
+there."
+
+"Is Virginia civilized?"
+
+"Well, rather."
+
+"Ever find anything to shoot up in the mountain region?"
+
+"Oh, yes; but----"
+
+"That's all. New York is civilized, but there are bears and deer in the
+Adirondacks."
+
+"Well, I didn't know we were going anywhere near a portion of Maine
+where there was game."
+
+"Can't tell where we may go."
+
+"Besides, if they have game laws down there, it must be close time for
+hunting."
+
+"It is, but, all the same, it will be a good scheme to have these guns
+along. We're going to rough it a great deal, and we may need them. I
+have brought all sorts of rigs for fishing, and I have two tents on
+board. My idea, gentlemen, is to make this a regular outing trip, and,
+when we are not on board the _White Wings_, we do not want to spend our
+time in hotels."
+
+"Not much," nodded Hodge.
+
+"Say, Merriwell," cried Diamond, in admiration, "you are a dandy. You
+have planned all our outings for the past two years, and we have had
+sport galore; but what makes me sore is the fact that you pay all the
+bills."
+
+A truck team came rumbling down onto the wharf, and Hodge looked around.
+
+"Baggage," he called.
+
+A truckman had arrived with their luggage from the hotel. The boys,
+excepting Browning, went on deck and brought the stuff aboard.
+
+As Frank was settling with the truckman, the latter said:
+
+"I wish you good luck, young man, but I doubt if you'll have it taking a
+cruise in that craft."
+
+"Why is that?" asked Merry. "What is the matter with that craft?"
+
+"Well, sir, they do say as how she is hoodooed."
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"Yes, sir. Everybody as has owned her in the last two years has had hard
+luck."
+
+"This is interesting."
+
+"I hauled her first load of provisions, and I have known her a long
+time. On her trial cruise she capsized before she got out of the
+harbor."
+
+"Is that all?"
+
+"Hardly. Her first owner committed suicide on board of her--cut his
+throat down below. They say she has been haunted by his spook ever
+since."
+
+Merry laughed.
+
+"This is decidedly interesting. I'd have given more for her if I had
+known she owned a spook. I am very fond of spooks. They are
+interesting."
+
+"Boo!" shivered the truckman. "Don't want none in mine."
+
+"Have you told me all the unlucky things that have happened to the
+_White Wings_?"
+
+"No. Next fellow that owned her ran down a rowboat and drowned a boy.
+Then he put her on top of a ledge, but got her off without doing her
+much damage. He sold her for a song."
+
+"What happened next?"
+
+"Next fellow as owned her went crazy and is in an asylum. They say he
+saw the spook go through the suicide act in the cabin, and that was what
+crazed him."
+
+"The interest increases. The horrors are piling up. Anything more?"
+
+"Benjamin owned her next."
+
+"Anything happen to him?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What?"
+
+"He got the Klondike fever."
+
+"That all?"
+
+"Ain't that enough? He's run away to Alaska, and his father's rich as
+mud. He didn't have no need to go up there into that infernally cold
+region and freeze and starve. His old man's so mad he threatens to cut
+him off."
+
+"Well," laughed Frank, "the _White Wings_ is mine now, and I don't fancy
+all the spooks of the infernal regions could scare me away from her. In
+fact, I'd rather enjoy having a call from a few spooks."
+
+"You'll have some kind of bad luck," declared the truckman, as he
+prepared to go. "I don't like to tell you that, but I think you oughter
+be looking out."
+
+A young man with a small, curly, black mustache came hurrying onto the
+pier. He was well dressed and carried a cane. He came straight up to
+Frank and the truckman.
+
+"Where is the person known as Frank Merriwell?" he asked.
+
+"I am Frank Merriwell," Merry answered. "What can I do for you?"
+
+"You are the chap I want to see," said the stranger. "I understand you
+bought the _White Wings_ of Jack Benjamin?"
+
+"I did, sir."
+
+"And he sold it to you as clear and free of encumbrance?"
+
+"He did."
+
+"He beat you."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"I hold a bill of sale of that yacht, and I am here to claim it as my
+property!" was the answer.
+
+Frank was surprised.
+
+The truckman slapped his hand against his hip and muttered:
+
+"I told him! The thing is hoodooed! Anybody as has anything to do with
+it is bound to buck against hard luck."
+
+"This is rather surprising information," said Frank Merriwell, speaking
+with the utmost calmness, while he studied the face of the stranger with
+piercing eyes. "I hardly understand it. I believe Jack Benjamin has the
+reputation in Boston of being on the level, and so I hardly understand a
+piece of business like this."
+
+"Perhaps Benjamin was stuck, found it out, and got out of the hole the
+best way he could."
+
+"How do you mean?"
+
+"Perhaps at the time he bought the boat, he didn't know I held the bill
+of sale of her."
+
+Frank started.
+
+"Ha!" he exclaimed. "Then Benjamin did not give you the bill of sale?"
+
+"No. Chap that owned her before that did. His name is Fearson."
+
+"Fearson? Is he the one who went crazy?"
+
+"The very same," put in the truckman.
+
+"When did he give you this bill of sale?"
+
+"Don't remember the exact date."
+
+"The bill will show."
+
+"Sure. Why do you want to know?"
+
+"I want to find out if he gave it to you before a certain time. That's
+all."
+
+The strange claimant of the yacht was suspicious.
+
+"I don't see the point," he said. "I hold the bill, and I claim the
+yacht. Just found out what Benjamin had done, and I came down in a
+hurry, after getting track of the boat, to warn you not to try to move
+her. I won't have it."
+
+It began to look like a scrape, but Frank was not flustered in the
+least. He kept his head, saying:
+
+"Have you the bill of sale with you, sir?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Will you be kind enough to permit me to look at it?"
+
+The stranger started to do so, but seemed to change his mind of a
+sudden, and said:
+
+"No, I won't bother. I tell you not to move her. If you do, I'll make
+you pay a big sum for damages, so look out."
+
+Frank smiled sweetly.
+
+"That is a very silly threat," he murmured. "If you do not show me the
+document I shall not believe it exists."
+
+"That doesn't make any difference to----"
+
+"It makes this difference: It is now twenty minutes to nine. At nine I
+shall cast off from the pier. Wind and tide being right, it will not
+take me long to get out of the harbor."
+
+"You wouldn't dare!"
+
+"What is there to dare? I fail to see anything."
+
+"Why, confound you! I'd make you smart for it!"
+
+"You couldn't. You have made a lot of bluffing talk about holding a bill
+of sale, but I do not take any stock in that till you produce the
+document. I have purchased this yacht, and, as long as I believe myself
+her rightful owner, I shall do with her as I see fit. At nine o'clock
+she sails."
+
+The fellow hesitated, and then snapped out:
+
+"Oh, I can prove to you that I am not lying. I will prove it. Here is
+the bill--see for yourself."
+
+He took a number of papers from his pocket, and selected one among them,
+which he opened and held before Frank. Merriwell looked the document
+over carefully. It was a bill of sale of the yacht _White Wings_ from
+Fergus Fearson to Parker Flynn.
+
+"Is your name Parker Flynn?" asked Frank.
+
+"It is."
+
+"And you bought the yacht of Fearson?"
+
+"You bet!" nodded the claimant, triumphantly. "I rather think this
+document settles it."
+
+"It does," nodded Frank, quietly. Then he turned to the truckman, and
+asked:
+
+"When was Mr. Fearson committed to the asylum?"
+
+"The latter part of May."
+
+"And this bill is dated May 21st. The fellow must have been deranged
+then."
+
+"Oh, you can't make that go!" cried Flynn, quickly. "It's no use for
+you to try to crawl out of a little hole like that."
+
+"Why have you not claimed the yacht before? Holding this bill, why
+didn't you claim it while it was in Benjamin's possession? Answer that
+question!"
+
+"I was away--out of the city," faltered Flynn.
+
+"All the time?"
+
+"Most of the time."
+
+"Very well. Here is your bill. I advise you to destroy it without delay,
+or it may get you into serious trouble."
+
+"What?" cried the man, angrily. "Destroy it? I'll have that yacht. This
+bill gives me the right to it."
+
+"That bill gives you the right to nothing!" came clearly and distinctly
+from Merriwell's lips. "Either you have been badly fooled or you are a
+rascal trying to obtain property that you have not the slightest claim
+upon. It looks as if the latter were the real condition of affairs.
+Fergus Fearson is confined in a madhouse, and so he cannot deny that he
+ever gave you a bill of sale of this yacht."
+
+"Deny it? Here is his signature!"
+
+"And that may be forgery! I tell you to be careful!"
+
+"It is not forgery! It is genuine! Your bluff will not go, sir! The
+yacht is mine, and I will have her."
+
+"Even if the signature is genuine, the bill is not worth the paper it's
+written on!" declared Merriwell, with the utmost coolness.
+
+"More bluffing! You are crazy! Why isn't it good?"
+
+"Because it is dated May 21st."
+
+"What of that?"
+
+"The date is exactly four days after John Benjamin purchased and paid
+for this yacht, as I can prove by documents in existence. If Fergus
+Fearson sold you the _White Wings_ on May 21st, he sold you property
+that did not belong to him. That's all, Mr. Flynn."
+
+The claimant of the yacht turned pale and stared at the bill and then at
+Frank, who was standing there so coolly before him.
+
+On the deck of the yacht were three boys who had heard the most of the
+conversation. Now Hodge exultantly exclaimed:
+
+"That was a body blow! Merry has floored him!"
+
+"That's right," nodded Diamond. "Frank has the best of it, but it did
+seem that we were in a scrape."
+
+Flynn gasped for breath.
+
+"I don't believe it!" he cried. "The boat is mine, so don't dare cast
+off from this pier."
+
+"The _White Wings_ sails at nine o'clock," said Frank, turning away.
+
+Flynn's face, that had been so pale, flushed and turned purple with
+anger. All at once, he lifted his walking stick to bring it down on
+Merry's head.
+
+A cry from the boys on the yacht warned Merriwell, who ducked and
+dodged--just in time.
+
+Whizz!--the cane cut through the air, but Merry was not touched.
+
+Quick as thought, Frank turned and grappled with Parker Flynn. He
+wrenched away the cane, and, with a quick motion, broke it across his
+knee. Then, as he coolly tossed it into the water, he said:
+
+"If you try any more funny business, sir, you'll follow your cane."
+
+"Oh, I'll fix you!" Flynn almost screamed. "I'll get a warrant for you!
+I'll be back in a hurry! Don't dare leave before I return!"
+
+He dashed away on the run.
+
+"I told you you would have bad luck," said the truckman. "It's begun."
+
+"Oh, I don't know!" laughed Frank. "If Flynn paid money for the yacht,
+he is the one in hard luck."
+
+At nine o'clock the _White Wings_ cast off from the pier. Her sails were
+hoisted, and, aided by the out-running tide, she soon got away enough to
+catch a breeze.
+
+And Parker Flynn had not returned.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+IN THE FOG.
+
+
+"It's no use, fellows, we can't go any further in this fog to-night,"
+said Frank Merriwell on the fourth day after leaving Boston.
+
+"We must go farther!" exclaimed Diamond. "There is no anchorage here."
+
+"How do you know? We haven't tried for it."
+
+"But we are not in a harbor."
+
+"No. We are somewhere near the Whitehead Islands, near the mouth of
+Penobscot Bay."
+
+"Well, let's keep on as long as there is a breath of wind. I don't fancy
+anchoring here. We might be run down in the night."
+
+"And, if we keep on, the chances are two to one that we'll run onto a
+reef or pile up on an island. I had much rather take the chances of
+anchoring here and being run down. The wind is dying out, and this fog
+is shutting down thicker and thicker."
+
+"Well," said Jack, in a dissatisfied way, "this is your boat and you are
+in command. You can do as you like."
+
+"I'll do as the majority believes best."
+
+"Then anchor," grunted Browning. "I don't fancy this prowling about in
+the fog."
+
+Hodge was in favor of anchoring, and Hans agreed with them, so Jack was
+the only one who felt like going on. He gave up in disgust.
+
+While they were talking the last faint breeze had fallen swiftly, and,
+by the time it was definitely decided, the _White Wings_ lay becalmed,
+rolling helplessly on the swells that came in from the open sea.
+
+"Shimminy Gristmas!" groaned Hans. "I don't like dot roll up und drop
+avay motions. Id makes me feel sick to your stomach."
+
+"You will get enough of that as long as we remain anchored out here,"
+said Diamond, unpleasantly.
+
+Frank gave the orders, and down came the sails. A sounding showed they
+could anchor without trouble, and then the anchor was cast. The sails
+were not reefed, for it was not known when they might be required.
+Arrangements were made for raising them on short notice.
+
+Night came down swiftly. Lights were set, but the boys felt that a light
+was poor protection for them in that darkness and fog.
+
+"If we are in the course of the steamers we'll be run down," grumbled
+Jack.
+
+"There'll have to be a regular watch to-night," declared Frank; "and the
+fog horn must be used."
+
+Browning had managed to crawl on deck, and he looked disconsolate and
+disgusted.
+
+"This is what they call a life on the ocean wave," he grunted. "Oh, it
+is more fun than a minstrel show!"
+
+"We'll have to put up with some discomforts," said Merriwell.
+
+"We made a mistake in coming further east than Portland," put in Jack.
+"That was a good place to stop."
+
+"Wait till the sun comes out to-morrow and we run into Rockland Harbor,"
+laughed the owner of the _White Wings_. "You will change your tune."
+
+"Well, I hope so."
+
+Hans was given the first watch, and he remained on deck while the others
+went below and had supper. At intervals he blew a blast on the horn,
+which sounded like some lost animal bellowing in the fog.
+
+Frank laughed and joked, and he succeeded in putting the others in
+better spirits after a time. It was comfortable in the cabin, despite
+the fog outside.
+
+Hodge made coffee, and the smell of it as it bubbled over the blaze of
+the oil stove gave all of them a ravenous feeling of hunger. The little
+folding table was let down and spread, and the sight of the food and
+smell of the coffee took their minds off the unpleasantness of their
+situation.
+
+"It was a foolhardy thing running down here without somebody who knew
+the coast," said Jack.
+
+"My dear fellow," smiled Frank, "we have our chart and compass, and I
+know a little something about navigation. Quit your worrying. I'll land
+you in Rockland to-morrow all right."
+
+"You were going to land us there to-day."
+
+"And so I would had the wind held right and this fog kept off."
+
+"I believe there is a fog factory down this way somewhere," said
+Browning.
+
+Hodge announced that supper was ready, and they gathered about the
+table. The _White Wings_ was riding on a steady, regular swell, so they
+were not shaken up down there, and they found they could eat without
+discomfort. Browning was hungry as a bear, and he "pitched into the
+spread."
+
+"Well, I don't know as this is too bad after all," he confessed, taking
+a third slice of tongue. "We've been in worse places."
+
+"That's right," nodded Hodge. "Pass the sugar. I want a little of this
+coffee myself. I made it."
+
+"The coffee is good," acknowledged Jack. "It warms a fellow up. A little
+grog wouldn't go bad in a case like this."
+
+"There is no grog on this boat and will not be as long as I own her,"
+declared Merriwell. "It's a foolish thing for a lot of fellows on a
+cruise like this to think that they must have grog."
+
+"Oh, I didn't suppose you had any on board, Merriwell," said Diamond. "I
+know your temperance principles too well to look for anything like
+that."
+
+By the time they finished eating all were in much better spirits. No one
+but Hans had been troubled with seasickness thus far on the cruise, and
+the Dutch boy had not been very sick.
+
+Hans was called down to eat, and Bart took his place while he was below.
+
+"Uf I can haf some of dot coffee id vill done you goot," said the Dutch
+lad. "I don'd pelief I vant to ead much. Mein stomach felt like id don'd
+been aple to held much uf a loadt. Yaw!"
+
+So Hans drank some coffee and ate a little hard bread, after which he
+returned to his duties on deck, having donned a suit of oil clothes.
+
+Frank got out his guitar and put it in tune.
+
+"That's right, Merry," grunted Browning, rolling into his bunk. "Give us
+a song to cheer us up."
+
+"What shall I sing?"
+
+"Some of the old college songs."
+
+"They'll make me homesick," said Diamond.
+
+"It's a pleasant thing to feel homesick for Old Yale," murmured Frank.
+"Dear Old Yale!"
+
+"Give us 'Stars of the Summer Night,'" urged Hodge.
+
+So Frank sang the song that has sounded beneath the elms at Yale so many
+times. It was a beautiful song, and it awakened in the memories of the
+listening lads thoughts of the gay times at college, the moonlight
+nights, the roistering lads, the lighted windows of the Quad and the
+groups gathered at the Fence.
+
+Jack brushed his eyes.
+
+"Don't sing anything more like that," he urged. "Make it something
+lively--'Solomon Levi,' or any old thing."
+
+So "Solomon Levi" followed, and they all joined in on the chorus. Other
+lively songs were sung, and, by the time Frank put aside the guitar all
+were in fairly good spirits.
+
+Merriwell arranged the program of standing watch. Hans was relieved
+before they turned in.
+
+All through the night they took turns at standing watch and blowing away
+at intervals on the fog horn. And the night passed quickly enough
+without event.
+
+When morning came, however, the fog still hung on the surface of the
+water. They ate a light breakfast, and Frank fell to walking the deck
+impatiently.
+
+"If there was a breeze, this fog would be liable to lift," he said. "It
+is disgusting."
+
+After a little a light breeze rose, but it did not clear away the fog
+entirely. However, the coming of the sun had some effect on it, and it
+was not long before Merry decided to get up anchor and run up the sails.
+
+The anchor was hoisted and the sails set. Frank took the wheel.
+
+During the night the old swell had run out. Frank had studied his chart
+till he believed he knew about where they lay, and he set his course by
+the compass.
+
+Not ten minutes after getting under way they found they were headed
+straight for an island. In their vicinity the fog was not heavy, but out
+beyond the island lay a bank of it.
+
+Immediately on sighting the island, Frank changed the course of the
+yacht, bringing her almost about. Then he ran out past the island,
+headed for the fog bank.
+
+All at once there was a strange sound, a roaring swish of water. Not one
+of them was certain which direction the sound came from.
+
+"Vot dot vos?" exclaimed Hans, in alarm.
+
+"Keep still!" ordered Frank.
+
+The sounds grew louder.
+
+Then, all at once, Hans flung up his hands and shouted:
+
+"Reef your rudder, Vrankie! You vos running a sdeampoat ofer us!"
+
+Out of the fog bank, just ahead, came a large side-wheel steamer, headed
+straight toward them!
+
+Frank sighted the steamer at the same moment Hans saw it, and he
+realized their peril. It was the Boston boat, _City of Bangor_, on its
+course up the bay.
+
+In the twinkling of an eye, Merriwell threw the wheel over and over, the
+_White Wings_ swung to port, but headed straight across the course of
+the great steamer.
+
+Hoo-oo-oot! hoo-oo-oot! hoo-oo-oot! sounded the hoarse warning whistle
+from the steamer.
+
+"If you had been whistling through that fog bank all would have been
+right," muttered Merriwell, through his set teeth. "Now, if you run me
+down, you'll pay for this yacht!"
+
+There was a jangling sound of a bell on board the steamer, and the pilot
+in the pilot house was seen to send his wheel spinning over with frantic
+haste at the same moment that the headway of the steamer grew less.
+
+"Will she clear us?" cried Hodge.
+
+"She is bound to cut us in two!" shouted Diamond. "There isn't breeze
+enough for us to get out of her way!"
+
+"Vere vos der life breserfers?" squawked Hans. "I vant to got me onto a
+life-breserfer a hurry in!"
+
+The Dutch lad made a headlong leap for the companion way. At the head of
+the steps he stubbed his toe and down he went head first.
+
+It happened that Bruce Browning had heard the commotion on deck, and,
+strange to relate, it had aroused him so that he was coming up.
+
+Bruce had just started to go above when Hans came flying through the air
+like a huge toad, struck him full and fair, and both went down in a heap
+on the cabin floor.
+
+"Dot seddles id!" yelled the frightened Dutch lad. "Der yocht vos
+sunkin' und I vos a goner!"
+
+"You blundering Dutch chump!" gasped Bruce, when he could catch his
+breath. "What is the matter?"
+
+"Didn't you toldt me der yocht vos sunkin'?" shrieked Hans. "Id haf run
+ofer a pig sdeampoat! Uf you kept myseluf drownting from I vill haf to
+got oudt und valk ashore!"
+
+Browning managed to get himself together and rise to his feet. Then he
+hurried up the companion way and reached the deck just in time to see
+the huge white hull of a steamboat looming above the yacht.
+
+But Merriwell's prompt action and steady nerve had saved the _White
+Wings_, for the steamer, with motionless paddlewheels, was slipping
+past, the yacht having cut square across her course.
+
+It was a close shave, and a few white faces looked over the forward
+starboard rail of the huge steamer.
+
+"If you chaps knew your business you would be at anchor instead of
+cruising round in this fog," called a hoarse voice from the steamer.
+
+"If you knew your business you would blow your fog whistle while running
+through a fog bank," returned Frank Merriwell, promptly.
+
+"That's the stuff, Merry!" grated Hodge, whose face was still pale. "How
+do you suppose they happened to do such a thing?"
+
+"Probably that bank of fog is narrow, and they only ran into it a few
+minutes ago. Perhaps they did not strike heavy fog till just before they
+broke through and came into view."
+
+"Well, it was a piece of reprehensible carelessness, and it's lucky the
+_White Wings_ was not cut in two."
+
+As the huge steamer slipped past, the boys saw not many persons were
+astir on her. She had made an all-night run from Boston, and the
+passengers were still sleeping in their staterooms, with a few
+exceptions.
+
+Near the stern of the steamer were two persons in mackintoshes. They
+seemed to regard the yacht with interest, not to say excitement, and
+their movements attracted the attention of the boys.
+
+One of the passengers clutched the other by the arm and pointed out the
+_White Wings_, then both leaned over the rail.
+
+Jack Diamond leaped to Merriwell's side, grasped Merry by the shoulder,
+and cried in his ear:
+
+"Look, Merriwell--look!"
+
+"Where?"
+
+"On the steamer there! The two fellows astern!"
+
+"I see them."
+
+"Know them?"
+
+"By Jove! I believe I do!"
+
+"One of them is----"
+
+"Wat Snell!"
+
+"Sure! And the other is----"
+
+"The chap who claimed this yacht--Parker Flynn!"
+
+"Exactly."
+
+"Great Scott! What are they doing on that boat?"
+
+"Following us!"
+
+"Perhaps they are."
+
+"Perhaps! There is no perhaps about it! Of course they are!"
+
+"But Snell and Flynn together--how does that happen?"
+
+"I can't tell that, but they are together, and they are following
+us--that's sure. You are not done with Flynn, it seems."
+
+"He will get into trouble if he bothers me any more. I shall not stand
+any nonsense from him. As for Wat Snell, all I want is a good chance to
+square up with him. I will make him sorry he ever heard of me!"
+
+"That's the talk, Frank!" exclaimed Diamond, approvingly. "Snell will be
+easier to dispose of than the other chap, for it is probable that Flynn
+believes he can take this boat away from you because he has a right to
+it, or he would not be following us."
+
+"He has no right to it, and he will not be able to take it."
+
+"See, Frank! What is the fellow going to---- Look out!"
+
+On the steamer Flynn had been seen to hastily unbutton his mackintosh,
+jerk something bright out of his hip pocket and point it toward the
+yacht.
+
+It was a revolver.
+
+Jack Diamond realized the desperate fellow's purpose, and he caught hold
+of Frank Merriwell and gave him a push that threw him to the deck beside
+the wheel.
+
+There was a flash of fire from the revolver, a puff of smoke, and then a
+bullet whistled over the yacht, striking the water beyond.
+
+"Well, of all the foolhardy, cowardly tricks, I believe that takes the
+premium!" said Frank, as he arose and grasped the wheel again. "That man
+is drunk or crazy!"
+
+The moment Flynn fired, Snell took to his heels and scudded out of
+sight, disappearing on the other side of the steamer. Flynn hastily put
+up his revolver, shook his fist toward the yacht, and then followed
+Snell, both of them getting out of the way before anyone, attracted by
+the sound of the shot, came aft to investigate.
+
+The big paddlewheels of the steamer were in motion again, and she was
+forging on her course, as if nothing had happened.
+
+Frank brought the _White Wings_ round and set his course to follow as
+closely as the wind would allow. In a short time the steamer was almost
+out of sight in the thin mist that hung over the water where there was
+no fog.
+
+Then, at last, Hans Dunnerwust came puffing and stumbling on deck,
+fairly loaded down with life-preservers. He fell at the head of the
+companion way, and the life-preservers flew all over the deck.
+
+"Put me onto them kvick!" he squealed. "Uf I don'd haf a life breserfer
+on ven der yocht sinks you vos a goner!"
+
+The boys laughed at his ludicrous appearance, and he sat up on the deck,
+staring around blankly.
+
+"Vere dot sdeampoat vos?" he asked, in astonishment.
+
+"Why, the steamer is a mile away by this time," said Hodge.
+
+"If she had run into us, we'd been at the bottom long before this,"
+laughed Frank. "You are too slow, Hans."
+
+"Vale, I done your duty, anyhow," sturdily declared the Dutch boy. "You
+don'd got me to makin' no mistake in dot."
+
+Then he was set to gathering up the life preservers and carrying them
+below again.
+
+The encounter with the steamer and the desperate action of Parker Flynn
+furnished food for conversation on board the yacht. The boys talked it
+over and over, and it was the general opinion that the presence of Flynn
+and Snell in company on the steamer was not an accident.
+
+"We'll see more of those fellows before long," prophesied Diamond. "And
+it strikes me that Flynn is more dangerous than Snell, for he is a
+desperate fellow. If he had shot anybody on this boat there was no way
+of making it seem an accident. When Snell pushed you in front of the
+car he could have sworn it was an accident if the car had killed you.
+Look out for Parker Flynn."
+
+"I will," said Merriwell.
+
+It was nearly nine o'clock before they rounded Owl's Head and pointed
+into Rockland harbor. The mist still hung on the water, and the outlines
+of the city were hidden. Frank, however, felt confident that he was all
+right.
+
+"We'll take dinner ashore if you say so, fellows," he said.
+
+"Oh, I don't know," said Jack. "I don't believe these natives down in
+this country know how to cook anything fit to eat."
+
+Frank smiled.
+
+"I fancy you have a few notions that will be knocked out of your head
+after you have been down this way a short time. You still seem to fancy
+you are going into a howling wilderness where there are only savages and
+half-civilized white people."
+
+"Perhaps we are," said Jack, by way of being odd. "You don't know
+yourself, for this is your first visit down here."
+
+Out through the mist came a tiny steam launch. All at once it was headed
+straight toward the _White Wings_.
+
+"She acts as if she is coming for us," said Hodge, scowling.
+
+As the launch came nearer five persons were seen in her. The interest of
+the boys increased rapidly, for everything seemed to indicate that she
+was making straight for the yacht.
+
+All at once Diamond uttered a cry, turned to Frank and said:
+
+"I knew it! I told you we'd see more of him! See the fellow in the bow
+of that launch? It's Parker Flynn!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A BOARDING PARTY.
+
+
+"Sure as shooting!" nodded Frank. "He is in a hurry to see me--that's
+plain."
+
+"Yes, he couldn't wait till we got into the harbor."
+
+"It's probable he thought we might not come into Rockland after seeing
+him on the steamer, and so, as soon as he could get ashore, he hired the
+launch to run out and head us off."
+
+"Snell is with him," said Hodge. "Oh, I'd like to get a crack at that
+fellow!"
+
+"You may have a chance," smiled Merriwell, coolly.
+
+"How?"
+
+"I don't propose to let those chaps come aboard my yacht unless they
+show that they have a right to do so."
+
+"Good for you!" cried Bart, his face growing stern. "I am with you,
+Merry!"
+
+"And I!" exclaimed Diamond.
+
+"Vale, I don'd knew but I vos re'dy vor a liddle schraps," observed
+Hans.
+
+"Then we will stand by to repel boarders if they try the trick," said
+Frank. "Call Browning on deck."
+
+So the big Yale man was called, and he came up in his shirt sleeves. He
+was interested immediately the situation was explained to him, and he
+seemed well pleased when Frank expressed his intention of preventing the
+strangers from boarding without authority.
+
+"This promises to be a real warm morning," he said, with a lazy smile.
+"I'm rather glad I'm here."
+
+By this time the launch was close at hand.
+
+"Ahoy the yacht!" called a voice.
+
+"Ay! ay!" called back Merriwell, in true nautical style. "On board the
+launch, what's wanted?"
+
+"Lay to. We have business with you."
+
+"Keep off. We haven't time to bother with you."
+
+"Don't act foolish!" was the angry exclamation. "If you do, you will be
+sorry!"
+
+"If you bother us without a legal right you will be sorry," flung back
+Frank. "We are not to be trifled with this morning."
+
+The launch made a circle and swung round so that she was heading in the
+same direction as the yacht.
+
+"If you don't lay to," said the spokesman on board the launch, "we'll
+run alongside and board you."
+
+"Try it. You will find the warmest job you ever struck!"
+
+"Why, you will not resist officers of the law?"
+
+"Not if we know the officers have authority."
+
+"Well, we have the authority, so head up into the wind."
+
+"You say you have authority, but I do not even know you are an officer.
+In fact, judging by the company you are in, I should take you for
+anything else."
+
+There were muttered words on the launch, savage, suppressed oaths and a
+stir that was significant.
+
+"They do mean to run alongside and board!" exclaimed Diamond. "Are you
+still in for keeping them off, Merry?"
+
+"You bet!" nodded Frank, grimly. "If I decide otherwise, I will give you
+the word in time."
+
+Bruce Browning began to roll up his sleeves, baring his brawny arms.
+There was a flush on his face and an eager look in his eyes.
+
+"Some of those gentlemen will take a bath this morning," he said.
+
+Both Diamond and Hodge flung aside their coats.
+
+The men on the launch saw these significant movements and could not
+misunderstand them. They were surprised by the attitude of the crew of
+the _White Wings_.
+
+"You fools!" cried the spokesman of the party, who had a full black
+beard. "You will get yourselves jailed if you make any resistance. I am
+Sheriff Ulmer, of Rockland!"
+
+"Where is your badge?" demanded Frank. "Show that."
+
+The man who claimed to be the sheriff hesitated.
+
+"He can't do it!" muttered Hodge, triumphantly.
+
+"I have papers to serve on you," said the black-bearded man.
+
+"You can serve them when I come ashore," returned Frank. "I am going
+into the harbor, and I shall be ashore in thirty minutes after dropping
+anchor."
+
+"But you are on a stolen yacht, and I am here to take possession of it."
+
+"I am not on a stolen yacht, and I do not mean that you shall take
+possession of it unless you have the right to do so. This yacht belongs
+to me. I bought it and paid for it with good money, and I mean to hold
+it. If you really are Sheriff Ulmer, which I am inclined to doubt, you
+have been deceived by that rascal in the bow of the launch. He holds a
+worthless bill of sale of this boat, which, if it is not a forgery, was
+made out by a crazy man who did not own the boat at the time."
+
+"It's a lie!" snarled Flynn. "The bill of sale is all right, and we're
+going to take that yacht!"
+
+"You will have to fight for her, if you do!"
+
+"If you fight, you fool, you will go to jail. There is a first-class
+jail in Rockland, too."
+
+"I'll take my chances of going to jail. Keep off! This is a fair
+warning."
+
+By this time the launch was close to the yacht, and the faces of all the
+persons in the small boat could be seen and studied. Wat Snell was
+pale, and it was plain he did not relish his position. With the fellow
+who claimed to be sheriff was a hang-dog looking chap who looked like a
+fighter. The man who was running the launch acted as if he had no
+intention of taking any part in the fight, if one should occur. It was
+plain he had been hired to set the others on board the _White Wings_,
+and he did not mean to do anything more than that.
+
+"Hans!" called Frank, "take the wheel and hold her steady as she is. You
+will get out of the scrimmage, and I want to have a hand in that."
+
+Hans took the wheel, and Frank prepared to take a hand in the repulse if
+the enemy tried to board.
+
+The man in the launch who had claimed to be sheriff stood up and waved
+his clinched fist above his head.
+
+"In the name of the law, I command you to surrender!" he shouted.
+
+"Show your authority," calmly returned Merriwell.
+
+"Here it is--the bill of sale of that yacht."
+
+"That is no authority. Do you think you can bluff us because we are
+young? You will find you have made a big mistake."
+
+"Board them!" cried Flynn. "Take the yacht! That is the only way to do
+it!"
+
+"You will find that is a mighty hard way to do it!" grated Bart Hodge.
+"Come on, Snell! I want to get at you!"
+
+The launch ran alongside the yacht, and the man with the fellow who
+claimed to be the sheriff caught the rail of the _White Wings_ with a
+boat hook.
+
+"Come on!" roared the black-whiskered chap.
+
+"Stand by to repel boarders!" rang out Frank's clear voice.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE STRUGGLE FOR THE YACHT.
+
+
+The big man with the whiskers was the first to make an attempt to reach
+the deck of the yacht. He gave a leap that landed him on the rail. Then
+Bruce Browning picked him up and tossed him back into the launch.
+
+The man was surprised, but he made another rush to get onto the _White
+Wings_.
+
+In the meantime Parker Flynn had tried to get aboard, but had been
+struck on the jaw by Merriwell's hard fist and knocked back into the
+launch.
+
+Snell started to climb over the rail of the yacht, but tumbled back of
+his own accord when Hodge made a rush for him.
+
+The hang-dog-appearing chap was the spryest man on the launch. With a
+catlike leap, he cleared the rail of the _White Wings_ and reached the
+deck. He found himself face to face with Jack Diamond, and a second
+later they clinched.
+
+"You are not wanted here!" exclaimed Jack.
+
+"But I'm going to stay here!" said the other.
+
+Diamond was strong and smart, but he found his hands full. Had he not
+taken the chap at a slight disadvantage in getting the first hold, the
+stranger would have been his master. As it was, they slipped and
+staggered about the deck, the stranger struggling to break Jack's hold.
+
+In his excitement, Hans failed to hold the yacht steadily on her course,
+as Frank had directed, and suddenly she swung, so the main boom swept
+across the deck. It struck Diamond's antagonist on the back of the head
+and stunned him for a moment. That moment was long enough for Jack to
+lift him and drop him over into the launch.
+
+Hans sent over the wheel and brought the yacht back, so the boom swung
+out of the way, but his negligence had aided Diamond to a large extent.
+
+On falling back into the boat, Snell had scrambled up and stood snarling
+at Hodge, who was urging him to come within reach.
+
+"Oh, I do want to get my hands on you!" said Bart. "I'll give you
+something to remember me by, you sneaking cur!"
+
+"You are a sneak yourself!" cried Snell, "or you would not be hanging
+around with Frank Merriwell after he licked you and got the best of you
+in everything you did!"
+
+"It is a compliment to be called a sneak by you, you coward! Come up
+here! Let me give you a black eye!"
+
+But Snell kept just out of reach, although he made several bluff
+attempts to board the _White Wings_.
+
+Probably the most astonished man was the big fellow with the black
+whiskers. He realized that Browning had handled him easily and
+carelessly, but still it did not seem possible that the rather fleshy,
+smooth-faced chap could have much strength, large as he was.
+
+"Better stay down there," advised Bruce. "Next time I shall throw you
+farther."
+
+"Next time you won't throw me at all!" came from the professed sheriff,
+as he made another spring for the yacht.
+
+It seemed that Bruce caught him on the fly. Now the big fellow was fully
+aroused, and he swung the stranger over his head and gave him a terrific
+heave.
+
+The man whirled through the air, passed clean over the launch, struck
+the water beyond and disappeared from view.
+
+At that very moment Frank Merriwell got another crack at Parker Flynn,
+who had not learned his lesson by his first experience, and again tried
+to board.
+
+Smack!--the blow sounded, and, with a groan, Flynn dropped down into the
+launch.
+
+The man who was running the launch seemed satisfied, for he suddenly let
+go with the boat hook, and the yacht swung away from her foe.
+
+The self-styled sheriff came to the surface and was pulled aboard the
+launch. The ducking seemed to have taken the spirit out of him. He
+glared at the yacht, but all his eagerness to board her seemed gone.
+Parker Flynn sat up and swore, holding onto his aching jaw. He had not
+realized that there was a set of fighters on board the _White Wings_,
+although Wat Snell had warned him to that effect. Now he realized that
+the yacht could not easily be captured in the manner in which he had
+attempted to accomplish the feat.
+
+The meeting of Flynn and Snell came about in this way. Snell, on finding
+Frank and his friends were in Boston, had played the spy on the party.
+He followed them to the pier the morning they went aboard the _White
+Wings_, and he saw the encounter between Frank and Flynn. When Flynn
+left the pier, Snell followed and spoke to him. After that it did not
+take Wat long to work into the good graces of Flynn.
+
+Infuriated by his failure to obtain possession of the yacht, Flynn
+proceeded to get drunk and stay so. On the second day of his spree, he
+determined to pursue Merriwell and take the yacht by force, if it could
+not be obtained in any other manner. Then he hunted up Snell, and it was
+not hard to induce Wat to accompany him.
+
+Flynn knew the "poker gang" in Rockland, and he knew there were a few
+desperate fellows among those who made up the gang. He had "dropped his
+roll" in Rockland once when he struck the town with an idea in his head
+that he was "getting against a lot of jays," and on that occasion he
+became friendly with Peter McSwatt and Hunk Gardman. Gardman did not
+belong in Rockland, but he came in frequently from an adjoining town to
+play poker. He was a crook and a sneak, and he showed it in his face.
+McSwatt was not quite as "smooth" as Gardman; he could not "handle the
+cards" as well, but he could sit in a game with Gardman and play what
+his crooked pal dealt him, so that, after every game, there was usually
+an ill-gotten pot to be divided. If there was any trouble, McSwatt did
+the fighting.
+
+Flynn telephoned McSwatt and told him when he would be in Rockland,
+asking to be met at the boat by McSwatt and a good man who would stand
+by in a scrap. He ended by saying there was good money in it, and his
+offered inducements led McSwatt and Gardman to be on hand at the time
+set.
+
+Flynn was still under the influence of liquor. Had it been otherwise, he
+would not have fired at the _White Wings_ from the deck of the _City of
+Bangor_.
+
+On arriving in Rockland, he found his chosen tools waiting for him, and
+he explained that the yacht _White Wings_ had been stolen from him. To
+convince McSwatt and Gardman, he showed the bill of sale which he held.
+He explained that he could not afford the time to recover the boat by
+regular process of law, and said that it would be an easy thing to take
+it from the boys who were on board. He showed money and paid his tools
+something in advance. A few drinks of liquor put them in the mood for
+almost anything, and then the steam launch was hired to go out in search
+of the _White Wings_, as Flynn feared the yacht might not come into
+Rockland at all.
+
+The owner of the launch was convinced that Flynn really owned the yacht,
+and had a right to take her by force if necessary, but he did not agree
+to have anything to do with the seizing of the boat further than
+putting the party alongside.
+
+Snell had warned Flynn that the party on the _White Wings_ was made up
+of fighters, but the man sneered at them as a lot of boys. It was not
+believed that there would be any real difficulty in obtaining possession
+of the yacht, but it was thought best that McSwatt should claim to be an
+officer.
+
+Thus it came about that the _White Wings_ was met by the steam launch as
+she headed into Rockland harbor. But the crew on board the launch met
+with the surprise of their lives, and they were thoroughly disgusted
+when they were beaten off without much difficulty.
+
+The two cracks Frank had given Flynn knocked some of the conceit and
+bravado out of him, and for some time after the yacht and the launch
+swung apart he sat still and swore.
+
+McSwatt was not in a pleasant mood as he wrung the water out of his
+clothes. He glared at Flynn and snarled:
+
+"Thought you said they were a lot of boys who could be scared out of
+their skins! Boys! Why, they are young devils! The fellow I went against
+is a regular Samson!"
+
+"They're in a bad scrape now," said Flynn, with an attempt at
+fierceness. "They have resisted the rightful owner of that yacht, and
+they shall smart for it."
+
+"That's all right, but they might have been fooled in a different way.
+Here they are running right into the harbor, and they will stop there.
+We might have watched till the most of them went ashore, and then we
+could have taken her easily."
+
+"How did I know they would run in here? They might have kept on up the
+bay. And I didn't suppose a lot of beardless chaps could put up such a
+scrap."
+
+"Well, we have done all you asked of us, and we want our pay."
+
+"Done! You haven't done anything! I hired you to help me take the
+yacht."
+
+"And misrepresented the case to us. You will pay me, or I'll chuck you
+overboard!"
+
+There was a glare in McSwatt's eyes that cowed Flynn.
+
+"Oh, we mustn't quarrel," he quickly said. "Of course, I will pay you,
+as I agreed."
+
+"I thought so."
+
+"And I will double the sum if you stand by me a while longer. I tell you
+I can't fool with those chaps--I can't waste time. I must get possession
+of my boat at once."
+
+"Well, if you are thinking of attempting to board her again, you'll have
+to get somebody in my place. I have had enough of that kind of work."
+
+Flynn saw that McSwatt meant it.
+
+"All right," he growled. "We'll stay out and keep watch of her till she
+drops anchor. I want to be sure they mean to stop here."
+
+So the launch cruised about, keeping in sight of the _White Wings_ till
+the yacht ran slowly into the harbor and let fall her anchor in the
+vicinity of half a dozen other pleasure yachts laying near together.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ARRESTED IN ROCKLAND.
+
+
+There were some indignant lads on board the _White Wings_.
+
+"A regular case of piracy!" declared Diamond. "If we had not been too
+much for that gang, they would have seized the boat."
+
+"Sure," nodded Hodge, whose eyes were gleaming, while his breast, across
+which his arms were folded, rose and fell with excitement.
+
+"We handled them too easy," grunted Browning. "It would have served them
+right if we had split the skull of every man who tried to come over our
+rail."
+
+"Der pig poom come britty near sblitting der skull uf one," grinned
+Hans. "You pet dot chap half a swelt head on me."
+
+Frank had returned to the wheel. He did not say much, but his cheeks
+were flushed with excitement and his lips were pressed together.
+
+"Remember what the truckman told you, Merry?" questioned Diamond.
+
+"What was that?"
+
+"Why, about this boat being hoodooed."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"It begins to look as if he was right."
+
+"Oh, I don't know."
+
+"Well, if this hasn't been a hoodoo cruise from Boston, I don't know a
+thing!"
+
+"It has been rather eventful," admitted Frank, his face relaxing
+somewhat.
+
+"Uf you vos lookin' oxcitement for, we haf found him," put in Hans.
+
+"Those chaps are keeping watch of us now," said Frank. "I suppose they
+think of trying the trick again."
+
+"Don't believe they will," said Hodge. "We'll be in the harbor pretty
+soon, and they won't dare make another attempt like that."
+
+As they ran in the mist lifted and vanished, and they saw the city
+stretched before them. To the north was the breakwater that protects the
+harbor, and away in the distance loomed some mountains.
+
+"What are those hills there?" asked Diamond.
+
+"Those are the famous Camden mountains," answered Frank. "The town lies
+at the foot of those mountains, and Thomas Wentworth Higginson says the
+scenery in the vicinity of Camden is the most varied and beautiful to be
+found anywhere in the world."
+
+"Are we going to stop at Camden?"
+
+"Well, that is on the program. We'll run up there to-morrow."
+
+They anchored near the other yachts and vessels, purposely running into
+the very midst of them.
+
+"As long as one of us stays on board, those chaps will not attempt to
+seize the yacht by force while we remain here," said Merriwell.
+
+"Don't be too sure of that," warned Hodge. "They are desperate
+characters, and there is no telling what they will try."
+
+They watched the launch run into a wharf and saw the party leave her.
+Not one of the baffled boarders remained in the vicinity, but all
+quickly disappeared.
+
+"I believe they are afraid of the consequences now," said Merry. "They
+are getting out of the way in a hurry."
+
+It was not long before the others were of the same opinion. However,
+Frank was not certain but this movement on the part of the enemy was a
+ruse to lull their suspicions.
+
+"Three of us will remain on the yacht," he said. "Jack and I are going
+ashore."
+
+"How?" asked Diamond. "We have no boat, and we are anchored off here in
+the bay."
+
+"I am going to buy a boat here. I think we can get one of the boats from
+some of these vessels to set us ashore."
+
+The nearest vessel was hailed, and it did not take long to get a sailor
+with a boat to come over to the yacht and take Frank and Jack off. He
+rowed them to the steamboat wharf, and would not take a cent for doing
+so.
+
+"All right, mates," he said, in a hearty way. "I'll want a turn
+sometime, perhaps." Then, after telling them that, if they did not get a
+boat, they could whistle him up and he would bring them off to their
+yacht, he rowed away.
+
+There were a number of truck teams about the wharf, loading with the
+freight left there that morning by the steamer. Frank inquired of one of
+the truckmen where to find a man who would sell them a first-class
+rowboat, and the truckman directed him to a man who had boats to let and
+to sell.
+
+This man the boys sought without delay, but he was not at his shop. They
+were told that he had gone uptown, and so they walked up Sea Street into
+the heart of the city.
+
+As they came out on Main Street, Diamond halted with an exclamation of
+astonishment.
+
+"Great Scott!" burst from his lips. "Is this real?"
+
+"Is what real?" asked Frank.
+
+"Do I really see a trolley car running along the street here, or am I
+dreaming?"
+
+"Oh, come along!" laughed Frank. "They have trolley cars down in this
+country, and I don't think it looks quite as wild and uncivilized as you
+expected."
+
+They entered the Thorndike Hotel together, and, just as they passed
+through the door, Frank suddenly clutched his friend's arm, giving a
+gasp of astonishment himself.
+
+Jack saw Merry was staring toward the flight of stairs. He looked up,
+and there on the stairs, descending toward them, were two girls, Inza
+Burrage and Paula Benjamin!
+
+Merriwell recovered his composure immediately and stepped forward to
+meet the girls at the foot of the stairs, accompanied by Diamond. The
+boys lifted their hats, and Frank said:
+
+"Another unexpected pleasure! We didn't dream of this. Supposed you were
+in Bar Harbor."
+
+The girls shook hands with them, and both seemed to show confusion.
+
+"It is a pleasure," declared Inza. "We are stopping here in Rockland a
+few days."
+
+Frank longed to ask questions, but he knew it would be an act of
+rudeness, and he refrained. However, Paula seemed to think that Inza's
+explanation was not sufficient, and she added:
+
+"Yes, we decided to stop off here a day, and we are so interested with
+the city and the surrounding country that we will remain a little
+longer."
+
+"That will be pleasant," said Frank. "We've just got in, and are rather
+salty now, but we mean to brace up and get some of the brine out of us.
+Perhaps we may have the pleasure of seeing you often while we remain
+here."
+
+"I hope we may," put in Jack, quickly, looking earnestly at Paula, who
+let her eyes droop before his gaze.
+
+"I am sure it will be agreeable to us," smiled Inza. "Tell us something
+about your voyage. Did you have a nice time?"
+
+"Nice isn't any name for it," laughed Frank.
+
+"That's right," nodded Jack; "it isn't."
+
+"We have encountered excitements galore."
+
+"Such as fogs and storms and steamboats and pirates."
+
+"Mercy! Pirates!"
+
+"Well, they attempted to board us and seize the yacht."
+
+"What did you do?"
+
+"We gave them a jolly good welcome."
+
+A uniformed policeman entered the hotel and stepped up to the boys.
+
+"Which one of you is Frank Merriwell?" he asked.
+
+"I am, sir," said Frank.
+
+"Then," said the officer, "I shall have to take you."
+
+"Take me?" cried Frank. "What do you mean?"
+
+"I mean that you are under arrest."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+A STIR IN LIMEROCK CITY.
+
+
+Both girls uttered a little cry of amazement and alarm, and Paula shrank
+close to Inza, clasping her about the waist.
+
+"Under arrest?" repeated Frank, slowly. "For what?"
+
+"Stealing a yacht and resisting the real owner when he attempted to
+regain possession of it."
+
+Merry laughed heartily.
+
+"This is a joke!" he exclaimed.
+
+The officer seemed puzzled, but he frowned at Frank, saying:
+
+"You are not likely to find it a joke, young man. It is a serious
+offense, and, if you have not some rich folks who will settle handsomely
+for your little lark, you will go to jail."
+
+"My dear sir," said Merriwell, with perfect coolness, "you are taking
+too much for granted. You are standing on the ground that the charge
+against me is true. It will be the easiest thing in the world to prove
+that it is not."
+
+"You will have to prove that to the judge," said the officer, with his
+hand on Frank's shoulder. "Just now you'll have to accompany me. If you
+resist or make any trouble, it will be worse for you."
+
+He produced handcuffs.
+
+"What do you mean to do?" hoarsely demanded Diamond, his eyes bulging.
+"You're not going to handcuff him?"
+
+"It is necessary. I am not taking any chances. A chap who will steal a
+yacht is liable to be pretty desperate."
+
+"I will go along with you quietly," said Frank, paling a bit at the
+thought of being led shackled through the streets. "I give you my word
+on that."
+
+"It's an outrage!" cried Diamond.
+
+"I advise you to keep still," said the officer, sternly. "You may be
+arrested as an accomplice."
+
+"I don't care if I am!" came fiercely from Jack's lips. "I say it is an
+outrage, and I will stand by it. Mr. Merriwell purchased the yacht and
+paid his money for it, as he can prove. He is the rightful owner of the
+boat."
+
+"I am not going to discuss that."
+
+The officer was about to put the irons on Frank, when Jack cut in with:
+
+"Have a little decency about this, Mr. Officer. If you believe this
+young man such a desperate fellow, call an assistant. Surely two of you
+ought to be able to take him to the lockup without handcuffing him."
+
+The policeman was angry, and Frank saw that what Jack was saying was not
+making things any better, so he asked his friend to be quiet. Then he
+said something in a low tone to the officer. The latter hesitated.
+
+"Put yourself in my place," said Frank. "You are not sure this charge is
+true. Think how you would feel to be dragged along the street with irons
+on your wrists when you had not been guilty of committing a crime."
+
+"And he tells you the truth, sir, when he says he bought the yacht,"
+broke in Inza, fearlessly. "I know it! He purchased it of my friend's
+brother."
+
+"That is true," spoke up Paula, with sudden braveness. "My brother sold
+him the yacht. He never stole it! Why, he is Frank Merriwell, of Yale,
+and everybody knows Frank Merriwell would not steal anything."
+
+She was startled by her own boldness, but her words brought about a good
+result.
+
+Of course, the arrest of Frank had attracted the attention of all who
+were in the office of the hotel, among whom were several commercial men.
+One of the latter stepped forward quickly.
+
+"Frank Merriwell, of Yale?" he exclaimed. "Is this the famous Yale
+pitcher? By Jove, it is! I have seen him pitch several games, but I
+didn't know him in this yachting suit. Mr. Merriwell, I am glad to see
+you, but sorry you are in trouble. However, if I can aid you in any way,
+you may count on me."
+
+"Thank you," said Frank. "It's pleasant to know I am not quite unknown
+and friendless down here."
+
+"Unknown!" exclaimed another man. "If you are Frank Merriwell, we all
+know about you. We have read about you in the papers. You are the best
+known college man in this country. Officer, I don't believe this young
+gentleman is either a thief or a desperado. If he says he will go along
+with you, I'll vouch for him."
+
+"If you say so, Mr. Franch----"
+
+"I do. I will be responsible for him."
+
+The officer put his handcuffs out of sight.
+
+"All right," he said. "Come along, young man."
+
+By this time the report had gone abroad that there had been an arrest in
+the Thorndike, and a crowd was gathering outside the door. In the crowd
+were a number of excited small boys, for they had heard that the person
+arrested was the famous Yale football and baseball player, Frank
+Merriwell.
+
+One of the boys in the crowd saw a friend on the opposite side of the
+street, and yelled:
+
+"Hey, Charley, get a wiggle on an' come over here! W'at yer t'ink! Ther
+cop has nabbed that feller we've been readin' about--Frank Merriwell!"
+
+"Aw! w'at yer givin' us!" flung back the other.
+
+"This ain't no fust of April!"
+
+"It's dead straight, Charley! Frank Merriwell is right here in ther
+Thorndike, an' Old Briggs has pinched him. Don't yer want ter see him?"
+
+"Don't I?" gasped the one across the street, as he bolted from the
+sidewalk. "I'd rudder see Frank Merriwell than have a season ticket to
+der ball games!"
+
+And he could not get over quick enough.
+
+By the time the officer was ready to bring Frank out of the hotel, all
+the men and boys outside knew who had been arrested, and the excitement
+was great. The crowd grew swiftly, and everybody was eager to get a look
+at the Yale athlete of whom they had heard such wonderful stories.
+
+The young men of the town were no less excited than the boys. There was
+scarcely one of them who did not know something about Frank Merriwell
+and his record, and, even before they could find out why he had been
+arrested, they denounced the arrest as an outrage.
+
+Another policeman came along and attempted to clear the sidewalk in
+front of the hotel, but the crowd did not want to disperse.
+
+The officer who had arrested Frank came out with Merriwell at his side,
+a hand on his arm.
+
+"There he is!" was the cry that went up. "That is Frank Merriwell!"
+
+Jack Diamond, who walked beside Frank, was amazed at the crowd and to
+hear them call Frank's name.
+
+"They know you, Merriwell," he said.
+
+"It seems so," said Frank, with a faint smile.
+
+"It's a shame!" cried one of the young men. "What's he arrested for?"
+
+"Don't know," admitted another; "but I'll bet my clothes he is all
+right! Frank Merriwell is on the level!"
+
+"That's so!" shouted twenty voices.
+
+The crowd followed the officer and his prisoner. Somebody proposed a
+cheer for Frank Merriwell, and it seemed that every human being in that
+following crowd cheered as loudly as he could.
+
+Then somebody proposed three groans for Old Briggs, the officer, and the
+crowd groaned in a most dismal manner.
+
+Some of the small boys grew so excited that they kept yelling at Briggs
+to let Frank go. But they were scarcely less excited than the lads of
+eighteen or twenty. A dozen of them got together and actually talked of
+taking Briggs' prisoner from him. In their enthusiasm they might have
+tried it, but for the coolness of one or two among them.
+
+"It's a blamed shame to have this thing happen in Rockland!" declared
+one fellow. "What will Merriwell think of us? He will be dead sore on
+this town."
+
+"He isn't a fool," said a cooler head. "If he is all right, it isn't
+likely that any harm will come to him. He can't blame Briggs for doing
+his duty if there is a warrant for his arrest."
+
+So Frank was marched away to the lockup, but his arrest had created more
+excitement in the city than any other event since the opening game of
+baseball in the Knox County League, July Fourth.
+
+Frank was locked in a cell. Jack did not leave him till the door had
+closed on his friend.
+
+The boys had found out that the warrant for Frank's arrest was sworn out
+by Parker Flynn.
+
+"He shall pay dearly for this piece of business!" muttered the young
+Virginian, as he left the lockup.
+
+The crowd that still lingered in front of the building stared at Jack.
+They had seen him with Merriwell, and they knew he must be one of
+Frank's particular friends. The small boys envied him for that very
+reason.
+
+Diamond had learned that Merriwell would have a hearing before a local
+judge at two o'clock that afternoon, and he resolved to do whatever he
+could for his friend before that time.
+
+But Diamond had not left Frank thirty minutes before there were two
+visitors to see the prisoner. They were admitted by the guard, and
+Merriwell was staggered when he saw the face of one of them.
+
+"Jack Benjamin?" he cried. "It can't be!"
+
+"But it is," declared the little fellow, as he grasped Merry's hand and
+shook it warmly.
+
+"But--but----"
+
+"You're astonished--exactly. I don't wonder. Folks at home think me on
+the way to Alaska. The governor thinks so. As long as he thinks that, he
+won't interfere with my little outing down this way."
+
+"But the deception--I don't understand it."
+
+"Expect I'd better make a clean breast to you," said Benjamin, blushing
+in a remarkable manner. "You see, it's this way: Last year at Newport I
+met a young lady on whom I got badly smashed. She's a star,
+Merriwell--she's the only one for me! But the old man--excuse me--the
+governor objected, said I was too young to know my mind, and all that
+rot. He found out the girl's folks were not very rich, and then he set
+about raising the high dinkey-dink with everything. Well, the result was
+that he did smash things for a time. This summer, when I wanted to spend
+my vacation down in Maine, he sat down on it hard. You see, he did so
+because the young lady lives here in Rockland. I was forced to give up
+the idea--apparently. But I began to talk about Alaska. Then I sold you
+the _White Wings_ to get enough money for my summer outing, left word
+that I was off for Alaska, and came down here. That's the whole of it.
+Here I am."
+
+"Then I understand how it happens your sister and Inza are stopping in
+Rockland. She knows you are here."
+
+"Sure. Sis is all right. She sticks by me."
+
+Thus far Frank had paid no attention to his second visitor, but now the
+fellow stepped forward, saying:
+
+"Howdy-do, Merriwell. I suppose you know me?"
+
+"What?" cried Frank, grasping the extended hand. "Is it Fred Moslof, of
+Dartmouth? What are you doing down here? I haven't seen you since our
+opening game last spring, when you spoiled two daisy hits for me by
+digging them out of the dirt down around third bag."
+
+Moslof laughed.
+
+"I am playing ball down here this summer," he said.
+
+"Well, that is a surprise. Are you playing on the Rockland team?"
+
+"No, I am manager of the Camdens. As soon as Benjamin told me you were
+here, we came right up. I played with Rockland last summer, and I know
+stacks of influential men in both Rockland and Camden. I'll fix this
+matter of bail for you and get you out of here in a hurry, if you like."
+
+"Well, that is kind of you," smiled Frank, "and I appreciate it. I shall
+be glad to accept your offer, old man."
+
+"Then it is settled," said Benjamin. "Moslof can do the trick. It may
+take an hour or two to fix it, but we'll see that it's done. Just make
+yourself easy."
+
+When they departed, they left Frank in good spirits, for he knew he
+could easily refute the charge of stealing the yacht, for Benjamin was
+there in Rockland to substantiate his statements. Merriwell was resolved
+to settle that matter and then make it very warm for Mr. Parker Flynn.
+
+It took something more than an hour for Moslof and Benjamin to fix
+things, but they finally returned to the lockup, accompanied by an
+officer with an order for Frank's release.
+
+Merriwell told them all about Flynn's attempt to obtain possession of
+the yacht by force, and then he accompanied them to the office of a
+justice of the peace, where he swore out a warrant against Flynn and saw
+it placed in the hands of an officer to be served.
+
+"We'll give that gentleman the surprise of his life," smiled Benjamin.
+"He won't expect to see me down here. If he had not thought me on my way
+to Alaska, he would not have dared attempt such a high-handed
+proceeding."
+
+Moslof said that he must return to Camden. He had come down to confer
+with the Rockland and Thomaston managers about the schedule, and he had
+finished his business. At parting he said:
+
+"Look here, Merriwell, can't you pitch one or two games for us, if no
+more. Camden has a better team than Rockland, but Rockland is stronger
+in the box. We started out with a lead the first of the season, but
+we've been dropping games to Rockland right along lately, and we won't
+be in it if the thing keeps on. I have telegraphed and telephoned all
+over the country for a strong pitcher, but I haven't got hold of the
+right man. You'd be just the man for us. Why, you would paralyze
+Rockland with that double-shoot of yours."
+
+"Well, old man," said Frank, "I hate to refuse you anything after what
+you have done, but you know I want no part in professional baseball."
+
+"This is only semi-professional. Part of our team are not under salary,
+and nearly all are college players."
+
+"I might get myself into trouble if I pitched, Moslof. I can't promise."
+
+"Well, promise me that you will pitch for Camden if you pitch at all in
+the Knox County League."
+
+"I'll do that," smiled Merry; "but you must not expect me to pitch at
+all."
+
+Moslof was forced to be satisfied with that. At least, he knew Rockland
+would not secure Merriwell, and that was some satisfaction, as he had
+heard rumors that the Rockland management meant to have the famous Yale
+twirler, if he was to be procured for love or money.
+
+Frank accompanied Benjamin back to the Thorndike, where he was received
+with great delight by Inza, Paula and Inza's aunt, Miss Abigail Gale.
+
+"I didn't dare tell you Jack was here when we first met," said Paula;
+"but when that horrid policeman took you away, I just hurried to let him
+know what had happened. He said he would have you out all right in a
+short time."
+
+"Well, he kept his word, and now I am after the fellow who put this job
+up on me. I have sworn out a warrant for his arrest, and he will find
+himself in my place before night."
+
+Frank remained at the hotel thirty minutes chatting with the girls and
+Miss Gale, and then he said that he must return to the yacht and let his
+friends know he was all right.
+
+On his way to the wharf, Frank called at the shop of the boat builder
+again, and found the man in. He was pleased to learn that the man had
+two boats for sale, both of which were in the water.
+
+After looking the boats over, Merry made a bargain for one of them and
+paid for it. Then he got into the boat, rowed out round the wharf and
+pulled away for the yacht.
+
+As he approached the yacht, Hans came on deck, saw him and raised a
+shout that brought the others up in a hurry. All were astonished and
+delighted to see Frank. Jack had been there and told them what had
+happened; then he had hurried away to see if he could do anything for
+Merriwell.
+
+Frank told them the story of his release, and, as it was midday, he
+stayed on board to eat a hearty meal. While they were eating, Jack
+returned, having been taken to the yacht by a boatman he had hired.
+
+"Knew you must be here!" cried the Virginian. "I was making a hustle to
+get you out when I heard you were out already. Why, I never saw a place
+like this, Frank! Everybody in town has heard of you, and everybody was
+furious over your arrest. Why, this is a great country, boys! I'm stuck
+on it already. The people down here are all right!"
+
+"Not quite such jays and hayseeds as you thought, eh?" smiled Frank.
+
+"I tell you they are all right! They are not jays at all!"
+
+After dinner the boys left Browning and Dunnerwust on the yacht to guard
+it and then went ashore. Barely had Frank appeared in the city before
+the manager of the Rockland baseball team fell on him and offered him
+all sorts of inducements to pitch for his nine. But it was no use, for
+Merry had given Moslof his promise.
+
+Frank expected to hear that Flynn had been arrested. Instead, he learned
+that neither Flynn nor Snell could be found, so the warrant had not been
+served.
+
+It was supposed that Flynn would be on hand when court was called to
+order that afternoon, but he did not appear, and so the charge against
+Frank was dismissed, as there was no one to push it.
+
+Later it was learned that in some way Flynn had learned that Jack
+Benjamin was in Rockland. As soon as he heard this, he made all haste to
+get out of the place, taking an electric car to Camden, where he had
+disappeared as completely as if wiped off the face of the earth.
+
+"But I do not believe you have heard or seen the last of the fellow,
+Merriwell," said Hodge. "He will bother you again."
+
+Bart's words were destined to come true.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+ALONG THE COAST TO CAMDEN.
+
+
+    "Nellie was a sailor's lass--a sailor's lass was she,
+      (Heave ho, my lads, then heave away!)
+    Waiting for her sailor lad, who sailed the deep blue sea.
+      (Heave ho, my lads, then heave away!)"
+
+Three lads were getting up the anchor on board the _White Wings_, which
+lay in Rockland harbor, on the coast of Maine, and they sang a nautical
+song as they pulled at the cable. They were Bart Hodge, Jack Diamond and
+Hans Dunnerwust. Frank Merriwell was busy making other preparations for
+the run up to Camden that glorious summer morning, while Bruce Browning
+was doing something below, no one knew what.
+
+"Holdt on a vile till you spit on my handts," exclaimed the Dutch lad,
+breathing heavily. "I vant to got a petter holdt mit my feet to kept
+from slipping der rail ofer und der varter indo. I vas glad you don'd af
+to bull ub anchors to make me a lifings."
+
+"Keep at it, Hans," ordered Hodge.
+
+"You remind me of the Irishman who caught his friend by the heels just
+as the friend was falling headlong into a well," said Diamond, as he
+continued to pull away.
+
+"How vas dot?" asked Hans.
+
+"He held on as long as he could," said Jack, "and then he called down to
+his friend, 'Jist wait a minute where yez are, Mike, till Oi let go an'
+get a betther hold.' Then he let go."
+
+"Yaw," said Hans, soberly; "but I don'd seen der boint der story of."
+
+"His friend couldn't wait," explained Jack.
+
+Frank Merriwell laughed. Never before had he heard the Virginian tell a
+humorous anecdote, and he was not a little surprised as well as pleased,
+for it showed that Jack, who had grumbled a great deal during the
+unlucky and unpleasant cruise down the coast, was in better spirits now
+they were at last in the waters of Penobscot Bay.
+
+The anchor broke water and was soon secured in place. Already the jib
+had been raised, and Frank was at the wheel to bring the yacht round as
+soon as she felt the breeze after the anchor was atrip. Every indication
+was that there was just breeze enough outside the harbor to give them a
+pleasant sail to their destination.
+
+Under Frank's orders the boys set sail, hoisting both the jib topsails
+and club topsails; in fact, cracking on every stitch. Hans grew weary
+again before the mainsail was up.
+
+"Get hold of the halyards and get into gear, Dunnerwust," ordered Bart,
+sharply. "You are getting to be as bad as Browning, and he is no earthly
+use on the water."
+
+"Hey?" grunted the big fellow, his head appearing as he came up from
+below. "Well, what's the use of being any earthly use on the water?
+What's the matter with you, Hodge?"
+
+"The matter with you is that you need something for that tired feeling,"
+returned Bart, like a flash. "If you would get out and make a bluff at
+pulling on a line now and then, it would seem rather more decent."
+
+"I never make any bluffs. Everything is on the level with me. I'm not
+much of a sailor, but I'm pretty good at repelling boarders, ducking
+bogus sheriffs and such things. Don't worry about me. Just go ahead
+getting under way. I'll be with you."
+
+Then he calmly watched them get all the sails set, as if he did not
+consider it necessary for him to lend a hand, and as if he had no idea
+of doing so on any condition if he could avoid it.
+
+Browning was lazy, and he knew it. He made no attempt to conceal the
+fact; really, he almost seemed to glory in it. At college he was
+familiarly called, "the Laziest Man on Earth," and it pleased rather
+than disturbed him.
+
+Ordinarily a lazy man is despised by his companions, but such was not
+the case with Browning. Genial, big-hearted, strong as a giant, yet
+gentle as a baby, he made hosts of friends and very few enemies. At one
+time he had been really ambitious, but that was before the coming of
+Frank Merriwell to Yale. Browning had been dropped to Merriwell's class
+and, as there could be but one real leader in the class, he lost his
+ambition when Merriwell showed his superiority.
+
+But no man had proved a truer friend to Merriwell than the once famous
+"King of the Sophomores." Browning was not particularly demonstrative in
+his affection, but he could be depended on in any case of emergency, as
+Frank had learned, and the big fellow was a good man to have for a
+backer.
+
+Browning could not be driven to do anything, nor could he be jollied
+into it, a fact that irritated Hodge more or less.
+
+"There is one thing we do not possess that we should have," said Merry,
+as Jack came aft and stood near the wheel.
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"A gun."
+
+"Why, you have four or five below."
+
+"I don't mean that kind. We need a small cannon to fire when we anchor
+and when we get under way. We are not doing the thing properly unless we
+have one."
+
+"I never thought of that."
+
+"I did not think of it till it was too late to get one in Boston. We'll
+have to get along for the present without it."
+
+They ran past the end of the breakwater and were opposite the Bay Point
+Hotel, a handsome summer hotel near the city of Rockland. Outside the
+harbor they found a breeze that made the _White Wings_ heel over and
+take a bone in her teeth.
+
+Although the sloop was not in the racing class, Frank was well satisfied
+with her, for he had discovered that she possessed many good qualities.
+She could be held pretty near to the wind without yawing and she was not
+at all cranky, nor did she require much weather helm. Of course, she
+could not run as near to the wind as a cutter-rigged yacht of the racing
+class, but she could do better than the ordinary cutter.
+
+The wind was off shore and favorable, so the _White Wings_ seemed to fly
+that morning. The boys found comfortable positions and enjoyed the sail
+and the scenery.
+
+Soon Rockland was left behind, disappearing from view behind the point
+on which the hotel sat. And then the Camden mountains began to loom
+higher and higher to the northwest.
+
+"We met a warm reception in Rockland," said Frank. "I wonder how it will
+be in Camden."
+
+The sunshine was bright on the blue bay. The distant islands looked
+inviting, and there was something about the cool greenness of the woods
+along the shore that was soothing to the eye.
+
+It was not long before Rockport lighthouse came into view. Beyond the
+lighthouse they saw the narrow harbor and the village, with the houses
+seeming to cling to the heights that surrounded the harbor. From the
+limekilns rose black smoke that added to the picturesque charm of the
+scene.
+
+But Rockport was quickly passed and Negro Island, at the mouth of Camden
+harbor, was before them. There was a lighthouse on the island, standing
+there like an old woman in a white dress and black cap.
+
+Now the mountains, seeming to rise from the very sea, were near at hand
+and strikingly beautiful, clothed in their summer garments of green. On
+the top of the nearest mountain stood a hotel with a high observation
+tower.
+
+"Boys," cried Diamond, "I am going up there and stop a week!"
+
+"I wonder how anybody ever gets up there," grunted Browning. "I shall
+not go if I have to climb."
+
+"No need to tell us that," said Hodge. "We knew it."
+
+As they came abreast Negro Island, two girls came down on the rocks and
+waved handkerchiefs to them. The boys returned the salute, and Hans
+Dunnerwust cried:
+
+"Vale, uf I ain'd got a mash you vos a liar! Uf id vasn't for gettin' my
+feets vet, I vould valk ashore righd avay kveek alretty. Yaw!"
+
+Then he waved his cap to the girls, kissed his hands, bowed low with his
+hand on his heart, and nearly fell overboard as Merry suddenly brought
+the yacht up closer into the wind.
+
+"Oxcuse me uf I stayed righd in Camden der rest uf your life," said
+Hans, as he gathered himself up. "Dalk apout peaches! Vale, vot peen der
+madder mit dose!"
+
+The others smiled at his enthusiasm.
+
+Passing the island, they came in full view of the harbor and town.
+Several vessels and yachts lay in the harbor. Amid the trees the tastily
+painted, red-roofed cottages were to be seen. Far up at the head of the
+harbor rose handsome brick buildings. Church spires could be seen here
+and there. From the flagstaff of a hotel on the heights floated the
+American flag. On the black rocks under the shadow of the trees that
+stood far above the shore was a picnic party, the blue smoke of their
+fire rising from their midst. To the south of the town lay a beautiful
+cove with a sandy beach. Summer cottages could be seen on the point
+beyond the cove. To the north of the town was another cove and a heavily
+wooded point. In an opening of the trees on this point stood white
+tents.
+
+And over all hung the mountains, the village seeming to have clambered
+up the side of the nearest one as far as it could go.
+
+It was a most beautiful and captivating scene that glorious summer
+morning, and it is not strange that stoical Bart Hodge uttered an
+exclamation of admiration, while Frank Merriwell cried:
+
+"Hurrah, fellows! Here we are, and from the looks of things we'll stay a
+while. There looms old Mount Megunticook, and here in the harbor, under
+its shadow, we will anchor. Boys, aren't you glad you came?"
+
+"You bet?" cried every one of them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+TOO WELL KNOWN.
+
+
+Taking care not to strike one of the line of ledges that almost closes
+the mouth of Camden harbor, they ran in and dropped anchor. From the
+rocks the picnickers waved white handkerchiefs and called to them. They
+responded in a similar manner, with a strange lightness and exultant
+feeling in their hearts. Even Bruce Browning showed enthusiasm, for he
+could not help imbibing some of the spirit of the occasion.
+
+The sails came down with a rattle and were properly and carefully taken
+care of, a task that consumed time. Then every line was coiled and put
+in its proper place, and nothing was neglected, so that when Frank's
+orders had been obeyed, everything about the yacht was ship-shape and in
+order.
+
+Not till he had seen things in order did Frank think of leaving the
+sloop. Then he asked who would stay on board and who wished to go
+ashore. Diamond and Hodge were eager to go ashore. Browning and
+Dunnerwust expressed a willingness to go later, so three of the crew
+entered the small boat and pulled away up toward the distant wharves at
+the head of the harbor.
+
+They rowed up to a float beside a wharf. Twenty other boats floated
+about the platform, and a boy was watching them.
+
+"May we land here?" asked Frank.
+
+"Well, I dunno," said the boy, doubtfully. "Ye see, these bo'ts are to
+let. Might let yourn if some folks come along an' wanted it."
+
+The boy grinned as he finished speaking.
+
+"We might come back and want our boat only to find it gone," said Hodge.
+"Let's not leave it here, Merriwell."
+
+The boy gave a jump.
+
+"What's your name?" he almost shouted, looking straight at Frank.
+
+"It's Frank Merriwell," was the reply.
+
+"Frank Merriwell!" yelled the boy, dancing up and down. "Whoop! I heard
+you was in Rockland! My goodness! won't the fellers be tickled to see
+you in this town! There ain't a chap here that don't know all about ye!
+Jest you let me have yer painter! I'll take care of that bo't, an' there
+don't nobody touch it, you bet!"
+
+"Thank you," laughed Frank. "I will pay you for your trouble."
+
+"Not by a jugful! Think I'd take any pay of you? No, sir-ee! I'd set
+right here on this float an' watch your bo't for a week 'thout eatin' or
+sleepin', an' never charge you a cent! I never 'spected to live to see
+Frank Merriwell! Oh, Jingoes! won't the fellers be glad to see ye!"
+
+The boy took charge of the boat. Just then another boy came onto the
+wharf, and the boat boy saw him.
+
+"Hey, there, Bennie!" he yelled. "What d'yer know? You can't guess it in
+a year! He's come!"
+
+"Who's come?"
+
+"Frank Merriwell! Here he is!"
+
+The jaw of the boy on the wharf dropped, and he stood staring,
+open-mouthed at Frank. For some moments he seemed awe stricken, and
+then, of a sudden, he turned and ran as if for his life, quickly
+scudding out of sight.
+
+"He acted as if he were scared of you, Merry," said Diamond.
+
+"He's gone to tell t'other fellers in town," explained the boat boy.
+
+"Say," laughed Frank, "this is getting altogether too interesting! I'd
+rather not be so well known."
+
+"Well, you can't help it," said Hodge. "They've all heard of you down
+this way."
+
+"And I had an idea they never heard of anything away down here!"
+exclaimed Jack. "My ideas of this part of the country are completely
+upset."
+
+"Let's hurry into town," urged Frank. "If we wait, it's ten to one we'll
+be escorted by a gang of my admirers. I haven't forgotten Rockland."
+
+So they left the wharf and hastily walked up Bay View Street. Just as
+they reached the bank building at the public square they saw a dozen
+small boys coming down Elm Street on the run, headed by the one who had
+disappeared so suddenly from the wharf.
+
+The moment the running boys saw Merriwell and his companions, they
+halted and huddled around the leader, who pointed at the three strangers
+in the place, yelling:
+
+"There he is, fellers!"
+
+Frank laughed outright, and Hodge and Diamond smiled. The excitement of
+the boys had attracted more or less notice, and the people on the
+streets looked at the three young yachtsmen with interest.
+
+It was the height of the season at Camden, and the town was literally
+gorged with summer visitors from every part of the country, so the
+streets presented a lively appearance. The handsome turnouts of
+Philadelphia and New York millionaires could be seen, street cars were
+running, bicycles darting hither and thither, and the pedestrians on the
+streets nearly all wore clothes suitable for summer outing.
+
+After coming up Bay View Street, which, in the neighborhood of the
+wharves, did not present a very attractive appearance, the young
+yachtsmen were surprised and pleased to come out to the square, where
+they could look around and see handsome brick blocks and buildings of
+which a city might be proud.
+
+But the crowd of excited small boys attracted attention for the time.
+They came a little nearer, and the leader cried:
+
+"Let's give three cheers for Frank Merriwell! Ready, now! Yell, fellers,
+yell!"
+
+They did! They threw up their hands, tossed their caps into the air, and
+yelled as loudly as they could.
+
+"Great Scott!" gasped Frank. "See what they have done! Why, everybody on
+the street is staring at us!"
+
+It was true. The spectators had been attracted by the shrill cheers of
+the small boys, and they were looking toward the three embarrassed lads
+on the corner by the bank.
+
+A man who was passing stopped and asked one of the boys why they were
+cheering so loudly.
+
+"See that handsome feller there with the lace on his suit?" asked the
+boy, pointing Frank out.
+
+"Yes, I see him."
+
+"That's Frank Merriwell," declared the boy, excitedly and proudly.
+
+"Frank Merriwell?" repeated the man, doubtfully. "Who is he?"
+
+"W'at?" yelled the boy, voice and face expressing the greatest amazement
+and scorn. "Didn't ye never hear of Frank Merriwell? Wat's ther matter
+with yer? Why don't you go die!"
+
+His contempt was crushing and humiliating, and the man passed on,
+wondering who in the world Frank Merriwell could be that he was so well
+known and famous.
+
+But there were plenty of men and youths who had heard of Merriwell, and
+the report that the great Yale pitcher was in town flew like wildfire.
+Only the small boys stared at Frank with absolute rudeness, however.
+Those older looked at him with interest, but were careful not to make
+their attentions embarrassing.
+
+Merry and his friends walked up into the village, going toward the post
+office. There were pretty girls on the street, and some of them flashed
+a brief, admiring glance at the trio of handsome lads in yachting suits.
+
+The small boys trooped along behind, talking excitedly among themselves.
+Their chatter was amusing to hear.
+
+"Look here, Jimmy," cried one, in fierce contradiction of a statement
+made by another, "that ain't so, an' you oughter know it! Harvard never
+got fourteen hits offen Frank Merriwell in one game!"
+
+"Fourteen hits!" yelled another, in derision. "W'at yer givin' us,
+Jimmy! They never got ten hits offen him in one game! You better go read
+up about him! You're woozy, that's w'at's ther matter with you!"
+
+"That double-shoot of his is w'at paralyzes 'em," put in another. "He
+can make ther ball cut all kinds of riggers in the air."
+
+"That's all right," said Jimmy, sullenly. "Slatridge sez ther ain't no
+such thing as a double-shoot. He says that 'riginated in ther mind of
+some of them newspaper fellers w'at's writin' up stories 'bout Frank
+Merriwell."
+
+Then there was a howl of scorn from all the others, and one shook a
+finger under Jimmy's nose, shouting:
+
+"Slatridge knows it all--in his mind! That feller's too tired to play
+baseball. He can pitch sometimes, but he don't git woke up only when he
+thinks he's likely to lose his job. Don't you take stock in ev'rything
+he says."
+
+"Fellers," said a tall, solemn-looking boy, out at knees and elbows,
+"I'd give a hundred thousan' dollars to see Frank Merriwell pitch
+against Rockland an' use his double-shoot on 'em."
+
+"I'd give more'n that to see it, if I jest had the price of admission
+ter git inter ther game," declared a barefooted boy.
+
+"Why don't Moslof nail him?" fiercely demanded a freckle-faced
+youngster. "If I was manager of the Camdens, I wouldn't let Frank
+Merriwell go away alive if he wouldn't play ball for me! I bet Rockland
+will have him if Moslof don't git him."
+
+"If Rockland gits him, Camden might jest as well crawl right into the
+smallest hole she can find, and pull the hole in after her. She won't
+never win another game."
+
+The most of this talk could be distinctly heard by Frank and his
+friends, and it proved very amusing.
+
+In the window of the drug store near the post office hung a printed
+poster announcing a game of ball in Camden that afternoon between
+Rockland and Camden. The bill also stated that Rockland and Camden were
+tied for first place in the Knox County League, so that the result of
+one game would put one or the other team at the head.
+
+"We'll have to see that game, fellows," said Frank. "It is evident that
+there is plenty of baseball excitement down in this part of the
+country."
+
+At this moment two young men came down from the rooms of the Business
+Men's Association in the Opera House building, and Frank uttered an
+exclamation of satisfaction.
+
+"There are two Dartmouth men, boys," he said; "Moslof and McDornick.
+Moslof is managing the Camdens and playing third. Let's go over and see
+them."
+
+They walked over to meet the Dartmouth men.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+FALSE REPORTS.
+
+
+Moslof seized Frank's hand and shook it heartily.
+
+"That Rockland affair didn't amount to anything, after all, did it?" he
+asked.
+
+"No," said Merry; "the chap who caused my arrest skipped out when he
+learned that Jack Benjamin, the man I bought the yacht of, was in
+Rockland. He didn't stay to press the complaint of theft. He thought
+Benjamin had gone to Alaska. It must have been a frightful shock to him.
+You've met Diamond? Yes. Let me introduce Bart Hodge."
+
+"Hodge!" cried Moslof. "You caught for Merriwell this season? Jove! but
+you made a record for a freshman! I am glad to know you, Hodge."
+
+They shook hands, and Moslof said:
+
+"Here is McDornick, our left fielder, the biggest little crank on earth
+and the best base runner in the Knox County League, if I do say so! We
+need more of them, too."
+
+McDornick shook hands all round, spluttered a little about the "beastly
+luck" the Camdens had been having, and ended by swearing that Camden
+would "wipe up the earth" with Rockland before the season was over. He
+was very vehement in his expressions.
+
+"We've been awfully weak in the box," said Moslof. "Bascomb, of the
+University of Maine, is a good little man, but he has had poor luck
+against the Rocklands. That's the trouble with our pitchers. They are
+all right against Thomaston, but they do not work to advantage against
+Rockland, and I'll swear that Thomaston has the heaviest batting team."
+
+"If often works that way," said Frank.
+
+"But the worst of it is," Moslof went on, "Rockland has a pitcher who is
+a hoodoo for Camden. He is pie for Thomaston, but he makes monkeys of
+our men."
+
+"Who is he?"
+
+"Dayguild, late of the New England League. Rockland has found out that
+he can play thunder with Camden, and they hold him back for us all the
+time. They don't care about Thomaston; it's Camden they want to beat."
+
+"How is it with Camden?"
+
+"Well," laughed Moslof, "to tell the truth, the feeling is just as
+strong up there. We'd give our boots to down Rockland, and we don't care
+so much about Thomaston. I played with Rockland last year. They used me
+well down there, but said I couldn't bat any. That made me mad. This
+year for the first two weeks of our season I led the league in batting.
+I am falling off a little, but still I am ahead of the average. They are
+beginning to change their mind down there about my batting."
+
+"Well," said Merry, "we are going to see your game this afternoon. I
+suppose it will be pretty hot?"
+
+"Hot! You bet! I expect Woods and Makune, of the disbanded Portlands,
+here by noon. We have Williamson, of the Lewistons, but he has been ill
+and is not in the best form. We're going to do our best to take the lead
+again to-day. Woods is a dandy little pitcher and a fine fellow."
+
+"But if we had you, Merriwell, we'd be all right," said McDornick. "Say,
+old man, won't you pitch for us this afternoon? Makune will cover
+second, and we can put Woods anywhere. With you in the box, we can
+paralyze Rockland."
+
+Frank shook his head.
+
+"It's no use," he said. "I can't play with you."
+
+"I hope the stories that fellow has been telling about you are not
+true," said Moslof, slowly.
+
+"What stories?"
+
+"Why, he's been saying that Rockland had secured you sure--that you came
+down into Maine on purpose to pitch for Rockland. When I told him you
+had given me your word to pitch for Camden if you pitched at all, he
+laughed in my face, and said I was easily fooled. He swore that he knew
+for an absolute fact that you had signed with Rockland."
+
+As Frank listened to this, he flushed and then turned pale. There came a
+dangerous fire into his eyes, and he laughed in a manner that was a
+danger signal for those who knew him best.
+
+"Moslof," he said, "you must know these reports are lies. You must know
+I can't sign a contract, as that would bar me from college baseball."
+
+"I didn't believe it," said the manager of the Camdens; "but there are
+plenty who did, and the men who are backing the club here are sore on me
+for letting you get away after helping you out of that scrape in
+Rockland. If Rockland got you now, I'd jump this town in a hurry."
+
+"Don't let that worry you a bit, old man. I said I would pitch for
+Camden if I pitched at all, and I rather think I am known as a man of my
+word."
+
+Moslof seemed relieved.
+
+"Oh, say!" exclaimed McDormick, impulsively, "just pitch this game for
+us this afternoon! We'll sink the knife deep into Rockland!"
+
+"I hate to refuse," said Frank; "but I must. What I want to know is, who
+this fellow is who has been telling that Rockland had me."
+
+"Oh, he is a fly chap who is stopping at the Bay View--a summer
+boarder."
+
+"What does he look like?"
+
+"He's a loud dresser--wears plaids, pink shirts, lots of rings, loud
+neckties, and so forth."
+
+"What's he look like in the face? How old is he?"
+
+"He may be nineteen. His eyes are set near together, and he is freckled
+and foxy looking."
+
+"He's a sneak!" broke out McDornick, in his impulsive way. "I knew it
+the first time I saw him."
+
+"Where is the Bay View?" asked Merriwell.
+
+"Right there," answered Moslof, motioning toward a large building
+sitting back on the opposite side of the street.
+
+"This fellow is stopping there?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What is his name?"
+
+"Don't know."
+
+"Let's go over. I want to see that gentleman. I hope we may find him
+around the hotel."
+
+"If you'll punch him, I'll pay your fine!" said the hot-headed
+McDornick, as they crossed the street.
+
+While they had been talking in front of the opera house, a small boy was
+standing near them, his hands clasped and an ecstatic look of happiness
+on his face, while his eyes were not taken off Frank Merriwell for a
+moment. When Frank had started to cross the street with the others, the
+boy heaved a sigh.
+
+A gentleman who was passing stopped and looked at the boy in surprise.
+
+"Well, my little man," said the gentleman, "what is the trouble? You
+look as if you had seen a vision."
+
+"I've jest seen somebody I never thought I'd see," said the boy. "Oh,
+I'd like to grow up and be famous like him! It must be fine to be
+famous."
+
+"My boy," said the gentleman, encouragingly, "if you live you may be a
+great man some day."
+
+"I can't never be like the feller I've just seen."
+
+"Why, who could this wonderful person have been? I didn't know there was
+such a famous man stopping in Camden at present. Was it the governor of
+the State?"
+
+"Naw! Somebody bigger'n him!"
+
+"A United States Senator, perhaps?"
+
+"Senators ain't in it with this feller!"
+
+"Really! You surprise and interest me. It could not have been the
+President of the United States?"
+
+"Bigger feller than the Prince of Wales! Oh, if I could grow up to be
+like him!"
+
+"Now I am astounded!" exclaimed the gentleman. "Who can this wonderful
+person be? Won't you tell me his name?"
+
+"His name is Frank Merriwell, and he is a lollypolooser! He's the most
+wonderful feller living in the whole world."
+
+"Frank Merriwell?" repeated the gentleman, in perplexity. "It's strange
+I never heard of him. What has he ever done?"
+
+"Done?" cried the boy, excitedly and enthusiastically. "What ain't he
+done? He's traveled round the world, shot panthers and Greasers in South
+America, gorillas in Africa, tigers in India, elephants in Ceylon, and
+bears and other critters out West in this country. Done? Why, he made a
+bicycle trip across the country from New York to San Francisco, and he
+licked everybody that tried to bother him on the way. Done? Mister, he
+goes to Yale College, and he is the greatest football player in the
+world! He pitches on the Yale nine, and he wiped up the earth with
+Harvard and Princeton this spring. Done? If there's a thing that feller
+ain't done an' can't do, I want ter know it!"
+
+The gentleman was gasping for breath.
+
+"Really!" he said, "a most remarkable person! And you want to grow up
+and be like him?"
+
+"If I thought I could--if I ever did, I'd die happy!"
+
+"Strange I never heard of this person before. I don't believe he is very
+well known."
+
+"Now, don't fool yourself, mister. He's known by every boy in the United
+States! We've all heard of him, and all the boys down in this town would
+give anything to be like him. I tell you he is a bird!"
+
+"Where is he now?"
+
+"He's just gone over to the Bay View with Moslof and some other
+fellers."
+
+"Really, I believe I'll have to go over and see what this wonderful
+person looks like," and the gentleman crossed the street toward the
+hotel.
+
+In the meantime Frank and his companions entered the hotel in search of
+the person who had been circulating the false reports about Merriwell.
+
+The report that Merriwell was in town had reached the hotel, and no
+sooner had the boys entered the office than the landlord came forward
+and greeted them heartily. Moslof introduced Merry and his two friends.
+
+The landlord proved to be a cordial, pleasant gentleman.
+
+"Mr. Merriwell," he said, "you have caused me no end of trouble."
+
+"I have?" exclaimed Frank, astonished.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"Well, there isn't a table girl, a kitchen girl or any other girl in
+this house who does not know all about you. They read those yarns about
+you so much that they neglect their business. And, Mr. Merriwell," with
+sudden sternness, "I think you will have to settle with me for it."
+
+"All right," smiled Frank. "What is the bill?"
+
+"There is no bill. I mean you have to settle at this hotel and stay here
+while you are in town. There will be no bill. You shall have the best
+the house affords, and it shall not cost you a red cent."
+
+Frank was surprised, but he thanked the genial landlord, saying:
+
+"Really, sir, you are too kind, but we have everything comfortable on my
+yacht, and the fellows would not like it if I deserted them."
+
+"Then bring them all here! I'm crowded, but I'll find room for you, if I
+have to give up a room myself."
+
+He was in earnest, too.
+
+Frank thanked him warmly once more, but exclaimed that such a thing
+would not do, as the _White Wings_ might be stolen by the party who had
+attempted to seize her in the very mouth of Rockland harbor.
+
+While they were talking, a very pretty, roguish-eyed girl came into the
+office, making an excuse that she was there on some sort of an errand.
+She cast sly glances at Frank, for really she was there to see him.
+
+Of a sudden the landlord, laughing, caught her by the arm, and drew her
+round, saying:
+
+"Here, Mr. Merriwell, is your greatest admirer in the house, Miss Phebe
+Macey. I heard her say once that she thought Frank Merriwell the finest
+fellow in the world, and she wondered why some of the Camden boys were
+not like him."
+
+Frank was a little confused, but he lifted his cap and bowed, saying:
+
+"Miss Macey, I am glad to know I have such an ardent admirer here."
+
+Phebe was blushing crimson, but the roguish look was still in her eyes.
+Never in all her life had she looked prettier than in that moment of
+excitement and confusion. She lifted her hand and felt it grasped by
+Frank, and then, in dismay, she turned and fled, laughing to cover her
+agitation. She quickly disappeared, but her laugh rang in Merriwell's
+ears, for it was quite as bewitching as her roguish eyes.
+
+The landlord seemed to enjoy the agitation he had caused the girl, and
+he laughed again. In fact, he was quite a man to laugh.
+
+He urged Frank to remain to dinner, and Merry finally consented,
+although Jack and Bart, who were likewise invited, decided to return to
+the yacht.
+
+While they were talking, Moslof suddenly grasped Merriwell's arm, saying
+in his ear:
+
+"Here's the fellow you want to see."
+
+He turned Frank toward a person who had just entered the office. In a
+moment Merry advanced toward that person, confronted him, and sternly
+said:
+
+"So, sir, having failed to injure me in other ways, you have been lying
+about me! Well, it's quite like you, Snell!"
+
+"Merriwell?" gasped the other, recoiling and turning pale. "The
+dickens!"
+
+Frank and his old foe, Wat Snell, were again face to face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+SNELL IS FIRED.
+
+
+"So it's that sneak who has been telling yarns!" grated Bart Hodge. "I
+hope Merriwell will smash him!"
+
+"If he doesn't, I will!" muttered Jack Diamond. "I thought we had seen
+the last of him when we left Fardale."
+
+"I hoped so," confessed Hodge.
+
+"But I can't have a fight here," said the landlord, firmly. "It won't
+do."
+
+He seemed on the point of interfering between Frank and Wat, but Hodge
+said:
+
+"A word to Merriwell is enough, Mr. Drayben. He will be careful not to
+cause you any trouble."
+
+Mr. Drayben saw that Merriwell was holding himself in reserve, and he
+felt a sudden curiosity to know what would pass between the enemies who
+had met there in his hotel, so he did not speak to Frank at once.
+
+"Where is your fine friend, Mr. Parker Flynn, who you aided in your
+piratical attempt to seize my yacht?" asked Frank.
+
+Snell swallowed down a lump in his throat and made an effort to recover
+his composure.
+
+"The yacht belongs to Mr. Flynn," he said, huskily, his voice betraying
+his craven spirit.
+
+"You know better than that! If so, why didn't Flynn remain in Rockland
+and push the case against me? Why did he suddenly take to his heels when
+he learned that Benjamin, from whom I bought the _White Wings_, was in
+Rockland?"
+
+"Business called him back to Boston," faltered Snell.
+
+"And business called you out of Rockland in a hurry, too. But you
+stopped too soon. It would have been better for you if you had kept on
+going."
+
+Snell understood Merriwell's meaning and he quailed before the flashing
+eyes of the boy he had slandered.
+
+"Oh, you can't scare me with your threats!" he declared, in a weak
+manner. "I'm not afraid of you, Mr. Frank Merriwell."
+
+"If you had kept still about me," said Frank, "I should not have known
+you were in this town, but you tried to hurt me in a mean, contemptible
+manner, and I found you out."
+
+"Never tried to hurt you in any manner."
+
+"How about the lies you have been circulating concerning me?"
+
+"I don't know what you mean."
+
+"Yes, you do."
+
+"I swear I do not."
+
+"You have been telling that I have signed a contract with Rockland."
+
+"Well, haven't you?"
+
+"You know I have not! You know I would not do such a thing for any
+money, as it would disqualify me for the Yale team. But I fancy I see
+through your crooked game. You thought I might pitch for Rockland
+because you knew they would offer me more money than Camden possibly
+could. You judged me by yourself, and you knew you would sell yourself
+to do anything for money. You sought to turn the college men here
+against me, so they would carry back the report to their colleges that I
+had played for money under a signed contract. Then I would be debarred
+from the Yale team, and your revenge would be complete. Oh, I can read
+you, Snell--I know the workings of your evil mind! You are wholly
+crooked and wholly contemptible. What you deserve is a good coat of tar
+and feathers!"
+
+Frank's plain words had drawn a crowd about them, and Drayben saw it
+would not do not to interfere, as the talk could be heard in the
+parlors.
+
+"This will have to stop," he said, firmly. "I can't have any more of it
+in my hotel."
+
+"He is to blame for it all," whined Snell.
+
+The landlord gave him a look of contempt.
+
+"I do not blame him for anything," he declared. "I know you have told
+the stories he claims. My only wonder is that he did not knock you down
+on sight."
+
+"I might have done so," said Frank, "but was ashamed to soil my hands on
+the fellow."
+
+At this, thinking he was not in danger of immediate personal violence,
+Snell became suddenly bold.
+
+"That is well enough to tell," he said; "but no one will believe it. You
+will find that you can't crowd me, Mr. Merriwell."
+
+"I don't want to crowd you, but I want you to keep your mouth closed as
+far as I am concerned. If you try to circulate any more lies about me, I
+shall forget that you are a whining cur, without a spark of courage in
+your whole body, and I shall give you the drubbing you deserve."
+
+"Bah!" cried Snell.
+
+"As I have discovered the sort of a person you are," said Mr. Drayben,
+quietly but sternly, "I do not care to keep you in my hotel another
+hour."
+
+"What?" gasped Snell. "What do you mean?"
+
+"I mean that you are to pack up and get out at once."
+
+"But you can't turn me out in that manner. This is a public house, and
+you have no right to turn me out like that!"
+
+"I have the right to refuse to keep rascals and crooks in my house,
+sir. It is my duty to protect my guests by turning out such persons when
+their true character is discovered. You will get out as soon as you
+can."
+
+"Do--do--do you dare call me a rascal and a crook?" gurgled Snell. "Take
+care, sir!" shaking his finger at the landlord. "My father is a rich
+man. He is at the head of the Yokohama and Manhattan Tea Company, Mr.
+Drayben, and he will make you regret it if you turn me out of your old
+hotel!"
+
+"I don't care if your father is the Mikado of Japan or the Mayor of New
+York!" came from the landlord, who flushed with anger when Snell shook a
+finger at him; "you will get out of this house in a hurry, just the
+same."
+
+"You can't turn me out till after dinner!"
+
+"Can't I? We'll see about that!"
+
+"But it's almost dinner time now."
+
+"That makes no difference. You can't eat another meal here. Settle and
+git!"
+
+It was a terrible humiliation for Snell, but he found there was no
+appeal, and he was forced to settle his bill, pack his traveling bag,
+and leave the hotel without his dinner.
+
+"I have not liked the appearance of the fellow from the start," said Mr.
+Drayben. "He talked too much. If he stayed in the house another week, he
+would have driven away some of my best guests. You have done me a favor,
+Mr. Merriwell, by giving me an excuse for getting rid of him."
+
+"He's a revengeful sneak," said Frank. "He'll try to get even with me
+some way."
+
+Jack and Bart decided it was time for them to return to the yacht, and
+so they left Merriwell at the hotel, surrounded by several members of
+the Camden ball team, who had come in to see him.
+
+Moslof introduced Frank to the members of the team as they appeared,
+and Merry shook hands with Slatridge and Putbury, the principal battery
+of the nine, two men who were red-headed, freckled, slow of movement,
+slow of speech, and who looked so much alike that in their uniforms one
+was often mistaken for the other. Cogern, the center fielder of the
+team, was another big fellow, who was said to be a terrific batter,
+being valuable for that very reason. Williamson proved to be tall and
+thin, but "Pop" had a reputation as a pitcher and a hitter. On account
+of his illness he had not been able to pitch since joining the Camdens,
+and so he was covering first base. Mower was a professional, and a good
+man when he attended to business. He played short. Bascomb, a little
+fellow, with a swagger and a grin that showed some very poor teeth, was
+change pitcher with Slatridge.
+
+Frank looked the men over. They were a clean-looking set of ball
+players, and he was favorably impressed with them.
+
+"Why, you seem to have a strong team here," he said to Moslof. "I
+fancied by what I heard down in Rockland that you had a lot of farmers."
+
+"They know better than that!" exclaimed the manager of the Camdens,
+flushing. "We gave them a shock by winning from them in our opening
+game. They thought they had a snap. They have been hustling since then,
+but we held the lead for a long time. Now we are tied with them for
+first place, and this game to-day decides who holds the position. If
+Woods and Makune arrive on the twelve o'clock car, we'll try to give
+Rockland a surprise this afternoon."
+
+"Woods is a pitcher, isn't he?"
+
+"He is, and he's a good man, too, but his arm is not in the best
+condition. He hurt it a few weeks ago, and it hasn't got back yet. All
+the same, he says he will pitch for us this afternoon--telephoned me to
+that effect. He's on the level, and he wouldn't want to pitch if he
+didn't think he could win."
+
+"Then I don't see why you want anything of me," smiled Frank.
+
+"Woods can play any position," said Moslof, quickly. "With you in the
+box, we'd have the strongest nine ever seen in this State."
+
+"You have started my baseball blood to boiling," laughed Merry; "but I
+think I'll keep my head cool and not play."
+
+At this moment some one announced that the twelve o'clock car was
+coming, and all hurried out to see if Woods and Makune were on it.
+
+They were. They were met by Moslof, who shook hands with them and then
+introduced them to Merriwell.
+
+"What?" exclaimed Makune. "Frank Merriwell, the Yale man?"
+
+"The same," confessed Frank.
+
+"Why, Portland tried to get you two weeks ago, but couldn't get track of
+you. Moslof, you did a good trick when you nailed Merriwell."
+
+"But I haven't nailed him," said the manager of the Camdens. "I've tried
+every way possible to get him. He is stopping here on his own yacht."
+
+Woods did not seem to be much of a talker, but when he shook hands with
+Merry, many in the crowd noticed a strong resemblance between them.
+Merriwell was the taller and darker. Woods was very quiet in his manner,
+and he impressed the observer favorably at a glance. He had the air of a
+gentleman, even though he was a professional ball player.
+
+That day Woods, Makune, Moslof and Merriwell dined together at the Bay
+View, and Frank told himself that never had he met a pleasanter set of
+fellows. There was something about Woods that drew Merry to him in a
+most remarkable manner. Frank had not known him an hour before he felt
+as if they were old friends.
+
+"Do you think you can win from Rockland this afternoon, Walter?" asked
+Moslof.
+
+"I can try," said Woods, quietly.
+
+"Win!" exclaimed Makune. "Why, he is sure to win! If you have the team
+you say you have, we'll eat Rockland."
+
+"How's your arm, Walter?" asked Moslof.
+
+"I think it's all right," assured Woods.
+
+"All right!" cried Makune. "Of course it's all right! Never was better.
+You didn't hurt it much, anyway, Walt."
+
+"Yes, I did," declared Woods, truthfully. "I thought I had killed it,
+and I reckoned that my ball playing days were over. I didn't care much,
+either. If it hadn't been for you, Makune, I'd quit, anyway."
+
+"Oh, you're too sensitive!" chuckled Makune. "You see, gentlemen, Walter
+doesn't drink a drop, doesn't smoke, chew or swear, won't play cards for
+money--in fact, hasn't a single vice. The fellows jolly him about it,
+and it makes him sore."
+
+Frank's sympathy was with Woods at once.
+
+After dinner Woods and Makune went to their rooms to change their
+clothes, and Merry went out to stroll through the town.
+
+Frank found himself stared at in a manner that was rather embarrassing.
+In the candy store opposite the Bay View were a number of girls who
+seemed to be watching for him to appear. They did not try to flirt with
+him, but it was obvious that everyone of them was "just dying" for a
+fair look at him.
+
+Frank walked down through town and strolled up onto High Street as far
+as the handsome stone mansion known as "Villa Norembega." Here he was at
+the very base of the mountains, and he could look out over the harbor
+and the bay. The view was the most beautiful his eyes had ever rested
+upon, and he stood there gazing upon it for a long time. Down in the
+harbor, amid the other yachts, the _White Wings_ lay at anchor, and his
+keen eyes could detect figures moving about on her deck.
+
+"Jingoes!" thought Merry. "This is a lovely spot. I wonder more people
+do not come here during summer. There can't be anything more beautiful
+at Bar Harbor."
+
+He walked back into town, and, on the corner near Wiley's market, he met
+McDornick and Cogern, who were in their ball suits. He paused to chat
+with them a moment.
+
+"We'll have a mob up from Rockland this afternoon," said Cogern. "They
+know we've got Woods and Makune."
+
+"Perhaps they won't come for that very reason," said McDornick. "They
+may not want to see their team beaten. We'll give them fits to-day."
+
+"Baseball is something you can't depend on," said Frank, warningly.
+"Don't be too sure of winning. I have seen a strong team lose just
+because it was too confident."
+
+"If we had you this afternoon we couldn't lose," declared Cogern.
+
+"That is not certain," smiled Merry; "but I guess you are all right,
+anyway."
+
+"Here comes the two o'clock car from Rockland," said McDornick. "Wonder
+if it brought up any rooters?"
+
+The car was coming down around the curve, the motorman letting it run
+without power, as the grade was rather steep there.
+
+Of a sudden, Cogern uttered a cry, and Frank heard a sound that caused
+him to whirl about instantly.
+
+On the track directly in front of the oncoming car, a young girl had
+fallen from her bicycle. She seemed to be stunned, and the car was
+rushing upon her swiftly, although the frantic motorman was banging the
+gong and twisting away at the brake with all his strength.
+
+Cries of horror went up from twenty persons who witnessed the downfall
+of the girl, for it looked as if the car must pass directly over her.
+
+Quick as thought Frank Merriwell sprang to save the imperiled girl. Two
+panther-like bounds took him to the car track, and he stooped to lift
+her.
+
+Again there were cries of horror, for it seemed that the car must knock
+him down, and that two lives instead of one would be crushed out beneath
+the wheels. Women on the street turned their heads away that they might
+not witness the awful tragedy.
+
+It did not seem that Frank paused in his rush, although he stooped,
+caught hold of the girl, lifted her and bore her on. He snatched her up
+in a manner that utterly bewildered every person who witnessed the act,
+and then, as the car seemed sure to strike him, with one of those
+wonderful leaps, he cleared the track, holding the girl in his arms.
+
+He felt the car brush his elbow, but that was all. He was not harmed,
+and the girl was safe in his arms, although her wheel was crushed
+beneath the wheels of the car.
+
+People came rushing toward them from all directions, but Frank did not
+mind them at that moment. He looked down at the pale face of the panting
+girl.
+
+"Miss Macey!" he exclaimed.
+
+It was the pretty, roguish-eyed girl to whom he had been introduced by
+Landlord Drayben.
+
+"You are not hurt, are you?" he asked.
+
+"No," she faintly whispered, a bit of color coming back to her face;
+"but you saved me from being killed, Mr. Merriwell."
+
+"Well," Frank was forced to confess, "I think I did get you away just in
+time."
+
+"My bicycle----"
+
+"Smashed."
+
+"Oh, I'm so sorry! But I'd rather it would be that than myself. Thank
+you, Mr. Merriwell."
+
+"I am happy to do so much for you. My only regret is that I was not able
+to save your wheel, too."
+
+"You did all you could," she said, a bit of the roguish light coming
+back to her eyes. "I didn't suppose you would do so much for me, a
+stranger."
+
+"I'm always ready to do anything in my power for a pretty girl," said
+Merry, softly, with laughing seriousness.
+
+"Then pitch for the Camdens this afternoon," murmured Phebe. "Will you?"
+
+Frank was thrown into consternation, for he saw he was trapped.
+
+"It's too late now," he said. "Moslof has decided to pitch Woods. If
+asked again to pitch, I'll do it."
+
+By this time they were surrounded by the crowd. A dozen men were asking
+Phebe if she were hurt, or were loudly praising Merriwell for his prompt
+action in going to her rescue.
+
+"Let me escort you to the hotel," said Frank. "I will return and see
+about your broken wheel."
+
+"If you will be so kind," she murmured.
+
+Then, with her clinging to his arm, they walked toward the hotel. It
+seemed that two hundred persons knew what had happened. A score of girls
+saw Phebe Macey clinging to Frank's arm, and even though she had lost
+her bicycle beneath the wheels of the car, she was envied by them all.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+QUICK WORK.
+
+
+A steady stream of men, women, boys and girls were pouring in at the
+entrance of the Camden ball ground, which lay in a most picturesque
+location directly at the foot of the mountains. It was plain that the
+greatest crowd of the season had turned out to witness the struggle
+which should place either Rockland or Camden at the head of the Knox
+County League.
+
+The grand stand filled rapidly. It was a hot afternoon, but there was a
+draught through the grand stand, so that the upper seats were
+comfortable. Beyond the dusty diamond the green woods looked cool and
+inviting.
+
+The ball ground was on an elevated spot, from which a view of the
+village and bay could be obtained. Winding through the distant line of
+woods the river might be seen. Away to the west loomed a range of purple
+mountains.
+
+Dressed in their scarlet uniforms, the Camdens were on the field
+practicing. Although Bascomb was going to be on the bench that
+afternoon, he was warming up as if he expected to go into the box. He
+had cast aside cap and sweater, and was pitching all kinds of shoots to
+a young chap he had found willing to catch him. Woods was batting to the
+infield, but somebody was needed to give the outfield some work.
+Merriwell was called for by McDornick.
+
+Frank was leaning on the rail down near the peanut stand, Diamond,
+Hodge, Browning and Dunnerwust being with him. The entire party had left
+the yacht to witness the game of ball, but the _White Wings_ was being
+watched by a young man on another yacht that lay near her.
+
+"Where's Frank Merriwell?" cried McDornick from the field. "Let him
+knock out some sky scrapers for us."
+
+Moslof asked Merriwell to bat some to the outfield, and so Frank tossed
+aside his yachting jacket and advanced toward the plate.
+
+There was a sudden burst of applause from the grand stand and it went
+all round the ground, bringing a hot flush to Merry's face.
+
+"I wish they wouldn't do that!" he muttered.
+
+Surely he was a handsome-looking fellow in his yachting suit. He
+selected a bat, and then, without any apparent effort, drove out a high
+liner for Cogern in deep center. He gave the fielders all the work they
+wanted.
+
+"Here come the Rocklands!"
+
+A great crowd was coming up the road, in the van of which could be seen
+the boys in gray from the Limerock City. The Rockland rooters had not
+been frightened away by the report that Woods and Makune would play with
+Camden. They were coming in a body to whoop and yell and growl for their
+team--yes, to fight for it, if necessary.
+
+They poured into the ground. All the available standing room was taken,
+and the crowd overflowed so that it encroached upon the field. The
+Camdens came in and let their opponents have the field for practice.
+
+"Fellows," smiled Frank, as he joined his friends, "this is going to be
+a hot afternoon."
+
+"All of that," nodded Hodge. "It's plain there is an intense feeling of
+rivalry between these two towns."
+
+"Say, fellows," put in Jack Diamond, "I haven't stopped wondering yet."
+
+"What about?" asked Frank.
+
+"This part of the country. You told me we would have sport down here,
+but I never expected anything like this. Why, there's rivers of sporting
+blood in this section! How do they get together such ball teams? Camden
+must pay Mower big money, or he would be in one of the big leagues. They
+must have coughed liberally to Woods and Makune, for either of those two
+fellows could get into a big league. Rockland has a full-salaried team,
+and they say she pays her men two hundred and fifty dollars a week all
+told. That's more money than the New England League pays."
+
+"They don't go into anything halfway down here," smiled Merry. "I fancy
+the ball team is a good thing for Camden. It advertises the town, as all
+the games are reported in the Boston dailies, and it attracts summer
+visitors. A good percentage of the spectators here now are summer
+people."
+
+The Rockland team began practice. They appeared more like professionals,
+taken as a whole, than the Camdens, nearly all of whom seemed college
+lads.
+
+Practice was over in a short time, and then the home team prepared to go
+to bat first, and the umpire took his position and called "play."
+
+Although the Rockland "rooters" were on hand to shout for their team,
+the fact that Camden had Woods and Makune made them cautious about
+offering bets. In fact, two of Rockland's principal "sports" were
+seeking to put money on Camden, but could not find takers without giving
+odds.
+
+Dayguild, Rockland's champion pitcher, the man held in reserve for
+Camden, was sent into the box. He had seemed to hoodoo Camden, and
+Rocklandites hoped he would keep up the good work.
+
+Some Thomaston men who had come over to see the game stopped near
+Merriwell and his party and laughed over the "snap" Camden would have
+that day. One of them was telling the others how easy it was to rattle
+Dayguild and break his courage by hitting him hard and putting two
+rattling coachers on the line to keep him "up in the air." Frank did not
+miss a word of this talk.
+
+"Pop" Williamson was the first man to go to bat for Camden. He stood up
+at the plate and looked at Dayguild. Dayguild laughed at him, saying:
+
+"Pop, you're easy."
+
+"Pop" laughed back, observing:
+
+"I have to be easy with you, Gil, or I'd show you up, and you would lose
+your job."
+
+"That's what I call wit!" exclaimed Merriwell, in appreciation. "Pop is
+all right. He'll get a hit."
+
+He did. He cracked out Dayguild's first ball for an easy single, and
+laughed at the Rockland pitcher as he trotted down to first.
+
+"Thought I wouldn't put it into the woods this time, Gil," he said.
+
+"That's a good start to rattle Dayguild if they would get after him,"
+said a Thomaston man.
+
+But Camden made the mistake of splitting her coachers, putting one at
+third and one at first, and the men did not "open up" in a way to get
+the Rockland pitcher on the string.
+
+Putbury, or "Old Put," followed Williamson. He was a left-hand hitter,
+and a good man, but Dayguild managed to give him the "evil eye" and
+struck him out.
+
+"I'm afraid you won't get away from first, Pop," said Dayguild, winking
+at Williamson in a tantalizing manner.
+
+"Oh, there's lots of time," returned the runner, calmly.
+
+Cogern followed Putbury. He fanned twice, and then he cracked out a
+daisy cutter that looked like a safe hit, for it got past the pitcher
+and was going directly over second, with Smithers, the baseman, playing
+away off.
+
+But Smithers was a little fellow who could cover ground wonderfully. How
+he ever reached second as soon as the ball and gathered it in was a
+marvel, but he did the trick with an ease that brought an exclamation
+of admiration from Merriwell.
+
+As he picked the ball off the ground Smithers touched second and put
+Williamson out. Then he whirled like a cat and sent the ball whistling
+to first.
+
+Rockland's first baseman smothered it with ease before Cogern could get
+much more than halfway down the line, and a double play had been made,
+which retired Camden with a whitewash as a starter.
+
+What a wild howl of satisfaction went up from the throats of the
+Rockland rooters! How they hammered on the railing and yelled! Their
+satisfaction was unlimited, for they had not dreamed there could be such
+a happy termination of the Camden's half of the first inning.
+
+"Sorry for you, Pop," grinned Dayguild.
+
+"It's a good thing for you there was a man like Smithers on second,"
+returned Williamson. "It was a clean case of luck."
+
+At this Dayguild laughed derisively, walking in to the bench.
+
+Camden took the field. Woods stripped off his sweater and went into the
+box. He was a clean, fine-looking fellow in his suit. He had warmed up a
+little, and now he tossed a few to Williamson, who was on first.
+
+Smithers, the captain of the Rocklands, was the first man to go to the
+plate. He was known to be a most remarkable little hitter, without a
+weak point that any pitcher had been able to discover.
+
+Woods looked Smithers over, and then sent in a swift one that the little
+man let pass.
+
+The umpire called a ball.
+
+"Whew!" exclaimed Diamond. "That's what I call speed."
+
+"You don'd peen aple to seen dot pall ad all, eh?" cried Hans.
+
+"Merry," said Bart, "Woods is the first fellow I ever saw who reminded
+me of you in the box."
+
+Smithers went after the next ball, but fouled it over the fence, and a
+new ball was put into play. Again and again he fouled.
+
+"You are finding him," cried the Rockland rooters.
+
+At last Smithers hit it fairly on the trade mark, and sent it out into
+right field for a single.
+
+The Rockland crowd was delighted.
+
+"Why, Woods is easy!" they roared.
+
+Woods was not ruffled in the least. When the ball was thrown in, he
+entered the box with it immediately, and then suddenly snapped his left
+foot out and shot the ball over to first.
+
+Smithers saved himself by a hair's breadth. It was a close decision on
+the part of the umpire.
+
+"Did you get onto that motion with his foot?" came eagerly from Hodge.
+"It's Merriwell exactly! Why, the fellow appears more and more like you,
+Frank!"
+
+"That's so," grunted Browning.
+
+Edwards, Rockland's shortstop, followed Smithers at bat. He was a large,
+stocky, red-headed fellow, inclined to swagger and make more or less
+unnecessary talk, but a good ball player and a hard hitter.
+
+"Don't let him catch you, Smithers," he cried. "I'll land you on third."
+
+Woods smiled. He was feeling first rate, and he did not believe Edwards
+could keep his word. While standing carelessly in the box, he gave a
+hitch at his pants with both hands, the right hand holding the ball, and
+then sent a scorcher over the plate so quickly that Edwards was not
+prepared and did not offer at it.
+
+"One strike!" decided the umpire.
+
+"That's the way to fool 'em on the first one," laughed Frank Merriwell,
+softly. "Woods is up to tricks. Boys, that fellow is a dandy, I
+believe."
+
+Smithers tried to get a good start from first, but Woods kept him close
+to the base, much to the delight of the Camden crowd. All Camden was
+confident that Rockland was doomed to defeat that day.
+
+The second ball was a coaxer, but Edwards let it pass. Then came another
+swift one, and the batter went after it and missed it entirely.
+
+The Camden crowd howled its delight.
+
+"That's the stuff, Woodsie!" yelled a voice. "Leave Smithers on first,
+same as they left Williamson."
+
+"He can't do it, you know!" sung back a Rockland rooter.
+
+Woods was the essence of coolness. He teased Edwards with two out-drops,
+and then he seemed to gather himself for a speedy one. As the batting
+score stood three balls and two strikes, the batter felt that Woods
+would use a straight, swift ball and try to cut a corner of the plate.
+
+Woods seemed to send the ball with all the strength he could command,
+but, strange to say, it lingered in the air, and, too late, Edwards saw
+it was a slow one.
+
+The big shortstop bit at it. He smashed at it with all his strength, and
+he hit the ball with the tip of his bat. The coacher had sent Smithers
+for second on that ball when it left Woods' hand. It was too late to
+stop him when they saw the ball popped up into the air as an easy
+infield fly.
+
+Makune called out that he would take it, and ran in under it. Edwards,
+who had a lame knee, ran as if sprinting for his life. The ball hung in
+the air a long time, while Makune stood under it, waiting for it to come
+down.
+
+When it did come down it created one of the sensations of the day, for
+it dropped into Makune's hands and fell out. There was a roar of
+astonishment that this crack infielder of the New England League should
+drop a ball like that. Makune was the most astonished man within the
+inclosure of that ball ground, for he had not done anything like that
+before during the entire season.
+
+Then there was a kick, as Moslof claimed that Makune dropped it
+purposely, and, as he had thrown the ball over to first on picking it
+up, Edwards was out on an infield fly, even though he had reached the
+base ahead of the ball.
+
+The umpire knew his business, however, and did not get rattled. He knew
+that the rules declared a batter was out on an infield fly that could be
+handled, providing there was a runner on first; even though the fielder
+dropped the ball for the purpose of luring the man off first. But
+Smithers had left first before Edwards struck the ball and was well on
+his way to second, while Makune had not dropped the fly as a trick, but
+because he could not hold it. The umpire decided that Smithers had
+stolen second and Edwards was safe on first, which caused the Rockland
+crowd to go wild with satisfaction, while the Camdenites groaned in
+dismay, those who did not understand the point in the game declaring it
+was an outrage, and those who did feeling that the umpire understood it
+too well to be fooled.
+
+Gulsiver, Rockland's center fielder, was the next batter. He went after
+the second ball and found it, knocking it straight at Mower. Mower was
+an erratic player, and, on this occasion, he stopped the ball, but he
+chased it around his feet long enough to permit Gulsiver to get first
+safely, and Smithers and Edwards moved up a base each.
+
+The bags were full!
+
+"That's a hard start for Camden," said Frank Merriwell, feeling his
+sympathy go out toward the boys in red.
+
+"Dot Voods don'd seem to peen doin' a great deal mit der Rocklandt
+poys," observed Hans.
+
+"It's not Woods' fault," declared Merry. "Smithers is the only man who
+has secured a hit off him."
+
+If Woods was worried or disgusted, he did not betray it. He continued to
+pitch coolly and deliberately, for all the yelling of the Rockland crowd
+and chinning of the coachers.
+
+He struck out the next man, and followed that up by causing Hammond, the
+fifth batter, to put up a low, infield fly, which Woods looked after
+himself and caught.
+
+Then it was Camden's turn to howl again, for, although the bases were
+full, two men had been sent to the bench in a minute by the cool little
+pitcher in crimson.
+
+"This looks better," said Merriwell, beginning to smile again. "I'll bet
+something Rockland does not score."
+
+Shaddock was the next man at bat. Woods fooled him on a wide curve and a
+swift inshoot. Then Shaddock got mad and nearly broke his back hitting
+the ball.
+
+The ball struck the ground near the home plate and rolled lazily down
+toward third. Smithers had started for home, and Woods started for the
+ball. As he passed the ball, Smithers tried to kick it aside, even
+though he was taking chances of being seen by the umpire in doing the
+trick. He failed to touch it, however, and, the next instant, Woods
+gathered it up with one hand, taking it as he ran directly from first
+base. Smithers was between him and the plate, and he could not see the
+catcher. He did not hesitate a fraction of a second, he did not even
+pause to straighten up, but, in a stooping position, he swung his arm
+low and sent the ball whistling to first. Spectators afterward declared
+that at no time was that ball more than two feet above the ground. It
+went straight to first, Williamson gathered it in, and the Rocklands
+were out without scoring.
+
+Then such a roar went up to the heights of old Megunticook! The old
+mountain must have fancied that the Indian warriors of long, long years
+ago had returned and were holding a mighty powwow down there in its
+shadow.
+
+Men and boys were frantic. They hammered each other on the back, they
+flung their hats into the air. Women screamed with joy and waved their
+handkerchiefs. And Woods--just then he was the hero of the moment.
+Scores of pretty girls were hugging each other and declaring that he was
+"just perfectly lovely." But he was as cool and unruffled as ever,
+seemingly utterly deaf to the roars of applause.
+
+"I guess Camden is all right, after all," laughed Merriwell.
+
+"Woods is a dandy," said Diamond.
+
+"They do not need me to pitch for them to-day," declared Frank.
+
+Dayguild grinned and chewed gum as he entered the box and faced little
+McDornick, champion base runner of the Camdens. McDornick was
+palpitating with eagerness to hit the ball. He hated to let the first
+one pass, although Dayguild sent in a wide teaser. He went for the
+second one, and hammered it out for two bags, although with an ordinary
+runner it would have been no more than a pretty single.
+
+"Gil, you're pie," laughed Williamson, from the bench.
+
+"You will find him hot pie before the game is over," said a Rockland
+man.
+
+Moslof went to bat. He was eager, also--far too eager, for he struck at
+the first ball, although it was not within reach. But McDornick stole
+third on it, reaching the bag in advance of the ball by a beautiful lone
+slide.
+
+Then Moslof batted one down to Edwards and was thrown out at first.
+
+Mower came next. Sometimes he was a hitter. This was not one of the
+times. He fanned out, and still McDornick was shivering on third.
+
+Makune faced Dayguild. It was not for the first time, as he had faced
+him many times before in the New England League. Although Makune was not
+a heavy hitter, he had done remarkable work for the first of the season,
+and Dayguild was afraid of him. With the ball under his arm, the
+Rockland pitcher turned to observe the positions of the men in the
+field. His back was toward McDornick.
+
+There was a shout of warning from the crowd, and Dayguild whirled to see
+a figure in crimson shooting toward the plate like a streak of fire.
+
+It was McDornick attempting to steal home!
+
+The nerve of the act dazed Dayguild for a moment, and then he threw the
+ball to the catcher, thinking to put out the runner with ease.
+
+The catcher dropped it!
+
+McDornick made a headlong plunge for the plate, touched it, leaped up
+and dodged away before the catcher could pick up the ball.
+
+Camden had scored!
+
+Roar, roar, roar! The crowd went wild with joy. The black cliffs above
+flung back the burst of sound. It seemed enough to wake the dead in the
+distant cemetery tinder the slope of Battie. It was heard far down in
+the heart of the town, and it brought more spectators hurrying to the
+ball ground.
+
+Williamson sat on the bench and laughed tauntingly at Dayguild, who was
+flustered and excited.
+
+"Now, if they know how to do the trick, they can win the game in this
+inning," said a Thomaston man.
+
+But Makune was not in good form, and he rolled one down to third, being
+thrown out at first, which retired Camden with one score.
+
+But Woods pitched wonderful ball the next inning, and Rockland was given
+another whitewash.
+
+By this time Dayguild had recovered his composure, and he pitched so
+well that Slatridge, Woods and Williamson went out in quick succession.
+
+Then came a fatal half for Camden. Merriwell had seen Woods feeling of
+his elbow and working it as if it did not feel just right, and he was
+not surprised when Rockland fell to batting the new pitcher of the
+Camdens.
+
+"Moslof ought to take Woods out," Frank said to Diamond. "He has hurt
+that lame arm already."
+
+"You must be wrong, Merry," said the Virginian. "See the speed he is
+using. Why, I can hardly see the ball as it goes over the plate."
+
+"Speed is all he is using," declared Merriwell, "and Rockland is eating
+speed. He can't use his curves, as it hurts his arm to do so."
+
+Now the Rockland crowd had a chance to yell and laugh, and cheer, for,
+although Woods seemed to be pitching good ball, the "Limeburners" had
+donned their "batting clothes," and were hitting anything and
+everything. The fielders were kept busy, and Rockland players chased
+each other round the bases till six scores had come in.
+
+"I said Moslof ought to take Woods out," said Merriwell, soberly. "The
+game is lost now."
+
+"Woods can't be the pitcher we thought he was," said Diamond, in
+disappointment.
+
+"Woods is all right if he doesn't spoil that arm," asserted Frank. "If
+he sticks to professional ball and takes care of his arm, he'll be in
+the National League before many years."[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: A prophecy that has come true, as Walter Woods was signed
+by Chicago several years ago. He can play any position on the diamond,
+and is one of the cleanest men in the business. Not long ago he pitched
+on the Camden team of the Knox County League, in the State of Maine.
+Sockalexis, the Indian player, who was with the Clevelands last season,
+and who created a sensation wherever he appeared, also played in the
+Knox County League.--The Author.]
+
+At last Woods struck out the third man, and Rockland was retired, but
+not till she had secured a lead of five scores.
+
+Dayguild laughed at Williamson as he went into the box.
+
+"It's all over now," he declared. "Camden is buried."
+
+"You can't tell about that," returned Williamson. "You have had your
+turn, ours will come."
+
+But it did not come that day, although Woods pitched the game out and
+held Rockland down so that she obtained but one more score. The game
+finally ended seven to five in favor of Rockland.
+
+A more delighted crowd than the rooters from the Limerock city could not
+be found. They guyed every Camdenite they knew. They declared that
+Camden was a snap for Rockland, and always would be a snap. They were
+insolent in their satisfaction and delight.
+
+Down into town rushed the Rocklandites. They bought every tin horn they
+could find, and at least a dozen cow bells. They bought tin pans and
+drummed on them with sticks. They bought brooms and paraded with them to
+indicate that they had swept Camden clean. They made a frightful racket
+in the very heart of the village, and their scornful remarks about
+Camden and Camdenites in general were of a nature to arouse the anger
+of any inhabitant of the town at the foot of the mountains.
+
+At last the cars from Rockland came, three of them being required to
+handle the crowd. They piled on and went out of Camden blowing horns,
+ringing bells, beating tin pans and howling derision.
+
+Frank Merriwell stood on the corner near the opera house and heard all
+this. He could feel the blood within him getting warmer and warmer. He
+considered Moslof a fine fellow and he admired Woods. His sympathy was
+with Camden.
+
+Moslof and Woods came down the street together and paused near Frank.
+Woods was making no excuses.
+
+"They hit me out, that's all," he said. "I want to pitch against them
+again when this arm is rested."
+
+Frank stepped forward.
+
+"When do you play Rockland again, Moslof?" he asked.
+
+"To-morrow," was the answer. "The schedule brings these two games
+together."
+
+"Who will pitch?"
+
+"I don't know. Woods can't, Williamson is not in shape, I am afraid to
+put Slatridge in, and Bascomb never was any good against Rockland,
+although he is a good man against any other team."
+
+"You wanted me to pitch to-day," said Frank.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I might not have done any better than Woods. He is a dandy, and he can
+monkey with Rockland when his arm is all right. I knew you ought to take
+him out at the beginning of the third, and I told Diamond so. I could
+see that his arm was keeping him working speed, and Rockland was eating
+speed."
+
+"That's right," nodded Woods. "It was the best I could do that inning.
+No matter where I put them, they hit them out. I worked a change of
+pace, but that did not seem to bother them. After that inning, however,
+I kept them guessing."
+
+"You pitched winning ball all through the game, with the exception of
+that fatal inning, and it is probable those fellows would have hammered
+anybody that inning. They had a batting streak, and they made the most
+of it."
+
+Then he suddenly turned to Moslof, asking:
+
+"Do you want me to pitch for you to-morrow?"
+
+Moslof gave a jump.
+
+"Do I want you?" he exclaimed. "I should guess yes! Will you do it?"
+
+"I will."
+
+Moslof seized Merry's hand.
+
+"Old man, you have won my everlasting gratitude. To-morrow we'll put a
+team into the field that will paralyze Rockland. It will be such a team
+as Rockland or the State of Maine never saw before! Will we do 'em? Oh,
+say! We'll wipe 'em off the earth!"
+
+"Oh, that's not certain," cautioned Frank. "You can't be sure of a
+victory till it is won. Camden thought she had a sure thing to-day."
+
+"It will be different to-morrow," said Moslof. "If you pitch a winning
+game, the people of Camden will give you the whole town when we get back
+here!"
+
+"Well, I shall do my best to pitch winning ball," assured Merry.
+
+Directly after supper, which all the boys except Hans took at the Bay
+View, the Dutch lad being sent off aboard the _White Wings_, a buckboard
+with four wide seats came round for a party, and Merry was surprised to
+find that he was expected to be one of the party. Browning, Diamond and
+Hodge were included. The others were members of the Camden ball team.
+
+When the buckboard was loaded the driver cracked his whip over the four
+handsome horses, and away they went through town, up over Harbor Hill
+and along the street that led toward the foot of the mountains.
+
+Soon they were close under the cliffs of Battie. There were some
+splendid singers in the party, and they awoke the echoes with the old
+college songs.
+
+In the cool shadows of twilight they rolled along the famous turnpike,
+with Battie behind them and the frowning heights of Megunticook rising
+directly over their heads. On Maiden Cliff, standing out against the
+sky, they saw the white cross that marks the spot where a beautiful girl
+fell to her death on the cruel rocks below. At times the winding road
+seemed to lead directly into the lake that they could see shimmering
+through the trees. It was one of the most beautiful drives Merriwell had
+ever taken.
+
+They turned about finally and came back by the way of Lake City, a
+charming collection of cottages assembled at one of the most picturesque
+spots to be found around the island-dotted lake. The driver pointed out
+the spot where the famous Lake City Inn had stood before the fire that
+wiped out the beautiful summer hotel.
+
+By this time night had fallen, but the full moon was high in the
+heavens, shedding a pure white light over all and giving the scene a
+glamour that it could not have by day. Indeed, it was so light that the
+cross on Maiden Cliff could be seen even better than they had seen it in
+the twilight.
+
+"Now, fellows," said Moslof, "there is another place we had better visit
+to-night."
+
+"Where is that?" asked several.
+
+"The Summit House, on Mount Battie."
+
+"Hurrah for the Summit House!" shouted the boys.
+
+"We'll have to do some walking."
+
+"We can walk up all right."
+
+"I don't know about that," grunted Bruce Browning. "I came out to
+ride."
+
+"It will do you good to walk."
+
+But Bruce could not agree with Merriwell, and Moslof, laughing, said
+that Browning should not leave the buckboard till he was safely on the
+top of Battie. This relieved the big fellow's mind, and he grunted:
+
+"All right. Go ahead."
+
+Before they reached the foot of the mountain after leaving Lake City
+they turned off into a road that led back into the woods. Soon they came
+to the new road that had been constructed by the energy and
+determination of the shrewd owner of the hotel on the heights. This road
+proved to be even better than the boys had anticipated, but it was very
+steep in places, so that every man except Browning walked. As for Bruce,
+no amount of guying could induce him to get off and climb.
+
+The moonlight sifted down through the trees, making white patches amid
+the black shadows. There was not much air, and the walking lads were
+perspiring freely before they were far from the foot of the ascent; but
+they stuck to it, and, at last, they were relieved to come out of the
+winding way and see the lights of the hotel before them.
+
+With a cheer, they rushed forward toward the building.
+
+Moslof led the way round the end, and then all stopped, uttering
+exclamations of admiration.
+
+Below them in the white moonlight lay the village, the harbor, the bay,
+the great stretch of beautiful country. Hundreds of lights twinkled in
+the town, the electric street lamps showing white and clear and marking
+the limits of the village.
+
+Away to the south was Rockport, her electric lamps paled by the clear
+moonlight. Miles beyond Rockport was Rockland, her location also plainly
+marked by lights. Between Rockport and Camden a lighted trolley car was
+flying along.
+
+Jack Diamond drew a deep breath, and his hand fell on Frank's arm.
+
+"Merriwell," he said, "I want to thank you for bringing me down into
+this country. It surely is a wonderful land at this season of the year,
+no matter what it may be in winter. This is the most beautiful view my
+eyes ever rested upon."
+
+"Everybody says that," put in Moslof. "No matter where they have been,
+they say that."
+
+"I have traveled a little over the world," said Merriwell, "and I must
+say this is the most entrancing view I have ever looked upon."
+
+"I'm glad I took the trouble to come up," sighed Browning.
+
+As they were standing there, gazing enraptured upon the scene, there was
+a burst of girlish laughter from the hotel. Then at least a dozen girls
+came out upon the veranda.
+
+"What have we struck?" exclaimed Frank.
+
+"It must be a party," said Moslof. "Let's go in."
+
+Go in they did, the proprietor of the hotel meeting and welcoming them.
+It proved that Moslof was right, there was a party of girls up from the
+village, and Frank's sharp eyes found Phebe Macey was among them.
+
+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.
+
+
+"Here come the Lobsters!"
+
+The cry was uttered by a small boy as the Camden ball team entered the
+Rockland ball ground.
+
+A great crowd had assembled in the "cigar box," as the ground was
+sometimes called because of its narrow limits. All Rockland had heard
+that Camden would have a new battery, and nearly all Rockland had heard
+of Merriwell and Hodge, for Frank had insisted that Bart should support
+him behind the plate. The fact that Rockland had won from Camden with
+Woods in the box made the rooters feel that their team was
+invincible--that it could not be defeated by Camden. They had turned out
+in a way to make the heart of the Rockland manager rejoice as the
+quarters came jingling into the cash box.
+
+The car had been delayed and the Camden team was late. It was followed
+by such a swarm of Camden people as had never been seen on the Rockland
+ball ground. This band of rooters was marshaled by a Camden man, who had
+instructed them to hang together and who was to lead them in the
+cheering. They packed in upon the bleachers near first base, as they had
+bought a large reserved space there and it was held for them.
+
+Rockland had finished practicing, and so the Camdens took the field.
+Everybody was asking where Frank Merriwell was, but no one seemed able
+to discover him.
+
+"It was a false report," somebody said, and then the spectators,
+thinking they had been deceived, began to growl.
+
+But Merriwell and Hodge had slipped into the ground in ordinary clothes
+and were getting into suits in the dressing room beneath the grand
+stand. As soon as they were dressed, they came out, and Frank began to
+warm up by throwing to Bart.
+
+"Here they are!"
+
+A boy uttered the cry, and then every eye seemed turned on the famous
+Yale battery.
+
+Among those who had been watching for Merriwell's appearance was Wat
+Snell. The fellow ground his teeth with rage as he saw Frank come out in
+a baseball suit.
+
+"He shall not win this game!" vowed Wat. "I have the stuff in my pocket
+that will fix him if I can get it into him."
+
+Then Snell hastily sought some chaps who were grouped in a little bunch,
+talking in low tones among themselves.
+
+"Mr. Bixton," said Wat, "I want to speak with you a moment."
+
+He drew one of the young men aside and whispered in his ear. Bixton
+scowled and nodded, answering:
+
+"I've got fifty dollars on this game."
+
+Then Snell whispered some more, but Bixton shook his head and said
+aloud:
+
+"They'd kill the feller they caught doin' it. French is a reg'lar fool!
+He wants to beat Camden, but he wouldn't win in a crooked way for a
+thousand dollars. He'd be the first to jump on a chap that was caught
+doin' up a Camden man."
+
+"He needn't know it," said Snell, and then he whispered some more, but
+he couldn't seem to win Bixton over.
+
+"All right," said Snell. "You'll be sorry when you lose your fifty
+plunks."
+
+"I ain't lost 'em yet."
+
+"You will if Frank Merriwell pitches the whole game."
+
+Practice was over, the umpire took his place and called "play," the
+Camden team was in the field. Merriwell walked down into the box. He
+wore his Yale uniform, as he had been unable to obtain a Camden uniform
+that would fit him.
+
+The Rockland crowd looked at Merriwell with curiosity, but all the
+applause he received came from the Camden rooters. At one side of the
+diamond were gathered twenty small boys. Usually these youngsters were
+full of taunts and jeers for Camden, but now they were strangely silent.
+One of them turned to the others and said:
+
+"Fellers, Rockland eats dirt ter-day! We kin lick anything else on ther
+face of ther earth, but we can't do up that battery. I've read all about
+Frank Merriwell, an' there ain't nothin' walks on two legs what kin
+pitch ball with him!"
+
+Strange to relate, he was not disputed in the assertion.
+
+The umpire broke open a box and tossed a beautiful new "Spaulding" to
+Merry, who caught it and rubbed a handful of dirt over it.
+
+Smithers advanced to the plate. Frank had heard that it was impossible
+to discover the little man's weak point, and he resolved to start right
+in by fooling him--if possible.
+
+Hodge knew what was coming when Merry assumed a certain attitude. Then,
+without any flourish, Frank shot in what seemed at the start to be a
+straight, swift ball.
+
+Smithers took it for an inshoot, and, in his judgment, it must be a fair
+ball. He swung for it, and then he dropped his bat and gasped.
+
+The ball had reversed from an in to an out, causing Smithers to miss it
+by at least six inches!
+
+It was Merriwell's wonderful double shoot!
+
+Those in the grand stand who had seen the double curve of the ball
+uttered exclamations of amazement, and some of them would not believe
+their eyes had not deceived them.
+
+Smithers picked up his bat, muttering:
+
+"If I'd been drinking lately I wouldn't wonder at it!"
+
+Hodge returned the ball, and in a moment Merry was ready to deliver
+again. Smithers fancied he had been deceived by his eyes, and so, when
+Frank pitched another ball that was exactly like the first, he smashed
+at it again.
+
+And missed again!
+
+There was a commotion in the grand stand. A loud voice was heard
+declaring the ball had curved in and out, and that Merriwell was a
+wizard. Another person was speaking soothingly to the excited
+individual.
+
+Not a sound from the Camden rooters, for their leader was holding them
+in check. He had not given the signal for applause.
+
+On all the ground there was no man half as amazed as Smithers. He
+fancied he had batted all kinds of pitching, but here was something new
+to him.
+
+There was a hush as Frank again assumed position for delivery. Smithers
+assumed a look of determination and made ready. Then the Yale pitcher
+shot in another ball, this time changing his curves so the sphere
+started with an out and suddenly changed to an in.
+
+Seeing it was an out at the start, Smithers instantly decided that it
+must go beyond his reach. When it changed to an in, and passed over the
+plate, it was too late to get his bat round, and so he stood with the
+"wagon tongue" poised, not even having offered at it.
+
+"Three strikes--out!" called the umpire.
+
+Then the Camden crowd could be held no longer. Never before had Smithers
+been struck out like that. But three balls had been pitched, and yet,
+the crack batter of the Rocklands, a man without a weak point, was
+retired. The men and boys from under Megunticook rose up and yelled
+like a thousand fiends. They felt that a man who could strike Smithers
+out like that would have a snap with the rest of the team, and the joy
+in their hearts knew no bounds.
+
+For once the Rockland rooters were silent. They did not even have
+sufficient nerve left to guy the Camdenites. They stared and stared at
+the man who had struck out Smithers with three pitched balls, and their
+dismay and disgust knew no bounds.
+
+"What's the matter that Rockland didn't get that feller?" growled one.
+"It was a fool trick to let Camden get him!"
+
+Smithers walked to the bench and sat down in a dazed way, muttering:
+
+"Well, I'll be blowed!"
+
+Edwards picked up a bat and advanced to the plate with his usual
+swagger.
+
+"Just try that on me," he invited.
+
+Instantly Frank decided to do so. Bart was ready, and Merry snapped in a
+swift one, giving it the double curve. Edwards let it pass.
+
+"One strike!" cried the umpire.
+
+A roar from the Camden crowd.
+
+Bart sent back the ball. Edwards grinned and then scowled. He made
+ready. Frank reversed the curves and drove in a whistler that could
+scarcely be seen as it passed through the air.
+
+This time Edwards struck, but he found only empty air.
+
+"Two strikes!" from the umpire.
+
+Another roar from the Camden crowd.
+
+Edwards began to look doubtful.
+
+"What are we up against?" he muttered to himself.
+
+Merriwell took his time to pitch the third ball. All at once he seemed
+to send in one like the last. Edwards believed the double curve would
+cause it to cross over the plate, and he struck at it.
+
+It proved to be a straight ball, and Edwards never touched it!
+
+"Striker is out!" decided the umpire.
+
+It is impossible to describe the tumult that followed. For once, at
+least, Camden was well represented on the Rockland ground, and the
+rooters for the boys in crimson could not make noise enough. Their hour
+of triumph had arrived, and they were making the most of it.
+
+Edwards looked sour enough as he went to the bench.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Gulsiver, who was swinging two bats so that
+one would seem lighter to him when he came to strike.
+
+"That Yale chap is the devil!" growled Edwards.
+
+Gulsiver was a college man and a fine fellow. He had played with Camden
+the previous season, and Camden was sorry it did not have him that year.
+He looked anxious but determined to do his best as he went to the plate.
+
+Frank had decided that he was using the double shoot altogether too
+much, for it would soon put a kink in his elbow if he kept it up. He had
+used it on Edwards because the Rockland shortstop had challenged him to
+do so. Gulsiver was tried with a coaxer, but he let it pass. Then Frank
+gave him a rise, and he hit it.
+
+The ball popped up into the air and fell into Merriwell's hands,
+retiring Rockland on eight pitched balls, without a single batter
+getting started toward first base.
+
+The Camden crowd was happy, and the Rocklandites were disgusted. But
+Rockland had a pitcher who more than once proved a hoodoo for Camden.
+The redoubtable "Grandpa" Morse was to go into the box this day. There
+had been a time when Morse could scare the Camden players with his speed
+and fool them with his "southpaw" delivery. Rockland hoped that time
+had not passed, even though the rooters of the Limerock City were aware
+that Morse was not dealing with tenderfeet this day.
+
+Moslof had placed Hodge at the head of the batting list at Merriwell's
+suggestion. Bart picked up a heavy stick and advanced to the plate, as
+Morse entered the box. The Rockland men were in their places on the
+field.
+
+Morse was working his jaw over a chew of gum. He had a glove on his
+right hand, and with this he covered the ball so it could not be seen.
+At the very start Merriwell made a kick about this, and Morse was forced
+to show the ball in his hand. He grinned at Frank with an expression
+that seemed to say he would get even, and then, putting on all the steam
+at his command, he sent a high ball over the plate, thinking to daze
+Hodge with his speed.
+
+Hodge swung at it, hit it fairly without much effort, and put it over
+the center field fence, trotting around the bases to the music of the
+cheers of the Camden crowd.
+
+Then Morse was riled. Williamson came next, and "Grandpa" struck him
+out, giving the Rocklandites a chance to yell a little. Cogern followed,
+and made a hard try for the center field fence, but Gulsiver got back
+against the fence, reached up into the air and pulled the ball down, to
+the increased delight of the Rockland spectators. McDornick was too
+anxious, and he hit an easy roller to Edwards, who threw him out at
+first.
+
+But the first inning had ended one to nothing in Camden's favor.
+
+Then Merriwell went into the box again, but he did not attempt to work
+his double shoot till Rockland had filled the bases with a hit, a wild
+throw by Mower and a dropped fly by McDornick, followed by a poor throw
+to third.
+
+Now Rockland thought her time had come. The coachers were doing their
+best to rattle Merriwell, aided by the yelling crowd, but Frank never
+was cooler in his life. He struck out the next man, and the next popped
+up a little fly to Makune. Then Merry took a hot liner from the next
+batter, and Rockland did not score.
+
+Then Bixton hunted up Snell.
+
+"I'll give you ten dollars to get that drug into Merriwell," he said.
+
+"Furnish me with a boy to pass Merriwell the water and I'll do it," said
+Snell. "Merriwell would suspect me."
+
+Bixton found the boy, and the plot to knock Frank out was laid. Snell
+called the boy aside and gave him full instructions.
+
+"Here is a little vial," he explained. "All you have to do is stick by
+the water bucket at the end of the Camden bench. Keep this vial in your
+hand uncorked and ready. You can keep it out of sight. When Merriwell
+wants a drink, it will be easy for you to drop some of the stuff in the
+vial into the bucket. As soon as he drinks, upset the bucket, so nobody
+else will get any of the stuff. Here's ten dollars for you."
+
+The boy took the vial and the ten dollars. Then, when Snell was not
+watching him, he looked around for French, the Rockland manager, found
+him and told him the whole plot.
+
+French was furious.
+
+"I wouldn't have that happen on this ground for a hundred dollars!" he
+declared. "Point out the fellow who hired you to do this, and I will
+have him arrested! We are winning no games in that way!"
+
+The boy pointed Snell out, and, five minutes later, Wat turned pale as
+an officer tapped him on the shoulder and said:
+
+"Come with me. Don't make any fuss, or the crowd will find out that you
+hired a boy to drug Frank Merriwell. You'll be lynched if they do find
+it out."
+
+Snell could not say a word. With the officer's hand on his shoulder, he
+was marched off the ground, while the crowd wondered why he had been
+arrested. Bixton, the crooked sport, saw this, and it did not take him
+long to disappear.
+
+So the plot to knock Merriwell out was frustrated, and Frank pitched the
+game through, giving Rockland just four hits. At the end of the eighth
+inning the score stood two to one in favor of Camden. With the beginning
+of the ninth a combination of bad plays placed a Rockland man on third,
+with one man out. Then the next batter drove out a long fly to Cogern,
+and the man on third attempted to score on it. Cogern made the throw of
+his life, nailing the runner at the plate and spoiling Rockland's last
+chance.
+
+The game was over, and Camden had won by a score of two to one. It had
+been a beautiful game, and once more Camden and Rockland were tied for
+first place in the Knox County League.
+
+The Camden rooters were happy, while the Rockland spectators melted away
+and disappeared from view with amazing suddenness when the last man was
+out.
+
+It was plain enough that the Rockland people expected the visitors to
+celebrate as Rockland had done in Camden, but nothing of the kind was
+permitted. Still it was a joyful crowd that loaded the two trolley cars
+and went through the main street of the city singing:
+
+    "Boom-ta-de-aye, boom-ta-de-aye,
+    De-boom-ta, de-boom-ta, de-boora-ta-de-aye;
+    We won to-day, we won to-day,
+    Oh, we won, oh, we won, oh, we won to-day."
+
+As they passed the _Star_ office the bulletin was out:
+
+    "Baseball To-day:
+    "Camden, 2; Rockland, 1."
+
+The crowd on the cars cheered as they passed the bulletin, and they sang
+all the way to Camden.
+
+But when those cars entered Camden what a reception awaited the victors!
+It seemed that half the town had turned out to meet them. Everybody had
+a horn. As the first car, carrying the ball players, approached the
+opera house there was a deafening blare of sound, and the explosion of
+cannon crackers, and cheer after cheer rent the air. The moment the car
+stopped Frank Merriwell was torn from his seat by admirers, was lifted
+to the shoulders of sturdy fellows and carried to the hotel without
+being allowed to touch his feet to the ground, while the throng surged
+around him and shouted.
+
+An hour later, as he sat in the office of the hotel, surrounded by
+friends and admirers, he said:
+
+"Fellows, I'd like to spend the rest of the summer right here in this
+town. It's all right! I'm glad I've found Camden, and you may be sure
+it's not the last time I shall stop here."
+
+Then the mayor of the town, who happened to be present, said:
+
+"Mr. Merriwell, Camden belongs to you. If there is anything here that
+you want, take it. If you don't see what you want, ask for it. I don't
+know that we can do any better by you than that."
+
+That evening Landlord Drayben gave the baseball boys a dinner at the
+hotel, and there were speeches and toasts and cheers for Merriwell.
+
+After the dinner the dining room was cleared, an orchestra appeared, and
+there was dancing. Again Frank was the first on the floor, with Phebe
+Macey as his partner. And Phebe was the happiest girl in Camden that
+night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+OFF FOR BAR HARBOR.
+
+
+It was nearly midnight when a boat containing four lads pushed out from
+Fish Market Wharf and pulled down Camden harbor toward the fleet of
+yachts that lay anchored in Dillingham's Cove.
+
+The moon had dropped down into the west, but it still shed its pure
+white light on the unrippled water of the harbor, and, despite the
+lateness of the hour, several boating parties were out. From away toward
+the Spindles came the sound of a song, in which four musical voices
+blended harmoniously. Nothing stirs the entire soul with a sense of the
+beautiful like the sound of a distant song floating over the silvered
+bosom of a peaceful bay or lake on a moonlight night in midsummer. Hodge
+and Diamond, who were rowing the boat, rested on their oars, and the
+four lads listened a long time.
+
+"Beautiful!" murmured Merriwell, who was sitting in the stern of the
+boat, the rudder lines in his hands.
+
+Browning grunted.
+
+"The yelling of the Camden crowd on the Rockland ball ground to-day
+sounded better to me," he said.
+
+Quoth Merriwell:
+
+    "'The man that hath no music in himself,
+    Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds,
+    Is fit for treasons, strategems and spoils;
+    The motions of his spirit are dull as night,
+    And his affections dark as Erebus:
+    Let no such man be trusted.'"
+
+"Huah!" said Bruce. "Talk about a 'concord of sweet sounds,' what could
+be sweeter than the howls of those baseball rooters when you worked
+your double shoot on the Rockland batters and kept them fanning the
+breeze? That was what I call music!"
+
+"Fellows," sighed Frank, "this has been a lively day."
+
+"It certainly has," nodded Hodge.
+
+"Things move in a hurry down here at this season of the year," put in
+Diamond.
+
+"It's rather too lively for me," confessed Merriwell. "I am stuck on
+Camden, but I must get out of it right away."
+
+"Why?" asked the others, in a breath.
+
+"The people here will not give me any rest. If I remain, it will be
+impossible for me to refuse to play ball with the Camden team, and I did
+not come down here for that. Why, I could have a hundred dollars a week
+if I would play with Camden. Money doesn't seem to be of value to the
+people here, now that they think I can beat Rockland every time I go
+into the box. They are ready to give up anything to beat Rockland. I
+haven't any grudge against Rockland. In fact, if what I hear about Wat
+Snell's attempt to drug me is true, I have every reason to be grateful
+toward Manager French, for he caused Snell's arrest, and it is likely
+that Wat is languishing in the Rockland lockup to-night."
+
+"That fellow will land in prison all right," said Diamond. "He is the
+most vindictive creature I ever saw."
+
+"If French pushes him, he may be shut up for a while down this way,"
+observed Hodge.
+
+"I was going to spend a week up there on the mountain," said Jack,
+looking toward the top of Battie, where the lights of the Summit House
+were still gleaming, despite the hour. "If we get out of here in a rush,
+I'll not get up there again."
+
+"We were there last night," said Frank. "That was a jolly time, and no
+one expected it. After dancing on the mountain last night, pitching a
+game of ball to-day and then dancing at the Bay View to-night, I am
+ready to rest to-morrow."
+
+Browning grunted again.
+
+"I believe you are getting frightened," he yawned.
+
+"Of what?"
+
+"The girl with the roguish eyes."
+
+"Phebe?"
+
+"Sure."
+
+"Why should I be frightened of her?"
+
+"She has hypnotized you with those eyes. Notice how often he danced with
+her, fellows? Inza Burrage is down this way, and----"
+
+"She is in Bar Harbor now."
+
+"Well, that's not far. You are counting on getting away from Phebe
+before she weaves her spell about you so you can't break away."
+
+"It's wonderful how you read a fellow," laughed Merriwell. "You should
+go into the mind-reading business. Anyhow, we'll get up anchor early, if
+there is a breeze, and leave Camden behind us."
+
+"For good?" asked Diamond, anxiously.
+
+"Oh, perhaps not for good. We may drop in here on our way back. Can't
+tell just what we will feel like doing."
+
+A boat was gliding past them. It came near enough for its occupants to
+recognize the lads in the other boat. Somebody said:
+
+"It's Merriwell and his party."
+
+Then a feminine voice called:
+
+"Hello, Frank Merriwell. You are a dandy!"
+
+"Thank you," said Frank, laughing. "There are others."
+
+"Not in your class," was the quick retort. "You are the only one of the
+kind."
+
+"Who was that?" asked Diamond, as the boat passed on.
+
+"Couldn't tell you, my boy," answered Frank.
+
+"Why, that's strange! She spoke to you as if she knew you. Familiar for
+a stranger!"
+
+"Evidently she is intoxicated--by the moonlight," grunted Browning.
+
+"If we stay down this way long, I fancy we'll find there is considerable
+freedom at these summer resorts," said Merry. "People do not always wait
+for introductions down here. But the girl in that boat would not have
+spoken had it been in the daytime. She knew I could not recognize her,
+and that is how she ventured to do it."
+
+"Well, let's get on board," urged Bruce. "I'm tired, and I want to turn
+in."
+
+"Pull away," directed Frank, and the boys began rowing again.
+
+They passed other rowboats, and the sound of voices and laughter came
+over the moon-burnished bosom of the harbor. On board one of the yachts
+not far from the _White Wings_ a jolly party had gathered. Somebody was
+picking away at a guitar and softly humming the latest song. Others were
+chatting and laughing. The yacht was decorated with Chinese lanterns and
+was burning bright lights.
+
+"Those lights would look better if there wasn't any moon," observed
+Diamond.
+
+As they approached the _White Wings_ a figure suddenly arose on the deck
+and leveled something at the boat, while a voice called:
+
+"Stood still vere I vos und gafe der coundersign! Uf I don'd done dot
+you vill oben vire onto me!"
+
+"Here, here, Hans!" exclaimed Merry. "What are you trying to do--shoot
+us? Be careful with that gun!"
+
+"Vos dot you, Vrankie?" asked the faithful Dutch boy, lowering the gun.
+"Vale, I don'd vant to make no mistook, und so I peen careful not to
+led any vellers come apoard uf me vot I don'd vant to seen. I vos glad
+you haf camed."
+
+They ran up to the sloop and were soon on board. It was necessary to
+tell Hans what had happened that day, but he simply said:
+
+"Oh, I knew how dot vould peen all der dime. Uf course Vrankie blayed
+marples mit Rocklandt."
+
+That night they slept well in their berths, for a cool breeze sprang up
+about midnight, so the cabin of the yacht was not too warm, and there
+was the gentlest of rocking motions to lull their senses.
+
+Frank was astir at daybreak, and it did not take him long to turn the
+others out when he discovered there was a land breeze.
+
+"It's just what we want," he said. "We must get away in a hurry,
+fellows. We can take our breakfast after we get outside the harbor."
+
+So the anchor was raised, the sails run up in a hurry, and the _White
+Wings_, with Frank at the wheel, headed for the Spindles. At sunrise she
+was outside the harbor's mouth, with her course set due east. Outside
+the harbor there was a strong, steady breeze, and it was not long before
+the twin mountains of Camden began to sink into the purple morning
+mists.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+DIAMOND'S PLANS.
+
+
+The season at Bar Harbor was at its height, and the most famous resort
+on the coast of Maine was overflowing with rich, fashionable and famous
+people. Congressmen and their families were there, millionaires from
+various parts of the country were there, titled persons from abroad were
+there. Frenchman's Bay was almost crowded with yachts, and excursions
+were pouring into the town by the railroad and by steamboats. There were
+drives by day, excursions to various points about the bay, and by night
+there were hops at the hotels, strolls in the moonlight, and gay times
+on board the yachts that clustered in the harbor.
+
+Two days at Bar Harbor made Frank and his friends long to get away.
+
+"This isn't much like Camden, don't you know," yawned Browning, as he
+rolled into his berth on the afternoon of the second day. "We made a
+mistake in running away from that town in a hurry."
+
+"You know why we did it," said Frank, quickly. "We were too well known
+there. Now, over here we have been discreet and kept our identity
+secret. That was not such a task, either, for I do not fancy one out of
+a thousand of these people ever heard anything about any of us, or would
+take the trouble to turn round to look after us if they had heard of us
+and knew who we were. By Jove! I find it rather agreeable, fellows!"
+
+"Oh, that's all right," nodded Diamond. "I don't fancy notoriety any
+more than you do, Merry; but there is something about the atmosphere
+here that I don't quite relish, although I can't tell what it is."
+
+Frank laughed.
+
+"I fancy I know what it is, old man."
+
+"Then let me into the mystery."
+
+"It is the air of commercial aristocracy these people wear. Now, by
+birth and breeding, Diamond, you are a true aristocrat, but with you
+blood is everything, and it rather galls you to witness the boorish air
+of superiority assumed by some of these millionaire pork packers with
+neither education nor refinement. I don't wonder. When you came to Yale
+you had some silly notions about aristocracy, but you have gotten over
+them to a certain extent, so that now you recognize a gentleman as a
+gentleman, even though his father was a day laborer; but you realize
+that no man is a gentleman simply because he is worth several million
+dollars and has a daughter he is trying to marry off to a foreigner with
+a title and a blasted reputation. We are getting nearer together in our
+ideas every day, Diamond, whether you realize it or not. These
+money-made aristocrats with their boorish manners and their inability to
+speak or spell the English language correctly are quite as repugnant to
+me as they are to you. There are plenty of such society people here, and
+they are making you tired, old man. I don't wonder. I am becoming a
+trifle fatigued myself."
+
+"Yaw," grunted Hans, who had been listening with an owlish look of
+wisdom on his full-moon face, "vot makes me dired vos dose beoble vot
+don'd knew how to speak der English language mitoudt a misdake makin'
+their spelling in."
+
+"I can't say that I relish Bar Harbor so very much," said Hodge,
+speaking for the first time. "I think I have seen enough of it."
+
+"Let's move," grunted Browning.
+
+"Oh, you will trouble yourself a lot about moving!" laughed Frank.
+
+"I'll move when the yacht does."
+
+"And help get up the anchor?"
+
+"Oh, say, I'll pay Hans to do my share of pulling on the anchor line! My
+heart is weak, and I am liable to strain it by overexertion."
+
+"You are not at all liable to, for you will not overexert yourself."
+
+"If we leave Bar Harbor, where shall we go, fellows?" asked Diamond.
+
+"Oh, there are plenty of places," assured Frank.
+
+"Mention some of them."
+
+"As you know, Penobscot Bay is full of islands, and on some of those
+islands are villages. Now, it is my belief that some of those villages
+would be interesting places to visit."
+
+"A good suggestion."
+
+"We might run down to Green's Landing or Isle au Haut."
+
+"Say!" exclaimed Diamond.
+
+"Say it."
+
+"I have an idea."
+
+"Vos dot as pad as der rheumadisms?" asked Hans, innocently. "Vere did
+id hurt me most?"
+
+"Let's invite the girls," said Jack.
+
+"Inza and Paula?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Huah!" grunted Browning, from his berth. "Anybody might have known it!
+Think of John Diamond, of Virginia, getting soft on a Boston girl! Ha!
+ha! ha!"
+
+The big fellow's words and laughter irritated Diamond, and he snapped:
+
+"I don't see what there is so very funny about that!"
+
+Then Browning laughed all the more, saying:
+
+"You see, he doesn't deny it, fellows. I suspected it when they met in
+Rockland. It was a case of love at first sight."
+
+"Paula Benjamin is a splendid girl," said Frank, "and you are stuck on
+her yourself, Browning. Jealousy is what ails you."
+
+The big fellow flopped over in his berth with remarkable suddenness, his
+face becoming wonderfully red.
+
+"Now, look here, Merriwell," he exclaimed, "that won't go down with this
+crowd. You all know I don't care a rap about girls, and----"
+
+"Vot made you got so red aroundt der gills, Pruce?" chuckled Hans. "Dot
+peen a deadt gife avay."
+
+Jack was glad the tables were turned, and he joined in the general
+laugh.
+
+"Oh, go to thunder, the whole of you!" roared Browning, as he again
+flopped over in his berth.
+
+"What would we do with the girls?" asked Hodge. "We have not sufficient
+room on the boat to accommodate them here, and----"
+
+"There must be some sort of a hotel at Green's Landing," said Diamond,
+quickly. "Of course, Miss Gale, Inza's aunt, would go along as
+chaperon."
+
+"Well, it would be a change from Bar Harbor," said Frank. "This place is
+too much like all other fashionable seaside resorts to suit me, and
+still I do not feel like running away and leaving the girls. They would
+think it a mean trick if we were to do so so soon."
+
+"Perhaps they won't go," said Hodge, who did not seem much in favor of
+the project.
+
+"Well, we can ask them," spoke up Diamond, quickly.
+
+"I am to see Inza this evening, and I'll find out about it," said Frank.
+"If they can go, we want to get away bright and early to-morrow,
+providing there is a breeze."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+THE MAN WHO SAW THE MONSTER.
+
+
+The girls gladly welcomed the plan, for they felt there would be much
+pleasure in a cruise among the islands of the bay. At first, however,
+Miss Gale was opposed to it, but Frank won her over, as Inza felt
+certain he could.
+
+So the next morning the girls appeared on the pier at an early hour,
+accompanied by the stern-faced but kind-hearted old maid, having been
+brought down from the hotel by a carriage.
+
+The boys were on the watch for them, and a boat, containing Frank and
+Jack, pushed off from the _White Wings_ immediately.
+
+The girls, the chaperon, the baggage--all were taken into the boat and
+soon set aboard the yacht.
+
+Half an hour later, with all sails set, the _White Wings_ was running
+out to round the end of the breakwater.
+
+With favorable wind and conditions, it is just a delightful half-day's
+cruise from Bar Harbor to Green's Landing. Off Southwest Harbor the wind
+proved something of a gale, as nothing in the shape of land lay between
+them and the open ocean, from which the wind swept in powerfully.
+
+Although the yacht buried her starboard rail at times and fairly hissed
+through the water, Frank did not take a reef in a single sail, for there
+were no squalls, and, "corinthian" though he was, he was gaining
+confidence in his ability to handle the _White Wings_.
+
+Paula was rather timid, but Inza enjoyed every moment of the sail. With
+a position near Frank, who was at the wheel, she chatted and laughed,
+not in the least affected by the motion or the heeling of the sloop.
+
+Remarkable to state, Browning did not remain below and sleep in his
+bunk, as was his custom. He came on deck, looking remarkably wide awake,
+and he made himself agreeable to the girls and Miss Gale.
+
+There was not swell enough to make anyone seasick, which added to the
+pleasures of the cruise.
+
+Diamond was doing his best to make himself agreeable to Paula, and she
+seemed to find his company acceptable, but after a time she called Bruce
+to her, so that she was between them.
+
+"Don't you think Mr. Merriwell very reckless, Mr. Browning?" she asked.
+"Mr. Diamond insists there is no danger, but just see how frightfully
+the yacht tips at times?"
+
+"Of course, I wouldn't want to frighten you, Miss Benjamin," said Bruce,
+giving her a significant look and winking toward Jack; "but we all know
+Frank Merriwell's a veritable landlubber, and he hasn't any more
+judgment about running a boat like this than a four-year-old youngster."
+
+Paula looked alarmed at this, and Diamond muttered something under his
+breath.
+
+When Jack was not looking, Bruce gave the Boston girl a reassuring
+smile, whispering:
+
+"Not the least danger in the world, Miss Benjamin."
+
+She looked relieved, and then a mischievous expression flitted over her
+face, for she understood Browning's little game. Immediately she
+pretended to be both frightened and indignant with Diamond.
+
+"I knew it!" she exclaimed. "Mr. Diamond could not deceive me. I was
+sure there was great danger."
+
+"Of course," said the big fellow, in his peculiar way, "we may reach
+Green's Landing in safety, but the chances are against it. However, if
+we are capsized, I shall not fail to assist you in getting to the
+mainland, Miss Benjamin."
+
+"How thoughtful of you!" she murmured, nestling a bit nearer the big
+fellow, while Jack ground his teeth and looked as if he longed to murder
+somebody. "How far away is the mainland?"
+
+"Only about five miles--a short walk. Hem! I mean a short swim."
+
+Diamond sourly observed:
+
+"Without doubt, you could walk it much easier than you could swim it,
+Mr. Browning."
+
+"Oh, that is an easy swim," said Bruce, offhand. "I have often swam ten
+or fifteen miles. Without doubt, I could get Miss Benjamin safely
+ashore."
+
+"It is nice to have such a wonderful swimmer near one--I feel so safe
+now," said Paula.
+
+Under his breath the Virginian growled something that sounded like
+"confounded liar."
+
+"Eh?" said Bruce. "What were you saying, sir?"
+
+But Jack looked away, pretending to be interested in a distant island.
+He showed his anger so plainly that Paula was aroused to tease him still
+more, and she turned to chat confidentially with Bruce.
+
+Jack could not stand that a great while. With a sudden assumption of
+having forgotten something, he politely excused himself and went below.
+He did not come on deck again till Green's Landing was in sight,
+although he missed the most captivating portion of the sail across the
+Eastern Bay.
+
+As for Browning, he had started into the affair in jest, but he grew
+more and more interested in Paula as they talked during the sail. He
+found her remarkably bright and sensible and not at all "flighty." She
+talked to him of things in which he was interested, and he was
+astonished by the knowledge she displayed concerning some things of
+which he had not fancied she was posted in the least.
+
+On the other hand, the Boston girl was astonished to find in Bruce, who
+had on first acquaintance seemed somewhat slow and dull, a fellow who
+was interesting in various ways, who did not talk nonsense to her the
+moment the opportunity offered to say something that she alone could
+hear, who had an air of dignity and was not at all self-conscious.
+
+Never before in all his life had Bruce made a better appearance, and,
+long before Green's Landing was sighted, Paula had quite forgotten that
+Diamond had left them and had not returned.
+
+There were other vessels and yachts in the harbor at Green's Landing,
+more of them than any of the party had expected to see there. In fact,
+there was an air of prosperity about the town built on the slope facing
+the harbor, although there were no large and attractive buildings, and
+the houses seemed scattered about in a helter-skelter manner.
+
+The _White Wings_ ran in amid the vessels and swung up her head to the
+wind, her anchor going over with a splash and her sails coming down as
+if the halyards were handled by veteran yachtsmen, instead of a lot of
+amateurs.
+
+In fact, Merriwell had sailed the boat like one familiar with the
+Eastern Bay, seeming to fear no dangers from sunken ledges and shoals,
+and his air was that of a veteran yachtsman.
+
+But he had spent hours over his chart, so that he was perfectly familiar
+with its appearance, and he could have drawn from memory a practically
+perfect chart, marking every ledge, every shoal and every island, and
+giving them their correct names. Having become thus familiar with the
+chart, it was not so strange that he had been able to sail across the
+Eastern Bay as if it were the open sea.
+
+Having come to anchor, Paula was for going ashore at once, but Frank
+urged them to remain and take lunch on board the yacht, and Inza was
+pleased with the idea, so they stopped.
+
+That was a jolly luncheon. There was plenty to eat, and plenty of light
+drinks, kept cool by the fresh supply of ice taken in at Bar Harbor. The
+sailors on board the vessels in the vicinity looked on with interest,
+envying the merry party.
+
+Not all on the _White Wings_ were merry. Jack Diamond was silent, and
+not once did a smile cross his face. Paula tried to cheer him up, but
+she did not succeed at all, and so she finally gave up in despair, again
+turning to Browning.
+
+An hour after luncheon was over, Bruce and Frank set the girls and Miss
+Gale ashore, carrying their luggage up to the hotel, where
+accommodations were obtained.
+
+"We will leave here to-morrow, if you get enough of the place in that
+time," said Frank, having seen them to their rooms.
+
+He went down into the office of the hotel, where several rough-looking
+men were listening to the yarn of a red-headed, red-bearded man in
+rubber boots. Bruce seemed to be listening to the story, and, when Frank
+said something about going out, he grunted:
+
+"Wait a minute."
+
+"Yes, sir," said the red-headed man, squirting a stream of tobacco juice
+at the stove, which was well plastered with it already, "I have seen the
+critter, and I know, by huck, it ain't no lie. He's right there on the
+island, and if he ain't the Old Devil hisself, he's clost relation to
+him."
+
+"Now, I pull my traps right down past there every day," said an old
+lobster fisherman, "and I swanny I ain't never seen northing of this
+here pesky critter. Ef Jeb warn't sech a dinged liar," with a jerk of
+his thumb toward the red-headed man, "I'd jest go down there myself and
+spend some time a-huntin' this critter with horns an' hoofs an' glarin'
+eyes. I'd find out what sort of a critter it was."
+
+"Oh, yes!" returned the one who had been derisively designated as a
+liar, "ef you wasn't sech a darn coward, you might do something of the
+kind, Sile; but you are the biggest coward this side of Long Islan', so
+the critter down on Devil Island won't git bothered by you none to
+mention."
+
+This was said with the utmost calmness, the speaker not seeming in the
+least excited by being called a liar, nor did the man he had designated
+as a coward do anything more than grunt derisively and remark:
+
+"That's all right, Jeb. Don't nobody take no stock in what you say, and,
+though this yarn about a critter on Devil Island has been goin' abaout a
+year, I don't know a mortal bein' whose word is wu'th a cod line that
+ever said he saw the varmint. Whut you're looking for is
+notyrietiveness, an' that's why ye're tellin' such stuff."
+
+"I know whut I seen, an' I'll swan to man that I did see the Monster of
+Devil Island, as folks round here call him. I'd been down to York Island
+in my pinkey, and was tryin' to git back here before night, but the wind
+died out jest at dark, an' I made up my mind I might as well hang up in
+Bold Island harbor as to spend half the night gittin' to the landin',
+an' take a chance of straddlin' a ledge. I got inter the harbor all
+right, an' kinder thought I'd try ter root out a few clams on Bold
+Island beach. My old boat laid nearer to the back of Devil Island than
+it did to Bold Island. I rowed off to Bold Island in my dory, but the
+tide was comin' in, an' I didn't git no clams to speak of. It was plum
+dark when I pulled back to the pinkey. Jest as I run alongside, I heered
+a sound that riz my hair, by huck! It was kinder like a groan and a
+smothered screech, an' I swan to man if it didn't seem to come right out
+of my pinkey! Scart! Waal, it did give me something of a jump, an' that
+I won't deny. If Sile had a-bin there he'd kerwollopsed. I riz right up
+with an oar in my hand, ready to slam it over ther head uf any dad-bum
+thing that wiggled round the pinkey. Jest then I heard that sound ag'in,
+an' I made out it come from the point of rocks that makes off inter ther
+harber. I looked that way, an' jest then ther consarnedest varmint I
+ever sot eyes onto riz right up from behind some rocks----"
+
+"There ye go!" cried Sile, triumphantly. "Why, you was jest tellin' it
+was so dark ye could scarst see to the island! How was you able to see
+this critter jump up from behind the rocks?"
+
+"If you'll wait till I tell the story, mebbe you'll find out."
+
+"Humph! Go ahead with yer yarn."
+
+"Ez I said, up jumped this critter. His face was all burnin', like fire,
+and his eyes was just like two black holes. Fellers what have told how
+his eyes shined and flashed ain't never seen him, for I'll swan his eyes
+was jest two black holes in his head. He waved his hands in the air, an'
+them hands shone fiery same as his face. Then he let out a screech that
+might have been heard down to ther Spoon Islands, an' away he went up
+over the rocks and inter the woods. Say, I ain't easy skeered, but I
+will admit I was a bit shaky then. I jest got inter the pinkey, pulled
+ther anchor, then tumbled back inter ther dory an' took ther old pinkey
+in tow. I wasn't very long gittin' out of Bold Island harbor, neether. I
+wouldn't 'a' stayed there that night fer a hundred billion dollars! I
+towed the pinkey clean to the Landin', an' you don't git me round Devil
+Island ag'in arter dark, by huck!"
+
+"What do you think of that yarn, Browning?" asked Frank, speaking softly
+into the big fellow's ear.
+
+"Huah!" grunted Bruce. "I think Sile was all right in calling Jeb a
+liar."
+
+"I have heard that these fishermen are remarkable at drawing the long
+bow."
+
+"And Jeb is an artist."
+
+Some of those who had listened to the fisherman's story did not accept
+it with such scorn as the lobster catcher had evinced. There was a sound
+of excited voices when Jeb had finished, and one young fellow with a
+hunchback and a cunning face jumped up, crying:
+
+"It ain't no lie, an' I'll swan ter that! I've seen ther old critter on
+Devil Island myself, though I ain't bin tellin' much about it, fer I
+knowed every dern critter on Deer Island would call me a thunderin'
+liar."
+
+"There, by huck!" cried Jeb. "Now whut do you think of that? You hear
+whut Put Wiley has to say!"
+
+"Oh, yes, we hear it," drawled Sile, who was calmly filling a black
+pipe. "But Put allwus was seein' queer things that nobody else could
+see. I s'pose he dreamed that he saw the demon of Devil Island."
+
+"It waren't no dream," fiercely declared the hunchback. "I saw the
+critter when I was on the island--more'n that, the varmint chased me."
+
+"Hey?" cried several, the excitement increasing.
+
+"I'll swan to it!" declared Put, stanchly.
+
+"When did all this take place?" asked one of the listeners.
+
+"Last Sunday."
+
+"And we never heard of it before? Say, Put, I never knowed you to tell
+anything crooked, but it's a big yarn you're givin' us now. If all this
+happened last Sunday, why ain't you told of it afore?"
+
+"In the fust place, 'cause I was darn scart. In the second place, 'cause
+I knowed everybody'd think I was lyin'."
+
+"How did you happen to be down there on Devil Island Sunday?"
+
+"Last time Jerry Peg was in Bold Island harbor he said he saw a
+partridge fly up on the shore of Devil Island. He went ashore an' tried
+to shoot her. He didn't shoot her, but he said he scart up six or eight
+others in the thick woods. He come away without gittin' one of them.
+Sunday I didn't have northing to do, so I loaded up my old gun and rowed
+over to Devil Island. Didn't git there till three in the afternoon.
+Beached my dory an' hitched the painter to a tree. Wisht I hedn't
+hitched her arterward. Took out my old gun and went up inter ther
+spruces. Tramped round to ther old stone quarry one way, but didn't see
+northing. Turned and tramped clean roun' to t'other end of the island.
+Scart up two partridges and fired at 'em both. Knocked down the second
+one. Then I chased t'other, scarin' him up and scarin' him up, but never
+gittin' him, though I fired at him twict. I was mad. Said I'd stay right
+there an' hunt that dern partridge till ther Eastern Bay froze over, but
+I'd git the thing. Arter a while I couldn't fin' him at all, but I kept
+prowlin' round in the woods till it was beginnin' to git dark. I heard
+somethin' like a rustlin' under some cedars and saw somethin' move. Then
+I ups and fires. When I done that there was a yell that might have been
+heard clean down to ther Hosses. Out of them cedars came a critter that
+I swan was the old devil him own self! He had horns, an' he had a fiery
+face and hands, an' he had black holes fer eyes, jest as Jeb told it,
+and he had a red-hot spear of iron in his hand. He run at me to stick
+that spear inter me. I know he was goin' to spear me and then kerry me
+down below fer shootin' partridges Sunday. He waren't more'n six feet of
+me when I poked out my old gun an' fired the second barrel right inter
+his face and eyes. It never bothered him a bit. Run? Why, I flew! Never
+kivered ground so fast before, an' I never 'spect to ag'in. I bet
+sometimes I jumped as much as fifteen feet to a leap."
+
+The speaker took out a dirty handkerchief and mopped the big drops of
+perspiration off his face. He was shaking with excitement, and his eyes
+gleamed. He showed every symptom of extreme terror as he related the
+story, and it seemed plain enough that he believed every word he was
+uttering.
+
+"Go on!" cried several.
+
+"I don't know how I ever got away," said the hunchback, huskily. "I do
+know that monster was chasin' me right through the woods, tryin' to ram
+his spear inter my back as if I was a flounder an' he was arter lobster
+bait. I managed to hold onter my old gun, though at the time I didn't
+know I was a-doin' of it. If I hed stopped ter think, I'd throwed the
+gun erway. When I came out ter ther bank nigh ter whar my dory was
+hitched, I made a jump that took me clean from ther top to ther bottom.
+It seems as if right when I was in ther air I thought how that bo't was
+tied with her painter, an' I rammed my hand inter my pocket fer my
+knife. When I got ter ther boat I had the knife in my hand. I flung ther
+gun in an' yanked open ther knife jest as ther critter came down over
+ther bank arter me, an' he sailed down where I had jumped. I saw him do
+it, and I know he spread out some red things like wings. I don't say
+they was wings, but they looked like wings. I yanked open my knife and I
+cut the painter. The tide was in, and the dory was afloat, which was a
+good thing fer me, for when I jumped in I gave her a shove that sent her
+away from the shore. I got ther oars inter ther water and pulled. The
+critter didn't chase me any arter it reached the edge of the water."
+
+Again the excited speaker wiped his face with the soiled handkerchief,
+and then he sat down in a chair, as if the remembrance of the adventure
+had taken all the strength out of him. He was shaking all over.
+
+Frank Merriwell and Bruce Browning looked at each other.
+
+"How is that for a vivid imagination?" grunted the big fellow.
+
+"It's pretty good, but he seems to believe it himself," said Frank.
+
+"He does act that way," confessed Bruce.
+
+"I am getting interested," declared Frank. "When I get a chance, I shall
+visit Devil Island."
+
+"Where is it?"
+
+"Not far from here, if I remember right."
+
+"If I thought there was anything down there worth seeing, I wouldn't
+mind going myself," said the big Yale man; "but these fishermen are such
+confounded liars that you can't tell."
+
+Those who had been listening to the story were urging the hunchback to
+tell some more. After a little time, he stopped wiping his face and
+said:
+
+"That's all. The critter turned tail and disappeared, while I nigh
+pulled my arms out gittin' away. Anybody that wants to can go nosin'
+round Devil Island, but Put Wiley will keep away. Next time the
+critter'd git me sure."
+
+"Now, whut do ye think of that, Sile Collins?" cried Jeb, triumphantly.
+"If I'm a liar, I ain't ther only one on Deer Island."
+
+"Humph!" grunted Sile. "Let a yarn like this git started, an' half the
+folks that go near Devil Island will see this ere critter. Some folks
+is great at seein' such things."
+
+But his appearance of ridicule did not disguise the fact that he had
+been impressed by the story of the hunchback.
+
+"Devil Island alwus hes bin haunted," declared one of the listeners.
+"That's why it's deserted ter-day. The quarry ain't worked out, but the
+big boardin' house stands empty on the island; the house ain't
+occupied----"
+
+"Sence that woman from Rockland lived in it," broke in another.
+
+"She didn't live there long. I guess she saw things on the island that
+made her reddy to git off."
+
+"Queer freak for a woman to live there all alone, anyhow," observed Jeb.
+"We used to see her round the house or on the shore when we run down
+past the island, but all to once she was gone."
+
+"Sence then," put in a man who had not spoken before, "I've seen lights
+in the winders of the old boardin' house at night and in the winders of
+the other house, though I've never ketched a glimp of a livin' critter
+movin' on the island by day."
+
+"Oh, it's haunted," nodded the one who had declared so before. "Anybody
+what wants to can go foolin' round there, but I'm goin' to keep away."
+
+He rose to his feet. He was tall and thin, with a broken nose that
+seemed to tell the story of some fierce fight at an island dance. His
+starboard eye was crooked, so that it was difficult to tell just which
+way he was looking. He took in a fresh chew of tobacco and slouched out
+of the hotel.
+
+"This is a place to see odd characters," said Merriwell.
+
+Browning nodded.
+
+They listened to the men who remained, and for some time there was an
+animated discussion about the creature on Devil Island. In the midst of
+it the hunchback left the room.
+
+"I want to have a talk with that fellow," said Frank. "Come on."
+
+They followed the hunchback outside.
+
+"Wait a minute, if you please," called Frank, hurrying after the
+hunchback.
+
+The fellow paused and turned round.
+
+"What do ye want?" he asked.
+
+His voice was harsh and unpleasant, and there was a suspicious look in
+his eyes.
+
+"I heard your story about the creature you saw on Devil Island," said
+Frank.
+
+"Waal, what of it?"
+
+"My yacht is out there in the harbor, and I am thinking of taking her
+and running down to Devil Island. I have a great desire to get a look at
+the monster. You spoke about Bold Island harbor, and I want to find out
+just how to get in there and how near I can anchor to Devil Island."
+
+The light in the eyes of the hunchback seemed to shift in a queer way as
+he stared at Frank. Browning had come up and was watching the fellow
+closely.
+
+"You keep away from Devil Island!" almost snarled Put Wiley, as the
+deformed fellow had been called. "You don't know what you'll strike
+there, and----"
+
+"I'll take my chances on that. All I want of you is to tell me the best
+place to lay while I am down there. I want the _White Wings_ in a good
+harbor if a storm should come up."
+
+"Waal, I don't tell ye northing about it. All I've got ter say is keep
+away."
+
+Then, despite Frank's effort to say something more to the fellow, he
+hurried away.
+
+"Well, that's a really jolly chap!" observed Browning.
+
+"All of that," laughed Frank.
+
+"He didn't seem to like your appearance, Merry."
+
+"Well, I can't say that I admired his appearance."
+
+"You will have to seek your information elsewhere."
+
+"It wasn't so much that I wanted to find out about Bold Island harbor. I
+wanted to get him talking. Thought I might be able to trip him up if I
+got a good chance to ask him questions."
+
+"But he wouldn't talk."
+
+"He seemed suspicious."
+
+They watched the hunchback go into a store. Just before passing through
+the door, which stood open, he turned his head and looked back.
+
+"Wanted to see if we were following him," smiled Frank.
+
+They walked about the village, finally returning to the hotel. As they
+approached the hotel Inza and Paula came out and asked to be shown
+around the village.
+
+For an hour the four strolled about. From the yacht in the harbor
+Diamond saw them occasionally, and the Virginian's heart was throbbing
+with anger. He felt that he could kill Bruce Browning without a qualm of
+conscience.
+
+Finally the party returned to the hotel, but, before leaving the girls,
+Frank had invited them to be ready for a short cruise on the yacht the
+following morning, and they had promised to do so.
+
+As the boys approached the wharf beside which their boat floated, a man
+came toward them and spoke to them. He was the man with the crooked eye
+and broken nose.
+
+"I hear you chaps are thinkin' of goin' down to Devil Island?" he said,
+one eye seeming to look at Frank while the other looked at Bruce. "Is
+that right?"
+
+"We may go down there," answered Frank.
+
+"To-morrow."
+
+"Better not."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"It's dangerous."
+
+"How?"
+
+"You heard the yarns about the critter on the island, and you ought to
+know why."
+
+"Those yarns are the very things that make me want to go down there,"
+declared Frank.
+
+The cock-eyed man looked surprised.
+
+"You don't want to be ketched by the monster, do ye?"
+
+"No, but we'd like to catch the monster," laughed Frank.
+
+"You can't do that. The critter ain't human. If he ain't the devil
+hisself, he's one of the devil's imps."
+
+"Well, we'd like to catch a genuine imp. If we could capture a real imp
+and take him to Boston or New York we could get a royal good figure for
+him from the manager of some dime museum. Freaks and curiosities are in
+great demand, and they are very scarce."
+
+The cock-eyed man seemed astonished and disgusted.
+
+"Why, you dern fools!" he exclaimed. "You don't 'magine you kin ketch a
+real imp, do ye?"
+
+"We can give him a good hustle," answered Merry, with apparent
+seriousness. "He'll have to be lively if he gets away."
+
+"I've hearn tell of how you city chaps didn't know much, but I did
+s'pose you knowed more'n that!" cried the man. "You'll be kerried off if
+you go down to Devil Island and try to chase the critter there. You'll
+disappear, an' you'll never be heard of ag'in."
+
+"We'll take our chances."
+
+"Say, I want ter tell you something. We don't say much about it round
+here, but most ev'rybody knows it. There was a man kem here this spring
+from Boston. He heard about Devil Island being haunted, and he was jest
+darn fool enough to want to go down there and see the spook. He went. He
+got some lobster ketchers to set him ashore and wait for him. They
+wouldn't go ashore with him, but they stayed in the boat reddy to take
+him on when he got reddy to leave. He never left!"
+
+"What happened to him?"
+
+"Who knows? 'Bout half-a-nour arter he went ashore there was the
+awfullest screech of agony come from somewhere on the island. Seemed
+jest like a man givin' a death yell. It scart them lobster ketchers so
+they rowed off a piece, but they waited till dark. He never come. Then
+they rowed off, and nothing of that air man has ever bin seen sence."
+
+"Didn't anybody go down to the island to see if they could find him? A
+tree may have fallen on him, or something of that sort."
+
+"There was six men went down from here two days arterward, an' whut do
+you s'pose they found?"
+
+"The man from Boston."
+
+"Didn't I tell ye he hadn't never been seen sence! They found a new-made
+grave!"
+
+"What was in the grave?"
+
+"They didn't wait to see, but they saw whut was at the head of the
+grave."
+
+"What was that?"
+
+"A new granite headstone."
+
+"Yes?"
+
+"True's I'm here. It was cut out nice an' clean, an' on it was chiseled
+some words."
+
+"What were the words?"
+
+"'Sacred to the mem'ry of Rawson Denning.'"
+
+"Who was Rawson Denning?"
+
+"That was the name the man from Boston sailed under!"
+
+The cock-eyed man whispered the words, his effort plainly being to make
+them as impressive as possible.
+
+"Now," said Merriwell, "you have awakened my curiosity so that nothing
+can keep me away from Devil Island. I wouldn't miss going down there for
+anything. I simply dote on mysteries, and this seems to be a most
+fascinating one. I am going to lay claim to it, and I'll wager something
+that I solve it. Hereafter the mystery of Devil Island belongs to me
+till I make it a mystery no longer."
+
+"Waal, you are a fool!" snarled the cock-eyed man. "I told you this for
+your own good, so you might have sense enough to stay away, but you
+ain't got no sense in your head! Go on, if ye want to, and I'll bet you
+git planted side of the man from Boston!"
+
+Then he turned round and walked away.
+
+"It is plain enough," murmured Frank, "that you do not want us to go to
+Devil Island. We will go there to-morrow."
+
+"I should guess yes!" grunted Browning. "I am feeling just like looking
+the place over."
+
+Then they entered their boat and rowed off to the yacht.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+THE MONSTER OF THE DEEP.
+
+
+The following forenoon the _White Wings_ sailed out of the harbor at
+Green's Landing, bearing beside her regular crew Miss Gale and the
+girls. She was bound for Devil Island, and neither the girls nor their
+chaperon had wished to be left behind.
+
+It was a glorious summer day, with a medium breeze. As they ran out of
+the harbor Frank noticed a man at work in a lap-streak sailboat.
+
+It was the fellow with the broken nose and the crooked eye, and he
+seemed to be preparing to get away. He did not even glance toward the
+_White Wings_.
+
+Merry called Browning's attention to the man.
+
+"There is our amiable friend who gave us the warning," he said.
+
+"That's so," nodded Bruce. "By jingoes! that's a peculiar boat he's in.
+Look at her--long and narrow. Don't look as if she'd carry much sail
+without upsetting."
+
+"That's right," agreed Frank. "It is a queer boat, but she has mast
+enough for a big spread of canvas."
+
+They thought no more of the boat till they were in sight of Devil
+Island. Then Bruce saw a small boat that lay low in the water and
+carried her big spread of canvas in a reckless manner, although she was
+laying over before the wind. This boat was literally flying through the
+water, and it was plain enough that she was a wonderful sailer.
+
+"Look here, Merry," said Bruce, "isn't that the lap-streak in which we
+saw our friend, the cock-eyed man, as we were leaving Green's Landing?"
+
+Frank had a glass at hand, and he quickly took a survey of the flying
+sailboat.
+
+"Sure as you are born!" he cried. "That is the very boat! How in the
+name of all that is wonderful does she stand up under that spread of
+sail?"
+
+"Don't ask me," grunted Bruce. "I didn't suppose she could carry half as
+much."
+
+"Look at the speed of her!" exclaimed Hodge.
+
+"There's only one man in the boat, is there, Merry?" asked Bruce.
+
+"I believe there is," said Frank. "Our friend with the crooked eye is
+steering."
+
+"I don't see anybody else."
+
+"Because the other person is keeping out of sight."
+
+"What?"
+
+"There is a man lying in the bottom of that boat."
+
+"How do you know?"
+
+"I saw him lift his head to look at us a few moments ago."
+
+"That's strange."
+
+"It's plain enough he doesn't want to be seen."
+
+"What does it mean?"
+
+"Don't know."
+
+They watched the flying boat take the lead of them and saw it bear
+toward a distant rocky point of the island ahead. Near that point some
+sagging sheds could be seen. The small boat rounded the point and was
+hidden behind the island.
+
+"There is Bold Island, famed for its wonderful clams, over yonder," said
+Frank. "Bold Island harbor must lay between that and Devil Island, but I
+didn't find it on the chart. However, there is a passage between the two
+islands which is perfectly safe at high water. We will run down in there
+and drop anchor as near Devil Island as possible."
+
+They did so, finding a sheltered cove where it was plain that a boat
+could lay in any kind of a storm.
+
+Close to them was the rocky shore of Devil Island. Beyond the rocks rose
+a high bank, upon which was a gloomy tangle of woods. There was
+something forbidding in the appearance of the island with the unpleasant
+name.
+
+Frank and Bruce were eager to get ashore at once. As soon as the sails
+were cared for and things were ship-shape, they prepared to leave the
+yacht.
+
+In vain Paula had tried to draw Diamond into conversation. Jack would
+answer her questions--he was extremely polite--but he made no attempt to
+be entertaining. At last, just as Frank and Bruce were preparing to
+enter the small boat, she left Jack and called to Inza:
+
+"Come on!"
+
+Then, to the astonishment of the boys, the girls came over to the rail
+and asked to be assisted into the boat.
+
+"Eh?" grunted Browning. "Where are you going?"
+
+"With you," answered Paula. "We're not going to stay here and mope with
+nobody to talk to. Aunt Abigail is reading in the cabin, and I don't
+believe she will mind."
+
+"Perhaps you had better ask her," said Frank, weakly.
+
+"It isn't necessary," assured Inza, quickly. "Come, help me into the
+boat. You lazy fellows, did you expect to get out of giving us a row? I
+know you don't want to pull us around, but you can't get out of it."
+
+And then she came over the rail and leaped lightly into the boat.
+Browning aided Paula, after giving Frank a helpless look.
+
+"We can't get out of it," whispered Merry. "We'll row them round a
+while, and then we'll bring them back to the yacht."
+
+Bruce had brought out a repeating rifle from Frank's supply of arms in
+the cabin, and that was placed in the prow of the boat. Both girls sat
+on the stern seat.
+
+With a double set of oars the boys pulled off from the yacht. It was a
+strange spectacle to see Bruce Browning handling an oar, but he had been
+a famous all-round athlete when he first entered Yale, and he had not
+forgotten how to row.
+
+They asked the girls where they wished to go, and Paula answered:
+
+"Oh, anywhere."
+
+Under other circumstances, Browning might not have been so willing to
+pull at an oar, but he knew Diamond was gnawing his heart out, and the
+big fellow had developed a sudden satisfaction in tormenting the
+Virginian.
+
+A distant island attracted the girls. On a ledge near it was a flock of
+white gulls, covering the ledge so it looked as if it were a mass of
+snow. They pulled toward the island.
+
+The gulls proved shy and keen of sight, for they began to leave the
+ledge shortly after the boat drew away from the yacht, and half the
+distance to the island had not been covered before not a gull remained
+on the ledge.
+
+"Didn't even get near enough for a real good shot with the rifle,"
+grunted Bruce. "I'd like to get a shot at something."
+
+Then he gave a cry of astonishment, took in his oars quickly, and caught
+up the rifle.
+
+"What is it?" asked Frank.
+
+"Look! look!" exclaimed the big Yale man, rising to his feet with the
+rifle in his hands. "There is a target for me!"
+
+They looked in the direction indicated, and they saw something that at
+first seemed like a black rock. But it moved--it was swimming slowly
+along the surface of the water.
+
+"A whale, by Jove!" shouted Merriwell. "Let him have it, Bruce!"
+
+Browning lifted the rifle and took careful aim.
+
+Crack!
+
+He did not miss his mark. The whale was seen to give a sudden start, and
+then, stung by the bullet, the monster of the deep rushed straight at
+the boat!
+
+"Look out!"
+
+"He's coming!"
+
+"My goodness!"
+
+Not till he saw the whale start straight for the boat did Bruce Browning
+realize what a foolish thing he had done. It seemed that the monster was
+bent on the destruction of the boat and its occupants.
+
+Merriwell uttered the first cry, which was a warning to Bruce, who was
+still standing, rifle in hand. Frank was going to use the oars, and he
+knew he would throw Bruce into the bottom of the boat by starting
+suddenly without warning.
+
+The two girls uttered the other exclamations. Paula screamed and covered
+her face with her hands, while Inza turned pale and stared at the
+onrushing monster.
+
+Frank fully realized their peril. He knew that it meant certain death to
+them all if the whale struck the boat, and there seemed no possible
+escape.
+
+Bruce dropped down and Frank gave a surge at the oars that made the boat
+give a leap like a thing of life. Then Merriwell pulled as never before
+had he rowed, not even in the nerve-straining, soul-killing college
+races against Harvard.
+
+Jump! jump! jump!--how he made the boat leap through the water! He was
+making the boat leap to get out of the whale's course.
+
+Bruce tried to get his oars into the rowlocks and aid, but, for once in
+his life, at least, the big fellow had lost all his coolness, and he
+lost an oar overboard.
+
+"He'll strike us!"
+
+"We're lost!"
+
+"Hold fast!"
+
+Frank continued to pull, but he was ready to drop the oars and make a
+leap for Inza the moment the boat was struck.
+
+"I'll do my best to save her!" he mentally exclaimed.
+
+Still he knew the shock would hurl them far into the water, while the
+boat would be shattered in pieces. He might be stunned--he might be
+instantly killed.
+
+For all that Inza stared straight at the whale, it is probable that she
+realized their terrible peril far better than Paula, who was so
+frightened that she covered her eyes with her hands.
+
+Frank began to realize that there was a possibility of getting out of
+the way if the whale did not change its course. He strained every
+nerve--he pulled for life.
+
+"Thank Heaven!"
+
+Browning gasped the words, for the monster had not swerved from its
+original course, and it dashed past the boat some distance astern.
+
+Even then Frank was not satisfied that the danger was past. He expected
+to see the whale stop, turn about and rush at them again.
+
+Nothing of the kind happened. The monster was headed straight for the
+distant passage that led out between the islands toward the lower bay
+and the open sea. He seemed to be in a great hurry, too, for he made the
+water fly as he sped along, the waves in his wake causing the little
+boat to rock when he had passed.
+
+Merriwell stopped pulling and sat watching the whale, never uttering a
+word till it had passed out of sight far down the bay. Then he turned
+and observed:
+
+"It's plain enough that he doesn't consider it healthy around here, and
+he is in a hurry to get away."
+
+There was a smile on his face, and he seemed quite undisturbed by what
+had happened.
+
+"Oh, Frank!" cried Inza, "what if he had struck us?"
+
+"He would have bumped his nose."
+
+"Oh, how can you joke now!"
+
+"Now is the time to joke. I didn't have time to think of a joke a little
+while ago."
+
+Browning dug himself out of the bottom of the boat, hoisted his huge
+body to a seat, and drew a deep breath of relief.
+
+"A man who shoots at a whale with a rifle is a thundering fool!" he
+observed.
+
+"And a man who tells him to shoot is another," laughed Frank.
+
+"That is my first adventure with a whale," said the big Yale man, "and,
+if I have my way about it, it will be my last."
+
+"Is--is he really gone?" faltered Paula, looking around.
+
+"Yes, Miss Benjamin," assured Frank, "he has departed in the direction
+of Greenland."
+
+"And he didn't touch the boat?"
+
+"If he had we'd be enjoying a swimming match for the yacht now."
+
+"If he had," said Inza, "some of us would have been killed right away,
+and the rest of us would have been drowned."
+
+"Let's go back to the yacht!" urged the trembling Paula, her voice
+choking.
+
+"I am quite ready," said Inza. "I don't care about going over to that
+island now."
+
+So Frank pulled back to the floating oar, and then the boat was headed
+toward the _White Wings_.
+
+Merriwell did his best to restore the girls' spirits. He joked and
+laughed, and before the yacht was reached he had almost convinced them
+that they had been in no great danger.
+
+"But, oh, it gave me such a fright!" said Paula. "Just to see that huge
+creature coming through the water straight toward us! It was awful!"
+
+Frank was chosen as the one to relate the adventure to Miss Gale, for
+the girls were aware that she might scold them for leaving the yacht
+without her consent, and Frank could make it all right with her.
+
+Hans was on deck, but he had not seen their adventure with the whale,
+although he had heard the report of the rifle, for he cried as they
+approached:
+
+"Vot you shooted? I heard der gun ven id fired you off."
+
+"We shot a large seabird," answered Frank; "but the varmint got away
+from us."
+
+"Vot kindt up a pird vos a varmint?" asked Hans. "You don'd remember dot
+I haf efer seen von, do I?"
+
+"It is large enough to make a fish chowder," explained Merry.
+
+"Vot vos I gifin' you?" cried Hans. "Who efer heart a pird uf dot could
+make a vish-chowter! I vos guyin' you, I oxpect."
+
+Browning threw him the painter as they came alongside, and soon the
+girls were safely on the yacht.
+
+"Come back as soon as you have fixed it with Miss Gale," said Bruce,
+"and we will go onto the island and investigate."
+
+Frank nodded and then went below. In a few minutes he came out laughing
+and assured the girls that it was all right. Then he dropped into the
+boat again, and soon he and Browning were on Devil Island.
+
+They pulled the boat up on the beach and made it fast. Frank took the
+rifle, and Bruce looked at his revolver, which he had slipped into his
+pocket before leaving the yacht the first time. The _White Wings_ was
+riding at anchor within easy speaking distance of the shore.
+
+"Which way shall we go?" asked Bruce.
+
+"The buildings are on the other side of the island," said Merry. "Let's
+go straight across."
+
+"All right."
+
+They found a path by which they could climb the bank, making it plain
+that human beings had traveled on the island not a little at some time,
+even if the place was deserted then.
+
+Following the path a short distance, they came to three small camps
+built of logs. The camps were not in a very pleasant location, although
+it was a sheltered spot.
+
+After looking around the huts a few minutes, they turned from the path
+and struck straight up through the woods, which were thick and dark.
+Beneath their feet twigs crackled and the dead leaves of a year before
+sometimes rustled where they had piled together but had not rotted. The
+woods were dark and in places the ground was covered by moss, so that
+their feet made not a sound.
+
+Higher and higher they climbed, till they came out into a natural
+opening that was surrounded by the gloomy trees. This seemed close to
+the highest ground on the island, which could be seen rising rocky and
+bare through the trees at one side of the glade.
+
+And in the midst of the glade was a grave that had not been made many
+months, and a granite stone stood at the head.
+
+"It's the grave the cock-eyed man told us of!" exclaimed Frank. "Let's
+look at the stone."
+
+They approached the grave, and Frank bent down to look at the stone. As
+the cock-eyed man had said, on it were the words:
+
+"Sacred to the memory of Rawson Denning."
+
+As Merry was looking at the headstone it seemed that a voice in the air
+above them hoarsely whispered:
+
+"Dead and buried!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+IN THE DARK WOODS.
+
+
+"Eh?" gasped Browning, amazed. "What was that?"
+
+"Dead and buried!"
+
+Again that mysterious, awesome, uncanny whisper that seemed to float in
+the air. They looked around, they looked upward, they saw nothing but
+the blue sky above the leaves and somber trees that surrounded them.
+
+"Dead and buried!"
+
+Now it seemed to come from the ground--seemed to issue from the grave
+before them! It was as if the dead man hidden away down there had
+uttered the words.
+
+Frank Merriwell shrugged his shoulders, while his companion shivered and
+felt for his revolver. A cold chill swept over the big Yale man, as if
+he felt the touch of a dead hand. He was awed despite the fact that
+there was nothing superstitious in his character.
+
+They listened, expecting to hear the whispers again, but there was such
+a silence in the woods as seemed to press down on them like a crushing
+weight. Not even a breath of a breeze reached the spot to rustle the
+trees, and no sound of the surf chafing against the distant rocky shore
+reached their ears.
+
+It seemed at that moment that they alone were the only human living
+creatures on that uncanny island. A sense of desolation came upon them
+and made them feel as if they were far, far from human beings, buried as
+in the heart of a mighty desert.
+
+They did not stir; they stood there listening.
+
+Silence.
+
+Once, far on a Western desert, Browning had experienced the same
+feeling of loneliness, but then there was not the grewsome, ghostly fear
+that now clutched at his heart and chilled its beatings so it seemed to
+be struggling feebly like an imprisoned bird fluttering against the
+cruel bars of a cage.
+
+The big fellow choked. There seemed to be a lack of pure air for him to
+breathe. He longed to cry out, but his tongue lay stiff and paralyzed in
+his mouth.
+
+Then came the thought that some uncanny spell was being wrought about
+him, and that soon he would be body and soul in the power of the evil
+spirit of the island.
+
+With a mighty effort he moved, he spoke, he said:
+
+"Come, Frank, let's get away from here!"
+
+His voice was husky and hoarse, so that he was startled by its sound.
+Merriwell glanced toward him, lifting a hand with a gesture that warned
+to silence, while he bent his head toward the grave and listened.
+
+For some moments both stood still, and again Browning felt that strange
+spell stealing upon him, as if hypnotic eyes were peering out from the
+shadows and looking down into his soul. He shook himself, he even looked
+around in search of those eyes; but he saw nothing save the dark, gloomy
+woods and the funereal shadows.
+
+Frank straightened up. There was a queer look on his face.
+
+"Did you hear it?" he asked, in a whisper.
+
+"Of course I heard it," answered Browning, thinking he spoke of the
+whisper. "The words came to my ears distinctly."
+
+"No, no; I did not mean the whisper."
+
+"Then what did you mean? I heard no other sound."
+
+"It is strange, for I fancied I heard it distinctly."
+
+"Where did the sound come from?"
+
+Without a word, Merriwell pointed downward toward the grave. There was
+a look on his face that made his companion shiver.
+
+Bruce swallowed down the lump in his throat.
+
+"I am a fool!" he thought. "I am ashamed of such childish fears!"
+
+Then he forced himself to distinctly ask:
+
+"What kind of a sound did you think you heard?"
+
+"A rustle--a movement. It was as if the body down there had turned
+restlessly in its bed of earth!"
+
+Never did Bruce forget how those words sounded in the deep silence of
+the black woods. Never did he forget the sensation of unutterable horror
+that they brought with a shock to his soul. He stared at Frank, his jaw
+dropping, while awful thoughts ran riot in his brain.
+
+They had heard the whispered words, "dead and buried," which at first
+seemed to float in the air, and then appeared to come up from the grave
+before them. Browning fancied the dead lips down there uttering those
+words. He fancied the murdered man turning restlessly in his cold, dark
+bed--turning, twisting, unable to rest till he had been avenged.
+
+What thoughts fled through Frank Merriwell's brain? Surely he was
+besieged by uncanny fancies, but never in all his life was he more on
+the alert. The very air of mystery that surrounded him was a stimulant.
+He had solved many mysteries, and now he was determined to solve this
+one.
+
+Down the slope in the shadows of the dark woods below there was a
+rustling sound. Quick as a flash, Merriwell wheeled, rifle in hand, and
+bounded in that direction.
+
+Browning did not care to be left there alone beside that grave, and he
+followed Frank in a hurry. He saw Merry disappear amid the trees, heard
+a sudden chattering, and then there was a flash of fire and the clear
+report of a rifle. Frank had fired at something while he was on the run.
+
+The big Yale man crashed into the woods and came upon his friend, who
+was stooping to pick up a dead squirrel.
+
+"I rather think this fellow made the rustling that seemed to come from
+the grave," said Merry. "I was deceived by my ears, that is all. As I
+ran in under the trees here I could not resist the temptation to take a
+shot at him, for he was running, too. Now," he slowly added, gazing
+sadly at the dead squirrel, "I wish I had not fired."
+
+"Oh, it's nothing but a squirrel," said Bruce. "If I could make such a
+shot as that I'd be proud of it."
+
+"I am not proud, only sorry," said Frank, as he gently placed the
+squirrel on a soft bed of moss. "Look at the little fellow, Bruce! A few
+moments ago he was full of life, happy and free; now he is dead, killed
+by a cruel brute of a man! I didn't think I'd hit him, but that is no
+excuse. I ought not to have tried. Somewhere he has a home, a nest, a
+mate, perhaps little ones. He'll never return to his soft nest, never
+again will he scamper through the woods, leaping from bough to bough,
+playing hide-and-seek through the brush and the leaves. He is dead, and
+I killed him. Bruce, this one thoughtless, hasty act of mine lies like a
+sore weight on my conscience. I'll not forget it in a week. It will
+trouble me--it will haunt me."
+
+Frank's voice was rather husky with emotion and his handsome face
+betrayed his deep feeling of sorrow, and Bruce Browning, who was not
+cruel or hard-hearted, but who would have killed a squirrel and never
+given it a second thought, now began to realize that there might be
+something wrong in the act.
+
+"Oh, it's nothing to make a fuss over," he said, quickly.
+
+"Yes, it is," declared Frank, sincerely. "That little squirrel never
+harmed me, but I murdered him. He was one of God's creatures, and I had
+no right to lift my hand against him. I feel like a brute, a wretch, a
+murderer!"
+
+Then Frank knelt down on the moss beside the dead squirrel.
+
+"Oh, little squirrel!" he said, his voice breaking into a sob; "how much
+I would give could I restore your life to you! But I have killed you,
+and all my regret and sorrow over the act will not bring you back to
+scamper and frolic through the woods."
+
+To his astonishment, Bruce felt a misty blur come over his eyes, and
+there was a choking sensation in his throat.
+
+"Come away, Merry--come and leave it!" he exclaimed, thickly. "Don't be
+a fool!"
+
+"No," said Frank, "I can't leave him this way."
+
+He took a handkerchief from his pocket and wrapped the squirrel in it,
+doing so with such gentleness that Bruce wondered more and more. Then he
+searched about till he found a thin, flat rock that was about a foot
+long and four inches wide. With that rock Merriwell scooped a grave in
+the ground. That grave he lined with soft bits of moss, and then he took
+the squirrel, wrapped in the handkerchief shroud, and placed it in the
+grave. The earth was thrown in on the little body, and heaped up in a
+mound till it was a tiny model of the grave in the glade above. Then
+Frank thrust the flat rock into the ground as a headstone, and a tear
+dropped silently down.
+
+Browning had turned away. The big fellow had been taught a lesson he
+would not soon forget, and more than ever he admired and respected Frank
+Merriwell, who could be as brave as a lion or as gentle as a dove.
+
+"Come."
+
+Frank had arisen. Bruce followed him from the spot.
+
+They did not climb the rise and again enter the glade that contained the
+mysterious grave, but Frank led the way down through the woods till they
+came out to the rocky shore of the island, along which ran the path they
+had left some time before. Now they struck into this path and followed
+it round the island.
+
+Not a word passed between them till they came to the old granite quarry.
+There on their right the bluff of rock rose nearly a hundred feet in the
+air, with cedars growing away up on the heights. There were drill marks
+on the face of the rock. A weed-grown railroad ran into the quarry, and
+on the track sat a flat car, loaded with granite.
+
+"By jingoes!" exclaimed Browning. "It's plain enough there was some
+business done here some time."
+
+Frank looked at the face of the broad wall of granite.
+
+"I wonder why they ceased quarrying it?" he speculated.
+
+"I suppose the fishermen would say it was because the island was
+haunted."
+
+"More likely because the granite was not of the best quality. Now that
+stone does not look to me as if it is first class. It seems to me it is
+poor granite, and that is why the quarry was abandoned."
+
+"Guess you are right," nodded Bruce.
+
+They walked along the track which led out of the quarry and down toward
+some sagging sheds, in which they could see other flat cars.
+
+When the sheds were reached, they turned to the right and saw at a
+distance a house. Beyond the house was a large square building with many
+windows. Not far from the car sheds was an old wharf.
+
+"There is the house where the boss must have lived," said Merry; "and
+beyond it is the boarding house for the laborers."
+
+"Let's go look them over," said Bruce, who seemed remarkably energetic
+for him.
+
+So they walked over to the house. It was securely locked, and the
+windows were fastened down. Near the house was a well, from which they
+drew water and took a drink from an old dipper that hung on a rusty nail
+driven into the curb.
+
+From the house a path led down toward the boarding house. They walked
+down there and could look down into a beautiful little cove close at
+hand.
+
+"Why didn't we run in there and anchor, instead of anchoring away round
+back of the island?" said Bruce.
+
+"Simply because no one mentioned this cove, and I did hear Bold Island
+harbor mentioned," answered Frank.
+
+In the distance they could see three or four white sails. Far away
+beyond a group of islands rose a trail of smoke that told some small
+steamer was passing. A gull was circling over the cove, and a black crow
+cawed dismally from the top branch of a tall spruce.
+
+For all that the sun was in the sky, there was something oppressively
+lonely and deserted about Devil Island.
+
+"Let's try the doors here," suggested Bruce.
+
+The front door was fastened, but they found a back door that they were
+able to force open, as the nails that held it had rusted in the rotten
+wood till they readily bent before the pressure.
+
+"I don't know as we have any right to go in here," said Frank.
+
+"Nonsense!" exclaimed Bruce. "The place is deserted."
+
+"Somebody owns it."
+
+"According to the yarns of the fishermen, it is owned by a monster with
+blazing face and black holes for eyes."
+
+"None of them told of seeing the monster anywhere around this building.
+He was seen in the woods or on the other side of the island."
+
+"I think we'll see him here just as quick as anywhere," grinned Bruce,
+who had thrown off the uncanny feeling that had possessed him as they
+stood beside the grave in the woods.
+
+"Those stories were not told for nothing," declared Frank.
+
+"Why were they told?"
+
+"I don't know--not yet."
+
+"But you have an idea?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"I rather fancy somebody wishes to keep people away from this island for
+some reason."
+
+"I thought the same thing."
+
+"What that reason can be I do not know."
+
+"But, Frank," said Bruce, hesitatingly, "you heard something as we stood
+beside that grave up there in the woods?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"A whisper?"
+
+"Sure."
+
+"What did it say?"
+
+"'Dead and buried.'"
+
+"Then it was not imagination, for we both heard the same thing. Now how
+do you explain that?"
+
+"Somebody whispered the words."
+
+"Where was that somebody?"
+
+"You know just as well as I do; but those words were whispered for our
+ears to hear. We heard them."
+
+"I do not believe in ghosts any more than you do, Merriwell, but I will
+admit that there was a mighty queer feeling came over me as we stood
+there near that grave."
+
+"I felt it," confessed Frank. "Had I believed in ghosts, I should have
+been badly frightened."
+
+"Well, let's look this building over. We may find something in here."
+
+So they began to explore the old boarding house. It was a large
+building, and they climbed the stairs to the second story, where none of
+the windows were boarded up. Up there were the rooms where the laborers
+had slept. They looked through them all, but found nothing of interest.
+At last they stopped by a window and looked out upon the water.
+
+"By Jove!" exclaimed Merriwell. "Look down there!"
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"A boat."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"Beyond the land at the other side of the cove. It's laying close in to
+shore. See the mast?"
+
+"Yes, I see it now. Why, it almost seems aground! Wonder what it's there
+for?"
+
+"Whoever was in the boat has come ashore on the island."
+
+"Then why didn't he run into the cove down here?"
+
+"Because the boat would be seen in the cove, and where it lays it is not
+liable to be seen from the island."
+
+"Why should anybody wish to come onto the island here and not be seen?"
+
+"I don't know, but I'll wager something that that is the lap-streak
+sailboat belonging to our friend, the cock-eyed man. If I am right, he
+is somewhere on this island."
+
+"He warned us not to come here."
+
+"Yes. He told us what happened to the Boston man who came here. It was
+plain to me that he wanted us to keep away. He ran down ahead of us, and
+he is on the island. Why should he care to frighten us away? Why should
+he hurry to get here ahead of us? I tell you, old man, this is a mystery
+worth solving."
+
+Bruce grunted. He felt that Merriwell was right, but he realized it
+might not be an easy thing to solve the mystery of the island.
+
+The big Yale man stood looking out of the window and watching the boat,
+while Frank continued his investigations. Merriwell wandered from room
+to room, and at last descended the stairs again.
+
+"If he gets an idea that there is really a wonderful mystery here,"
+muttered Bruce, "he will stay till he has solved it if he spends the
+remainder of the summer in this vicinity. Never saw a fellow who took
+such an interest in anything mysterious."
+
+The wind was rising again. It rattled a window, and somewhere about the
+building it made a loose board clap, clap, clap, in a way that made
+Browning think of clods falling on a coffin.
+
+All at once, somewhere down below in the old building, a shriek rang
+out, startling, shrill, wild and awful. It froze the blood in Browning's
+veins and seemed to cause his hair to stand upon his head. Following the
+shriek came--silence!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+FRANK SEES THE MONSTER.
+
+
+Instantly Browning thought how the fisherman had told of the awful
+screams that came from the lips of the monster of the island. Had that
+monster uttered this cry?
+
+Where was Merriwell?
+
+"Frank!"
+
+Browning shouted the name of his friend and the empty rooms echoed with
+the sound.
+
+"Frank Merriwell!"
+
+From room to room rushed the big fellow. There was no answer to his
+cries.
+
+Quickly satisfying himself that Merriwell was nowhere in the upper story
+of the boarding house, Bruce bounded down the stairs four at a time.
+
+"Frank, where are you?"
+
+No sound save his own voice and the echoes.
+
+A sickening sensation seized upon Browning. He began to feel that a
+calamity, a tragedy, had taken place.
+
+From room to room he rushed, but he saw nothing of the one he sought.
+Was it possible Frank had left the building without saying anything to
+him? He could not think so.
+
+All at once he stood before an open door, and he dimly saw a flight of
+stairs leading downward into the darkness. A cold, dank smell came up
+from the depths below.
+
+Browning quickly decided that there must be some sort of a cellar or
+basement down there. The door was open. Frank had gone down to
+investigate.
+
+But the cry that had rung through the building! What had happened below?
+
+For a moment Bruce hesitated. Then he quickly felt in his pocket and
+drew forth a match safe. A moment later, with lighted match in his
+fingers, he was descending the stairs into the dank and moldy basement.
+
+At the bottom of the stairs was another door. It was open. Bruce stepped
+through it and stumbled over something, dropping his match, so that he
+was in the densest darkness.
+
+At that moment the wild shriek rang out again so near that it seemed
+uttered in his very ear.
+
+He had his revolver in his hand, and he whirled, his heart having sprung
+into his mouth, ready to use the weapon. In the darkness he saw nothing.
+
+Bruce was shaking as he crouched there. He heard his teeth rattle
+together, and he realized that he was completely unnerved. He was
+tempted to leap up and bound up the stairs. Indeed, the desire to do so
+was almost irresistible.
+
+He listened, thinking he might hear something like a moving person, but
+after that blood-chilling scream there was no other sound.
+
+At last he put out his hand and touched the object over which he had
+fallen. That it was a human body he instantly realized.
+
+The thought that Frank Merriwell lay there dead in the darkness nearly
+overcame him. He feared to light another match. That touch had told him
+that the body was not that of a person stiff and cold, as it must be had
+it lain there some time. It was still warm, as if with life, but
+still--how still!
+
+Browning's fingers shook as he got out a match. He prayed that he might
+not look on the face of his dead friend. The horrible fear of what he
+might see completely unmanned him.
+
+Scratch--splutter--flare!
+
+He lighted the match, and it blazed up at once. Its light showed him the
+sight he had dreaded to behold. Frank Merriwell lay before him, his face
+ghastly pale, his eyes closed.
+
+The match dropped from the nerveless fingers of the big Yale man and
+went out. A low groan escaped his lips.
+
+Then came the thought that Merriwell might not be dead. Quickly he
+caught up the body, flung it over his shoulders, and then he literally
+leaped up the creaking stairs.
+
+Bruce did not pause till he had carried Frank outside the building. Then
+he took a look at Merry's pale face, saw blood trickling down out of his
+hair, and rushed with him to the well near the house.
+
+Placing Frank on the ground, the big fellow fell to bathing his head,
+upon which was a slight wound that cut through the scalp. It was not
+twenty seconds before Frank opened his eyes.
+
+Bruce gave an exclamation of joy.
+
+"By Heaven! I thought you were dead!" he cried.
+
+Merriwell looked dazed for a moment, and then murmured:
+
+"I saw it!"
+
+"Eh? Saw what?"
+
+"The monster!"
+
+"What? You did?"
+
+"Sure."
+
+"Where? Down in the basement of the boarding house?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What did it look like?"
+
+"Just as described."
+
+"Fiery face and hands?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Black holes for eyes?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Browning gasped.
+
+"What did it do?"
+
+"Shrieked."
+
+"I heard it!"
+
+"And then it seemed that the whole building fell on me. There was a
+bright glare of light, and the next I knew was when I opened my eyes
+just now."
+
+"Something struck you down."
+
+"I think you are right."
+
+"Know I am. I found you down there in the basement--brought you out. Oh,
+but I did think you were dead when I first saw your white face by the
+light of the match I held! I haven't recovered from the shock of it yet!
+It was awful!"
+
+In a few moments Frank was able to sit up. The cut on his head was not
+serious, but his head was throbbing with a shooting pain, and he was
+dizzy and weak.
+
+"Well, I've seen the monster all right," he said, with a grim smile.
+"There's some satisfaction in that."
+
+"And I have heard it," put in Bruce. "I don't know that I care about
+seeing the thing."
+
+"It did look something like the Old Boy himself," said Frank. "Don't
+wonder these fishermen are scared by it."
+
+"Well, I suppose you are satisfied now?"
+
+"Oh, no!"
+
+"No? What will you do?"
+
+"Oh, I'd like to know what the monster is made of."
+
+"This investigating seems to be rather dangerous."
+
+"And that makes it all the more fascinating. However, I think it will
+be well enough to give it a rest for the present."
+
+"We'll go back to the yacht?"
+
+"Yes, and have some dinner. After dinner we can take another whirl at
+the monster. We must not stay away too long this time, or the people on
+the yacht will worry about us."
+
+"What shall we tell them?"
+
+"Nothing. It will not do to tell of this adventure."
+
+"But this handkerchief about your head," said Bruce, who was tying it in
+place; "how will you explain that?"
+
+"Fell and struck my head. I did fall, you know, and my head must have
+struck the ground down there in that basement. We mustn't let them press
+us too closely. If they get inquisitive, we must change the subject."
+
+Thus it was arranged. When Frank first arose to his feet he was so weak
+that he found it necessary to lean on the arm of his companion, but his
+strength came to him swiftly, so that he was like himself before he had
+returned more than a third of the way to the _White Wings_.
+
+Then of a sudden he remembered that he had dropped his rifle when he was
+struck down in the basement, and he wanted to return for it at once.
+Bruce objected at first, but Frank was determined, and he finally won.
+
+They retraced their steps and boldly entered the building. Bruce
+followed Merriwell down the stairs into the basement, holding his
+revolver ready for use while Frank lighted matches. Then they searched
+for the rifle, which Frank knew he held in his hand at the moment when
+he was struck down.
+
+They could not find it, for it was not in the basement, nor was it
+anywhere in the building.
+
+The boys quickly decided that the rifle had been removed by human hands,
+but the mystery was just as deep.
+
+Leaving the building, they did not immediately return to the _White
+Wings_, but made their way past the little cove, through the stunted
+cedars and over the rocks to a position where they could look down upon
+the boat that was lying close to the island shore.
+
+As Frank had surmised, it was the lap-streak sailboat belonging to the
+cock-eyed man. There was no one in or around it.
+
+"Bruce," said Merry, "I have a proposal to make."
+
+"Make it," grunted Browning.
+
+"I have an idea that the person who owns that boat is concerned in the
+mysterious doings on this island."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"I am going to watch for him."
+
+"When?"
+
+"Now."
+
+"You mean that you are not going back to the yacht?"
+
+"Not right away."
+
+"Then I shall stay with you."
+
+"That will interfere with my plan."
+
+"How?"
+
+"If we stay away from the yacht very long it is certain to alarm the
+girls."
+
+"It might."
+
+"I want you to go back and tell them I have discovered signs of game
+here and have stayed to see if I can't bag it. You need not say what
+sort of game. Then I want you to get Hodge and bring him with you,
+taking three of the guns and sufficient ammunition. As you will be going
+out for game, that will create no alarm. Leave Diamond and Dunnerwust to
+guard the girls and Miss Gale. I will remain here till you return, and
+you might bring me something for lunch. Tell them it is likely to take
+some time to bag our game, and caution them not to be alarmed if we do
+not return before nightfall."
+
+"But I don't like the idea of leaving you here alone," protested the big
+Yale man. "There is no telling what may happen."
+
+Frank laughed softly.
+
+"Don't worry about me," he said. "I shall not venture into the old
+boarding house alone, and it is not likely I'll not be able to defend
+myself here on open ground."
+
+Bruce hesitated.
+
+"How are you feeling now?" he asked.
+
+"All right."
+
+"Strong?"
+
+"As ever."
+
+"That crack on the head----"
+
+"Oh, I am all over that now. Go on, old man, and don't worry about me.
+You know that, as a rule, Frank Merriwell is able to take care of
+himself."
+
+"That is a fact," nodded Browning. "But you are not armed. Here, you
+must take this revolver."
+
+He held the weapon out to Merry.
+
+"But then you will not have a weapon."
+
+"I am all right," declared Bruce. "I can handle two or three ordinary
+fellows without a gun."
+
+Fully aware of the giant's extraordinary strength, Frank knew he spoke
+the truth, and so he accepted the revolver.
+
+"Now I have an idea," said Merriwell, "that you had better not return to
+the yacht by the path."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"It is likely that path is watched, and it may be well enough not to let
+the watchers know one of us has remained here. If they think we are
+gone, they may betray themselves by their movements.
+
+"How am I to go back, then?"
+
+"Go round the island the other way. You can keep in this fringe of woods
+the most of the time, so that you will not be seen. It may be a bit
+harder traveling, but I fancy it is the best thing to do."
+
+"All right. Take care of yourself, Merriwell. Keep your eyes open, and
+do not get another crack on the head."
+
+"Don't worry about that. Take your time."
+
+So Bruce started off, leaving Frank there where he could watch the boat.
+
+Not until Browning had disappeared and Frank was quite alone did he
+realize the loneliness of the place. The water washing against the rocky
+shore made the only sound to be heard, unless it was the occasional cry
+of a wheeling gull.
+
+The tide was going out, and already the black ledges were rising out of
+the water in the distance. Those were called "half-tide ledges" by the
+fishermen. There were other black rocks which rose barren and bleak
+above the highest tides. Near those ledges at certain seasons of the
+year sportsmen set their "tollers," or decoys, and crouching in nooks of
+the rocks, fired hundreds of shots at the sea birds lured to their doom
+by the wooden representations of their mates.
+
+Merriwell found a place where he could sit in a sheltered spot and watch
+the sailboat, at the same time having a good view of the bay and the
+islands and ledges.
+
+As he sat there Frank meditated on the mystery of the island. He was
+fully convinced that there was some reason why certain human beings
+desired to frighten all others away from the place. That the man from
+Boston had been murdered and buried on that island was quite probable.
+Perhaps he had been murdered for booty; perhaps he had discovered the
+secret of the island, and his death had been accomplished in order to
+seal his lips. In the latter case there must be some powerful reason
+why the desperadoes who slew him did not wish the secret revealed to
+the world.
+
+These thoughts led Merry to the conclusion that some criminal business
+was carried on upon that island. He was well aware that he was taking
+desperate chances in trying to find out what sort of business it was,
+but the mystery lured him on, and the very fact that there was danger
+lent a fascination to the adventure.
+
+How long he sat there thinking thus he did not know, but at last he was
+startled by a sound near at hand. He turned quickly and what he saw
+brought him to his feet with a bound.
+
+Peering from the bushes was the most horrible face he had ever looked
+upon. It was twisted and contorted in a frightful manner, the lips were
+drawn back from long, yellow fangs, the eyes seemed to glare like coals
+of fire, and about these frightful features tumbled a mass of tangled
+hair.
+
+"The monster!"
+
+That thought flashed into Frank's mind. He had no doubt but he was face
+to face with the creature that had frightened the simple fishermen from
+the island.
+
+For some moments Frank stood there, staring at that horrible face. Then
+a clawlike hand came out through the bushes and seemed to reach toward
+him, while a howl that was blood-curdling came from the creature's lips.
+
+That sound was the same that had frightened the fishermen into running
+for their lives, but, instead of running, Frank made a dash for the
+creature, Browning's revolver grasped in his hand.
+
+It was a most astonishing move on the part of the boy. For a moment the
+monster of the island remained motionless, and then that horrible face
+disappeared.
+
+With a leap, Frank plunged straight into the bushes, ready to grapple
+with the thing.
+
+He found nothing! It had vanished!
+
+Swaying bushes close at hand guided him, and he scarcely paused an
+instant. Straight forward he rushed, ready for the encounter at any
+instant.
+
+He caught a glimpse of something plunging through the bushes, and he
+followed fearlessly.
+
+A moment later he came out to open ground, and ahead of him he saw a
+misshapen figure running with wonderful speed toward the head of the
+cove.
+
+Perhaps for the first time since the creature had been seen on the
+island the order of things had changed and it was the pursued instead of
+the pursuer.
+
+"Stop!" shouted Frank.
+
+The monster looked back over a twisted shoulder, and snarled like a wild
+animal, but ran faster than ever.
+
+"Stop, or I shall shoot!"
+
+Frank flourished the revolver, running as hard as he could in pursuit.
+
+The command was not obeyed.
+
+In an attempt to frighten the creature into obeying, Frank fired two
+shots into the air.
+
+Still the thing ran on.
+
+"Well, I see I must catch him," muttered Merriwell.
+
+He set his teeth and made wonderful speed over the uneven ground. Never
+in any college sprinting match had he made such speed. He was determined
+to overtake that hideous thing and solve the mystery of the island.
+
+Frank soon saw he was gaining. The creature looked back and saw the
+same, whereupon it seemed to increase its efforts.
+
+But, although the monster was a swift runner, it could not get away from
+Merriwell. The cove was passed, and the race continued up the rise
+toward the big building above.
+
+Frank was drawing nearer and nearer. He reached out a hand to grasp the
+shoulder of the hunchback, for there was a large hump on the back of the
+fugitive.
+
+At that moment the panting thing whirled and grappled with him suddenly.
+
+Frank was taken by surprise by the movement, and in a twinkling he was
+flung to his knees. The monster snarled with satisfaction and sought to
+clutch his throat with those clawlike hands.
+
+Summoning all his strength, Merriwell fought his way to his feet and
+obtained a better hold on the thing, keeping those twisted fingers away
+from his throat.
+
+Then there was a fierce struggle for the mastery. During that struggle
+the tushes in the mouth of the being with whom Frank was battling
+suddenly fell out and dropped to the ground.
+
+They were false teeth, made to look as hideous as possible.
+
+And now Merry could see that the man's face was made up to appear
+twisted and deformed, and, a moment after the teeth fell out, the shaggy
+wig of tangled hair was torn away, showing that also was false and a
+part of the make-up.
+
+Now Merriwell recognized the man before him.
+
+It was the hunchback of Green's Landing--Put Wiley!
+
+"Really, Mr. Wiley, this is quite a surprise!" exclaimed Frank,
+triumphantly. "You had a splendid make-up, but the cat is out of the bag
+now."
+
+"Curse ye!" grated the hunchback. "You'll pay for this with your life!"
+
+"Oh, I don't know!"
+
+"I do."
+
+Wiley's voice did not utter these two words; they were spoken by another
+person, and Frank was clutched from behind. Strong hands closed about
+his neck, and hard fingers crushed into his windpipe, so that his
+breath was shut off in a moment.
+
+Frank could not withstand this onset, he was forced to his knees. Being
+unable to breathe, he tried to tear those crushing fingers away, but the
+effort was in vain. He had dropped the revolver, and it was beyond his
+reach.
+
+He knew at that moment that he was in the clutch of the ruffians who had
+murdered the man from Boston, and he had no doubt but a like fate was
+meant for him. Still he was powerless to save himself, for he was given
+no show. Things turned black and began to whirl around him, bombs seemed
+bursting in his head, bells were ringing in his ears, and
+then--nothingness!
+
+When Frank recovered consciousness he felt as if his windpipe had been
+crushed, and he seemed numb and helpless in every limb. He realized
+immediately that he was being roughly handled, and he heard a harsh
+voice say:
+
+"That's all right. He can't git erway. We can't waste any more time."
+
+He opened his eyes and looked up into the face of the speaker--the
+cock-eyed man!
+
+Put Wiley, the hunchback, was there, too.
+
+"Hello!" growled the man with the crooked eye. "He's come round. I'm
+glad on it, fer I want him ter know jest what his nosin' foolishness has
+done fer him."
+
+Frank tried to speak, but he could not utter more than a wheezing
+whisper. The hunchback raised a foot, as if to bring it down on the face
+of the helpless lad, for Frank was bound hands and feet, but the other
+man thrust him aside, growling:
+
+"Whut's the use! He'll be dead in five minutes. Don't kick ther poor
+fool."
+
+Then Frank realized that he was bound across the track of the old
+railroad that ran from the sheds to the quarry. The look that came to
+the face of the helpless lad seemed to tell the cock-eyed man that he
+understood the situation.
+
+"You've made a fool of yerself," declared the man, unpityingly. "You was
+too nosy. Inquisitive critters alwus git inter trouble. The Boston man
+was too fresh, and he's planted. You saw his grave."
+
+Strangely enough, at that moment the helpless boy asked a queer
+question:
+
+"Where were you when you made that ghostly whisper?" he managed to
+huskily inquire.
+
+"I dunno what good it'll do to ye ter know," was the answer. "You'll be
+dead right away. Mebbe one of us was hid in a holler tree near ye."
+
+"What do you mean to do with me?"
+
+"Waal, we've tied ye here acrost ther rails. Up there in the quarry is a
+car loaded with granite. It won't take much ter send it scootin' down
+the track, and it will cut you clean in two. You'll have time enough to
+think whut a fool ye was and say yer prayers while we are startin' ther
+car, but you'd better begin now. Good-by."
+
+Then the two murderous wretches hurried up the track and quickly
+disappeared.
+
+Frank tried to cry for aid, but he could not make a sound that could be
+heard ten rods away. He twisted and squirmed in a vain effort to free
+himself. And then he fell to listening, listening, listening.
+
+It was not long before he heard the sound which he dreaded. There was a
+distant rumble, a faint jarring of the rails.
+
+The car had started down the incline!
+
+"God help me!"
+
+The rumbling sound grew louder and louder. The car was gathering speed
+as it came on.
+
+"Frank--Frank Merriwell!"
+
+He heard Browning call near at hand, and now he made a mighty effort and
+answered:
+
+"Here! Quick! Help!"
+
+The big Yale man came rushing to the track, followed by Hodge, just as
+the car loaded with granite came into view.
+
+Instantly Bruce realized the peril of the lad who was bound to the
+rails, and he saw there was no time to cut the ropes and set Frank free.
+
+With a hoarse shout he leaped forward, catching up a stout stick of
+timber in an instant. One end of the timber he thrust under the rails of
+the track, and then he lifted on the other end with all his wonderful
+strength.
+
+The track was old, the ties were rotten, and the spikes gave way. The
+rail was pried aside in a moment. Then Bruce went at the other and tore
+that up.
+
+The car was upon him. He made a great leap backward and got off the
+track barely in time.
+
+Then, an instant later, the car, loaded with granite, left the rails and
+shot down the bank, spilling the slabs of rock and plunged with a splash
+into the water, disappearing from view.
+
+Frank was saved!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was an hour later when Merriwell, Browning and Hodge returned to the
+_White Wings_. With the exception of a slight hoarseness, Frank could
+speak as well as ever, although his throat was sore and lame.
+
+The boys had not returned to the yacht till they were certain the
+hunchback and the cock-eyed man had left the island, for the lap-streak
+boat was seen bound up the bay under full sail.
+
+Browning was fierce for revenge. Merriwell did not say much, but deep
+down in his heart he was determined to punish the ruffians who had so
+nearly ended his existence. He cautioned the boys not to let the girls
+or Miss Gale know anything of the adventures on the island.
+
+"We will land them at Green's Landing," he said, "and then I am coming
+back to this island. The mystery of this place is not yet solved. Why
+are those two men trying to frighten everybody away from here? I want to
+know that, and I mean to know it."
+
+On reaching the yacht Jack Diamond was found paying every attention to
+Paula Benjamin, and it was plain that there was no longer a
+misunderstanding between them.
+
+The Virginian shot Browning a glance of triumph, in which was also a
+warning.
+
+But Bruce scarce gave Jack or Paula a thought, for other matters were on
+his mind then. He was eager and anxious to get rid of the girls and
+their chaperon in order that the party might return to Devil Island and
+seek to solve the deep mystery of the place and punish the wretches who
+had tried to end Frank's life.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+SETTLING A POINT.
+
+
+"Now, fellows," said Frank Merriwell, as he faced his four "shipmates"
+in the cabin of his yacht, _White Wings_, which was riding at anchor in
+the harbor at Green's Landing, "I have called you together for a council
+of war."
+
+"I'm tired," grunted Bruce Browning. "Can't I rest in my bunk while the
+powwow is going on?"
+
+"No," came firmly from Frank, "this is a matter of business, and it
+won't hurt you to sit up a while."
+
+"Oh, get a brace on!" exclaimed Diamond, flinging the words at the big
+Yale man. "Act as if you had some life in you, old fellow."
+
+The manner in which the words were spoken made the usually polite
+Virginian seem quite unlike himself, but Bruce simply grinned,
+observing:
+
+"You shouldn't hold a grudge because I flirted a little with Miss
+Benjamin, Diamond; you got a lead on me while Merriwell and I were
+investigating on Devil Island, and won her back, all right. Don't be
+sour over it."
+
+The Southerner sprang up, his eyes flashing:
+
+"Mr. Browning," he said, hotly, "I warn you not to speak lightly of Miss
+Benjamin! You seem to take delight in mentioning her in connection with
+every little occurrence, and it is getting tiresome. There is a limit!"
+
+"Huah!" grunted the giant. "Touchy, mighty touchy. First thing I know
+he'll be challenging me to a duel."
+
+"It would be useless to challenge you!" flashed Jack. "You Northerners
+are too cold blooded to fight."
+
+"Well, now, this will do!" cut in Merry, promptly rising to his feet. "I
+won't have it on board my yacht."
+
+"Then I suppose we can go on shore and fight it out," said Jack, sourly.
+
+"If you want to make fools of yourselves--yes."
+
+"You are very plain spoken, Mr. Merriwell."
+
+"It is necessary at times, Diamond. Hold your temper in check, old man,
+and don't talk about Northerners and Southerners. There is no North, no
+South. The time is past. When you came to Yale you were full of freakish
+notions about the North and the South, but I fancied you had been pretty
+well cured of that. I see it will crop out occasionally, though."
+
+To this Diamond made no retort, but he looked thoroughly angry. With
+another fellow Frank would have laughed him out of the mood, but he knew
+it would not do to try that on the Virginian, for Jack could not endure
+a bit of ridicule.
+
+However, Merry talked quietly, and soon he could see he was pouring oil
+on the troubled waters, for the look of anger was leaving Diamond's
+face, and Browning had assumed a lounging attitude.
+
+"This is no time for hard feelings between any of us," said Frank. "As I
+said a few minutes ago, I have called you together for a council of
+war."
+
+"Vot did I mean ven you said dot?" asked Hans Dunnerwust. "Berhaps you
+don'd understood me as vell as I might. Vot for haf dot gouncil uf var
+peen caldt?"
+
+"Yes," said Bart Hodge, "just what are you driving at, Merriwell?"
+
+"Fellows, we have struck a mystery."
+
+"I thought you had solved the mystery of the monster of Devil Island."
+
+"I solved the mystery of the monster's identity and discovered the
+creature was the hunchback, Put Wiley, in disguise."
+
+"But he came near ending your career."
+
+"With the aid of the cock-eyed man, whose name, I have learned, since
+returning to Green's Landing, is Dan Hicks. I could have handled Wiley
+alone, but Hicks came to his aid and caught me by the throat, grasping
+me from behind. Together they knocked me out and tied me to the old
+railroad on the island. But for Browning's wonderful efforts in ripping
+up the rails, they would have succeeded in their attempt to send a flat
+car loaded with granite down the track, and I must have been cut in two.
+I tell you, fellows, it was a wonderful sight to see Bruce pry up those
+rails and send that car, granite and all, into the water. Ah, Browning!"
+exclaimed Merriwell, his voice betraying his feeling despite his effort
+to keep it under control, "it prolonged my life when you were born
+strong."
+
+"Oh, it wasn't much work to rip up those rails," said the big fellow,
+with an air of modesty. "You see, the spikes that held them were planted
+in rotten wood, for the ties are very old."
+
+"You never moved half as fast before in your life, Browning," said
+Hodge. "You did get a hustle on then."
+
+"I had to," grunted Bruce. "Saw there wasn't any time to loaf."
+
+"You saved my life," declared Frank. "The identity of the monster is
+solved, but the mystery of the island is as deep as ever."
+
+"Shust vot do I mean ven you said dot?" asked Hans.
+
+"Why should the hunchback rig himself up in that horrible manner and try
+to frighten persons away from the island?"
+
+"There is a mystery," confessed Diamond.
+
+"Certainly it is," nodded Merriwell. "Discovering the identity of the
+monster has not seemed to clear things up much. It has added to my
+curiosity."
+
+"Berhaps id peen a healthy thing to stayed avay dot islands from,"
+observed Hans, sagely.
+
+"Whatever the secret of the island may be," said Frank, "those men are
+ready to commit murder in order to guard it."
+
+"They came near succeeding," said Hodge.
+
+"It looks as if they have succeeded."
+
+"Eh? How?"
+
+"You remember the story of the Boston man who was landed on the island
+and never seen afterward."
+
+"The cock-eyed man told that story."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Perhaps that was a part of his plan to scare us away from the
+island--to keep us from going there."
+
+"Perhaps so; but you remember he told us there was a grave on the island
+and the headstone was marked, 'Sacred to the memory of Rawson Denning.'"
+
+"Yes. More of his plan to scare us away."
+
+"The grave is there."
+
+"What?"
+
+"Sure."
+
+"You--you----"
+
+"Found it. Bruce was with me. We came out into a dismal glade in the
+heart of the black woods, and there was the grave and the headstone with
+the words upon it."
+
+"Jingoes!"
+
+Hodge stared at Frank a few moments, and then asked:
+
+"Do you really believe the Boston man was murdered and buried in that
+grave?"
+
+"Rawson was the name he gave, and the grave was found on the island
+after his strange disappearance. It seems probable enough that he is
+planted there."
+
+"By Chorch!" exclaimed the Dutch boy, turning pale; "I don'd vant to
+monkey aroundt dot island all alone by yourself."
+
+"Do you have any idea what the mystery of the island can be, Merriwell?"
+asked Hodge, eagerly.
+
+"Of course I do not know any better than yourself, but I have a
+suspicion."
+
+"What do you think?"
+
+"Yaw!" cried Hans; "vat do I think?"
+
+"I believe some kind of unlawful business is carried on there, and for
+that reason the criminals are using every means to frighten away anybody
+who might prove troublesome or inquisitive."
+
+"Then will it pay us to be troublesome and inquisitive?" said Diamond.
+
+"That is the very matter we are here to discuss. The girls and Miss Gale
+are comfortably located here at Green's Landing, and they will be able
+to amuse themselves for a day or two. If we wish, we can run down to
+Devil Island every morning and return here every night. I am willing to
+confess that my curiosity is aroused, and I would give something to
+solve the mystery of the place; but I do not wish to drag any of my
+friends into danger where they do not wish to go."
+
+"I hardly think there is one in this party who will not stand by you
+wherever you go, Merriwell," said Bart, quickly. "You can count on me."
+
+"I knew it."
+
+"And me," grunted Browning.
+
+"I thought so."
+
+"Und I vos anodder!" exclaimed Hans.
+
+"That is good."
+
+"Don't think for a moment that I will go back on you," said Diamond. "I
+started on this cruise with the intention of staying with you, and I
+shall."
+
+"Good. That part of it is settled. I have said that the mystery of that
+island belongs to me, and I will solve it. I mean to keep my word."
+
+"Vale," said Hans, "I never knowed yourseluf ven you didn'd keep your
+vord, Vrankie. But maype you don'd vant to took some more chances uf
+peing runned ofer a railroat on?"
+
+"Hardly. We have a fair breeze. Shall we run down to the island this
+forenoon?"
+
+"Come on," said Diamond, suddenly. "If we have a mystery to solve, the
+sooner we get after it the better."
+
+There was a thump against the side of the yacht, and a voice called:
+
+"Ahoy on board there! I want to see the captain of this craft."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+THE MAN IN GRAY.
+
+
+When Frank reached the deck he saw a jolly-looking little man in gray
+clothes coming over the rail. Beside the yacht lay a dory, in which sat
+a fisherman who had rowed the old man off to the _White Wings_.
+
+"Dang a dory," exclaimed the little man in gray, with a chuckle. "She
+may be all right to row round in on a troubled sea, but she'll tip
+quicker'n scat if you step up on the side of her. This one near spilt me
+into the drink after I was alongside here. What I want is a
+flat-bottomed scow or raft. I hope this yacht is good and steady, for
+I'm going to take a cruise in her."
+
+"You are?" gasped Frank, smiling. "Well, that is cool."
+
+"Of course," nodded the little man, brightly. "Everything around me is
+cool, even to my name, and that is Cooler--Caleb Cooler."
+
+"I like your nerve!"
+
+"I thought you would, though I have seen people who didn't like it. Some
+folks are fussy--here, my man," turning to the boatman, "here is the
+fifty cents I promised you if you would set me on board here. I shan't
+want you any more. You may go."
+
+"Hold on," came firmly from Frank, who also spoke to the man in the
+dory. "I think Mr. Cooler is mistaken. He will want you--to take him
+ashore again."
+
+"Oh, no--no, indeed," chuckled Mr. Cooler, pleasantly. "You are quite
+wrong, young man. I am going to Devil Island with you."
+
+"The--the--dickens you are?" exclaimed Frank. He came near using
+another word in the place of "dickens," for now he was literally
+astounded.
+
+"Oh, yes," nodded the queer old man, still laughing. "I won't be a bit
+of bother. In fact, you will find me mighty jolly company. Tickle me
+gently, and I am more fun than a variety show. I have been paid in my
+day to travel around with folks just to amuse them. I'm sure death to
+the blues, and I am better than all the doctor's medicine you ever
+took."
+
+"Well, I haven't the blues, and I am not in need of medicine."
+
+"Say you so? You're in luck. You do look cheerful and healthy, that's a
+fact."
+
+"But I have some curiosity."
+
+"Glad to know you are troubled by something."
+
+"Yes, I am curious to know how you happened to come aboard this yacht in
+order to get to Devil Island."
+
+"Why, aren't you going there?"
+
+"Perhaps so; but how do you know it?"
+
+"Feller told me so."
+
+"When?"
+
+"Little while ago."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"Up at Jobbins' store."
+
+"What kind of a fellow? How did he look?"
+
+"Looked as if some chap had swatted him with a brick right on the bridge
+of his proboscis, for it had a strong list to starboard, and one of his
+eyes was keeping watch at the end of it, while the other eye was on
+guard to see that no more bricks were coming in that direction."
+
+"The man with the cock-eye!" exclaimed Merriwell.
+
+"Sure as you live!" cried Hodge, who had followed Frank to the deck.
+"It's Hicks."
+
+"So that scoundrel has dared venture into Green's Landing so soon,"
+said Frank, grimly. "And he knows he did not succeed in his foul attempt
+to murder me!"
+
+"Eh?" exclaimed the little man, in surprise. "What's that? Murder? Did
+he----"
+
+"Never mind," interrupted Frank, eying the man in gray, as if seeking to
+read his thoughts. "I have a little affair to settle with Mr. Hicks, and
+the worst recommendation you could have is the fact that he sent you
+here. He simply surmised that I contemplated returning to Devil Island."
+
+"But don't you?"
+
+"That is my affair, Mr. Cooler. In no case do I propose to carry
+passengers."
+
+"I am not passengers. I am simply a passenger. I won't bother you a bit.
+Even if you are not going to the island, I'll pay you to land me there."
+
+"You seem very anxious to reach the place."
+
+"I am. I am in a bigger hurry than a dog with a package of firecrackers
+tied to his tail. It's a matter of business. No time is to be lost."
+
+"You will have to seek another mode of conveyance."
+
+"What? Now, you are not in earnest! Ha! ha! He! he! I see that you are
+something of a joker. It's all right, all right. I tumble to your game."
+
+"And I think I tumble to your game, Mr. Cooler," said Merry, sternly.
+"You can have the information you want."
+
+"The information?" repeated the queer old man, in apparent
+consternation. "Why, it can't be that you are connected with the Eastern
+Bay Land Syndicate?"
+
+"I do not know anything about the Eastern Bay Land Syndicate."
+
+"What a relief!" sighed Mr. Cooler. "Really, you gave me quite a start.
+But I am ahead of them. If the island is as represented, I will secure
+it. This part of the Bay is bound to become famous with summer people."
+
+"I do not know what you are trying to give me, but I tell you I am onto
+your little game. Go back to Mr. Dave Hicks and tell him I am going to
+Devil Island. I have met him there once; tell him I shall be pleased to
+meet him there again."
+
+"But I do not want to go back to Mr. Hicks," protested the little man.
+"I want to go to Devil Island with you."
+
+"You can't go."
+
+"I must. Young man, I will pay you any----"
+
+"I do not want your pay. You came aboard by that boat. Get into it and
+return ashore. If you are so anxious to get to Devil Island, you will
+find plenty of fishermen who will set you on there if you pay them for
+it."
+
+"You are wrong. All the fishermen seem afraid to go near it. I tried
+several of them this morning, and then the man with the broken nose and
+the bent eye told me you were going down that way. That is why I am
+here."
+
+The little man in gray seemed very much in earnest now, but Frank had
+made up his mind and was not to be turned.
+
+"Get into that boat, sir," he commanded. "We can't take you to Devil
+Island."
+
+"You'll have to," said Mr. Cooler, stubbornly. "I am here, and I am
+going with you."
+
+"I rather think not," drawled Bruce Browning, who had been brought to
+the deck at last by the sound of talk.
+
+The big fellow picked the little man up by the collar, carried him to
+the rail and dropped him into the dory, saying to the boatman:
+
+"Take him ashore immediately, or he will have to swim ashore, for I
+shall throw him overboard if he boards the _White Wings_ again."
+
+The queer little man in gray looked astounded and then amused. He
+reached up and pulled his coat collar round into place, and stared at
+Bruce, beginning to chuckle, as if the whole thing was a very
+entertaining joke.
+
+"He! he!" he laughed. "Excuse me. Can't help it. Very funny. You chaps
+act like you thought I'd bite. I won't bite. Never bit a man in all my
+life. However, I see you are determined to go away without me, and I'll
+not try to force myself upon you. If there is anything I detest it is a
+man who makes himself obnoxious by forcing himself on others. He! he!"
+
+"Ha! ha!" laughed Hans. "I vos der funniest man you efer seen, ain'd id?
+Vale! vale! vale! Der next dime you come aproad der _Vite Vings_ you hat
+petter stayed ashore."
+
+"Now, that is more than I can stand," cried the little man, trying to
+look fierce. "No Irishman can talk to me like that."
+
+"Vat?" shouted Hans. "Who vos I callin' an Irishman? You petter peen
+gareful ur you vill got me indo drouple! I vant you to understood I
+nefer peen an Irishman in mein life!"
+
+"I don't wonder you deny your nationality," said Mr. Cooler. "But you
+cannot deceive anyone. That mug and that brogue will betray anywhere
+that you are Irish to the bone."
+
+Hans began to jump up and down excitedly, shaking his fist at the little
+man.
+
+"You shust safed my life py geddin' off this yotch vrom!" he yelled. "I
+murdered der last man vat caldt you Irish! Uf I efer seen you again you
+vill punch mein face off, und don'd you vorgot id!"
+
+"Oh, keep cool, Patsey," advised the man in gray.
+
+Now a wild howl issued from Dunnerwust's throat, and he rushed to the
+rail, leaning over to shake his fist as near his tomentor as possible.
+
+"Uf you dare to caldt me Batsey aken you vill gif me a lickens!" he
+wildly threatened. "I von't pe caldt Batsey! Batsey vasn't your name, so
+don'd you dare to caldt me dot! I vos porn in Sharmeny."
+
+"What part of Ireland is that in?" mildly inquired the little man. "I
+should say by your brogue that you came from County Cork, or somewhere
+in the south of Ireland."
+
+"Oh, gif me someding to murter him mit!" shrieked Hans, like a maniac.
+"Gif me a gun! I vill shot him on der spot, or somevere near id! Gif me
+a gun!"
+
+Then he made a wild rush for the cabin, still howling for a gun, and
+fell with a great clatter down the companion way.
+
+"Take my advice, Mr. Cooler," said Frank, who was laughing now, "get as
+far away from this yacht as possible before Hans comes on deck again. He
+has gone for a gun, and there are several below, all of them loaded."
+
+"As I do not care to be filled full of lead, I will take your advice,"
+said the man in gray, calmly. "Irishmen are very quick-tempered, and I
+see I have ruffled this one somewhat. However, he proved very amusing
+for a short time. Good-day, Mr. Merriwell. I hope to see you later. In
+fact, I think I shall--Bill, you may set me ashore."
+
+Bill, the boatman, was somewhat nervous, and he rowed away from the
+yacht as hastily as possible.
+
+The dory was not many lengths away before Hans came howling to the deck,
+wildly flourishing one of Merry's shotguns.
+
+"Shown me to him!" yelled Hans, almost frothing at the mouth. "Vere vos
+der man vot caldt you an Irishmans? He vill shoot me in a minute uf I
+see heem! Vere he vos?"
+
+Then as he saw the dory pulling away, he rushed to the side of the yacht
+and prepared to shoot, but Frank seized him and took the gun away in a
+twinkling, saying, sternly:
+
+"Are you crazy, Hans? Do you want to be hanged for murder? I never saw
+you this way before."
+
+"Dot man caldt me an Irishmans!"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"He caldt me Batsey?"
+
+"A very natural mistake, considering that you have a face that is
+strongly Irish in its general appearance and you have associated with
+Barney Mulloy so much that you have acquired his brogue."
+
+Hans gasped and staggered.
+
+"Vot do you hear?" he faintly said. "Uf dot peen a fact, I vos retty to
+shuffle off der mortal pucket und kick der coil! I don'd vant to lif no
+longer ven I got to lookin' an Irishman like und dalkin' so I mistook
+volks for von! My heart vos proken!"
+
+Then, sobbing violently, he again staggered toward the cabin and once
+more fell down the companion way.
+
+Laughing heartily, Frank followed him, and found Hans lying where he had
+fallen below.
+
+"Are you hurt?" asked Merry, anxiously.
+
+"Yaw!" sobbed Hans.
+
+"Bad?"
+
+"Yaw!"
+
+"Where?"
+
+"All ofer."
+
+"Can't you get up?"
+
+"I don't vant to got ub. I vant to die! Id vos my heart dot vos hurt.
+Oh, shust to vancy dot my vace looks like an Irishmans! Mein Gott! id
+vos awful!"
+
+"Perhaps you can have your face changed, so do not take it so much to
+heart."
+
+"Now you peen shoking."
+
+"No; in New York there is a man who advertises to make over faces--to
+change them completely. It is possible that he might be able to remove
+the Irish look from your face."
+
+Hans sat up.
+
+"Py Chorch!" he cried. "Uf dot peen a vact, I vos goin' to had a new
+vace shust as soon as you can! Id peen der only thing vot vill kept me a
+brison oudt uf. I shall murder der next man dot caldt me Irish!"
+
+"Well, you can have your face built over when you get back to New York,
+so don't take it so much to heart."
+
+Hans got up after a while and dragged himself to a seat, while Frank
+replaced the gun in the strap from which the Dutch lad had taken it.
+
+Browning came loafing down into the cabin, followed by Hodge.
+
+"What do you make of that queer little man, Merriwell?" asked Bruce,
+flinging himself down lazily.
+
+"I sized him up as a spy," said Frank. "He was sent off to find out if
+we intended to return to Devil Island. He found out."
+
+"He certainly is an odd character."
+
+"As queer as anything I have seen down this way. Somehow he did not seem
+like a native."
+
+"No native to him," said Bart, as if that point was settled in his mind.
+
+"He did have a crust," said Bruce.
+
+"A crust!" cried Frank, laughing as he remembered what had taken place.
+"Why, I never saw anything like it! Came on board and calmly informed me
+he was going to Devil Island with us, and he would not think of leaving
+when I told him we did not want him."
+
+"And he was not even ruffled when I dropped him over into the dory. He
+is well named, for a cooler customer I never saw."
+
+"And he said he would see you again, Merry."
+
+"I noticed that."
+
+"But he didn't seem much of a desperado," yawned Bruce.
+
+"Appearances are deceptive."
+
+"Yaw!" muttered Hans. "Don peen a vact somepody took me an Irishman vor!
+Dot vos der plow dot gif me der lifer gomblaint mit my heart in!"
+
+"I don't suppose, Merry," said Bart, "that you will defer your visit to
+Devil Island because of what lately happened?"
+
+"I should say not!" exclaimed Frank. "I am beginning to get warmed up.
+If they but knew it, somebody is doing the very things to spur me on to
+solve the mystery."
+
+"Hadn't we better leave Diamond here at the landing to look after the
+girls?" said Bruce. "It's plain he does not wish to waste the time to go
+down to Devil Island."
+
+"It is plain you do not know anything about it, sir!" said Jack,
+sharply, as he stepped into the cabin. "I am ready to go, and the sooner
+we start the better I shall like it. If we are to investigate, I am in
+favor of getting at the investigation without delay."
+
+"We will get away as soon as possible," said Frank. "All hands on deck."
+
+In a very short time the _White Wings_ was running out of the harbor,
+headed for Devil Island.
+
+From the shore more than one pair of eyes were watching her with looks
+that boded no good to her inquisitive and daring owner.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE CLAMBAKE.
+
+
+As Bold Island harbor was sheltered and the yacht could lay close in to
+the shore of Devil Island and be so hidden that she would escape
+observation to a large extent, Frank ran in there, choosing that
+anchorage in preference to the one in the cove on the other side of the
+island of mystery.
+
+It was near low tide when Merry ran in there, and he did not stop till
+the keel of the _White Wings_ stuck fast in the mud at the bottom.
+
+"I thought you were getting in too near," said Hodge.
+
+"Not getting in near enough to suit me," declared Frank. "The bottom is
+soft here, and the yacht would sit up straight in the mud if the tide
+ran out so that she was left high and dry. It is low water now. At high
+water she will float all right and have any amount of water under her
+keel."
+
+As soon as everything was attended to on the yacht, Frank cried:
+
+"Come on, fellows, let's row over to Bold Island and see if we can find
+some of her famous clams. We may not get another opportunity like this."
+
+"Oh, what's the use," yawned Browning, sleepily. "Too much trouble. I'm
+going below and turn in."
+
+"I will stay to look after the yacht while Browning gets his nap," said
+Hodge.
+
+Diamond was ready to go with Frank, and Merry asked Hans to come along.
+They had purchased a clam hoe at the Landing, so they were prepared to
+hunt the shy and retiring clam.
+
+"Vale," said Hans, sadly, "I vill go mit you, poys, but I don'd peen
+aple to took no bleasure mit der shob since I vos caldt an Irishman. I
+don'd pelief you vill efer got ofer dot."
+
+He looked very sad and downcast, as if he were nearly, heartbroken,
+causing Merry to laugh softly.
+
+The three got into the boat and pulled over to Bold Island, where they
+began searching for the clams that have made the island famous
+throughout Penobscot Bay.
+
+It was some time before they could find any clams, for the beach had
+been dug over and over till it did not seem there was a place left
+untouched. At last Frank turned over a large, flat rock, and down in the
+sand beneath it they struck their first clam. That clam, measured in its
+shell, was exactly seven inches long and a little more than five inches
+wide, while the shell itself was almost as white as the shell of an egg.
+
+When Merry turned up this clam, Hans staggered and sat down on the sand
+with great violence, and there he sat, staring and muttering:
+
+"Vot der tyrful vos dot? Uf dot don'd peen der varter uf all glams, you
+vos a liar! I don'd pelief I efer seen anyding like dot pefore in all
+your porn tays!"
+
+"Hurrah!" cried Merry. "Here's proof the fishermen down this way are not
+all liars, or do not lie about everything. They told me this was the
+kind of game we should find here."
+
+"But this must be unusual," said Diamond. "Can't all of them be like
+this."
+
+"They say so."
+
+"Well, they cannot be very good to eat. They must be too tough."
+
+"On the contrary, I have heard they are splendid eating. Here is
+another! By Jove, it's fully as large as the first!"
+
+Hans sat still on the sand and stared straight at the first clam turned
+out. Frank looked at him and saw the Dutch boy appeared on the verge of
+bursting into tears.
+
+"What's the matter, Dunnerwust?" he asked.
+
+"I vos peginnin' to seen things queer," replied Hans. "Vot do I think?
+Vale, uf dot glam don'd look like der mug an Irishman of, you vos a
+liar! Uf I kept on seein' things like dot to remindt me vot dot man in
+gray said, id vill drife me to trink ur to sluicide!"
+
+They had brought along a bucket, and it did not take long to fill it
+with these large clams. Then they emptied it into the bottom of the boat
+and found another bucketful before stopping. With those they returned to
+the boat.
+
+"We will go ashore on Devil Island, where there are plenty of rocks of
+all kinds, and seaweed, and there we'll have a clambake," said Merry.
+"There is wood enough on Devil Island, too, and it is nearer to the
+yacht."
+
+The sound of their oars brought Hodge on deck.
+
+"What luck?" he asked, as they approached.
+
+"Great luck," answered Frank. "Get in, and we will take you ashore over
+yonder, where we are going to have a clam roast."
+
+The clam hoe was passed up to Bart, and then he swung down into the
+boat, and soon all were ashore on the island of mystery.
+
+Frank began constructing an oven amid the rocks, sending the others for
+fuel and seaweed. It did not take long to make preparations for the
+bake, and soon a roaring fire was blazing, as a lot of dry wood had been
+found near the deserted camps on that side of the island.
+
+Frank took the clams down to the water and washed them carefully, a
+bucketful at a time, turning them all into the hollow of a large rock
+near the fire.
+
+As the fire grew hotter, Merry threw stones into it and kept it
+roaring. None of the stones were smaller than a man's fist, and some
+were larger than a man's head.
+
+"Why are you doing that?" asked Hodge.
+
+"You will see when the time comes," smiled Frank.
+
+Hans sat on a rock and stared into the fire, his air of dejection being
+extremely ludicrous to behold.
+
+"Come, come, forget it!" exclaimed Merry. "Cheer up and be like
+yourself."
+
+"I can nefer peen like yourseluf again so long as I had this face onto
+me," sighed Hans. "Id peen a vrightful thing to think dot I might peen
+misdooken any dime an Irishmans vor! Dunder und blitzens! I vos all
+proken ub in peesness ofer dot!"
+
+It was useless to try to cheer him up. The more they talked to him the
+sadder and more downcast he looked.
+
+After a while Frank had burned out nearly all the wood, and nothing was
+left but a dying fire. He did not wait for it to die down, but raked
+away everything but the red-hot coals and some of the stones in the
+fireplace of stone. Then he took the wet seaweed and threw it into the
+fireplace, where it began to sizzle and steam.
+
+"In with the clams, boys!" he cried, as he began to toss the big fellows
+in upon the seaweed.
+
+They helped him, and soon all the clams were scattered on the steaming
+seaweed. Then he covered them with more seaweed, and, aided by the
+others, piled the hot rocks he had drawn out of the fireplace on top of
+this mass of seaweed.
+
+What a sizzling and steaming there was, and what a delightful odor came
+to their nostrils! Quickly Frank had another fire going, and by this he
+kept hot a mass of rocks he had heated in the first fire, but had not
+piled upon the seaweed. In this way, by the time the rocks on the weed
+were cooled off, more rocks were ready to take their place, and the
+clams were kept steaming.
+
+After a time, Merriwell announced that the clams must be nearly done. He
+sent Hans off to the yacht to bring Browning ashore. The Dutch boy found
+it difficult to arouse the big Yale man, but Browning was fond of clams,
+and he came along quickly enough once he was fully awake and understood
+what awaited him.
+
+As the boat reached shore, Merriwell began to rake the rocks off the
+seaweed.
+
+"Ye gods!" grunted Bruce, sniffing the air as he approached. "What
+heavenly aroma is this that greets my nostrils?"
+
+When the clams were uncovered and he saw them with their huge shells
+yawning and the meat within looking white and tempting, he declared he
+was very happy to be living.
+
+"Gather round, fellows," said Frank, "Capture your clams and devour
+them. There will be no ceremony in this case."
+
+Then, as Browning fished out a clam and held it triumphantly aloft, a
+man came whistling softly down the bank, joined the group without a
+word, raked out a clam and extracted it from the shell, being the first
+to taste the feast Frank had prepared.
+
+It was the man in gray, Mr. Caleb Cooler!
+
+"Yum!" exclaimed the man in gray. "That clam is hot!"
+
+"Well, you are cool enough!" said Frank Merriwell.
+
+"Oh, I'm Cooler," chuckled the queer old fellow. "Told you so some time
+ago. Howdy, boys. Fine day, isn't it? Think we will have some more
+weather? Or don't you know 'weather' we will or not?"
+
+Bruce Browning arose to his feet and removed his coat.
+
+"That's one way to keep cool at a clambake," grinned the man in gray.
+"What are you going to do?"
+
+"Mop up the beach with you," answered Browning, quietly. "I am going to
+teach you a lesson."
+
+"Teach is correct as you applied it," said Mr. Cooler. "Down this way I
+find people say 'learn' for 'teach.' Just think how bad it would have
+sounded had you said you were going to learn me a lesson."
+
+He raked out another clam, but dropped it, shaking his hand and blowing
+on his fingers.
+
+"Even though I am Cooler, I find some things are warm enough," he
+murmured. "That clam must have been near a fire. I dote on clams, baked,
+boiled, fried or frizzled, it don't make a dern bit of difference.
+Whenever I get an opportunity I go gunning for clams myself. I think it
+is great sport to shoot a clam on the wing. With a good bird gun and a
+dog, I presume it is an easy thing to bag clams around here?"
+
+He was not paying the least attention to the big Yale man, and
+Browning's threat to "wipe up the beach" with him seemed forgotten.
+
+Hans was glaring at the man in gray, while strange, gurgling sounds came
+from his throat. All at once he gave a yell, rolled over backward and
+scrambled to his feet.
+
+"Don't touch him, Pruce!" warned the Dutch boy. "I peen goin' to smash
+dot veller myseluf!"
+
+"Ah there, Irish," chirped Mr. Cooler. "You will catch cold in your
+liver if you let the wind blow down your throat that way. Have a clam
+and let it stop that orifice in your countenance."
+
+This made Hans so angry that he danced wildly and began to choke and
+gurgle in his endeavor to shriek forth something, but the man in gray
+did not even look at him.
+
+There was something extremely ludicrous about it all, and Frank was
+forced to laugh. When he saw Merry laughing, Hans seemed to lose all his
+strength, and he dropped down on a rock, completely knocked out, even
+though he had not been touched.
+
+Browning was grinning now, for he saw the humor of the situation, and he
+could not help admiring the nerve of the queer old fellow.
+
+"Look here, Mr. Cooler," said Frank, "who invited you to help yourself?"
+
+"Eh? Oh, why, I didn't need an invitation to join old friends like you
+chaps. I knew you would be glad to see me."
+
+"We are," grunted Browning, "tickled to death."
+
+"Then sit right up and take hold, boys," chuckled Mr. Cooler. "Catch
+your clam and peel him. We'll have a real jolly time."
+
+He raked another one off the seaweed.
+
+"How did you get here?" asked Merry.
+
+"I didn't walk, because I couldn't. Had to hire a fellow to bring me
+down, and then he didn't want to get near enough to the island to set me
+ashore. Wanted me to swim. Charged me five dollars, too. Never mind; the
+company will have to pay it."
+
+"What company?"
+
+"Why, the company I represent."
+
+"But what company do you represent?"
+
+"The greatest land improvement and development company on earth. You
+must know the one I mean, for it is the only one. It is the Bay Islands
+Land Company. The Eastern Bay Land Company has sprouted in competition
+to us, but we purpose to nip the rival concern in the bud. I am here to
+investigate such islands as may eventually become summer resorts and
+obtain options on them when I can get at the real owners. That's one
+great difficulty--to find the real owners. Some of them do not seem to
+have any owners, and yet sheep are pastured on them summer and winter.
+Some of them are owned by the government. Down at Vinal Haven I heard
+about Devil Island. They said there was some sort of a mystery here. An
+island with a mystery is certain to be a great attraction for summer
+visitors. I made a skip for Devil Island to see if it had any
+attractions beside the mystery. Had hard work getting here. Nobody at
+Green's Landing seemed to feel like dropping me here, you refused to do
+so, I couldn't walk. But I didn't get excited. The more difficulties
+beset my path the cooler I became. I am here, gentlemen, and I'm glad I
+came. I admire clams. They are fine. I think these clams are the finest
+I ever tasted. Have some, boys."
+
+Mr. Cooler seemed to regret the time he had spent in talk, for he made a
+fierce dive at the clams and raked out two of them.
+
+Merriwell's friends all looked at him to see what he would do under the
+circumstances. Frank was smiling, but there was a look of doubt on his
+face. For once in his life, he seemed in a quandary. There was something
+about this little, chuckling, jolly old man that seemed to forbid anyone
+to do him personal violence. Bruce Browning felt that. He realized that
+he would feel ashamed of himself if he should give the old fellow a
+shaking. And it was plain that Cooler could not be frightened away in
+any ordinary manner. Nothing seemed to alarm him.
+
+"Sit up and eat some clams, fellows," said Frank, quietly. "Let him fill
+up, and then we'll tie a big bowlder to his neck and sink him out here
+in the harbor."
+
+"Hum!" coughed the man in gray. "That's right, young man--let me fill my
+sack with these clams before you put me to soak. Perhaps you had better
+let me rest a while after that, too, for I never like to take a bath
+after a full meal. It isn't healthy. The best physicians condemn the
+practice."
+
+So, with the exception of Hans, they again gathered around the clams and
+started to enjoy the feast. Hans retired by himself and sat on a flat
+rock, muttering and looking savage. At times he would shake his fist at
+the back of the man in gray.
+
+Mr. Cooler seemed to have a remarkable ability to talk and devour clams
+at the same time. As Browning afterward expressed it, he "talked a blue
+streak." He told them he was a great traveler, he had been all over the
+United States, all over the world.
+
+"Why," he said, "in Berlin I appeared at court."
+
+"How much was the fine?" asked Frank, with a twinkle in his eye.
+
+"Young man," exclaimed Cooler, "you astonish me. To look at you, I would
+not suppose you could be frivolous. I am slightly that way myself. Can't
+help it; born that way. Always see something humorous in everything.
+It's better than medicine; it keeps the liver in a healthy condition.
+Now, clams are hard to digest, but taken in connection with laughter and
+jollity they digest much better. There is enough sadness in the world if
+we do not go around with our faces drawn down. Be jolly. That's my
+motto."
+
+There was something infectious in his light spirits and careless air.
+Despite themselves the boys found they were growing interested in this
+queer old fellow.
+
+Frank studied Mr. Cooler carefully. Had he not felt certain that the man
+was playing a part, he would have enjoyed the old fellow's chatter. But
+Frank could see beneath the surface, and he was absolutely satisfied
+that Mr. Cooler was not what he represented himself to be. Frank had
+never heard of the Bay Islands Land Company; he did not believe there
+was such a company in existence.
+
+If Cooler was lying, why was he doing so? What was his object in
+attempting to force himself upon them? Why had he come to the island in
+such a manner?
+
+Frank had decided that Cooler was a spy and he had been set upon them by
+the very ones who were so determined to drive them away from that
+island. In that case, this light-hearted, careless old fellow was
+connected with a gang of criminals who did not hesitate to do murder in
+order to conceal their crimes.
+
+Mr. Cooler did not stop eating clams till the last one was devoured, and
+he disposed of that himself.
+
+"Ah!" he sighed, drawing back and finding a comfortable position, where
+he could sit with his back resting against a bowlder. "Now, I do feel
+good! Young gentlemen, I am glad you came. Accept my congratulations on
+this remarkably successful clambake. You have done a good job; I have
+done another. My stomach has not been in the best possible condition
+lately. I've been living at home. My wife cooks. Six months ago she was
+a magnificent, a celestial cook! Oh, how beautifully she could broil a
+beefsteak! But, alas! Also alack! She got the bicycle craze; she bought
+a wheel. Now she is an inveterate scorcher."
+
+He took a pipe out of his pocket and began to fill it, chattering away
+in a jolly manner as he did so. He seemed inclined to do all the
+talking.
+
+"Doesn't your jaw get tired at times?" inquired Frank.
+
+"Eh?" came in surprise from the little man. "Why?"
+
+"I should think it would, you talk so much."
+
+"He! he! Ho! ho! Wait a minute. Ha! ha!--knew there was another way to
+laugh if I could think of it. Jaw get tired? My dear young gentleman, if
+you had a wife like mine, you would consider it a privilege to talk
+occasionally. I do not get an opportunity when I am at home. When I get
+away from home, I make up for lost time. Haw! haw!--came near forgetting
+that method of laughing. Don't mind me. I know I am something of a
+chinning machine, but I am harmless. Why, I wouldn't harm a--a--a lion."
+
+He lighted the pipe and puffed away a few moments, talking a streak
+while he smoked. Frank was considering the advisability of pinning him
+down and demanding to know his real reason for being there, when, of a
+sudden, the little fellow jumped up spryly as a boy, exclaiming:
+
+"This won't do. I must complete my tour of investigation. I must attend
+to business. I must look the entire island over and be ready to leave
+when that man comes back for me. Young gentlemen, I thank you for your
+hospitality. I wish I might stop longer, but, unfortunately, I cannot.
+So long, so ling, so lung."
+
+Browning made a move, as if to stop the man, but Frank gave a sign to
+let him go. Mr. Cooler scrambled nimbly up the bank, turned and waved
+his hand with a flirting motion, and then vanished into the bushes.
+
+"Fellows," spoke Frank, quickly, "I'm going to follow him. I must do it
+alone. I'm armed. I can take care of myself. But if I do not return in
+an hour, look for me."
+
+Then he sprang up the bank after the mysterious man in gray.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE WHISPERING GLADE.
+
+
+Frank had learned the art of trailing from Indian guides in the West,
+and, for a white person, he was an expert. As a shadower, he had the
+skill of one who had been all his life in the business.
+
+He did not let the man in gray get far away before approaching near
+enough so Mr. Cooler could be seen occasionally as he slipped through
+the bushes.
+
+But it was not difficult to follow the queer old man, for Cooler did not
+seem to imagine for a moment that he was shadowed. He walked swiftly,
+puffing away at his pipe, and the smell of burning tobacco came back to
+the nostrils of the pursuing lad.
+
+After a little time the man struck the path that runs round the island
+and through the old granite quarry. Then he walked still more swiftly,
+but Frank also found less trouble in following.
+
+Soon the quarry was reached. Cooler passed straight through this and
+struck the track which led down the incline to the sheds near the wharf.
+
+Now Frank was not able to pursue him so closely; he was forced to linger
+far behind, for to keep close meant certain discovery should the man
+look back.
+
+Still he followed. The track ran through a cut and wound slowly along a
+bank, to one side of which lay the water.
+
+Frank reached the cut and saw the man in gray disappear beyond some
+bowlders. A moment later Merry was at the bowlders, peering down the
+track toward the still retreating form of the little man, over whose
+shoulders at regular intervals curled blue puffs of smoke.
+
+Frank had expected that the man would be suspicious and would look round
+frequently. He was astonished when the man did not look round at all.
+
+"He doesn't act like a criminal," Frank decided. "He hasn't the air of a
+criminal. He walks along as if he had not a care in all the wide world
+and did not fear to have all his actions watched. It is strange--very
+strange."
+
+Already Merry had learned that men who commit crimes betray themselves
+by certain peculiar movements. The thief unconsciously assumes the pose
+of a man picking a pocket, or taking what does not belong to him. The
+burglar crouches in his walk and steals along catlike. The guilty man
+often casts sly backward glances over his shoulder. It is rare for him
+to have the air and manner of innocence.
+
+But this little man in gray, when, without doubt, he believed himself to
+be alone, was still the same care-free, careless old fellow.
+
+He disappeared into one of the sheds at the end of the railroad. Frank
+had slipped yet a little nearer and watched from a place of hiding.
+
+Five minutes passed, and then the man in gray and another man came out
+of that shed and took the path that led toward the old boarding house.
+
+Frank uttered a low exclamation.
+
+"Is it possible?" he muttered. "I believe I know that fellow with him."
+
+He watched the companion of the man in gray. As they passed from view,
+he again muttered:
+
+"I do know him! He is Dan Hicks, the cock-eyed man! That settles it! Mr.
+Caleb Cooler is just what I thought--he is one of the gang, and he came
+here to spy upon us!"
+
+Frank ran lightly down the track, hidden by the bank beyond which the
+men had disappeared. He stooped as he ran. Ahead of him he saw the point
+where Browning had pried up the rails and sent a flat car, loaded with
+granite, into the water, thus saving Frank's life. He shuddered as he
+thought of his sensations during those terrible moments of peril while
+he was bound to the track and could hear the car rumbling toward him.
+
+The bank grew lower till at last he could not keep hidden behind it if
+he ran farther down the track. Then he flung himself flat on the bank
+and crawled up till he could peer over.
+
+The two men were walking toward the distant boarding house. Hicks was
+talking excitedly, while Cooler still smoked. Hicks looked back
+suspiciously, but the man in gray did not turn his head.
+
+They passed the house where the overseer had lived when he was on the
+island with the crew of men who worked in the quarry--they were again
+hidden from view.
+
+Over the bank scrambled Frank. Keeping the house between him and the
+men, he ran swiftly forward.
+
+In a short time he reached the house. He paused to listen, his heart
+thumping loudly.
+
+He could hear nothing.
+
+Then he slipped round the house. He carefully peered round each corner
+before advancing. At the second corner he halted, for again he could see
+the men he was shadowing.
+
+They were near the old building in which Frank had been struck down. The
+man in gray seemed to be asking questions. He was surveying the
+surroundings as if he had never inspected them before.
+
+For fifteen minutes they stood there talking, and then they went into
+the building.
+
+Frank decided to return to his friends. He quickly darted up an incline
+toward some cedars, which he saw grew thicker and thicker higher up the
+slope. Soon he was hidden by the bushes.
+
+Then Frank went forward more slowly, taking pains to keep in the bushes.
+Up above was a ledgy height. He came to it after a time. He found a
+position where he could look down into the old quarry. From that
+position he could see the overturned car and the granite which lay in
+the water at the foot of the bank down which it had jumped. He could
+also look far out over the island-dotted bay. He could see small boats
+in the distance, he could see white sails, he could see the sunshine
+reflected on the blue water. In the midst of this mass of water and
+islands lay Devil Island, shrouded by mystery, lonely and desolate,
+shunned by man.
+
+Once before he had strongly felt the air of desolation that seemed to
+hang about the place, and now the same uncanny sensation was creeping
+over him again. Somehow it seemed that he was far from men, far from
+life, lost in a lonely waste of water, cast on an uncanny island.
+
+He shook himself, trying to throw off the feeling. He wondered why it
+should come upon him at that time, and then he began to remember how he
+had first felt it once before when near that very spot.
+
+"The glade--the grave in the woods!"
+
+He muttered the words, realizing that the woods were close at hand. They
+lay there dark and gloomy. He must pass through them in order to reach
+the _White Wings_, or he must retrace his steps and take the path. To do
+the latter would be sure to expose him to the men he had watched.
+
+But Frank did not wish to turn back. There was something fascinating as
+well as repellent about the woods. Down there was a grave. At the head
+of the grave was a stone. On that stone was chiseled:
+
+"Sacred to the Memory of Rawson Denning."
+
+Denning, like Frank Merriwell, had been inquisitive. He had attempted to
+solve the mystery of the island, and he had disappeared. Afterward the
+grave had been found on the island. No one had dared open that grave to
+see if the body of the missing man from Boston lay within.
+
+Frank felt a desire to look at that grave again. He went down toward it,
+entering the thick woods. Every step that he advanced seemed to cause
+the feeling to grow stronger upon him. The woods were silent and
+deserted. It did not seem possible that there could be a thing of life
+other than Frank anywhere within them.
+
+All at once, with astonishing suddenness, he came out into the opening
+and there before him was the grave, the headstone gleaming gray in the
+dim light.
+
+Frank paused. Involuntarily he listened. He had not forgotten how, on
+his other visit to the spot, both he and Browning had seemed to hear a
+mysterious whisper in the air, had seemed to hear a rustle down in that
+grave, as if the murdered man turned restlessly. Without knowing why he
+did so, Frank listened again.
+
+"Look!"
+
+He started, for it seemed that he had heard that whisper. He glanced all
+around.
+
+Silence in the woods. Not even the rustle of a leaf. How lonely it was!
+
+"Look!"
+
+Again that word, coming from he knew not where.
+
+At what should he look? What did it mean?
+
+Then he told himself that it was all his imagination--he had heard no
+whispered word. He advanced toward the grave; he stood beside it.
+
+"Look!"
+
+Was it imagination? This time the whisper sounded amazingly clear and
+distinct.
+
+"Look at what?"
+
+In spite of himself, he spoke the words aloud. He did not expect an
+answer, and he gasped for breath when it came:
+
+"The stone!"
+
+A quiver ran over Frank Merriwell's body. Of all the mysteries on this
+island, the mystery of this black whispering glade in the woods was the
+greatest.
+
+He bent forward and looked at the stone. There were fresh chips on the
+mound, and at a glance he saw that the name "Rawson Denning" had been
+chiseled out. Below it another name had been cut into the stone, so that
+the inscription now read:
+
+"Sacred to the Memory of Frank Merriwell."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+SEARCHING FOR FRANK.
+
+
+As time passed and Frank did not return, the boys began to grow restless
+and anxious.
+
+"I don't like it," declared Diamond, pacing the beach, upon which the
+tide was washing higher and higher as it came in. "I did not think much
+of letting him go away alone. We all know what happened to him once when
+he was alone on this island."
+
+"He knows it himself," said Hodge; "and it is mighty hard work to catch
+him twice in the same trap."
+
+"Oh, he's shrewd enough, but he can be overpowered by numbers. What do
+you think about it, Browning?"
+
+Bruce was stretched on the sand, his head pillowed on his coat, which
+lay on a rock.
+
+"I'm not going to think for an hour," he grunted. "Too much trouble."
+
+"Oh, your laziness makes me disgusted!" snapped Diamond.
+
+"Huah!" came in a puff from the big fellow. "Something seems to be
+gnawing you still."
+
+"Poys," broke in Hans, who still looked sad and weary of living, "I made
+der biggest mistook uf your life ven I let Vrankie go avay alone all py
+himseluf to chase dot liddle defil mit der saucy mouth--you heard me
+vawble!"
+
+"If he had fallen into trouble, he would have done some shooting to let
+us know."
+
+"But should we have heard it, Hodge?" asked Diamond.
+
+"The island is not very large."
+
+"I think it is pretty large, and I do not believe we could hear a gun
+fired on the other side even under favorable circumstances, and the
+circumstances are not favorable now."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Wind is blowing the wrong way."
+
+"Didn't think of that."
+
+The boys soon concluded that the shooting on the farther side of the
+island would not be heard by them, and straightway their anxiety
+increased.
+
+Diamond was for starting out at once to look for Frank. He did not
+believe in waiting till the hour was up; but Hodge, who in his heart was
+the most anxious man of the party, objected to disobeying Merry's plain
+command.
+
+"He told us to stay here an hour, and I shall stay here," said Bart.
+
+"I suppose you would stay if you heard him shouting for help?" said the
+Virginian, hotly.
+
+Bart flushed, for he did not fancy being spoken to in that tone of
+voice.
+
+"I have always found it best to do just as Merriwell directs," said
+Hodge, stiffly. "If you wish to go search for him, you may go. I remain
+here twenty minutes longer."
+
+Browning grunted his approval of the stand taken by Bart, and Jack gave
+them both a savage look.
+
+Hans, who had refused to partake of the clams while the man in gray was
+present, was feeling very hungry, and that made him still more
+miserable.
+
+"Oxcuse me, poys," he said. "I must made a raid der ship's brovisions
+ubon. I vill peen pack britty soon, if nod before."
+
+Then he took the boat and rowed off to the yacht, where he lost no time
+in satisfying the cravings of his "inner man."
+
+As the Dutch lad appeared on deck to row ashore again, Browning
+suddenly straightened up from his recumbent position. He had his watch
+in his hand, and the Dutch lad heard him say:
+
+"The hour is up, Hodge."
+
+Immediately Bart turned toward the yacht and shouted to Hans:
+
+"Bring two of those guns ashore, and plenty of cartridges for them. Be
+lively about it! We are in a howling hurry."
+
+"All righd!" shouted Hans, in return, as he plunged down the companion
+way.
+
+He was not long in getting the guns and placing them in the boat, but
+when he reached the shore it was discovered that he had brought the
+wrong cartridges.
+
+Then Hodge leaped into the boat and rowed out to the yacht for what was
+needed, returning in a few minutes.
+
+Browning, however, usually careless and lazy, was fretting at the delay,
+for the big fellow remembered how, but a short time before, he had saved
+Frank's life by a hair's breadth. A delay of one minute in that case
+would have been fatal.
+
+Bruce had some imagination, and he was beginning to picture Frank in all
+sorts of peril.
+
+"Look here!" came fiercely from Diamond; "what are you chaps up to? Do
+not think for a moment that you are going to leave me behind! I'm going
+with you! I am going to help find Merriwell!"
+
+"Of course, you can come if you insist," began Bruce.
+
+"I do!" cut in Jack.
+
+"But I scarcely think it advisable," the big fellow continued. "At least
+two of our party should remain and watch the yacht."
+
+"Hans is enough for that."
+
+"Don't you pelief I vos goin' to stayed here alone!" squawked the Dutch
+boy. "You don'd plaid dot tricks on me!"
+
+Jack tried to argue with him--tried to convince him that there could be
+no danger in remaining on board the yacht; but Hans was obstinate, and
+the effort failed.
+
+"You don'd fool me dot vay," he fiercely exclaimed. "I don'd stayed
+alone here, dot vos all."
+
+It became plain that one of the boys would have to remain with him.
+Hodge had returned with the proper ammunition, and Jack was not supplied
+with a gun.
+
+"Well," he said, fiercely, "I was the first one who wanted to go after
+Merriwell, but I seem to be left out of it. All right! I may come later.
+Perhaps you will need me."
+
+"Perhaps so," confessed Bart, grimly. "Give us plenty of time to make a
+circuit of the island and return here. Then, if we have not appeared,
+you will have a reason for coming."
+
+"Und I vill come mit him," put in Hans.
+
+"Don't leave the _White Wings_ unless you feel it is for the best. We
+are going prepared for trouble, and it will be a warm crowd that gets
+the best of us. Come on."
+
+Away went Bart and the big Yale man, scrambling up the bank with their
+guns and quickly disappearing into the bushes.
+
+Bart took the lead, but Browning was at his heels, swinging along with a
+stride that covered ground swiftly. There was a look of intense anxiety
+on the face of the giant.
+
+Round the island to the quarry they went, down the railroad they
+hurried, and soon they were in sight of the spot where not many hours
+before Frank had nearly lost his life.
+
+Browning drew a breath of relief when they did not find the mangled body
+of Merriwell stretched on the track. Somehow he had felt it was
+possible the wretches had captured Frank and completed their work at
+last, and he was dreading to walk down that railroad, fearing he should
+find the friend he loved and admired dead upon the rails.
+
+"He is not here."
+
+The words came from Hodge, and they were exactly what Bruce was
+thinking.
+
+"No."
+
+"Where shall we go now?"
+
+"To the old boarding house." Away they went toward the building. It
+looked before them, the sunshine glinting on its windows, apparently
+utterly deserted. There was something forbidding in its appearance.
+
+"We shall not find him there!"
+
+Hodge spoke the words in full conviction that time would be wasted in
+looking through the building.
+
+"Perhaps not," admitted Bruce; "but I know of no other place to look."
+
+This was a confession that the big fellow would be "stumped" if no trace
+of Frank was found in the building.
+
+They reached it, passed round to the back door by which admission had
+been obtained when Frank and Bruce visited it the first time, and there
+they hesitated.
+
+The door was standing open.
+
+"Just exactly as we left it!" exclaimed Browning. "No one has closed the
+door."
+
+This seemed to surprise him. Hodge pushed forward and went in. Bruce
+followed.
+
+The empty rooms echoed to their steps. Everywhere were cobwebs, dust,
+decay. Some of the windows were broken, some were boarded up.
+
+From room to room they went, they ascended the stairs, they spoke in
+whispers.
+
+The sun shone in upon the floor, but it brought nothing of cheer to the
+deserted building. It seemed like a mocking attempt to make the place
+look pleasant, an attempt that served to show its dreary desolation all
+the more plainly.
+
+"He is not here," whispered Bart.
+
+"The basement," came from Bruce. "It was there that I found him when he
+disappeared the other time."
+
+Down the creaking stairs they went, Browning taking the lead now. The
+door at the head of the stairs leading into the dark basement was open.
+
+"Just as we left it," declared the big fellow. "It was fastened in the
+first place, so Merry said. He had to force it open."
+
+They lighted matches as they went down the stairs into the basement. The
+place was dismal enough, filled with old boxes and barrels.
+
+"Frank!"
+
+Browning called, causing Hodge to start and drop his match. Then they
+stood still and listened.
+
+Squeak! squeak!
+
+A rat scampered across the ground beneath their feet.
+
+That was all. There was no answer to Browning's call.
+
+"He is not here."
+
+"No."
+
+They lost little time in hastening up the stairs and getting out of the
+old building. As soon as they were in the open air they drew deep
+breaths, for they had been stifled and oppressed.
+
+"Where next?" asked Bart.
+
+"The house," said Bruce. "We must not go away without looking through
+that."
+
+"Can we get in?"
+
+"We will find a way--or make it!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+AGAIN AT THE GRAVE.
+
+
+The door of the house would not open for them. Bruce threatened to burst
+it in with his shoulders, but Bart advised him not to do so, unless as a
+last resort.
+
+Then a window was found that would open, and soon they had clambered in.
+
+There was some furniture in the house, but still the place had the same
+dreary, deserted air of the big building they had just left.
+
+Browning began by shouting Frank's name, to which cry there was no
+answer. The rising wind rattled a loose window.
+
+It did not take them long to go through the house, to which there was no
+cellar, and they found nothing to indicate that a human being had
+entered the place for months.
+
+As they stood outside, after getting out of the window and closing it
+behind them, they looked at each other in a helpless manner.
+
+"What has become of him?" asked Bart, huskily.
+
+"That is what I would like to know," confessed Bruce. "He seems to have
+disappeared completely."
+
+"And the man in gray----"
+
+"Is gone, too."
+
+"Browning, I am afraid Merry was lured into some sort of a trap."
+
+"So am I."
+
+"Why should they take him in particular, and not harm any of the rest of
+us?"
+
+"Perhaps their motto is one at a time."
+
+"No. I believe Frank was selected out of our party as the one to get out
+of the way. He was determined to solve the mystery of this wretched
+island, and he was the leader of our party. The ruffians fancied that
+they would put an end to all trouble by getting him out of the way, for
+they fancied we would run at once."
+
+Browning grunted, and Hodge went on swiftly and fiercely:
+
+"By the eternal skies, they made a big mistake! I'll not leave this
+island till I know what has happened to Frank Merriwell, or I am dead!"
+
+"Nor I," nodded Bruce. "I'm with you, old man."
+
+"If he has been harmed," Bart went on, "the wretches who did the dirty
+work shall suffer! I swear it!"
+
+"I'm another."
+
+"We will bring them to justice!"
+
+"Or kick the bucket trying."
+
+They shook hands on it, and they were in deadly earnest.
+
+They decided not to return to the yacht by the path, but to go over the
+island and through the woods. Thus, by chance, they followed almost
+directly in Frank's footsteps.
+
+As they drew near to the dark woods, Browning felt a tightening at his
+heart--a sensation similar to that he had once before experienced as he
+stood beside the lonely grave in the dark glade. He sought to throw it
+off, but could not do so.
+
+"Come," he said.
+
+"Which way?" asked Bart.
+
+"This way."
+
+He seemed to feel something drawing him toward the grave in the glade,
+and Bart followed without another word.
+
+Unconsciously the big Yale man stepped softly, as if he feared to alarm
+somebody or something. The moss beneath his feet gave no sound. Not even
+a twig snapped. Without knowing that he did so, Hodge imitated
+Browning's stealthy manner.
+
+The wind soughed through the pines and cedars in a fitful manner. There
+seemed to be strange rustlings in the air.
+
+At the edge of the glade Bruce halted. There was the grave, with the
+gray headstone. He stood there staring at it. Somehow he was possessed
+by a feeling that the grave had something to do with the vanishing of
+Frank Merriwell, although his reason told him that such a thing was
+folly.
+
+"What is the matter?"
+
+Hodge almost whispered the question, for he was beginning to feel the
+uncanny air that overshadowed the place.
+
+"There is the grave," said Bruce.
+
+"What grave?"
+
+"Why, the one we told you about--the grave of the Boston man who
+disappeared in such a mysterious manner. It is supposed that he was
+murdered on this island and buried there."
+
+Bart shivered.
+
+"You act as if you half expected to see another grave beside that one,"
+he muttered.
+
+"Not so soon."
+
+"But to-morrow----"
+
+"If Frank has been foully dealt with, the villains have not been given
+time to make another grave. His body is hidden somewhere. But I will not
+believe anything of the kind has happened. We shall find him
+somewhere--alive and well."
+
+"We must!"
+
+Bruce remembered the strange whispering they had heard there when he
+and Frank visited the place, and now he listened, half expecting to hear
+it again.
+
+The silence was unbroken save by the mournful sound of the wind in the
+trees.
+
+Bruce went forward quickly and stood by the grave. Bart came up, and
+together they looked down at the gray headstone.
+
+"What is that?" asked Hodge, pointing. "Somebody has been doing
+something to the stone since it was placed here."
+
+They bent down and looked at the stone.
+
+"Why," cried Bruce, "the first name has been chiseled off! Another name
+has been put on! That name is----"
+
+"Frank Merriwell!"
+
+Astounded, they stared at the headstone. What did it mean? Why was that
+name upon it?
+
+The tightening sensation grew around Browning's heart. All at once it
+seemed that the mystery of the island was deeper and darker than ever
+before.
+
+"Now what do you think of that?" cried Bart, huskily.
+
+Bruce shook his head, for the moment feeling that he was not able to
+speak. It did not seem that he could govern his voice. All sorts of wild
+fancies were rushing through his head.
+
+He looked at the mound, and a feeling of relief came to him when he saw
+that it seemed undisturbed.
+
+Hodge was shaking. He reached out and grasped the big fellow's arm with
+a savage clutch.
+
+"Was it--was it meant for a warning?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," said Bruce, quickly grasping at that explanation, "it must have
+been. You have struck it, Hodge."
+
+"Then it is not likely Frank saw it."
+
+"Perhaps not, and yet he may have come here."
+
+Then they stood there a long time, silently staring at that stone, on
+which was chiseled the name of the friend they held dearest in all the
+world.
+
+At last Bruce hoarsely said:
+
+"Come, let's get away from here!"
+
+"But it may be that--somehow--we may strike a clew here. This may be a
+clew. This may explain what has happened."
+
+"If this explains it, there is but one construction to be placed on
+Frank's remarkable disappearance."
+
+"And that is that he is----"
+
+"Dead!"
+
+In the treetops the wind seemed to repeat the word in a whisper.
+
+But neither Bart nor Bruce were willing to believe that Frank Merriwell
+was dead, for all that his name was there before them on the gray stone
+at the head of the lonely grave.
+
+"Dead or living, I'll never rest till I know the truth!" came
+passionately from Bart's lips. "If he is dead, the murderers shall
+suffer!"
+
+"We must throw off the feeling that anything so awful has happened. Even
+now he may be with the others at the yacht. While we have been searching
+for him, he may have returned."
+
+Hodge caught at this eagerly.
+
+"You are right!" he said. "Come on; we will hurry back there."
+
+They left the glade, turning to look back as they passed on into the
+gloomy woods. They were glad to get away.
+
+At first they hurried on, their hearts buoyant with the thought that
+they should find him waiting for them at the yacht. He would laugh at
+them, would jolly them because of their foolish fears. The placing of
+his name on the headstone of the grave was a ghastly joke, and nothing
+more.
+
+In his mind Browning was thinking how he would growl at Merry for
+causing them so much trouble. He even thought of the words he would use.
+
+But as they came nearer and nearer to the side of the island near which
+the yacht was anchored, their spirits fell again and they were beset by
+doubts and fears. What if they should not find Frank waiting for them
+when they arrived?
+
+These doubts caused them to walk slower and slower, for they dreaded to
+hear that Frank was still missing.
+
+"It seems to me," said Bart, "that it is very probable Merriwell will
+not be with Jack and Hans."
+
+"He may not be," confessed Bruce.
+
+"If he had returned, they would have fired guns and done things to let
+us know it."
+
+"We might not have heard them."
+
+"We should. The wind is right. We are near the yacht now."
+
+Bruce felt like turning back and making another search. He dreaded to
+return and report that they had discovered nothing save the name of the
+missing lad on the headstone of a grave.
+
+All at once they came out of the woods upon the high bank, from which
+position they could look down into the cove where the yacht lay. There
+she was, swinging idly with the incoming tide, and on her deck they
+could see Dunnerwust and Diamond. Merriwell was not in sight.
+
+Almost as soon as they came out of the thick woods, they were seen by
+Diamond, and he called to them:
+
+"What have you found?"
+
+"Nothing," answered Hodge, gloomily. "Hasn't Frank returned?"
+
+"No!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+SLIPPERY MR. COOLER.
+
+
+Immediately Diamond and Dunnerwust got into the boat, which floated
+beside the yacht. They took guns, and Hans soon rowed the boat ashore.
+Bart and Bruce came down the bank and told them where they had been and
+what they had seen.
+
+On hearing about the name on the headstone, Diamond became greatly
+excited.
+
+"My God!" he cried. "Can it be that Frank has been killed? If so, I'll
+never forgive myself for letting him follow that man alone! Oh, that
+treacherous little devil! I could strangle him! I wish I had him here
+now!"
+
+"So do I, py Chorch!" shouted Hans.
+
+"It would not be healthy for Mr. Cooler," said Browning.
+
+"Were you speaking of me, young gentlemen?" chirped a familiar voice,
+and down the bank came the man in gray, calmly walking up to the
+astonished lads. "I hope you were not saying anything behind my back
+that you do not care to repeat before my face."
+
+"No!" rang out the clear voice of the Virginian. "I called you a
+treacherous little devil, and I repeat it!"
+
+"That's complimentary, to say the least," grinned the man in gray, in
+his provokingly careless manner. "But I'd like to know what I have done
+to lead you to speak thus disparagingly of me. Wouldst tell me?"
+
+Browning reached out and collared the queer old fellow, lifting him off
+his feet and swinging him around so he was in the midst of them.
+
+"There!" grunted the big Yale man, with satisfaction. "Now we have you!
+You can't run, so don't try it!"
+
+"If you try it, by the Lord Harry! I'll fill you full of lead!" came
+hoarsely from Hodge, who was fingering the gun in his hands as if he
+longed to shoot Cooler anyhow.
+
+"Ah, me!" sighed the little man. "How rude you are, young gentlemen! Is
+it possible you are in your right minds?--or have I fallen in with a lot
+of lunatics? Why, I wouldn't run for anything! It's not necessary to
+threaten me. I wish you would tell me what I have done to arouse your
+ire."
+
+"Where is Frank Merriwell?"
+
+"Hey?"
+
+"Where is he?" snarled Diamond, showing his white teeth. "Don't lie,
+man! Don't try it! If you do we will put you where you will lure no
+other person into a trap!"
+
+"Goodness me!" said Mr. Cooler, somewhat mockingly. "You are very much
+excited, young man. I do not know what you are driving at."
+
+"Don't lie! I tell you it is dangerous! We are desperate!"
+
+"You really seem so."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"How do I know?"
+
+"You do know! He followed you, and you trapped him some way. What have
+you done with him?"
+
+"He! he!" chuckled the little man. "Followed me, did he? Why did he do
+that? It seems to me he should have been more careful."
+
+"There it is!" burst from Hodge. "That is the same as a boast! Now we
+know you have done something to him!"
+
+"You are a very knowing young man."
+
+Now the manner of the man in gray aroused the anger and resentment of
+the boys. He seemed to be taunting them.
+
+"Shall we shoot the snake, Bruce?" asked Diamond, his face purple with
+passion. "Shall we avenge Frank?"
+
+"Not just yet," said Browning. "We will give him a chance for his life."
+
+"You are very kind!" murmured Mr. Cooler.
+
+"If he will tell us what has become of Frank--if he will lead us to
+Frank, we will spare his life."
+
+"What if I don't know where he is?"
+
+"You do know. You dare not deny it!"
+
+"You are very much mistaken, for I do deny it. I give you my word of
+honor that I do not know where Mr. Merriwell is at this moment. I do
+know he followed me. He thought he was doing a very shrewd thing, and I
+must confess that I rather admired his skill at it, but I knew all the
+time that he was behind me."
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed Hodge. "Then you know what became of him?"
+
+"No. He followed me over to the other side of the island, and then he
+started to return by coming straight back through the woods. That is all
+I know. I am here to learn if he returned safely. If he did, I intended
+to warn him that his life was in danger if he should go about the island
+alone. You must see that I am serious now."
+
+"Oh, yes, we see!" came scornfully from Diamond. "It is too thin! It
+will not work, Mr. Cooler. You know too much not to know more. If you
+wish to keep your skin whole, just lead us straight to Frank
+Merriwell--that's all!"
+
+"I can't. I would do it if I could. But I give you my word to do my best
+to save him if he is in trouble. That is the best I can do."
+
+Diamond's anger caused him to lose his head so that he threatened the
+old man with his fist. He quickly realized what he was doing, however,
+and, with an air of apology, he cried:
+
+"If you keep it up, you will lead me to do something of which I shall be
+ashamed. You can't fool us, old man. We have you foul, and we'll never
+let up on you till you lead us to Frank Merriwell. We are young, but you
+will find we can keep a pledge like men."
+
+In truth, Cooler seemed in earnest as he said:
+
+"Young gentleman, you wrong me very much. I am ready to go with you and
+do what I can to help find Mr. Merriwell, but that is all I can do. It
+will be better if you will let me go alone. I shall be able to work
+alone far better."
+
+"Oh, yes," sneered Hodge. "You think we are fools! No, we go with you."
+
+"All right. I am ready."
+
+It did not seem that anything further could be forced from his lips.
+They warned him that they would not hesitate to shoot if he tried to run
+away, and then they climbed the bank.
+
+"If you want me to lead you," said Mr. Cooler, "come on."
+
+He did not take the path, but plunged into the woods. They kept close to
+him, watching him.
+
+"If you try to lead us into a trap," said Hodge, "you will be sorry. If
+we are ambushed here in these woods, my first shot will be at you. I'll
+fix you, if I never do another thing."
+
+There was nothing like bluster in the words, and Mr. Caleb Cooler knew
+Bart meant exactly what he said.
+
+"That is all right," nodded the little man. "Shoot away."
+
+He led them toward the glade in which was the mysterious grave. At last
+they stood around the grave, and he said:
+
+"Here is something I discovered since coming to the island. That name
+was on the stone before I joined you at the clambake. I forgot to tell
+you about it."
+
+"Yesterday there was another name on that stone," said Browning. "The
+new name must have been cut there after we left the island yesterday
+afternoon."
+
+"I do not know when it was cut there," declared Cooler; "but everything
+shows it must have been very recently. I do know it was there when I
+landed on this island to-day."
+
+"And you know who cut it there!" accused Diamond.
+
+"If you think so, it is useless to deny it."
+
+"Now take us to Frank Merriwell!"
+
+"All I can do is aid you in the search. I am willing to go anywhere with
+you."
+
+They passed on from the dark glade, leaving the mysterious grave behind
+them.
+
+Cooler seemed inclined to keep to the left, although the woods were
+thicker there. They pushed forward, as if passing through a jungle.
+Branches whipped them in the face, and beneath their feet the underbrush
+crackled.
+
+All at once Diamond shouted:
+
+"Stop! stop! Where is Cooler?"
+
+"Why," grunted Browning, "he's right here. Thunder! He was at my elbow a
+moment ago. I scarcely took my eyes off him."
+
+"He isn't here now!" rang out Jack's voice. "He has disappeared! He is
+trying to hide in these thick bushes. Scatter and search for him! If you
+see him running, shoot at his legs! Stop him somehow!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+THE VOICE IN THE NIGHT.
+
+
+The excited lads beat the bushes in vain. Caleb Cooler had disappeared
+in a moment, as if the ground had opened and swallowed him. It seemed
+impossible that he could give them the slip in such a manner, but he
+had.
+
+At last four very disgusted and angry boys stopped in a little opening
+and looked at each other.
+
+"We are a set of chumps!" declared Hodge.
+
+"That's so!" grunted Browning.
+
+"Ought to have held onto the snake all the time," came savagely from
+Diamond. "Oh, if we had him here now!"
+
+"Yaw!" gurgled Hans. "Uf we had him here now he vouldn't done a thing to
+us!"
+
+"I feel like crawling into a hole," growled the big Yale man.
+
+"So do I," nodded Hodge; "but I don't know where to find a hole small
+enough. What fools we are!"
+
+"Yaw!" again gurgled Hans. "Vot fools you vos!"
+
+"But I'm hanged if I can understand it," said Bruce. "How did he do it?
+That is what I want to know."
+
+"He was within reach at one moment and gone the next."
+
+"Let's search again."
+
+They did so, but the time was spent in vain. They were close to the
+rocks which rose above the ground in the vicinity of the quarry, but it
+seemed an utter impossibility for anyone to hide amid those rocks.
+
+They decided to remain in the vicinity and watch for Mr. Cooler,
+thinking he was in a place of hiding near at hand, and he would be
+forced to show himself sooner or later. Having decided on this, they
+scattered somewhat, but were within call of each other. Then they
+settled down to watch for the man in gray.
+
+It became ominously silent there amid the cedars and pines, save when
+the fitful wind made a rustling. Once a squirrel was heard chattering in
+the distance.
+
+An hour passed, and then Diamond could stand it no longer. He called
+them together and said:
+
+"Fellows, while we remain idle here, those villains may be completing
+the work of putting Merriwell out of the way. I think we are wasting our
+time."
+
+"So do I," said Hodge.
+
+"Und I vos some more," put in Hans.
+
+Then they decided to scour the island. If hidden near at hand, Cooler
+knew they were watching for him, and it was not likely he would make a
+move.
+
+Two hours were spent in wandering over the island, calling to the
+missing lad. They awoke the echoes in the dark woods, but the echoes
+were the only answers to their cries.
+
+Disheartened and desperate, they returned to the cove in which the yacht
+lay. They were troubled by fears that something had happened to her
+while they were away, but when they obtained a view of her, she was seen
+riding peacefully at anchor.
+
+The small boat was there, and Bart was the first to reach it. Suddenly
+he uttered an exclamation, and then called the attention of the others
+to a slip of paper that lay beneath a stone that had been placed on one
+of the seats. A moment later he secured the paper.
+
+"There is writing upon it!" he declared.
+
+"Read it!" exclaimed the others, pressing nearer.
+
+On the paper, which seemed to be a leaf torn from a pocket account book,
+were scrawled the following words:
+
+     "You fellers Haid better git erway Frum Devul irelan in a Blame big
+     Hurry or you will git used the saim as frank Merryfull did. you
+     wunt Naver se no moar of Him."
+
+"That settles it!" said Diamond, bitterly. "Frank is done for this time!
+They have finished him--the devils!"
+
+"Well, they'll never drive me away from this island till I have found
+out how they did it and who they are!" vowed Hodge. "Right here I swear
+I will spend the rest of my life in avenging Merry, if it is necessary."
+
+"I am with you!"
+
+"And I!"
+
+"Yaw! Me, too!"
+
+They shook hands on it, with bared heads. Never were four lads in more
+deadly earnest.
+
+The sun was low in the western sky, tinting the rippling waters with
+golden light. The scene was a peaceful one, and it did not seem possible
+that an awesome and appalling tragedy had taken place on that quiet
+little island that day.
+
+Despite their determination, the boys were stunned and at a loss to know
+what was to be done. They entered the boat and rowed off to the yacht.
+
+It was plain no one had visited the _White Wings_ while they were away,
+for nothing on board was molested.
+
+Hans was hungry, but he was the only one of them all who seemed to have
+any appetite. They did not talk much, but all were thinking, and the
+Dutch boy cried softly over the food he ate.
+
+Little had they dreamed when they started out on the cruise that
+anything so terrible could happen and that they would be so completely
+dazed and bewildered. Their hearts were full of sorrow, but on their
+faces were looks of resolution that told they did not mean to be driven
+away till they had fulfilled their oath.
+
+The sun went down redly in the west and tinted twilight crept over the
+water. In the woods on shore darkness gathered swiftly. They stared away
+toward those woods, as if watching for the appearance of their missing
+friend.
+
+All at once Jack caught hold of Hodge, hissing:
+
+"Look there!"
+
+"Where?"
+
+"Down toward the point. See--back in the shadows beyond the two pines!
+Can you see them there?"
+
+"I see something."
+
+"Two figures?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I saw them move--saw them come out of the woods. They are men, and they
+are watching us!"
+
+"That's right."
+
+"And one of them is that snake, the little man in gray!"
+
+"I believe it!"
+
+"I know it! Get a rifle, Hodge!"
+
+"What would you do?"
+
+"Shoot him!" panted the hot-blooded Virginian. "Get a rifle! I will put
+a bullet through the villain!"
+
+Although hot-blooded and reckless himself Bart realized that Diamond
+must not do anything of the kind. But he did not find it necessary to
+reason with Jack, for the two men turned and disappeared into the woods.
+
+"They're gone!" exclaimed the Virginian, regretfully.
+
+"But they may come back again. We must keep a close watch to-night.
+There is no telling what desperate deed they may attempt."
+
+So the night was divided into watches, and each lad took his turn on
+deck.
+
+The sky became overcast, so there was little light. The black shadow of
+the shore seemed potent with dangers.
+
+Bart had his second watch on deck, and it was not far from midnight when
+he was startled to hear a voice hailing from the shore:
+
+"Ahoy, the yacht!"
+
+"What do you want?" asked Bart, gripping a revolver and staring toward
+the point from which the voice had seemed to come. "Who are you?"
+
+"Caleb Cooler, at your service," came back the answer. "I thought I'd
+tell you something that may relieve your minds somewhat. Frank Merriwell
+is alive and unharmed."
+
+Bart gasped.
+
+"Why do you come to tell us that?" he asked.
+
+"Because I know you are worrying about him. Don't worry. He will be with
+you to-morrow."
+
+This angered Bart so that he lifted his revolver, being tempted to send
+a random shot toward the point from which the voice seemed to come, but
+he changed his mind and lowered the weapon.
+
+"So long," called the voice of the queer old man. "Turn in and sleep.
+You won't be troubled."
+
+"That is what they want us to do," thought Bart. "It is a trick. But
+they can't fool us that way."
+
+No further sound was heard from the shore. Cooler did not answer,
+although Bart called to him several times.
+
+Jack had heard Hodge speaking, and he came on deck. When Bart told
+Diamond what had happened, the latter was furious.
+
+"If I had been here, I would have fired six shots in his direction," he
+declared.
+
+Diamond took his turn on deck, and it was about two o'clock when he
+fancied he heard the sound of oars. The sound came nearer and nearer,
+till at last it seemed that the boat reached the island, and then the
+sound was heard no more.
+
+Morning dawned, and Browning arose in a strangely agitated state of
+mind. Never had his companions seen him in such a condition. When asked
+about it, he said:
+
+"Boys, I had a queer dream. I'm going to tell you what it was. I dreamed
+that Frank Merriwell is buried in the grave on the island. I thought him
+buried alive. We dug him out and restored him to life."
+
+"It can't be that Merry is buried there, for the mound has not been
+disturbed lately," said Diamond.
+
+"All the same," declared Browning, "I am going to open that grave. I am
+going to know the secret it holds."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+THE SECRET OF THE GRAVE.
+
+
+Browning was determined, and it was not long before he had worked the
+others into a state of excitement over it. Without waiting for
+breakfast, they sprang into the boat and rowed ashore.
+
+"I saw some tools in the sheds at the end of the railroad," said Bruce.
+"We will secure them."
+
+The path was taken, and they passed through the old quarry and down the
+track to the sheds. There they found a pick and spade. With those in
+their possession, they hastened to the black glade in which lay the
+grave.
+
+For once in his life Bruce Browning was filled with energy--he was
+aroused. But even as he reached the grave, he halted suddenly, his hand
+uplifted, hoarsely gasping:
+
+"Listen!"
+
+The boys were silent.
+
+"Help!"
+
+It was a smothered cry, and it seemed to come from the ground at their
+feet. It made the hair of the Dutch boy stand and his teeth chatter. It
+astonished and amazed them all.
+
+"Help!"
+
+Again that smothered cry seemed to come from the grave. What did it
+mean?
+
+"Use the pick, Hodge!" hoarsely commanded Browning. "We will soon open
+it up. Go at it lively!"
+
+Bart obeyed, and the ground gave back a strange, hollow sound as he
+struck his pick into it. Browning shoveled away the dirt, having torn
+off his coat to work with greater ease.
+
+Soon something of a hole had been made in the mound.
+
+All at once, with a cry of horror, Bart started back, pointing down into
+the hole they had made.
+
+"Look!" he gasped. "That ring--that hand! It is Frank Merriwell's hand!"
+
+And there before them they saw a human hand that seemed to be thrust up
+through the ground.
+
+Hans began to pray.
+
+The hand moved--it clawed desperately at the ground!
+
+"It is Frank!" Diamond almost screamed. "He is down there! He has been
+buried alive! Dig, fellows--dig! But be careful not to hurt him!"
+
+At that moment the ground caved in at their feet, and up out of it rose
+the dirt-covered head of Frank Merriwell. He rubbed the dirt out of his
+eyes, and then he cheerfully observed:
+
+"Good-morning, fellows! It seems to be a pleasant morning outside, but
+it's a trifle close inside. If you will take hold and pull me out, I'll
+be much obliged."
+
+They clutched him--they dragged him to the surface. Behind him lay a
+deep, dark hole that was not filled by the earth that had caved in.
+
+"Well, of all things wonderful!" grunted Browning. "Never knew anything
+like this before--never heard of anything like this! I believe I am
+still dreaming!"
+
+"Frank, are you hurt?" asked Diamond.
+
+"Not much," answered Merry. "They trapped me without much trouble. I
+didn't have a chance to get hurt."
+
+"But to be buried under the ground--to be in a grave!"
+
+"Eh? A grave? Why, Great Scott! It is the grave--and the stone with my
+name on it! This is the spot where I was caught. I was standing right
+here. A man dropped down out of this tree and struck on my shoulders.
+He laid me out, and it wasn't hard to tie me up. Then I was towed away
+under ground, and a guard was placed over me. It's a close little hole
+down there, but the guard left me after he had watched till he was
+tired, and then I finally managed to get free, and I tried to dig out
+where they had closed up what once was the mouth of the cave."
+
+"What's that?" asked Hodge. "A cave?"
+
+"Exactly; and there was an opening into it here at one time. They closed
+it up and made this fake grave over the spot. That's just what they
+did."
+
+"But your voice--we could hear it."
+
+"Look at this headstone. There is a hole straight down through it. Below
+there is a tube that runs down into the cave. Anyone at the lower end of
+the tube can speak so they can be heard here. That is how those
+mysterious whispers reached our ears. Oh, it is a great scheme! It made
+the place seem haunted."
+
+"But where is the other opening to the cave?"
+
+"It must be near here, though I was blindfolded when I was taken in. Mr.
+Cooler was in the game. He came up suddenly a long, long time ago.
+Talked with the chap who was guarding me. Said he had been forced to
+dodge you chaps."
+
+"That's when he gave us the slip," said Diamond. "I'd like to see the
+little whelp again!"
+
+"Your wish shall be gratified," said a familiar voice, and Mr. Cooler
+walked into the glade, followed by three other men, all dressed in
+black. "I am here!"
+
+"It's the gang!" cried Diamond. "We'll have to fight for it, fellows!"
+
+"Don't fight," advised the man in gray, laughing. "It isn't necessary.
+We are not the gang, but we have the gang nicely corralled. You have
+known me as Caleb Cooler, but I am, in fact, Dustin Douglass, of the
+secret service. These gentlemen with me are deputies, and we have just
+captured a gang of counterfeiters who have been making all sorts of
+trouble for the government. If you think I am lying, young gentlemen, I
+will show you my credentials. I managed to get in with the gang myself
+by pretending to be a skillful shover of the queer, and that is why I
+have been seen with some of them. Last night my deputies came onto the
+island in a boat, and this morning we raked in all of the gang. We have
+them nicely ironed over at the old boarding house, where one of my men
+is watching over them. Among them, Mr. Merriwell, are your friends,
+Hicks and Wiley. Somehow they think you were concerned in their undoing,
+and they have expressed sincere regrets that they did not do you up,
+instead of capturing you and stowing you here in the old cave. The chap
+who was watching you came over to get his breakfast this morning, and
+now he is ironed with the others. There are four in all.
+
+"I trust you will pardon me for the deception, young gentlemen," smiled
+the little secret service officer. "Had to do it, you know. Just came
+over to set Mr. Merriwell at liberty, but I see you are here ahead of
+me."
+
+Bruce Browning leaned against a tree, looking tired and unnerved.
+
+"This is too much for me!" he muttered. "I'm sure to go into brain
+fever! I can't comprehend it all."
+
+Nor could the others just then, but every word the little man had spoken
+proved true. He showed them the skillfully concealed entrance to the
+cave, which was sometimes used in which to hide the bogus money. They
+understood how he had been able to give them the slip in such a
+remarkable manner.
+
+Then all went over to the old boarding house, where the boys inspected
+the prisoners. Dan Hicks glared at Frank and cursed him, snarling:
+
+"All I regret is that I didn't cut your throat!"
+
+Beneath the building was a room the boys had not discovered, and there
+the "queer" had been made.
+
+At last the mystery of the island was solved, and Frank Merriwell was
+satisfied. But the boys had been furnished with a topic for conversation
+and discussion that would be interesting for a long time to come.
+
+And Frank was well satisfied to leave Devil Island at last.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Frank Merriwell's Cruise, by Burt L. Standish
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK MERRIWELL'S CRUISE ***
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