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diff --git a/old/62639-0.txt b/old/62639-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index ab8334c..0000000 --- a/old/62639-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10121 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Frank Merriwell's Trust, by Burt L. Standish - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Frank Merriwell's Trust - Never Say Die - -Author: Burt L. Standish - -Release Date: July 14, 2020 [EBook #62639] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK MERRIWELL'S TRUST *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Barry Abrahamsen, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - BOOKS FOR YOUNG MEN - - MERRIWELL SERIES - - Stories of Frank and Dick Merriwell - - PRICE, FIFTEEN CENTS - - _Fascinating Stories of Athletics_ - -A half million enthusiastic followers of the Merriwell brothers will -attest the unfailing interest and wholesomeness of these adventures of -two lads of high ideals, who play fair with themselves, as well as with -the rest of the world. - -These stories are rich in fun and thrills in all branches of sports and -athletics. They are extremely high in moral tone, and cannot fail to be -of immense benefit to every boy who reads them. - -They have the splendid quality of firing a boy’s ambition to become a -good athlete, in order that he may develop into a strong, vigorous -right-thinking man. - - _ALL TITLES ALWAYS IN PRINT_ - - 1—Frank Merriwell’s School Days By Burt L. Standish - 2—Frank Merriwell’s Chums By Burt L. Standish - 3—Frank Merriwell’s Foes By Burt L. Standish - 4—Frank Merriwell’s Trip West By Burt L. Standish - 5—Frank Merriwell Down South By Burt L. Standish - 6—Frank Merriwell’s Bravery By Burt L. Standish - 7—Frank Merriwell’s Hunting Tour By Burt L. Standish - 8—Frank Merriwell in Europe By Burt L. Standish - 9—Frank Merriwell at Yale By Burt L. Standish - 10—Frank Merriwell’s Sports Afield By Burt L. Standish - 11—Frank Merriwell’s Races By Burt L. Standish - 12—Frank Merriwell’s Party By Burt L. Standish - 13—Frank Merriwell’s Bicycle Tour By Burt L. Standish - 14—Frank Merriwell’s Courage By Burt L. Standish - 15—Frank Merriwell’s Daring By Burt L. Standish - 16—Frank Merriwell’s Alarm By Burt L. Standish - 17—Frank Merriwell’s Athletes By Burt L. Standish - 18—Frank Merriwell’s Skill By Burt L. Standish - 19—Frank Merriwell’s Champions By Burt L. Standish - 20—Frank Merriwell’s Return to Yale By Burt L. Standish - 21—Frank Merriwell’s Secret By Burt L. Standish - 22—Frank Merriwell’s Danger By Burt L. Standish - 23—Frank Merriwell’s Loyalty By Burt L. Standish - 24—Frank Merriwell in Camp By Burt L. Standish - 25—Frank Merriwell’s Vacation By Burt L. Standish - 26—Frank Merriwell’s Cruise By Burt L. Standish - 27—Frank Merriwell’s Chase By Burt L. Standish - 28—Frank Merriwell in Maine By Burt L. Standish - 29—Frank Merriwell’s Struggle By Burt L. Standish - 30—Frank Merriwell’s First Job By Burt L. Standish - 31—Frank Merriwell’s Opportunity By Burt L. Standish - 32—Frank Merriwell’s Hard Luck By Burt L. Standish - 33—Frank Merriwell’s Protégé By Burt L. Standish - 34—Frank Merriwell on the Road By Burt L. Standish - 35—Frank Merriwell’s Own Company By Burt L. Standish - 36—Frank Merriwell’s Fame By Burt L. Standish - 37—Frank Merriwell’s College Chums By Burt L. Standish - 38—Frank Merriwell’s Problem By Burt L. Standish - 39—Frank Merriwell’s Fortune By Burt L. Standish - 40—Frank Merriwell’s New Comedian By Burt L. Standish - 41—Frank Merriwell’s Prosperity By Burt L. Standish - 42—Frank Merriwell’s Stage Hit By Burt L. Standish - 43—Frank Merriwell’s Great Scheme By Burt L. Standish - 44—Frank Merriwell in England By Burt L. Standish - 45—Frank Merriwell on the Boulevards By Burt L. Standish - 46—Frank Merriwell’s Duel By Burt L. Standish - 47—Frank Merriwell’s Double Shot By Burt L. Standish - 48—Frank Merriwell’s Baseball Victories By Burt L. Standish - 49—Frank Merriwell’s Confidence By Burt L. Standish - 50—Frank Merriwell’s Auto By Burt L. Standish - 51—Frank Merriwell’s Fun By Burt L. Standish - 52—Frank Merriwell’s Generosity By Burt L. Standish - 53—Frank Merriwell’s Tricks By Burt L. Standish - 54—Frank Merriwell’s Temptation By Burt L. Standish - 55—Frank Merriwell on Top By Burt L. Standish - 56—Frank Merriwell’s Luck By Burt L. Standish - 57—Frank Merriwell’s Mascot By Burt L. Standish - 58—Frank Merriwell’s Reward By Burt L. Standish - 59—Frank Merriwell’s Phantom By Burt L. Standish - 60—Frank Merriwell’s Faith By Burt L. Standish - 61—Frank Merriwell’s Victories By Burt L. Standish - 62—Frank Merriwell’s Iron Nerve By Burt L. Standish - 63—Frank Merriwell in Kentucky By Burt L. Standish - 64—Frank Merriwell’s Power By Burt L. Standish - 65—Frank Merriwell’s Shrewdness By Burt L. Standish - -In order that there may be no confusion, we desire to say that the books -listed below will be issued during the respective months in New York -City and vicinity. They may not reach the readers at a distance -promptly, on account of delays in transportation. - - To Be Published in July, 1923. - - 66—Frank Merriwell’s Set Back By Burt L. Standish - 67—Frank Merriwell’s Search By Burt L. Standish - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - Frank Merriwell’s Trust - - - - OR, - - - NEVER SAY DIE - - - - BY - BURT L. STANDISH - Author of the famous MERRIWELL STORIES. - - - - - STREET & SMITH CORPORATION - PUBLISHERS - 79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - - - Copyright, 1901 - By STREET & SMITH - - Frank Merriwell’s Trust - - - - - - - (Printed in the United States of America) - - All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign - languages, including the Scandinavian. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - - FRANK MERRIWELL’S TRUST. - - - ------- - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - JACK DIAMOND’S FRIENDS. - - -“Jack Diamond—am I dreaming?” - -Frank Merriwell uttered the exclamation. He was in front of the Hoffman -House, in New York. Three young men in evening dress had just left the -hotel, and were about to enter a cab that had drawn up to the curb for -them. Frank stared in astonishment at one of them. He was a slender, -clean-cut, handsome fellow. - -“Jack Diamond!” he repeated; “can it be? Why, I supposed he was in -London!” - -One of the men, his silk hat thrust recklessly back on his curly yellow -hair, was speaking to the driver. The other, with a mustache black as -midnight, was holding the door open for the third to enter the cab. -Frank sprang forward. - -“Diamond!” he called, “is that you?” - -The youth who was already half-way into the cab drew back and turned -round. - -“Who is it?” he asked, his voice sounding a trifle thick and unnatural. - -Frank was before him. It was eleven o’clock at night, but the bright -lights of Broadway made it almost like day. - -“Merriwell!” exclaimed the young fellow in the evening suit and -opera-coat. “Is that you?” - -“Sure as you live!” cried Frank, with outstretched hand. “But I thought -I was dreaming. I wasn’t sure it was you.” - -Their hands met, while Diamond’s two companions looked on in silence, as -if not quite pleased. - -“Man alive!” came from Frank, “I thought you on the other side of the -pond. What does this mean?” - -“It means that I’m back here,” said Jack. “But I supposed you in New -Haven. How do you happen to be here?” - -“Various things have combined to keep me here since I came down from -college. The story is too long for me to tell now, but I’ve had some -rather interesting adventures.” - -“Well, old man, I’m right glad to see you again. Let me introduce my -friends. Mr. Herrick, Mr. Merriwell; Mr. Madison, Mr. Merriwell.” - -Herrick was the older of the two, and the possessor of the black -mustache. Madison had a smooth, almost boyish face, with a head of curly -yellow hair. Frank took an instant dislike to Herrick, who had the air -of a rounder. Madison seemed more like a rather gay young fellow, -although there was a dissipated look on his face and his eyes met -Frank’s with an effort. - -Frank could see that these men had been drinking, although Herrick gave -little evidence of it. The latter shook hands politely, simply repeating -Frank’s name; but Madison grasped Merry’s hand, crying: - -“Glad to know you, Mr. Merriwell. Glad to know anybody who is Jack -Diamond’s friend. Let’s have a drink.” - -“Steady, Billy,” warned Herrick, in a low tone. “Don’t slop over, my -boy.” - -“Oh, to blazes with that!” returned Madison, laughing. “What do we care? -We’re out for a time, and we don’t give a rap who knows it. Let’s all go -in and take a drink.” - -“We haven’t time,” asserted the man with the black mustache, looking at -his watch. - -“Time! Great Scott! we’ve got all the time there is! Don’t anybody own -any of my time till ten o’clock to-morrow.” - -“And I’ve got time to burn,” asserted Diamond, his voice again sounding -thick. “I think I need another drink. Fact is, I know I need it. Let’s -have it.” - -“All right, if you will have it,” said Herrick, as if giving in with -great reluctance. “But I think you’ve taken enough for the present.” - -Frank thought Jack had taken altogether too much. He was surprised and -distressed to find his college comrade in such a condition. - -“See here, Jack,” he said, taking Diamond’s arm, “you had better drop -this. You’re on a spree, and you must stop drinking at once.” - -“My dear boy,” said Diamond, with a reckless laugh, “I’ve been on it for -a week now, and I’ve just begun.” - -To Merry’s surprise, the Virginian did not show the least sign of shame. -This was all the more astonishing, as Jack was ever proud and sensitive, -and had never seemed to be a drinker. - -“Something has happened to start him off this way,” Merriwell instantly -decided. “He is in a reckless mood.” - -“I have to return to college in the morning, old man,” he said -persuasively. “We haven’t seen each other for a long time. Come round to -my room in the Fifth Avenue and let’s have a talk.” - -“Excuse me,” Herrick spoke up. “Mr. Diamond has an important -engagement.” - -“That’s right, Merry,” agreed Jack, at once. “Just come along with me. -I’ll show you the town to-night.” - -“Yes, we can take Mr. Merriwell along,” said Herrick. - -“Of course we can,” cried Madison. “The more the merrier. But it won’t -be our fault if he gets scratched with the tiger’s claws.” - -“No danger of that,” asserted Diamond. “He never fools with the tiger.” - -Herrick seemed disappointed. “Is that so? Then I’m afraid he won’t find -it very interesting to come along.” - -“Yes, he will,” declared Jack. “Besides, he has always been a mascot to -me, and I need one just now.” - -Frank’s ears were wide open, and he fancied he understood the meaning of -this talk, in which case he was more than ever alarmed for Diamond. - -“If I could get him away and have a talk with him,” thought Frank, “I’d -soon be able to learn the truth.” - -But the Southerner was “out for a racket,” and Frank soon saw it would -be useless to try to induce him to go quietly to a room in the Fifth -Avenue Hotel. - -“We’re fooling away lots of time here,” said Herrick impatiently. “We’ve -hired this cab, too.” - -“Well, I can pay!” cried Diamond sharply. “Don’t let that worry you, -Charley.” - -“That’s the stuff!” declared Madison. “Now will you be good? Come on, I -want that drink. Bring Mr. Merriwell along, Jack. We’ll fill him to the -chin.” - -“You’ll have a hard time to do that,” asserted Diamond, as he permitted -Madison to pull him across the sidewalk, at the same time clinging fast -to Frank’s arm. - -“Why?” asked the yellow-haired chap. “Is he a tank?” - -“No; he’s a total abstainer.” - -Herrick was heard to mutter something beneath his breath. - -“Total fiddlesticks!” gurgled Madison. “Then he’d better get out of New -York right away. If he doesn’t, they’ll have him on exhibition.” - -“Of course he will take one drink with us,” said Herrick persuasively. -“One never hurt anybody, and he’ll consent to take a drink with an old -friend like you, Jack.” - -“Tell me if he does!” said Diamond. “It will be soft stuff.” - -“Soft stuff is good only for soft persons,” declared the man with the -black mustache, as they entered the hotel and approached the bar. “I -hope he isn’t in that class.” - -Merriwell’s dislike for the man was growing, and he had noted with -surprise and dismay that both of these men spoke to the Virginian in a -most familiar manner, addressing him as Jack. - -“He’s in bad company,” Merry decided. - -They lined up at the polished bar. - -“Oh, gimme a highball!” chirped Madison, his silk hat on the back of his -head. “What are you absorbing, gentlemen?” - -“I’ll take a little whisky,” said Herrick. - -Frank was watching Diamond, and now Jack said to the barkeeper: - -“I want a mint julep, Ned; you know how to put ’em together.” - -“And our friend Mr. Merriwell,” spoke Herrick, placing a hand on Frank’s -shoulder, “will he have a mixed drink, or will he take his straight, -with me?” - -“I told you he didn’t drink!” Diamond somewhat petulantly cried. “What’s -the use to keep asking him, Charley?” - -“But I have decided to take a drink this time,” said Frank, causing the -Virginian to nearly collapse. “Barkeeper, I’ll take a gin.” - -Frank had decided that Jack Diamond was in danger. He could not -understand how the Virginian happened to be in New York, and in such a -condition. No more could he understand the familiar friendship of -Diamond and his two companions. Jack was not a fellow to pick up friends -anywhere, and get on “first-name terms” with them in short order. - -Ordinarily, Merriwell’s influence over Diamond was complete, but now he -had failed in his attempt to take the Southerner from these companions -and carry him away to a place where he could be brought round to reason. -Having failed thus, Merry quickly decided to stay with Jack and see what -was going on. He knew he would be an object of suspicion to Herrick and -Madison unless they fancied he was drinking with them, and in order to -divert their attention he agreed to take a drink. - -But Frank had no intention of swallowing a drop of liquor. He had chosen -gin because, in past experiences, he had discovered that, being the -color of water, it was easy to make companions believe the gin had been -taken when, in fact, the water “chaser” was the only thing swallowed. - -“Hoo—yee!” whooped Madison, in delight, slapping Diamond on the -shoulder. “There goes your total abstainer, Jack! He’s going to take his -medicine like a little man.” - -The Southerner looked at Frank in half-intoxicated reproach. - -“Don’t do it, Merry!” he exclaimed huskily. “You’re too good a man to -meddle with booze. Don’t do it!” - -“Well, you’re a dandy to be giving advice!” shouted Madison. “Oh, quit -your kidding and corral your mint julep!” - -“Please be good enough to quit that, sah!” said Diamond, with a touch of -his original Southern accent. “I am talking to my particular friend, and -I’ll thank you not to interfere, sah.” - -“Oh, thunder!” gasped Madison. “All right; didn’t suppose you were so -touchy to-night, Jack, old sport. It’s all right; talk to him all you -want to. I won’t come into the game.” - -The Virginian bowed gravely, and again turned to Frank, who had poured -some gin in a glass and received a chaser of water from the barkeeper. - -“We are old friends, Merriwell,” said Diamond, still with the same air -of polite intoxication, “and I’d do anything for you. You know it. -You’re the best all-round man in Yale—the best man that ever entered the -college. You have no vices. You are clean from your toes to the tip-ends -of your hair. You’ve never poisoned yourself with tobacco or drink or -high living of any sort. You’ve always taken the very best of care of -your body and your mind. Now, don’t tell me you are going to spoil it -all by making a fool of yourself and drinking gin!” - -“That’s right,” muttered Madison, with a chuckle, unable to keep still -longer. “For the love of goodness, drink something besides gin! Have a -highball with me.” - -“Please, sah—please!” frowned Jack, with a gentle gesture of his right -hand, turning his eyes toward the irrepressible chap with the yellow -hair. - -“Shut up, Billy!” advised Herrick. “Let Jack talk to his friend. Of -course, the man will take a drink just the same after Jack has wasted -his breath, but that’s none of your business.” - -Frank felt like hitting the sneering fellow. He was tempted to shove -back the stuff onto the bar, and inform Herrick that he had made a -mistake. Then he told himself that by so doing he might throw away his -chance of learning the real meaning of Diamond’s actions and condition, -and he simply pretended that he did not hear the man’s words. - -“You’re a nice fellow to talk to me, Jack!” laughed Frank. - -“That’s all right, Merry,” asserted Diamond unsteadily, his fine face -flushed and his eyes gleaming redly. “It’s different with me.” - -“I fail to see it. You are a gentleman, and the son of a gentleman.” - -“Thank you, Merriwell; I hope, sah, that I am. But my father could take -his medicine, and he always remained a gentleman. It doesn’t make so -much difference about me. The fact is, it doesn’t make any difference -what becomes of me now. I am up against it, and I’m going to play this -streak through to the end.” - -More than ever was Frank alarmed, for now he saw that Diamond was in a -desperate mood, and, being in such a condition, the hot-blooded -Virginian would not easily listen to reason. - -Merry knew it would do little good to argue with Jack just then, for -argument with a man under the influence of drink is generally a waste of -words and the height of folly. - -“I’d like to know why it doesn’t make any difference what happens to -you,” Frank smiled. “It makes a difference to me. You are my friend.” - -“True, true!” said Jack, with deep feeling. “And you are mine. That’s -why I do not want to see you take that drink. If you ever get started -fooling with the cursed stuff, Merriwell, you can’t tell where you’ll -stop. I know you’ve got a stiff backbone, but drink has drowned many a -fine man. It would be the first thing to overthrow you, so you hadn’t -better fool with it. Come, now, old chum, make it something soft, and -let it go at that.” - -Herrick laughed harshly. - -“We’re a long time getting round to that little drink, Jack,” he put in. -“I’m getting awfully dry.” - -“Dry!” croaked Madison. “Why, my throat is parched. Come on, Jack, break -away and let’s irrigate.” - -“Go ahead, gentlemen, and drink,” said the Southerner. “You annoy me.” - -“Drink!” squawked Madison. “Without you? Not if I crack open with -thirst! I’ll never be guilty of it!” - -Frank had a hope that he could shame Diamond so that he would stop then -and there. - -“Come on!” he cried, taking up a glass in each hand. “We’re with them, -Jack, and I’m with you till morning! Just you go ahead, and see if I -don’t chase you.” - -“One last appeal,” insisted Diamond earnestly. “You don’t know where -you’ll stop if you begin it, Merry.” - -“No more did you.” - -“Well, you see the shape I’m in. Been this way for a week. Just take me -as a horrible example, old man.” - -“You seem to be having a good time.” - -“All on the surface, my boy.” - -“What makes you keep it up?” - -“Have to.” - -“Why?” - -“So I won’t stop to think. I don’t want to think, Merriwell, and I won’t -do anything else the minute I get sober.” - -“What has happened? Tell me, Jack.” - -“Not now. Good Lord! it drives me to drink! I’ve got to take this stuff, -Merry! I’m afraid I’m getting sober.” - -“Here we go!” chirped Madison. “Everybody drink. Here’s happy days.” - -Diamond’s hand shook as he lifted his glass. His flushed face showed -lines of care and dissipation. Merriwell’s heart was filled with pity -and sorrow at the spectacle. - -“I’ll save him from his own folly!” Frank vowed. “But I must seem to -play into the hands of these fellows, in order to find out just what -they are doing with him.” - -Then he dashed off the contents of one of the glasses, which contained -nothing but water, pretended to drink as a “chaser” from the other, but -did not swallow a drop, and so deceived them all. - -“Too bad!” Diamond almost sobbed, thinking Frank had taken the gin. -“Suppose it’s all my fault. Been better for you, Merry, if you’d never -known me.” - -“Oh, say! don’t talk that stuff! It’s all right! Why, a fellow’s got to -have a time once in his life!” - -“That’s the talk!” nodded Herrick, evidently well pleased. - -But Diamond shook his head sadly, at the same time pulling from his -pocket a huge roll of bills, stripping off a twenty and flinging it on -the bar. - -“This is on me, Jack,” said Madison mildly. - -“I’m paying the bills to-night, gentlemen,” asserted the Virginian, with -dignity. “I insist.” - -Merry decided that they were perfectly willing that Jack should pay. He -could not help wondering at the amount of money in Diamond’s possession, -but the sight of it gave him a conviction. - -“They have seen his roll, and they are looking to bleed him. Now I stick -by him for sure.” - -“Come, gentlemen,” urged Herrick; “that cab is still waiting outside.” - -“Let it wait, sah,” returned Diamond. “We’re going to have another -drink.” - -And have another they did. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER II - - THE GAMBLER’S VICTIM. - - -“Now,” said Madison, “let’s away to the lair of the tiger.” - -To the surprise of all, Herrick showed reluctance. He held back and made -a show of embarrassment. - -“What is the matter, Charley?” asked Diamond, in surprise. “I thought -you were in a hurry.” - -“But we’ve added another to our party,” said the man with the dark -mustache, in a guarded tone, looking slantwise at Merry. - -“Well, he’s all right,” declared Jack indignantly, his face flushed and -his breath heavy with the fumes of liquor. - -“You know Dick is mighty particular.” - -“What is it, gentlemen?” demanded Frank, stepping forward. “If I am in -anybody’s way——” - -“Not at all,” Herrick hastened to say; “but we were going to a certain -place where the proprietor is very particular about his guests. Every -man who enters there must be vouched for.” - -“Well, I can vouch for Merriwell,” asserted the Virginian. - -“Yes, but you are not very well known there. You’ve visited the place -only once, you know.” - -Jack was indignant. - -“I’m a Diamond, of Virginia,” he said. “My word will go anywhere. When I -say Frank Merriwell is all right, that goes.” - -Herrick smiled. - -“I have no doubt but you are right in most cases, but this is different. -You see, you have had little to do with men like Canfield. You have no -standing in his class.” - -“Well, perhaps I ought to thank God for that,” muttered the Southerner. -“But I’ve introduced you to my friend, and I give you my word he’s all -right. You have the run of that place, and you can make it right there.” - -“Yes; but you know I am held responsible if anything unpleasant -happens.” - -Frank had leaned against the rail of the bar. Herrick drew Diamond -aside, and at this moment one of the barkeepers touched Merry on the -elbow, saying in a low tone: - -“Are you Frank Merriwell, of Yale, the athlete I’ve read so much about -in the papers?” - -“I presume I am the same,” answered Merry. - -“Then I want to give you a tip, but don’t ever let out that I did so. -Look out for yourself to-night if you chase that gang and keep your -money in your pocket. That’s all.” - -“Thank you,” nodded Merry quietly. “I’ll take your advice.” - -“Don’t drink too much.” - -“No danger. You threw out the gin I called for both times; I drank the -water.” - -The barkeeper looked surprised. - -“Well,” he gasped, “I didn’t tumble to that. I guess you’re all right.” - -“Oh, all right, all right,” Herrick was saying. “That’s all I ask. I -don’t want to put myself in a hole with Dick, you know. He’s a white -man.” - -Then they came over to Merry and he was urged to come along. Frank -pretended to hang back a little. - -“I’m not in the habit of forcing my company onto anybody,” he said. “If -I’m in the way, all you have to do is——” - -“That’s all right,” quickly asserted the man with the black mustache. “I -have to be careful, and so I wanted a square assurance from Jack. He -says you are on the dead level, and I’m to stand for you at Can’s.” - -Herrick passed his arm through that of Merriwell and the four proceeded -out to the street, where the patient cabman still waited. Frank felt -like shaking the black-mustached fellow off, but refrained from doing -so. - -Madison plunged into the cab with a whooping laugh, dragging Diamond -after him, robbing Jack for the time of some of his dignity. Herrick -politely held the door while Frank got in, coming last himself. The door -slammed, and away went the cab. - -Herrick offered cigars. Madison took one and Diamond followed suit. -Merry was on the verge of refusing, but changed his mind and accepted -one. Then Herrick struck a match and held it solicitously for Merry to -start his cigar. - -“I think I’ll take a dry smoke,” said Frank. “Anyhow, I’ll not light up -now.” - -“Hold steady!” cried Madison, plunging the end of his weed into the -flame and beginning to puff at it. - -Diamond also lighted his cigar, and Herrick joined them, observing: - -“You’ll find the smoke rather thick, Mr. Merriwell, if you don’t fire -up.” - -They were on Fifth Avenue, rolling northward. The theaters were out, and -cabs and hansoms were thick on the avenue, taking home those who had -visited the different playhouses. Their gleaming yellow lamps flitted -hither and thither, blinking and vanishing and blinking into view again -like huge fireflies. Pedestrians were plentiful. The night was clear and -cool, with millions of white stars scattered over the blue vault of the -sky. Madison began to sing. - -“Stop it!” commanded Herrick. - -“I’m offended,” declared the yellow-haired youth. “You are very rude, -Charley. I want to warble; I long to warble; I must warble! There is a -pent-up warble within me, and I must let it forth. I long to sing some -sad, sweet thing like ‘Down Went McGinty,’ or ‘Little Annie Rooney.’” - -“If you get into this condition so early, you’ll be in nice shape to -buck the tiger,” said Herrick. “My boy, I’m afraid you are loaded.” - -“Base calumny! I could drink as much more and bob up serenely at ten -to-morrow. But I’m happy. Better let me be happy now. I was feeling sore -enough the last time after I visited Dick’s. Hope my luck’ll change -to-night.” - -All at once it dawned on Frank of whom they were speaking of. He had -thought the name of Dick Canfield familiar, and now he remembered -hearing something of the history of the man who was known as proprietor -of the biggest gambling-house in New York. - -So they were on their way to a gambling-den! Now Frank knew he had made -no mistake in thinking Jack Diamond in danger, and he was glad he had -decided to accompany the party. - -Merry had sized Herrick up as a sharp, but he was not sure about -Madison. Either the latter was a clerk of some sort, or he was playing a -part, and playing it well. But, without doubt, the Virginian was the -chief game of the wolf that evening, for he had revealed that he -possessed plenty of money. - -Madison chattered on as they rolled northward along New York’s most -fashionable thoroughfare. Diamond smoked steadily, but nervously, while -Herrick was calm and sedate. - -They turned into a side street and then halted almost immediately. -Apparently they had stopped in front of a respectable private house in a -most respectable portion of the city. - -“Here we are,” said Herrick, and he was the first to leap out to the -sidewalk, holding the door open for the others. Madison followed, then -came Frank, and Jack got out last. Herrick was preparing to pay the -driver. - -“Excuse me, Charley,” put in the Virginian. “I think I informed you a -while ago that I am paying to-night. I’ll settle this, and the man who -bothers has to fight me at sunrise.” - -Then he settled and they followed Herrick up the steps. The building -might have been taken for the home of a retired banker, or the abode of -a family physician in good standing. - -They passed the first door, but a second, of oak and heavy enough to -withstand a battering-ram, confronted them. Herrick pushed a button and -they waited. - -Across the heavy oaken door there was an opening, barred by a grill of -ironwork that covered the entire paneling. - -When Herrick pushed the button, a buzzer sounded somewhere inside the -house. There was a moment more of waiting. Then the panel opened -noiselessly, and a heavy-faced man, with a dark, drooping mustache, -looked at them. - -The light in the vestibule fell full on Herrick’s face, the man having -thrust back his silk hat. - -Clink!—the panel closed. Snap!—the door opened. - -Herrick walked in at their head, and they followed. The heavy-faced man -who had opened the door said: - -“Hello, Charley,” and Herrick returned, “Good evening, Mike.” - -The door closed behind them, and they had crossed the portal of one of -the most palatial gambling-houses in New York. - -At the pressure of the button the buzzer within had sounded its warning, -as the deadly diamond-back rattler of the Bad Lands sounds a warning -before striking its victim. - -Frank had heard that Dick Canfield’s place was in every way different -from others of its sort; he had heard that there was nothing about it -suggestive of commonness and vulgarity. That buzzer was a disappointment -to him. In his rovings round the world, fate had led him once or twice -to the doors of gambling-dens, and in every instance the pressure of a -button had been followed by the sound of the buzzer within. This was -true at the door of Dick Canfield’s, in the aristocratic neighborhood -close to Fifth Avenue, and it was also true at the doors of cheap dens -which flourished on Sixth Avenue. - -Herrick led the way to a reception-room at the right of the entrance. -The door of this room was flanked by heavy porphyry columns, and the -room was a marvel of decorative art. A fireplace of exquisite design -faced the door. It was a fine, big, open fireplace, handsomely carved -and supported by onyx columns. - -This room had the appearance of an upholstered and decorated cell. The -windows were masked and the doors sunk into the walls. Overhead were -handsome bronze chandeliers, fitted with incandescent lights, each -gleaming coil hidden and softened by ground-glass bulbs. Under foot was -a carpet of texture so deep and velvety that one’s footfalls were -perfectly noiseless. Here their top-coats and hats were taken. - -As Herrick led them into this reception-room and paused for Frank to -admire its impressive beauty, three men came down the stairs from the -gaming-rooms above. All were dressed in evening clothes. Two of them had -faces that told of dissipated lives. The third was a youth with clear, -clean-cut features, but now pale as death, while in his eyes gleamed a -wild light of despair. - -The three men paused a moment before going out. One of them was coolly -drawing on his gloves, but he kept his eyes on the lad with the marble -face and glaring eyes. The other man also watched the youth, whose lips -were beginning to tremble, and he suddenly said: - -“Don’t welch, Harry! Keep a stiff backbone! Be a man!” - -The youth turned on him fiercely, his somewhat weak chin quivering. - -“That’s all right for you to say!” he spoke, in a shaking voice—a voice -that struck straight to Frank Merriwell’s heart. “What do you care for -me now! You brought me here, and——” - -“You wanted to come. Don’t squeal like a sick baby!” - -“You brought me here,” repeated the youth, “and I’ve lost a fortune in -this accursed place! I’m ruined! It’s worse than that! I’m a criminal, -for I’ve gambled away thousands that did not belong to me! It will kill -my poor mother!” - -It was the remorseful cry of a weak, heart-sick youth who realized when -too late the folly of his acts. - -Frank quietly took a step nearer the three. - -“I never thought you a welcher!” exclaimed the man, giving the -pale-faced lad a look of reproach. “I did think you had nerve.” - -“Nerve! Bah! It’s the fool who has nerve to sit at a gambling-table and -play away money he does not own! Nerve! That is a false appearance, -assumed to make other men regard you with admiration. But what does it -amount to when a man has made a criminal of himself? What does it amount -to when he knows the hand of the law will be outstretched to grasp him -and drag him to a prison cell? What does it amount to when he knows that -the result of his madness and folly will be the shameful death of his -poor old mother, who has been so proud of him—who believed him good, and -true, and honest? Don’t talk to me about welching! What is the -difference now if I do squeal? I’m done for!” - -Frank saw a shaking hand fumble at a pocket, and he stood ready to make -a spring. - -“This cursed place has ruined me, just as it has ruined hundreds -before!” the youth went on. “It is run under police and political -protection! Some of my money, some that I took without permit and lost -here to-night, will be paid into the hands of men elected to offices of -trust by the people. But for the silence of those men, this place could -not run.” - -“You’re ratty, Harry; come out of it. Let’s get out into the air. You -need it to brace you up.” - -“Hold on!” cried the lad, drawing back and flinging off their hands. -“Don’t touch me! I’m not going yet! What is my life to me now! I may be -able to call attention to this place and force public opinion to close -it. Perhaps in that way I’ll save some other poor fool who might be -lured here to his destruction. The disgrace will force Canfield to -close! The notoriety will shut his doors. When I leave this place I’ll -be carried out—feet first!” - -His hand came from his pocket with a jerk, and he placed a shining -revolver at his head, leaping backward to escape their hands. In another -moment he would have fallen dead or dying, but Frank had suspected his -design, and was on the watch for that move. The youth sprang back into -Merry’s arms, and the hand of the young Yale athlete closed on the -revolver. - -The nerve-broken young gambler was like a helpless child in the hands of -Merriwell. With ease Frank took away the deadly revolver. - -When the two men would have clutched the would-be suicide, Frank waved -them back with the gleaming weapon, supporting the panting lad on his -shoulder. - -“Hands off!” he cried, his voice clear and steady, yet not loud. “Aren’t -you satisfied with what you have brought the poor devil to? You shall -not touch him!” - -“Give me that revolver!” pleaded the shaking youth, reaching out for it. - -“Wait a minute,” said Merry. “I want to talk to you.” - -Then, half-leading, half-supporting the miserable boy, he crossed the -room to a cushioned seat by the fireplace. The two men looked on, -uncertain as to what course they should pursue. - -“You have made a terrible blunder,” said Frank, as he sat beside the -white-faced lad, a hand on his shoulder; “but you cannot undo it by -taking your own life.” - -“At least, I can escape the consequences, the shame, the disgrace!” - -“And prove yourself a coward. You spoke of your mother. Will she be left -in poverty by this act of yours?” - -“No; she has the income of property that will take care of her. But the -shame will kill her!” - -“Do you think it will be any less if you were to take your own life? Do -you think the blow would be less severe to her?” - -“No, no; but——” - -“Then it is only because you fear to face the consequences of your act -that you wish to die?” - -“I can’t face it—I can’t! I’ve gambled away ten thousand dollars that do -not belong to me! That means prison!” - -“And you cannot restore one cent?” - -“Would to God I could!” sobbed the youth, from the depths of his heart. - -“If you could, you would?” - -“Yes, yes, yes! I’d slave like a dog to pay that money back! I’d do -anything! I’d work to the day of my death! But who would believe me if I -said so?” - -“I believe you,” declared Frank Merriwell, in a way that gave the other -a strange thrill. - -“But you—what can you do? You are a stranger to me.” - -“Yes, I am a stranger to you; but by the eternal Heavens! I am not going -to see a human life go to wreck on the rocks if I can help it!” - -“How can you help it?” - -“I may find a way. What is your name?” - -“Harry Collins.” - -“Well, Collins, how long do you think it will be before it is discovered -that you have taken this money?” - -“It may be discovered to-morrow; it may not be discovered for a week.” - -Frank took a card-case from his pocket, removed a card and wrote on the -back of it with a lead-pencil. - -“There is my address,” he said. “Come to me to-morrow at one o’clock.” - -“But you—you—what will you do? You can’t do——” - -“I hope to be able to save you from the consequences of your folly. I -have asked you only a few questions about yourself, because I do not -wish to pry into your private affairs. For your mother’s sake, and in -the hope that you have learned the lesson of your folly, I am going to -do all I can for you.” - -The youth shook his head. - -“It’s a trick!” he said. “It’s a trick to get me out of this place. I’ll -not find you when I call.” - -Frank flushed. - -“Perhaps I should not blame you for thinking so,” he said kindly. -“Please read the name on that card.” - -“I see it—‘Frank Merriwell.’” - -“Perhaps you read in the papers some time ago about Charles Conrad -Merriwell, who was called the American Monte Cristo?” - -“Yes, yes! Why, you——” - -“I am his son. My father has plenty of money, and, if I can communicate -with him, I believe he will loan you ten thousand dollars.” - -The youth gasped. - -“Loan—me—ten—thousand—dollars?” - -“Yes; at least, I shall ask him to do so, stating your case plainly. I -am confident he will not refuse me. With the money you are to make -square your debt, and then you must go to work to pay back to my father -every dollar of it. He will demand that.” - -The overjoyed lad would have fallen on his knees before Frank; he tried -to kiss Frank’s hands, while the tears rained from his eyes. - -“God bless you!” he sobbed. “I know you will save me, Frank Merriwell! -And I swear to pay back every cent!” - -Merry lifted him to his feet. - -“Now, go,” he said. “Get out of this place, and keep away from all -places like it. Come to me at the time set, and I’ll be waiting for you. -Steer clear of those two men over there. Quit them at once, and never -have anything to do with their like again.” - -“I will! I will! But do not fail me, Frank Merriwell! My life depends on -it! My mother’s life——” - -“There, there! Say no more, but come to me to-morrow. Don’t doubt for an -instant that I’ll meet you. I surely will. Good night.” - -Merry had walked across that noiseless carpet, his arm about the -unfortunate youth. The two men started toward the door, as if to join -the lad, but Frank gave them a look that stopped them in their tracks. - -At the door Frank gave the misguided lad his hand. - -“I know,” breathed Collins—“I know by the grip of your hand that you are -true! I know you will save me! Thank God!” - -Then he left Dick Canfield’s to return no more. - -Frank turned to his companions, quietly saying: - -“Come, gentlemen, let’s take a look at the tiger.” - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER III - - GILDED VICE. - - -They ascended a staircase that turned at right angles upon itself. This -led to the gaming-rooms above. A fretted partition concealed it from the -doorway, and until one had ascended to its crest he had no intimation of -the play that was going on. The top being reached, however, there could -be heard the busy clatter of the ivory ball speeding about the wheel and -the rattle of ivory chips. - -When the gaming-room was entered Frank’s keen eyes took in the general -appearance of the place, and a glance showed him that it was furnished -for gambling alone. There were the roulette-tables, double-banked, with -the wheel in the center. Against the walls were the tables for faro. -Chairs for the players, the dealers, and the croupiers were the only -furnishings on the floor. - -A collection of quiet, well-dressed men were playing at the various -tables. They were polite and gentle in their movements, quiet of speech -and apparently engaged in an occupation to which they were well -accustomed and familiar. - -It was the air of Canfield’s place. Every one entering there was -supposed to act like a gentleman and to betray little emotion, no matter -what his losings or his winnings might be. - -And the play was high. Canfield was too impatient to bother with men who -bet five or ten dollars. He cared nothing for small fry, but his lines -were out constantly for big fish. The white checks cost a dollar each in -that room. - -The mural decorations of the room prevailed in Pompeiian red, and all -about were panelings and other furnishings of a wood corresponding to -unstained mahogany. - -In this room hung an excellent example of the painter’s art, for -Canfield was a connoisseur in fine paintings and rare prints, about -which he would gladly talk by the hour. The handsome painting in the -gambling-room he called a “Simmons.” - -When they reached the gambling-room Herrick motioned toward a rear -apartment, saying: - -“Let’s have something to eat before we begin playing, gentlemen. I am -hungry.” - -“And I’ve got a terrible thirst on me,” murmured Madison, who had been -strangely quiet and subdued since the appearance of the desperate and -despairing youth in the reception-room. Frank saw Madison’s face was -pale, and there was a look of dread in his eyes. All his rollicking -manner had departed from him. - -“He’s in trouble,” thought Merry; “and the sight of the other fellow has -given him a start. I don’t think he stands in with Herrick.” - -They moved toward the dining-room at the rear of the gambling-apartment. -This room Frank found to be in keeping with the rest of the place. The -paneling was handsomely carved, and the napery on the table was the best -that could be procured. Beneath the softened lights, cut glass gleamed -like diamonds. Overhead it was tastefully decorated in bronzed leather. - -Herrick led the way, and they were shown to a table by polite waiters, -who placed the chairs for them. - -Frank looked at the menu in surprise, for he saw quickly that it -compared in its range with the very best places of the city. There were -all sorts of salads, cold salmon and cold roast meats. A bird, a bit of -game, or a cutlet might be ordered. - -The wine-list seemed to include everything choice and extravagant. - -“Order what you like, gentlemen,” said Herrick. “Everything is free here -to Canfield’s customers.” - -“Do you mean to say there is no charge for this?” asked Merry, not a -little surprised. - -“No charge at all,” assured the man with the dark mustache. - -They gave their orders, which were soon filled by the attentive -servants. Herrick took pains to order plenty of wine; but, to his -surprise, he suddenly found that Frank Merriwell would not drink. - -Frank had a reason, for now it would not be easy for him to lead his -companions into believing he had drunk the same as the others. They did -not know that he had not touched a drop, and he had accomplished his -purpose in keeping close to Jack Diamond and watching Herrick. - -It was useless for Herrick to urge; Frank could not be moved. - -“That’s right, Merriwell!” exclaimed the Virginian. “You keep sober and -let me do the drinking for both of us.” - -Madison, too, hastened to put away a bottle of wine, and the color began -to come back to his face. - -“Didn’t know I had so little nerve,” he said. “Been cold ever since that -chap pulled the gun and tried to blow the top of his head off.” - -“Oh, hang a welcher!” sneered Herrick. “His squealing made me sick! But -it’s lucky Mr. Merriwell grabbed him just as he did. Canfield ought to -thank him for that.” - -“I ask no thanks from Canfield,” said Frank coldly. - -“Don’t talk about it!” implored Madison. - -Herrick was cool, but it became plain that his declaration that he was -hungry had not been true, for he ate only a few mouthfuls. Frank ate -more, but Diamond seemed in a hurry to get back to the gaming-room. -Madison was strangely troubled, sometimes flushing, only to pale again. - -“Curse it!” Madison finally cried. “Why did that fellow come down there -and make a scene with his pistol!” - -“Forget it,” laughed Herrick. - -“That’s all right to say, but it isn’t easy to do. I’m a fool! I’ll be -in the same way that chap is if I don’t look out!” - -“Nonsense! Luck was against you the last time, Billy, but you are almost -always a winner.” - -“I believe my luck has turned. But I’m in the hole.” - -“Got to find your money where you lost it, my boy,” purred the tempter. - -“That’s right!” exclaimed Madison, rising. “Come on, gentlemen; let’s go -out there and see if fortune will smile on us to-night.” - -They left the dining-room, returning to the apartment where quiet, -well-dressed men were gambling. - -“What shall it be, jack?” asked Madison. “Will we go against the -roulette wheel, or try faro a whirl? I leave it to you.” - -“I lost two thousand at the faro-table last night,” said the Virginian. -“I am going back to the same table.” - -“I’m with you,” laughed Madison. - -Diamond seated himself at the table, feeling for his money. He did not -find it at once, and he continued to search through other pockets. At -length, he rose, saying: - -“I believe I have lost my money!” - -He was very quiet and cool about it. - -“What’s that?” asked Herrick, who had also taken a seat at the table. -“How could you have lost it?” - -“I don’t know.” - -“You had it at the Hoffman House?” - -“Yes.” - -“He had it just outside the door here,” said Madison, “after he paid the -cabman there.” - -“I did that from loose money in my trousers pocket,” said the -Southerner. “I am not certain the rest of my money was with me then. But -I remember putting it in my pocket at the hotel.” - -“My money is all right,” said Madison. - -Herrick was looking at Frank in a very suspicious manner, but Merry was -watching Jack. Diamond again went through his pockets, but with no -better result. - -“It’s gone!” he declared, with forced calmness. “It’s plain I shall not -be able to play here to-night.” - -“I can let you have some money on your paper, old man,” said Herrick. - -“No; I think I’ll not take it. I’ve dropped enough to-night. There was -about five thousand dollars in that roll.” - -The Southerner was keeping his nerve in an admirable manner. - -“How do you suppose you lost it, Jack?” asked Frank, with anxiety -expressed on his face. - -“I haven’t the least idea,” confessed Diamond. - -“Perhaps it was lost in the cab. Do you know the driver?” - -“The cab-driver is all right,” said Herrick. “It wasn’t lost in there, -unless——” - -“Well, it will do no harm to look for it without delay,” said Frank. -“Come, Mr. Madison, will you go with us?” - -Madison looked surprised, doubtful, hesitating. He did not seem able to -make up his mind at once. - -“You have your chance to get square to-night, Billy,” said Herrick. “Mr. -Merriwell can help Jack look for his money. We’re here; let’s play the -game.” - -Merriwell touched Madison on the shoulder. - -“You had better come with us,” he said. - -“Get out!” hissed Herrick, scowling. “What are you trying to do, -Merriwell? Let him alone, will you!” - -“You see, Mr. Madison, that your friend is very anxious for you to play. -Perhaps he has a reason. You know there are ‘stools’ for places like -these.” - -Herrick jumped up and thrust himself between Merry and Madison. - -“Look here!” he panted; “if you mean to insinuate that I am a ‘stool,’ -you’re a liar!” - -Then, quick as a flash, the young Yale athlete grasped him by the -collar, lifted him, gave him a whirl and swept the faro-table clean with -his body. - -As Herrick dropped off at the other end of the table, Merriwell quietly -grasped Madison’s arm, speaking calmly: - -“Take the advice of one who would be your friend; play no more in this -place. Remember the young fellow who tried to blow a hole in his head, a -short time ago.” - -Madison turned pale. - -Men had leaped up as Charley Herrick was flung across the faro-table. -Servants rushed forward. Frowning faces surrounded Frank Merriwell. -Somebody said: - -“Put him out!” - -Herrick jumped up and started for Frank, but three men held him off, -speaking to him in a warning way. Other men attempted to take hold of -Frank. - -“Be kind enough to keep your hands off!” spoke Frank quietly, clearly, -distinctly, his eyes flashing and the hot color flaming in his cheeks. -“If you want a nasty row, just grab me. If you will have it quiet, keep -off!” - -There was something in his manner that held them off for a moment. -Herrick tried to break away. - -“If I could get hold of him, I’d break the young pup in two!” he -snarled. - -“I’ll be pleased to give you an opportunity to try that trick, sir, -anywhere outside of this house. I do not care to get into trouble here, -for I’d not have it known for any amount of money that I visited such a -place.” - -Frank spoke quietly, but his meaning could not be misunderstood. He -seemed to regard with pity the victims of the gambler who were looking -on. - -“Who are you, that you are so particular about your reputation?” -somebody asked. - -“He’s Frank Merriwell, of Yale, and I’m his friend, gentlemen!” declared -Diamond, at Frank’s side. - -“Here comes Canfield!” - -They parted to permit the serene, calm, well-dressed man to advance. His -immobile face was inscrutable. He bowed slightly to Frank, speaking in a -gentle, gentlemanly voice: - -“I am sorry, Mr. Merriwell, that you should have any trouble with a -patron of my house. I do not like to have such disturbances here.” - -Frank looked at the keeper of the gambling-house. Canfield was -interesting to him. - -“The fellow brought it on himself,” said Merry. “I had no intention of -making a disturbance, for I have partaken of your hospitality, though I -have left none of my money here. I think you made a mistake, Mr. -Canfield, in having any dealings with a man of his caliber. He is -altogether too eager for his percentage.” - -Canfield’s face did not change, though it seemed that a shade of color -rose to his cheeks. - -“Your insinuation is unpleasant, Mr. Merriwell,” he spoke, in the same -restrained voice. - -“Because it strikes home, I presume. But I am not going to make a scene -here, Canfield. I am sorry for you, but you are not nearly as much to -blame as the wolves who hold office in this city and take your -hush-money, for which they give you protection. Some day they will hear -the outcry of the indignant people; they will find they are cornered; -they will realize that they can protect you no longer with safety to -themselves, and then they will stand back and let the hand of outraged -virtue fall on you. In your extremity you need not look for aid to those -men in high places—those men whose pockets you have lined with gold. -They will turn their faces from you; they will not know you. You will -suffer; they will hold the offices they have betrayed. They will say, -‘We have cleaned the city!’ but as long as the blind people permit such -harpies to retain their positions of trust and go unpunished, vice will -still flourish.” - -Frank stopped suddenly, and then said: - -“Excuse the lecture! I didn’t mean to do it, Canfield; it was an -accident, I assure you!” - -The faintest smile curled the gambler’s lips. - -“Never mind,” he said. “I see Harvard will have to hustle in her next -debate with Yale. Without doubt you have shot off lots of truth, Mr. -Merriwell; but you are damaging my business. Would you mind going out -quietly, without further demonstration?” - -Frank could not help admiring the fellow. - -“I’ll go.” - -“Thank you,” bowed the gambler. “The man at the door will be notified -not to admit you again, so you can save time by not taking the trouble -to call.” - -“And you might have spared your breath, for there was not the least -danger that I would ever again present myself at your door.” - -“Still, I wish you to understand that I have no feelings against you. In -fact, having read about you in the papers, I learned to admire you some -time ago. If we were to meet elsewhere, I’d take pleasure in chatting -with you a while. Good night, Mr. Merriwell.” - -“Good night, sir,” said Frank, slipping his arm through Diamond’s and -turning away. - -A hand gripped Merry’s other arm. - -“Hold on!” panted a voice. “Don’t leave me! I’m going with you! I’m done -for if I don’t get out of here now!” - -It was Billy Madison, pale as a ghost, but determined to escape from the -snare which had already tangled his wayward feet. - -“Good!” said Frank, with keen satisfaction. “Come on!” - -The flushed men in evening dress stepped back before them, and they -walked from the room, descended the stairs, were helped on with their -top-coats, and left the house. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER IV - - THE OPEN HAND. - - -Madison took in a deep breath when they were outside. Frank felt the -fellow’s arm trembling. - -“Perhaps I was a fool!” he said huskily. “Mr. Merriwell, I’m in a bad -box!” - -“How?” Merry asked. - -“I’ve dropped considerable money in that place.” - -“Too bad!” - -“And I hoped to get it back.” - -“Your chance of doing so was small.” - -“I know; but there was a chance. Now there is none. And, by Heaven! I -must get that money back!” - -He stopped on the sidewalk. - -“I’m going back!” he declared. “I must do it, Merriwell! I must win that -money back!” - -“You’ll lose more, Madison.” - -“I must take the chance, for I might win. You don’t know—you don’t -understand. I must win that money back!” - -Frank fancied he did understand. - -“Don’t forget Collins,” he warned. “Madison, if you are in need of a -small sum, it may be that we can fix it, somehow.” - -The darkness hid the flush that rushed to Billy Madison’s face. - -“I couldn’t get what I need any other way than to win it where I lost -it,” he declared huskily. - -Then Frank knew that Madison was in a desperate strait, and he pitied -the fellow. - -“You shall not go back into that shark’s hole to-night,” he asserted, -keeping hold of Billy’s arm. “We’ll talk it over. How much are you -behind, man?” - -“Nearly a thousand dollars,” answered the yellow-haired youth, all his -false buoyancy gone now. - -“No more than that?” asked Frank, with apparent relief. - -“It’s as bad as ten times the sum. I can’t make it up.” - -“Can you give any security?” - -“My word, and I don’t know a man on earth who will take it for that -amount.” - -“I will.” - -“You?” - -“Yes.” - -“Why, will you let me have the money?” - -“If you will make me a promise.” - -“What promise?” - -They were walking down Fifth Avenue. Frank called a cab before answering -Madison. - -“To the Fifth Avenue Hotel,” he said, as they got in. - -“No; the Hoffman House,” said Diamond. “We are going to look for my -money there.” - -“We’ll go to the Fifth Avenue first,” said Frank quietly. - -Both Madison and Diamond were feeling quite different from a short time -before as they rolled up that splendid street. Madison was anxious, and -he could not wait for Merriwell to explain. - -“What promise do you require?” he asked huskily. - -“I know absolutely nothing about you, Mr. Madison,” said Merry; “and I -do not mean to ask embarrassing questions. I do not know your -occupation, or anything of that sort. You may hold a position of trust -where you are permitted to handle large sums of money.” - -Madison choked, but did not speak. - -“Never mind that,” Merry went on. “You have squandered a sum of money -that puts you in a bad place, and you feel that you must get that money -back. Something tells me that you are a square man—that you are a man of -your word.” - -“Thank you,” gasped Madison huskily. - -“I have a small bank-account on which I can draw. I will let you have -any sum up to a thousand on your agreement to pay as much as possible -monthly. But you must make the promise I ask.” - -“I can pay you twenty-five dollars a month—yes, I might pay fifty by -squeezing. I’ll do it—I’ll pay fifty.” - -“Twenty-five is sufficient. I shall ask no interest. All I want is my -money back.” - -“You shall have it—every penny!” - -“But you must make the promise and keep it.” - -“What is the promise?” - -“Never to gamble again as long as you live!” came impressively from -Frank’s lips. “Do you give me that promise?” - -“Yes;” cried Madison, without hesitation. “And, by Heaven! I’ll keep -it!” - -Frank grasped his hand. - -“Good boy!” he said, in a tone of earnest satisfaction that impressed -the yellow-haired youth strangely. “You will have to cut your friend -Charley Herrick in order to keep that promise.” - -“I shall cut all my friends of that set, Mr. Merriwell—I swear it! I -have learned my lesson this night. That poor fellow who wanted to blow -his brains out—ah! that turned my blood to water! It showed me the road -I was traveling. I felt that I might stand in his place before the night -was over!” - -“And so you might had you stayed there to gamble. Had you won to-night, -you would have come back. Some night you would have lost everything. -That would have been the end.” - -Madison shuddered. - -“I know you have saved me, Frank Merriwell!” he said. “But who are you? -Are you some good angel who goes round saving foolish fellows from the -results of their folly?” - -“Not exactly!” - -“And how can you he sure you’ll ever get back one dollar of the money -you have offered to loan me? - -“I am sure because I believe in you.” - -“But you may be deceived. You know that. You may not get the money back. -How dare you take the other risk?” - -“I dare not take the other risk!” - -“Why—what do you mean?” - -“If I did not take this risk I know what the result would be. If I did -not let you have the money, I know you would go straight the downward -road to destruction. I consider a human life and a human soul worth more -than a paltry thousand.” - -Billy Madison was dazed, for he had not believed there was in all the -world one person like Frank Merriwell. Such unhesitating and unselfish -generosity astounded and bewildered him. - -“You must be very rich!” he said. - -“I am not,” answered Frank. “Every dollar I own in this world I have -made myself. The money I shall let you have is the royalty paid me by a -theatrical manager who is handling a play I wrote.” - -“But your father—the richest man in America?” - -“Has never given me a dollar of money. I have no doubt that he would if -I needed it; but I’ve never been forced to ask him for it.” - -Madison’s wonder and admiration for this Yale man grew. - -“It’s wonderful!” he muttered. “I don’t quite understand it.” - -“I know some persons would call me easy,” said Frank; “but I’d rather be -called that than think that I had the opportunity to save a single soul -from destruction, and let it pass.” - -“That’s Merriwell!” thought Diamond. “He’s the only man I ever knew who -was not afraid of being sized up as a soft mark. He had rather everybody -would think him a mark than do a thing he fancies is wrong. If this -world had a few more Merriwells in it, it would be a better place.” - -Diamond was right. The fear of being regarded as “soft” makes moral -cowards of the most of us. We hesitate to extend a helping hand to a -brother in distress for fear the world will look on, laugh, and dub us -“silly.” And repeated refusals to offer aid renders us callous and hard -and unfeeling, so that we give little heed to distress and do not seem -to care when we see a human soul, like a disabled vessel, drifting down -the stream of life to the cataract of destruction. “It’s none of our -business,” we say, and let it go. It is our business—it is your -business, my business, everybody’s business! It is our duty to stretch -forth a hand to succor and save the unfortunate creature if it is in our -power to do so. - -Twice this eventful night the hand of Frank Merriwell had been stretched -out, each time to men who were strangers to him, for Madison, like -Collins, could not be regarded as anything more. - -The cab rolled down to Broadway and the hotel was reached. They got out -and Frank paid the driver. - -Straight to Merriwell’s room they went, and there Frank wrote for -William A. Madison a check for nine hundred and seventy-five dollars, -which the curly-haired chap said would be enough to put him straight -before the world. - -Madison was grateful, but Frank cut short his thanks, saying: - -“The future will talk far better than any words you can say now. I am -willing to wait to see what it will say. Go straight home, my boy. When -you wish to send me money, forward it to New Haven. You may also give me -an address, where I may write to you.” - -Madison pulled out his card-case at once, took a card and wrote upon it. - -“Here is my address,” he said. “Anything you wish to know about me I -will answer. You may find out by inquiry if I tell you the truth.” - -Frank waved a hand lightly. - -“I do not wish to ask questions. Had I intended to do so, I should have -begun in the first place. But look out for Herrick. Remember my warning. -When you meet him, you do not know him.” - -“Never again!” vowed Madison. - -Then he shook hands with Frank and Jack and left them. - -“I believe you’ll receive that money back, Merriwell,” said the -Virginian; “but you are taking a risk that few fellows would dare run.” - -“And I could not have rested for a week if I hadn’t taken it,” declared -Frank. - -“Well,” said Diamond, “now that you have fixed him all right, perhaps -you will go with me to look for the money I have lost.” - -“No,” spoke Frank, “there is no need of it.” - -The Southerner stared at him in amazement. - -“No need of it?” he cried. “Why not? It’s the last ready money I have in -my possession—or the last I had, for it’s gone now. Am I of less -consequence than Billy Madison?” - -“Not at all, my dear boy; but there is no need to search for your lost -money.” - -“No need?” repeated Jack. “Why not?” - -“Because I have it here,” asserted Frank quietly, drawing a big roll of -bills from his pocket and extending them to Jack. - -“Am I dreaming?” gasped the Virginian, as he took the roll of bills and -dropped limply on a chair, staring at it in a wondering, bewildered way. - -Frank sat down, smiling. - -“If you will run the money over,” he said, “I think you’ll find it’s all -there.” - -“But—but—how did it come here?” gurgled Jack. “I—I thought——” - -“That it was lost.” - -“Yes; and you—you——” - -“Had it all the time,” finished Merry, still smiling quietly. - -“But why—when——” - -“I took it because I did not wish you to blow it in to-night at Dick -Canfield’s.” - -“You—you took it—when?” - -“As we rolled up Fifth Avenue in the cab.” - -“How did you take it, man?” - -“You sat beside me. I had noted the roll, and observed the pocket in -which you placed it.” - -A light was beginning to break on Diamond. - -“You confounded pickpocket!” he exploded, in mingled indignation, -amusement, and relief. “That was a fine trick to play on a friend, sah! -Now, wasn’t it, sah?” - -“Yes,” nodded Merry, “under the circumstances, I regard it as a very -clever piece of business.” - -“How did you dare, sah?” fumed Jack, uncertain whether to be angry or -delighted. “Why did you do it, Mr. Merriwell?” - -“To save you from being robbed.” - -“Robbed?” - -“Yes.” - -“When? Where?” - -“In that gambling-den. The chances were against you, and you were bound -to lose there if you played long enough. It is always so, for men do not -run such places for charity.” - -The Virginian sat quite still and looked at Frank in silence for some -time. At last he rose, stepped over, and stretched out his hand. - -“You are the same generous, far-seeing Merry as of old!” he exclaimed, -the flush in his cheeks. - -Frank grasped that hand, and they stood face to face. - -“Jack,” he said, “I knew something was wrong the moment I saw you in -company with those men. As soon as I discovered you were on a spree, I -determined to stay with you and learn what was doing. I did not drink -with you in the Hoffman House. I took the water, and the barkeeper flung -out the gin that I had pretended to taste as a chaser.” - -Diamond nodded. - -“Just like you!” he said. “But what made you do it?” - -“I wished to stay with you, and I had to quiet the suspicions of -Herrick. Had I refused to drink, Herrick would not have taken me to -Canfield’s. I wanted to make sure of that fellow.” - -“I begin to think that he is a confounded scoundrel!” - -“That is mild,” smiled Frank. “He is much worse than that. If I were to -express my real opinion of him I should be compelled to use profanity, -and I do not swear.” - -“I have no doubt but you are right,” said Jack, sitting down. “By Jove! -I’m feeling bad! I must have a cocktail.” - -“Jack—no more.” - -“Oh, what’s the use——” - -“No more!” declared Frank. “You are going to stop now.” - -Diamond looked into Merriwell’s eyes, and was conquered. - -“I suppose I’ll have to do as you say,” he groaned rather resentfully; -“but you might let me taper off.” - -“The only way to taper off at anything is to quit at once,” asserted -Merry. “The toper who attempts to taper off never succeeds. The man who -has not mind enough to quit a bad habit instantly and at once never can -quit. The fellow who confesses that he cannot quit without tapering off -confesses that he is weak, wavering, a creature to be pitied—a poor -thing who will never make a success at anything he may undertake. Jack, -I know you are going to feel bad if you stop short, but the only way to -do it is to stop. Brace up, shut your teeth, and take the consequences -of your own folly.” - -The Southerner nodded, his face gloomy, but beginning to show -resolution. - -“Oh, I’ll have an awful head to-morrow!” he muttered. - -“You must go to bed,” said Frank, “and try to get some sleep.” - -“Blamed if I believe I can sleep!” - -“Then fight it out, and never give up. In the morning take a cold -shower, and then get some exercise in the open air. Do not take a cab, -but go out and walk, walk, walk. Rest, exercise, cold baths, and plenty -of fresh air will bring you round to your old self, my boy.” - -“If you had been with me——” murmured Jack dolefully. - -“This would not have happened,” nodded Merry. - -“But you could not have prevented her from throwing me down.” - -“So she threw you down?” said Merry, who all along had suspected what -ailed Diamond. - -“Yes. She is a heartless, beautiful—angel!” - -Merriwell knew he was speaking of Juliet Reynolds, the handsome English -girl who had captured his heart. - -“Merry,” said Diamond, his face lighting for a moment, “she is the -fairest creature the sun shines upon! But she has black hair and eyes; -so have I. That is fatal. I have known we could never be happy together. -I told you the reasons in London, before we went out to Henley that -time. I did not mean to go, and I should have remained away. I became -her slave at Henley, and I can never love another woman. Oh, but those -were happy days on that house-boat, Merriwell! It makes me thrill to -think of them—and of her.” - -“I agree with you, Jack. As a rule, opposites should marry; but you know -there are exceptions to all rules.” - -“There is no exception in this case. You remember that I told you of my -mother’s warning. She knew, and she feared that what has happened might -happen. I should have heeded that warning and kept away from Juliet -Reynolds. I meant to keep away, but when she turned up in this country -last summer, I fell under her spell again.” - -“And I supposed everything was all right when you followed her to -London.” - -“I thought so, too; but I was wrong. For a time there was no cloud to -hide the sun in our blue sky. Not even London fog could baffle it. But -there came a change. I saw her smile on another. Merriwell, it gave me -such a feeling down in my heart that I was ill. I wanted to kill him! -Then came our quarrel. She pretended to be very indignant; I accused -her. She grew white to the lips. Then and there she told me that from -that time we were to be strangers. I declared that nothing could suit me -better, and we parted. An hour after I was willing to throw myself at -her feet and beg forgiveness. - -“The following day I went back and tried to see her. She would not -receive me. I went there time after time, and was turned away. I haunted -the place, like a fool that I am, and she avoided me. One day I tried to -speak with her as she was entering her carriage for a drive. She sprang -in quickly, spoke to the driver, and left me on the curb. Another time I -met her on Rotten Row. I was mounted, and so was she. I placed my horse -across her path. She bent forward and struck it a cut with her whip, -causing it to bolt with me. When I got the animal under control, she was -gone. At last I realized it was no use and that I had lost her forever. -When next I saw her she was at the play, and beside her in the box was -the man at whom she had smiled. Then I left the theater and tried to -drown my sorrow in the flowing bowl. I have kept it up ever since.” - -“And you have found that the flowing bowl simply served to make you -forget for a little while.” - -“Right. Whenever I sobered up a little I remembered, and I felt worse -than ever. That will be the way after this bout, old man. To-morrow I -shall be ready to blow the roof of my head off.” - -“But you are not ass enough to do anything like that?” asserted Frank. - -“I hope not,” said Jack. - -“You must have made a strike to have so much boodle with you.” - -“An old aunt—a dear old soul—died and left me half her fortune. There -were no restrictions. I was at liberty to do as I liked with it, and I -have made a hole in it.” - -Frank was glad he had stumbled on Jack Diamond that night, and he had -resolved to stick by the Virginian till certain the misguided fellow was -straightened out and again his old self. The hand that had been -outstretched to succor falling strangers should hold tight to this youth -who was wavering on the brink of a frightful abyss. - -“Jack,” said Merry, “you shall not ruin your life for a woman. You may -have been too hasty in quarreling with her——” - -“I was—I know it now! I knew it an hour after the quarrel. But she would -not see me, and all my letters to her came back unopened. I could not -put myself right in her eyes.” - -“She is very proud.” - -“So am I! There are no prouder people in all Virginia than the Diamonds; -but I was willing to humble myself before that girl, to confess that I -was wrong, and to ask her forgiveness.” - -“Having failed, your pride should keep you from going to the dogs. It is -the weak man who gives up and goes to the dogs because a girl refuses -him or casts him over.” - -After a while Jack said: - -“I believe you are right, Merriwell; yes, I know you are right. You’re -always right.” - -Merry was well satisfied with the turn of affairs. - -“Then you promise me now and here that you will straighten out and be a -man?” - -“I promise.” - -“And you will have nothing more to do with Herrick?” - -A sudden cloud came to Diamond’s face. - -“As soon as the McGilvay bout is over I will shake Herrick,” he -promised. - -“The McGilvay bout—what’s that?” - -“A prize-fight. It is called a sparring exhibition, but it is to be a -fight to the finish.” - -“Well, how does that connect you with Herrick?” - -“Herrick’s friends have an unknown who is to meet Pete McGilvay.” - -“Well?” - -“The unknown is said to be a middle-weight wonder, but is not a -professional.” - -“Go on.” - -“Odds of two to one have been offered on McGilvay.” - -“Yes?” - -“Herrick was confident that the Unknown would have an easy thing with -Pete.” - -“And you bet on the Unknown?” - -“Exactly.” - -Frank took a breath. - -“How much?” - -“Five thousand dollars,” answered Jack quietly. - -Frank looked grim and worried, shaking his head a bit. - -Diamond observed this, and asked: - -“You think—just what?” - -“I am afraid you are in a trap, old man, to be frank about it.” - -“I may be,” nodded the Virginian, “for I have trusted to Herrick’s word. -I see now that I was a fool to trust the fellow in anything.” - -“These fights, you know, are seldom on the level. In almost every case -they are fixed in advance. Prize-fighters, like many politicians, may be -bought easily if you have plenty of dough. Some of the recent fights in -this city have been the most open cases of robbery ever recorded. Every -square sport—and there are a few square men who call themselves -sports—is disgusted with the rottenness of the affairs here. The man who -puts his money on one of these bouts without knowing just how the land -lays is taking a leap in the dark, with everything in favor of a -terrible jolt when he strikes.” - -“But I supposed I knew; I thought Herrick on the level.” - -“And the chances are that you have put your foot in it. Is there no way -to hedge?” - -“I don’t know. Perhaps I might find somebody to put money on the Unknown -if I offered odds enough.” - -“It would be taking a desperate chance. When does the fight take place?” - -“To-morrow night.” - -“Well, it’s no use to worry over it to-night, Diamond. To-morrow we’ll -see what can be done. You are to stop here with me.” - -“But——” - -“There are no buts about it. Just get out of your clothes and turn in.” - -The Virginian made no further protest, and thirty minutes later he was -sleeping heavily in Frank’s bed. - -Merry came over to the bed, and stood there looking down at Jack. - -“Poor boy!” he murmured. “It was great luck that I ran on you just when -I did, for you were already well entangled in the snare. I must save you -and put you on the right road again.” - -Then he quietly left the room and descended to send a telegram to his -father, addressing it to Charleston, South Carolina, and asking for ten -thousand dollars. - -For the first time in his life Merry had brought himself to make such an -application to his father. And now it was not for his own sake, but for -the unfortunate boy, Harry Collins. - -Having seen that the message was despatched without delay, Frank -returned to his room and turned in for the night, having seen that Jack -was still asleep. - -Diamond slept late the following morning, but Merry was up early, as -usual, took a cold plunge, a rub-down, and some brisk exercise before -awakening Jack. - -The Virginian was dejected enough when he opened his eyes to the morning -light. He had a splitting headache, while his mouth was dry as a chip, -and there seemed to be a coat of fur on his tongue. - -“Merriwell,” he said solemnly, “a man is a thundering fool to drink!” - -“It’s a good thing you’ve found that out,” smiled Frank. “But you want -to remember it. Lots of men find it out, but they have a way of -forgetting quickly.” - -“I think this will do me very well,” declared Jack. - -“Wouldn’t you like a big drink of whisky?” Merry asked. - -“Not on your life!” cried Diamond, with a look of repugnance. - -“Then you are all right. When a fellow gets so he feels that he must -have a drink the first thing in the morning he is on the road to a -drunkard’s grave. I’m glad to hear you say you do not want anything.” - -“But I do want something,” groaned Jack. - -“What is it?” Frank asked, in apprehension. - -“I want to drink about a barrel of good cold water. I’d like to be -backed up to a watering-trough.” - -Frank rang for ice-water at once. When the boy brought it, Jack seized -the pitcher and came near drinking its entire contents without pausing -to take breath. - -“Now I have a good tub of ice-cold water waiting for you,” said Frank. - -“Great Scott!” gasped the Southerner, in horror. “I can take a cold bath -when I am feeling all right, but I don’t believe I have the nerve for it -this morning, old man. You’ll have to let me off.” - -“It can’t be done. You must take your medicine, my boy. It’s just what -you need.” - -“Have you no mercy, Merriwell?” - -“Not in a case like this. You do not deserve mercy.” - -With many protests, Jack was dragged out of bed and compelled to take a -plunge in the icy water of the bath. After the rub-down he felt a little -better, but he was ready to gulp down another pitcher of ice-water, -which he easily accomplished before getting dressed. - -“You’re a hard doctor, Merry,” he said, with a rueful grin; “but hanged -if I don’t believe you will effect a cure.” - -He did not want any breakfast, but Frank would not let him off till he -had taken a glass of milk in which an egg had been beaten. - -“Now,” said Merriwell, “for a good brisk walk in the open air.” - -“Wait till I get a cigar,” said Diamond. - -“Not much!” exclaimed Frank. “How much good will a cigar do you? How -much good will a walk do you if you are making a smoke-stack of -yourself? When a man goes out to take exercise in the open air he should -keep tobacco out of his mouth. As he walks and smokes, the fumes of -tobacco get into his lungs and taint the pure air that should be filling -their every cell. Thus he robs himself of the beneficial effect he might -receive from his walk.” - -“All right, all right,” muttered Jack feebly. “Don’t lecture! I won’t -smoke. But you’re not going to walk far, are you?” - -“Not very.” - -“About how far?” - -“Five miles.” - -Diamond protested; he was in no condition to stand it. His protests were -unavailing; Merry said he must stand it. - -So they set out, and Frank set the pace, which soon brought the color -into Diamond’s pale cheeks. North-ward along Broadway they strode until -the park was reached, and then Frank gave his companion a merry chase -through the park, coming out at last on Fifth Avenue, by way of which -they returned to the hotel. - -Jack was pretty tired when they got back there, but he confessed that he -was beginning to feel better. - -Now Frank sought to find out if there had come a reply to the message he -had sent his father. On inquiry, he was informed that Mr. Charles -Merriwell had sailed from Charleston on the steam-yacht _Petrel_ early -the previous day. - -“Sailed for what place?” asked Frank. - -But that they could not tell him, only knowing that the gentleman had -sailed and the message to him had not been delivered into his hands. - -Frank looked troubled. After a little meditation, he sent other -messages, in the hope of finding out his father’s destination. - -“I need his money now if I am going to save Collins,” Merry thought. “I -have not enough money of my own—not half enough. If I cannot reach -father, I’m afraid Collins will be in a bad scrape.” - -Languid and weary, Jack Diamond was resting when Frank went up to the -room. - -“Haven’t even energy enough to go to my own hotel,” he said. “You pumped -it all out of me this morning.” - -“But you’ll find it will come back in time. Why, man, can’t you see what -the life you were leading was bringing you to? Here you are without life -or ambition, exhausted, listless, languid—you who used to be full of -fire and spirit and go. Do you like it?” - -“It would be easy to put some fire into me now.” - -“How?” - -“Let me have a few drinks.” - -“False fire—fire that burns out both body and soul. That fire has -utterly destroyed many a fine fellow. The only way to be sure it will -not enfold you in its consuming grasp is to keep away from it. The chap -who plays with it is taking chances.” - -“That’s so,” Jack nodded. “I know it well enough; you don’t have to tell -me. Still, I think it may prove to be a good thing for me that you ran -across me last night.” - -The Virginian was willing to give Merry credit for everything due. - -Frank paced the floor. - -“How long are you going to stay in New York?” Jack asked. - -“I don’t know. Yesterday I meant to leave this morning, but now—well, I -cannot leave before to-morrow. I have to meet Collins at noon to-day, -and I wish to hear something from my father. Jack, how much ready money -have you?” - -“What’s left in that roll you saved for me last night, about five -thousand.” - -“Not enough.” - -“You want money?” - -“Must have it.” - -“What for?” - -“Never mind; but I must have it.” - -Diamond had not heard Merriwell’s talk with Harry Collins, and he did -not know Frank was determined to give the boy a lift by letting him have -such a large sum. - -“You may have every dollar I’ve got,” said Diamond quickly. - -“It will do me no more good than ten dollars would. I must have ten -thousand. I expect to reach my father some time to-day, and I can get it -from him.” - -Jack was curious to know why Merry wished for such a large sum, but he -knew better than to ask. If Frank meant for anybody else to know, he -would tell. - -“I’ve got to go to my hotel,” said the Southerner, rising. “I’ll settle -and come back here to stop to-night, so that we may be together.” - -“Do,” said Frank. “We must stick together while we are in this town.” - -“Expect I’ll be likely to strike Herrick watching for me.” - -Frank looked startled. - -“If you do——” - -“Don’t worry, Merry; I’m done. I pull up right here.” - -“Stick to it, Jack. If you see Herrick, cut him cold.” - -“You forget that the fellow has an interest in the Unknown. He might -throw me down by fixing the fight and buying the Unknown off.” - -“He’ll throw you down, anyhow. The Unknown is booked to lose that -fight.” - -Jack paled, and his lips were pressed together. - -“Well, I’m out five thousand dollars if that is true,” he said. “I’m -paying well for my foolishness.” - -“Get back as soon as you can,” urged Frank, “and we’ll take lunch -together. We can talk the matter over. It’s a shame to lose so much -money—to be robbed of it! For you are being robbed, Jack!” - -“Haven’t a doubt of that now; but what can I do?” - -“You can knock Herrick down; but perhaps you had better wait till you -are sure the game is lost.” - -Diamond left, and Frank, not a little perplexed and troubled, waited for -Collins to appear. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER V - - FRANK’S SURPRISING PROPOSAL. - - -Promptly at the time set Harry Collins was on hand. Frank had him -brought up to the room and received him there. - -Collins was pale and downcast, his whole appearance being one of extreme -anxiety. Merriwell took the lad’s hand, studying him closely. - -“Naturally honest, but young and susceptible,” Frank mentally decided. -“If he escapes from this pitfall, he may make an upright man and a good -citizen.” - -He had feared that by daylight Collins might prove a disappointment to -him. He had feared that on their second meeting he might feel that the -chance of risking so much money to save the fellow was too desperate. -Now he was satisfied, and he did not regret what had passed his lips the -previous night. - -“But the money—how was he to get it?” - -Collins looked at him anxiously. - -“Sit down,” invited Frank, “and let’s talk this matter over.” - -The youth showed signs of apprehension, but accepted a chair. - -“How much money must you have? What is the very smallest amount?” asked -Frank. - -The unfortunate boy blushed with shame. - -“I need fully ten thousand dollars,” he said. - -“You must hold a position of great trust?” - -“I do. When my father died I was given a place in the bank of which he -had been president for many years. I advanced rapidly, till now I am -paying-teller.” - -Merry had fancied the youth must be employed in a bank. - -“And you have misappropriated funds?” - -Collins’ face became crimson. - -“That is a mild way of stating it,” he said huskily. “You are right. I -have squandered the money trying to make more. It is gone, and I know I -am on the very verge of ruin. I know discovery is certain within a day -or two, at most. It is liable to come any time, and I feel that I am -living over a deadly mine. It is terrible!” - -The lad’s face had turned white as death as he thought of his peril, and -Merry’s sympathy was again awakened to the fullest. - -“I took desperate chances last night,” Collins went on, “hoping to make -a strike in that cursed place and win back enough to set myself right at -the bank. I failed, and but for you I should have blown my brains out -there. I have clung to your promise to help me, but it seems too good to -be true. I cannot understand how a stranger can do such a thing. - -“As I have thought it over this forenoon I have turned hot and cold by -turns. First I would be buoyed with hope, and then my heart sank in -despair as I realized the impossibility of receiving aid in such a -manner. I have feared that you simply gave me the promise in order to -keep me from killing myself at the time. I have been in terror lest you -would not be here when I called. And now I am shaking with the -apprehension that somehow I misunderstood you. Did you offer me the -money, Mr. Merriwell? For mercy’s sake say you did, and that you have it -ready for me!” - -Collins seemed on the point of flinging himself on his knees before -Frank. - -“Steady, my boy,” said Merry, with a reassuring smile. “I agreed to let -you have the money.” - -A cry of joy broke from the pale lips of the youth. - -“And you have it—here?” - -“Not now—not yet.” - -“But great heavens! the danger—I have told you of the danger! I must -have the money right away—if at all. My mother——” - -“I am doing everything I can to get it. Unfortunately, it is far more -money than I have of my own. I have sent messages to my father, but he -sailed on my steam-yacht yesterday. The moment I can reach him I can -make arrangements that will bring the money into my hands in a hurry.” - -“And that may be too late!” groaned Collins. - -Frank hurried to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder. - -“Keep up your courage,” said Merry. “I’ll do everything I can. You are -not lost till the truth is discovered. Even then, if such a thing should -happen, you might fix it by restoring every dollar taken.” - -“But the shame—I could not live through it! I could not face those men -who have trusted me!” - -The youth broke down, covered his face with his hands, and sobbed. Frank -longed to possess the money at that moment, but it was not at hand. He -talked reassuringly to Collins, who braced up after a little, wiping the -tears from his eyes and looking more ashamed than ever. - -“I’m a poor, weak thing!” he exclaimed in strong self-contempt. “How you -must despise me!” - -Merry did not despise him, but was thrilling with sympathy and pity for -him. He convinced Collins of this after a time, and then the unfortunate -lad told the complete story of how he had obtained the money and kept -the knowledge from the other bank officials. He told Frank the name of -the bank, holding back nothing. - -When the tale was finished, Frank was somewhat pale himself, for he saw -that Collins was truly in constant danger of discovery. Indeed, the -wonder was that exposure had not already overtaken him. - -“Come to me here this afternoon immediately after the closing of the -bank,” directed Frank. - -“Will you have the money then? Do you think you will?” - -“I hope to, but I cannot be sure. I shall do everything possible to -obtain it. You will come?” - -“Oh, yes. I will do anything as long as there is the least hope. I shall -pray that you get the money—for my mother’s sake!” - -When Collins had departed, Merriwell paced the floor for some time, his -face wearing a look of deep thought and anxiety. - -“If there were any honest way of getting possession of that money!” he -muttered. - -Diamond came back, and found Frank thus. - -“Well,” Jack cried, “I’ve seen Herrick, and now I know you were right.” - -“Eh?” said Merry, as if not quite comprehending. “About what?” - -“That prize-fight business.” - -“A put-up job?” - -“Not a question about it.” - -“What is the new development?” - -“Herrick advises me to hedge.” - -“Why?” - -“He says the Unknown is ill and out of condition.” - -“Well, how about hedging?” - -“The thing has leaked, and bets cannot be made at any odds.” - -“You are in a trap.” - -“That’s right,” nodded Jack gloomily. - -“I suspected it,” said Frank. “If the Unknown is not in condition, why -not call the fight off?” - -“Herrick claims that it has been tried, and that McGilvay will not -agree.” - -Again Frank walked the floor. - -“It’s enough to drive a fellow to drink again!” said the Southerner -despairingly. “I hate to be bled in this way.” - -Frank said nothing, for he did not hear a word. He was walking up and -down, his hands in his pockets and his eyes on the carpet. Of a sudden, -he uttered an exclamation, stopped short, jerked his hands out of his -pockets, and smote his clenched right fist into his open left palm. - -“It might work!” he cried. - -“What?” asked Jack, rousing up and showing some interest. - -Frank strode over, grasped Diamond by the shoulder, jerked him to his -feet, and cried: - -“Take me to that fellow Herrick! Don’t lose any time about it, either!” - -“What—what are you going to do?” - -“I’m going to try to save that money for you.” - -“How can you do that?” - -“Never mind. If I do save it—if I fix it so you win this bet, will you -loan me the amount you win?” - -“Great Scott! If you fix it so I win, you will save me the money I have -wagered. That’s all I ask, Merriwell. You may have every blamed dollar -of the winnings to do with as you like.” - -“Ten thousand!” exclaimed Frank. “Just what I need! Take me to Herrick!” - -They found Herrick at the Hoffman House, and Herrick was surprised when -Merriwell met him with a show of cordiality. - -“Mr. Herrick,” said Frank, “Diamond tells me that your Unknown is not in -condition and may lose the bout to-night.” - -“That’s right,” nodded Herrick. “He’s as good as licked now. I’ve warned -Jack to hedge.” - -“You don’t want to see Diamond lose that money?” - -“Well, I guess not!” exclaimed the man with the dark mustache, making a -show of sincerity. “Jack is my friend.” - -“This Unknown is entered simply as an unknown?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then why don’t you put another man in his place? Why do you fight him -when it is a sure thing that he must be whipped?” - -“I don’t know of another man who will fill the bill. He must be a -middleweight amateur, and I do not know of a man in New York or within -reach who can stand a show with Pete McGilvay.” - -“Perhaps I know of such a man.” - -“You?” - -“Yes.” - -Herrick looked startled. - -“I don’t believe it, begging your pardon, Mr. Merriwell. But who is the -man?” - -“I am.” - -Herrick’s jaw dropped; after a moment he looked amused, but attempted to -hide a smile. - -“Really, Mr. Merriwell,” he said, “I think you underestimate McGilvay’s -fighting-ability. He is a wonder. I believe that he will some day stand -a show of carrying off the championship of this country.” - -Diamond had been astounded by Frank’s proposition. His hand fell -suddenly on Merry’s arm, but Frank motioned for him to be silent. - -“That is all right,” said the young Yale athlete; “but I am pretty -clever with my hands, and I feel sure I can make a better showing than -an Unknown who is on the sick-list. You profess to be Jack Diamond’s -friend, and Jack has a wad of cold cash bet on your Unknown at your -recommendation. I know he will be satisfied to lose it if I am permitted -to take the place of this Unknown. In that way you will be showing that -your professions of friendship are more than empty words.” - -Herrick wavered. In his heart he believed that this smooth-faced, -conceited youth would prove a snap for McGilvay—he had no doubt of it. -There was not the least danger that the accomplished bruiser would meet -his match in a mere college lad. If he refused to permit Merriwell to -take the place of the Unknown, it would seem that he was determined to -give Diamond no show. If he permitted this, it must seem that he was -willing for Jack to win out if possible. That would set him right with -Diamond, who was a bird worth plucking. - -“If you really think there is a show, Mr. Merriwell——” - -“You’ll do it?” nodded Frank. “Good! I will be on hand and prepared to -go into the ring.” - -“I’ll bring my influence to bear,” Herrick hastened to say. “You know I -am not the only one interested. I’ll do what I can.” - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VI - - THE UNKNOWN WINS. - - -The Thor Athletic Club was packed to suffocation. Tier upon tier rose -the mass of humanity on every side of the platform. There was a perfect -babel of voices. The preliminary bouts had been “pulled off” after the -usual manner, and the audience was waiting eagerly for the final event -of the evening, a ten-round contest between Peter McGilvay and an -Unknown. - -“Who is this Unknown?” asked a stout, fat-faced man. - -“Some say it’s Bob Emerson, of Brooklyn,” answered a gray-mustached -gentleman in evening dress. - -“Bob Emerson couldn’t stand up t’ree roun’s in front o’ McGil,” asserted -a bullet-headed fellow. “Spot Herrick’s not fool enough ter back dat -sort of a duffer.” - -“Wot’s der matter wid yer, Denny?” contemptuously exclaimed another. -“D’yer t’ink Herrick’s in dis on der level? W’y, I’ll bet me spuds he’s -backin’ Pete.” - -Suddenly the master of ceremonies entered the roped arena and enjoined -silence by a gesture, after which he announced the final event of the -evening. - -As he retired from the platform there was a shout of welcome, and -McGilvay, followed by his seconds, came on. The prize-fighter had a -thick neck and huge, bunchy shoulders. His legs were not properly -developed, and his appearance was anything but graceful. He bowed to the -crowd, and then retreated to his corner. - -All eyes were strained to catch a glimpse of the Unknown. There was a -pause, and then he came on. - -There were muttered exclamations of admiration, for never had a -handsomer youth stepped into the squared circle. Chest, shoulders, arms, -legs—every part of his body seemed perfectly proportioned. He had a -fine, shapely head set upon a beautiful neck, which swelled gently at -the base. His every movement was graceful and confident. About his waist -was a sash of Yale blue. - -McGilvay’s colors were green. - -The seconds were professionals, and they had been astounded when Frank -Merriwell stripped before them. In street-clothes he had not foretold -his magnificent build. - -“Who is he?” - -That question buzzed everywhere, but no one seemed to know him. - -There were the usual preparations. - -“He’s handsome, but he’ll be meat for McGilvay.” - -That was the general opinion. - -The gong sounded its warning. Everything was ready. The men met in the -center of the platform and shook hands. A moment later they were on -guard, and then the fight began. - -For a moment the men sparred and circled round each other. Then the -professional rushed in. The amateur was away. He had avoided the rush -with ease. - -The professional followed the youth, who was smiling beneath the white -glare of the arc-lights. He tried to rush Frank, but again he was -baffled. - -The amateur whirled and came back. Flash-flash went his white fists. He -had struck twice, but the wearer of the green managed to avoid both -blows. - -McGilvay countered, and there was lively work in the center of the ring. -At the end the amateur retreated again, hotly followed by his -antagonist. - -“Gil is rushing him,” flew from lip to lip. “He means to make it short.” - -Neither man had been harmed. The professional did his best to corner his -foe, but he was too slow. He counted on getting in a terrible blow with -one of those hamlike fists. - -Time passed swiftly, and the end of the round came with the amateur -still running away and the professional pursuing, trying to corner him. - -“He’s afraid of Pete,” was the universal decision. “He is clever on his -feet, but Pete will corner him pretty soon, and end it with one punch.” - -The professional sat in his corner and laughed. He felt certain that it -was an easy thing. - -“W’y, I kin do dat kid wid one t’ump!” he declared. “He’s scared ter -deat’ now.” - -“Stand up to him,” advised Frank’s second. “You’ll make the crowd sick -running erway.” - -Frank said nothing. - -Clang! sounded the gong. The men were up and advancing. They met again. -They were at it once more. - -Again the green rushed the blue; again the blue retreated. It seemed to -be the same old story over again. - -“Oh, this is a sprinting-match!” cried somebody, in disgust. - -Flash!—out shot a clean, muscular arm. Crack!—the blow sounded almost -like a pistol-shot. - -The professional had grown incautious and given his foe an opening. It -had been accepted, and the blow sent Pete McGilvay clean across the -ring, to fall like a log of wood. - -“Ah!” shouted the astounded spectators, as they rose to their feet as -one man. - -The Unknown could strike a blow like the kick of a mule. This was the -first surprise. - -But McGilvay’s head was hard, and he got up before the referee could -count him out. - -He was amazed, and he had learned something. In the future he would be -more cautious. But now the amateur came at him. - -“He’s lost his head!” declared an old sport. “He thinks he can end it -right here because he got in one blow. Now Pete will do him.” - -But Pete wabbled, and the Unknown punished him severely. Blood began to -flow, but the amateur had not been harmed in the least. The breast of -the professional was heaving. - -“By heavens! Pete is getting the worst of it!” - -The man who uttered the words could scarcely believe the evidence of his -eyes. It seemed impossible. But that handsome, stern-faced youth with -the flashing eyes gave his antagonist not a moment to rest. The tables -were turned, and the aggressor of a few moments before was making a poor -defense. - -The white arms of the amateur whipped the air; his hard fists pounded -the ribs, neck, and jaw of the professional. McGilvay tried to counter, -but he was bewildered. That first terrible blow had left his head -singing and a wavering blackness before his eyes. - -The seconds looked on in amazement. They were praying for the end of the -round to come soon. It must come soon to save McGilvay. - -Now the crowd was wildly excited. Amazed by the turn of affairs, the -whirlwind style of fighting of the stranger threw them into tumultuous -admiration. - -“Look at that! He got Pete on the jaw! That was a heart-blow! He’s -cutting Pete all up!” - -The sound of the blows was plainly heard. - -Suddenly McGilvay wavered, dropped his arms at his side, and seemed to -lurch forward to meet the terrible fist that struck him fairly on the -point of the jaw. He was hurled half-way through the ropes. - -Then, amid the greatest uproar, the referee slowly counted the -professional out. - -Frank Merriwell, the “Unknown,” had won the fight, and by doing so had -saved Jack Diamond’s money and won ten thousand with it. - - * * * * * - -Jack Diamond, literally overflowing with admiration and delight, had -promptly turned his winnings over to Frank. - -“It’s your money, every dollar of it,” he said. “Do what you like with -it. Merry, you are a Twentieth Century marvel!” - -“How is Herrick?” asked Frank. - -“The sorest man I ever saw,” laughed Jack. “He had plenty of good money -on McGilvay. I’ll bet the biggest part of what I won came from his -pocket.” - -“Then I’ll see if I cannot do some good with the stuff,” said Merry. - -An hour later, in his room, he handed the money to Harry Collins, whose -emotion choked him so that he could not utter his thanks or express his -gratitude. - -“Not a word now,” said Merry. “My boy, to get that money and save you I -did something no man could lead me to do for myself. Use it to save -yourself—and your mother. Perhaps it was more for the sake of your -mother, whom I never saw, that I did it, than it was for yours. My -mother is—dead!” - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VII - - FRANK EXPLAINS THE SITUATION. - - -“I have seen that face before,” declared Frank. - -“I thought I had at first glance,” confessed Jack Diamond. “That’s why I -stopped and stared. She must have thought me a chump.” - -The two friends were at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Twenty-third -Street. They had been sauntering along, when the attention of both was -attracted by a strangely handsome face in the passing throng. A pair of -midnight eyes flashed them one swift glance as the girl hurried on. Jack -stopped in his tracks. - -“Merriwell,” he said after a moment, “you can’t guess of whom she -reminded me?” - -“I shall not try to guess.” - -“Juliet,” said Jack. - -“She does look something like her. She has a fine figure. I am sure I -have seen her before.” - -“What made it seem more like Juliet,” muttered the Virginian, “was that -she appeared startled by the sight of one or both of us.” - -“I was startled,” confessed Frank, gazing after the retreating figure, -“for it seemed to be the face of somebody I knew.” - -The girl had been swallowed up in the throng on the south side of the -street. - -“She was like Juliet,” murmured Jack; “though not so handsome.” - -“She was quite as handsome as Juliet Reynolds,” Frank thought, but he -did not speak the words aloud. Instead, he said: “Let’s turn back, Jack. -I’d like to get another glimpse of her.” - -“You?” exclaimed the Virginian, in surprise. “Why, I thought Elsie——” - -“There are a few things you do not know, old chum,” said Merry, forcing -a smile, which was not quite free from regret and pain. - -They had turned about. - -“But Elsie Bellwood is in love with you, Merriwell,” Diamond insisted. -“I know it, old man.” - -“You think you do; but you have been abroad for some time, and things -have happened while you were away.” - -Jack was astonished. - -“Why,” he breathed wonderingly, “you don’t mean to say—to say———— What -do you mean, anyhow?” - -“That it’s all off between Elsie and your humble servant.” - -“Impossible!” - -“True, just the same.” - -“I can’t believe it now. You are joking, Frank!” - -“Do you think I would joke about a thing like that?” - -“Forgive me, Merry; I know you would not. You never boasted of your -‘affairs of the heart.’ You were not that kind. And you might have -boasted truthfully, for all the girls seemed to get smashed on you. You -never talked of such things.” - -“And I did not mean to speak of this, but you——” - -“I know—I brought it up. Pardon me, old man, I don’t like to seem -curious about such things, but I can’t understand it. Do you mind -telling me what has happened? If you do, all right—don’t say a word.” - -“I couldn’t tell everything if I tried, Jack, so I won’t try. But there -have been strange developments. Hodge saved Elsie from a burning steamer -off the coast of Georgia. Rather, he attempted to save her, and they -were shut in together by the flames so it seemed that neither could -escape. Then and there the love for her that he had kept hidden in his -heart—hidden even from himself—burst forth, and he told her everything. -After that they were able to escape.” - -Frank paused. He had not explained that it was he who had rescued Bart -and Elsie from certain death. - -“Hodge?” muttered Diamond. “That fellow? And he has——” - -“He acted the man,” asserted Merry instantly. - -“How?” - -“By standing face to face with me and telling me everything. He would -have withdrawn, though I know he is passionately in love with Elsie. -With a word I could have sent him away from her, for he is as loyal a -friend as man ever had. He would sacrifice himself for me. But why -should I ask that of him?” - -“Because it is your right!” declared Diamond earnestly. “Elsie knew you -first—cared for you first. Hodge has no right to come between you.” - -“That is one way of looking at it. There are other ways. I have never -spoken plainly to her—that is, I have never made a definite and -outspoken proposal. How could she be sure that I ever would? Why should -she feel bound to me in any way, save by the tie of friendship, which -has not been broken by anything that has taken place? There was no -reason, Jack. You can see that.” - -“Well, looking at it that way, perhaps you are right; but——” - -“There are no ‘buts’ about it, my dear boy. It is hard, common sense. I -had no real claim on Elsie, and I could not feel wronged if she were to -marry Hodge to-morrow.” - -“Hodge knew; confound him! He——” - -“Even he could not be sure I cared more for Elsie than for Inza Burrage. -You must remember that both of these girls have been very dear friends -to me.” - -“Well, the confounded cad should have waited till he was sure which you -preferred! Hang it, Merriwell! I resent it that any one of your friends -dared step between you and——” - -“That’s where you are wrong, Jack. You do not pause to think of the -circumstances. You must remember that they were on a burning steamer and -facing what seemed certain death for both of them. For years Hodge had -cared for Elsie deep down in his heart, but had smothered the passion -and had even made himself believe it did not exist. The peril, his brave -attempt to save her, their hopelessness, all led to the uprising of his -love, so that at last he could no longer blind himself. He did not think -he was betraying me, for death could not be avoided. He would not have -been human had he kept silent then.” - -“Perhaps you are right,” admitted the Virginian reluctantly. “But you -know I’ve never fancied the fellow particularly. It does not seem right -for him to win Elsie, and I do not believe he will make her happy. Think -of his passionate disposition, his reckless ways——” - -“And think of her moderation and gentleness. She will soften and change -him. Her influence over him will be of the very best. I believe he will -stand ready to lay down his very life for her. I am sure he will do -everything in his power to make her happy. That is—if she ever accepts -him.” - -“Then she hasn’t——” - -“Not yet.” - -“Frank, she still——” - -“She says she will never marry.” - -“Frank, she still cares more for you than anybody living! All girls say -they are going to be old maids. It gets to be a silly habit with them.” - -“Elsie is not a silly girl.” - -“Oh, I didn’t mean that; you know what I meant. But how about Inza -Burrage—she remains true to you?” - -“As a friend. She has been nothing more for a long time.” - -“I know she’s a proud, jealous girl, and——” - -“Don’t say a word against her, Jack!” - -“What do you take me for? There was a time that I did not know which -girl you cared for most.” - -A strange, inscrutable smile flitted over Frank Merriwell’s fine face. -Perhaps there had been a time when he was not sure in his own heart -which he cared for most. - -“But,” Jack went on, “I reasoned it all out, and I knew at last that you -preferred Elsie.” - -Did he know? He might have thought so, but what man knows all the -secrets of another’s heart? - -“I saw that you were fond of Inza, proud to be her friend, ready to -fight for her to the last gasp, ready to do anything for her sake, but -you did not love her.” - -Had the Virginian read Frank’s heart better than Frank himself? - -“Then,” Jack went on, as they turned up Broadway, “in my estimation, -Elsie was better adapted for you in every way. It doesn’t seem right -that Hodge should come between you, and I will not believe she really -cares for him.” - -“About that I am not certain, but my faith in him is absolute. I know he -would make any true, womanly girl a most devoted husband—that is, a girl -he really and truly loved.” - -“Perhaps so, but there is a reckless streak in him, and something might -send him to the dogs at any time.” - -“Just so,” nodded Merry. “Knowing that, I was not the fellow to revile -him and cause him to do something rash. It is to be a fair and open -show, with no underhand methods.” - -“Oh, well, you’ll win—you can’t help it. When she knows the truth she -will turn to you. She cannot blame you for not tying yourself down by a -regular engagement till after you leave college.” - -They had come to one of the handsomest flower-stores on Broadway. Of a -sudden, Frank touched Jack’s arm, calling the Virginian’s attention to a -girl who was gazing at the handsome display in the window. - -“There she is again!” said Merry. - -“The same girl we saw back there,” breathed Jack. “Even now she looks -something like Juliet.” - -“I know her,” asserted Frank. “But I can’t think of her name at this -minute. I feel certain I have seen her under far different circumstances -and far from this city.” - -“Well, I don’t think I ever saw her before,” confessed Diamond. - -“I’m going to speak to her,” said Merry. “I shall puzzle over her -identity if I do not, and I am absolutely certain I know her.” - -He advanced to the window, lifted his hat gracefully, saying: - -“I beg your pardon, but I think we have met before.” - -Jack was standing a few feet away. The girl gave a little cry of alarm. -Her cheeks a moment before had been flushed with a clear, healthy tint, -but they turned very pale, and there was a gleam of fear in her eyes as -she shrank from Merriwell. - -The Yale man was astonished by this show of fear, for it was too -intense, he fancied, to be that of a refined and timid girl, frightened -by a stranger’s address. - -Besides that, there was something in the rose-color natural to the -rounded cheeks of the girl, something in her confident and graceful -carriage, something in her easy and assured manner which seemed to -indicate that she would not fear a strange man. - -Although she was well dressed, her clothes being of expensive material, -Merriwell’s discerning eyes discovered that her style was not the style -of New York, and already he had decided that she was from some other -place. This girl seemed more like a native of Boston than New York. - -“You have no reason to fear me,” said Frank, in his most reassuring -manner. “But I am sure you will recognize me if you stop to think a -moment. If you assure me that you do not recognize me, I’ll leave you at -once.” - -Gradually the color was returning to her face, which, although refined, -had a sort of wild beauty about it that was suggestive of woods and -hills and outdoor life. She looked at Frank in surprise, but there came -a quick flash of recognition. - -“Why—why!” she gasped, and the sound of her voice seemed to stir echoing -memories within him, “is it—are you—Frank Merriwell?” - -He had made no mistake; she knew him. - -“Yes,” he said; “but even now I cannot——” - -A man dashed past Jack Diamond and went straight at Frank, who did not -see him. Without a word, he struck Merry a blow that caused him to -stagger and nearly fall. Then he clutched the girl by the wrist, his -face contorted, as he hissed: - -“So he is another one of them? How many are there?” - -She gave a cry and tried to fling him off. Diamond had leaped forward, -but Frank recovered and turned before the Virginian could interfere. - -Merry saw the girl make a vain attempt to release herself from the grasp -of the man, who was a tall, rugged, athletic-looking fellow about -twenty-five years of age. Merry did not hesitate a single instant. He -quickly snatched the girl from the man’s grasp, swinging her behind him, -saying: - -“I will protect you.” - -The fellow gave an exclamation of fury and sprang toward Frank. -Merriwell dodged the fierce blow delivered at his face, and his fist -struck the man fairly on the chin, hurling him backward to the pavement. -The assailant fell heavily to the hard stones and lay there, stunned for -the time. - -“That was a clever blow, Merriwell,” observed Diamond, his eyes flashing -and his cheeks glowing. “Very much like the one that did McGilvay.” - -Frank stepped forward and stood looking down at the man, who had the -appearance of a countryman. - -“I hope he is not severely injured,” said Merry. “He met my blow, which -made it all the heavier.” - -“Don’t worry about the dog,” advised Diamond, with a glance of contempt -toward the fallen man. - -“He must know the lady,” said Frank, turning about to speak to her. - -She was gone. Both Frank and Jack stared in surprise. She had taken -advantage of the first opportunity to get away. The Virginian whistled a -little. - -“Slipped away,” he said. “Which way did she go, I wonder?” - -Frank could not tell, but several pedestrians had paused, and a crowd -was gathering, one of whom declared the girl had entered a cab which -carried her up Broadway. Merriwell looked disappointed. - -“She knew my name, and I did not find out who she is,” he muttered. “I’m -sorry about that.” - -The fallen man was recovering. He opened his eyes and looked around, -seeming greatly bewildered. Then he saw Frank and struggled to one -elbow, glaring at the calm youth, who quietly waited for him to rise. - -“You’re one of them!” muttered the fellow, his eyes full of hatred for -Merry. “I’ll never forget you!” - -“I am sorry I had to strike you that blow,” Merry confessed; “but you -came at me like a mad bull, and I was forced to defend myself.” - -“It ain’t the blow,” said the man. “I don’t care anything about that; -but you shall pay for the wrong you have done her.” - -“I think you must be a trifle daffy, my man. What are you talking -about?” - -“You know well enough, blame yer! I don’t want to talk about it—here; -but I swear you shall pay dearly for it.” - -He rose to his feet, and, for a moment, it seemed that he contemplated -renewing his attack on Merry, at whom he stared in anger and -bewilderment. - -“I don’t see how you ever struck such a blow,” he finally confessed. -“But next time it will be my turn to strike—for her sake!” - -Then he walked away, turning into Twenty-fifth Street and going toward -Sixth Avenue. - -“What do you make of it, anyhow?” asked Diamond. - -“I don’t know just what to make of it,” acknowledged Frank, with a frown -on his handsome face. “It’s very unpleasant, and I am completely -puzzled.” - -The men who had gathered about were staring at them, and they moved away -after the man with whom Merry had had the encounter. - -“If I could recall the name of that girl, I’d feel better,” Frank -declared. “I don’t remember when I’ve ever forgotten a name before this. -But I cannot even remember under what circumstances we previously met, -though I am certain there was something very striking about it. It is -possible I may never have known her name, and still——” - -“Still, she knew yours.” - -“Yes.” - -“The man—do you remember him?” - -Merry shook his head. - -“I looked at him closely, and I’m sure I never saw him before. He is an -utter stranger to me.” - -“And he seemed to blame you for something—what was it? He seemed somehow -to connect you with the girl.” - -“I know it, and that is part of the mystery, Jack. As a rule, I enjoy -mysteries, but there is something unpleasant in this one, and I do not -like it much. If it had not been for the crowd and the public place, I’d -made an attempt to get something out of him. But I could not do it -there.” - -“We might follow——” - -“A good idea,” nodded Frank, as they turned into Twenty-fifth Street. -“Let’s see if we cannot overtake him.” - -But the man, like the girl, had vanished. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - - FRANK FINDS HIMSELF PURSUED. - - -Frank Merriwell had been detained in New York far longer than he -intended when he left New Haven, and even now he felt a reluctance to go -back, though it seemed that an unseen power was drawing him. - -He had been able to rescue Inza from great peril, he had protected her -father from probable arrest, had been in time to hold back Jack Diamond -from a reckless plunge into dissipation caused by the coldness of Juliet -Reynolds, and had saved young Collins, a stranger, from disgrace and -suicide. - -Now it seemed that his mission in New York must be completed. Now he -could return to college for the final months he was to spend there. He -thought of his old home that had been lost to him through the folly of -his guardian, Professor Scotch, and he was seized by a desire to revisit -it. - -“If I had a little more time, I’d do so,” he decided. “But I can’t do it -now. I wonder who owns the old place. My money is gone, and I could not -buy it back now.” - -Merriwell had not yet been able to communicate with his father. - -“He could buy back the old place,” thought Merry, “and he would do so if -I asked him. It would be a fine home for us, and we both feel the need -of a home. I’ll suggest the idea to him.” - -These thoughts of home brought strange fancies to him. He remembered -that he had once dreamed of sitting at his own fireside, with another -who was to be his companion for life. He had looked up from the paper he -was reading, and in his vision, his dream, he had gazed at the sweet -face of his wife, the face of———— Was it Elsie, or Inza? - -But now those dreams were to be his no more! Inza had decided that Merry -was not for her, and she had turned to the handsome, fair-haired -freshman giant, Dick Starbright. Elsie, fully believing that Frank cared -more for Inza than for her, had found in Bart Hodge a passionate -admirer. But not even Bart’s words of love had drawn a confession from -her lips, and she would only say that she had resolved never to marry. - -But Frank remained true to his friendship for these girls. Inza, proud, -beautiful, brave, was still very dear to him, and he was ready to do -anything in his power for her. Elsie—she still held a corner in his -heart, and her blue eyes haunted his dreams. - -Elsie was far away in Florida, but Inza, with her father, was now in -Brooklyn. - -“I must see her once more before I return to college,” decided Merry. - -And thus it happened that, late that afternoon, he took a Broadway car, -getting off at City Hall Park, and crossed to the entrance to the -Bridge. - -Merry paused at the loop where the cars from Brooklyn swing in fast and -thick during the rush-hours. He was looking for a certain car as he -stood there near the many tracks. Gongs were clanging, newsboys -shouting, people rushing hither and thither, and there was more or less -confusion all about. Above, the bridge-cars rumbled and the Third Avenue -elevated added to the uproar. - -Of a sudden, as Frank stood there, somebody gave him a savage thrust. - -Clang! clang! clang! sounded the gong of a car that was swinging round -the loop. - -There was a shriek from a woman who saw Frank hurled fairly in front of -the car. The motorman tried to stop the car as quickly as possible, but -he would have been too late had Merry fallen helpless in front of the -trucks. - -Frank had been flung forward headlong, with his right side toward the -track. His hands went down, but they flung him back to his feet as if he -had been made of wire springs. The car was right upon him, but like a -flash he made a long leap that took him fairly beyond the track and out -of the way. - -“Somebody tried to do me!” he thought, as he darted round the rear end -of the car, to discover who had pushed him. - -“Where is the man?” he cried, as he dashed back to the spot where he had -stood. - -“There!” cried the woman who had uttered the shriek, pointing. “There he -goes!” - -A man was sprinting across the tracks, darting between the moving cars, -flinging people aside when they blocked his path. - -Merry sprang after the fellow, who vanished behind a car. A policeman -clutched and held Frank, demanding: - -“Pwhat are yez doin’, man? Be ye crazy? Shtand still, or, begorra, Oi’ll -fan yez wid me shtick!” - -It was useless to try to explain. By the time Merry had made the officer -understand, the murderous wretch was safely out of the way. - -Only a glimpse had Frank obtained of the fleeing figure of his would-be -murderer, but he was satisfied that it must be the man who had assaulted -him on Broadway. - -“He must be a revengeful dog,” thought Merry. “He came near getting me -under those wheels, too. I’ll have to be on my guard. If he is so -determined, he’ll not be satisfied to let it drop now.” - -Merry took a car for Brooklyn, but he might have spared himself the -trouble, for, thinking he had already returned to New Haven, Inza and -her father had departed without communicating with him. - -The failure to see Inza proved a severe disappointment to Merry, and he -resolved to walk off the feeling that had attacked him. Therefore, -instead of taking a car, he walked to the Bridge. - -It was beginning to get dark, and lights were gleaming from the -thousands of windows in the tall buildings across the river when Merry -sauntered out on to the promenade. - -The wind was not strong enough to be disagreeable, but he felt the cold -out there on the Bridge, and the crisp air gave him a sensation of -pleasure and briskness which he desired. - -All at once he remembered that the last time he had walked on this -bridge Elsie was with him, and she had saved him from being flung over -in front of a car by her bravery in fighting the men who had set upon -him. Thoughts of this thrilled him through and through. - -“Dear little Elsie!” he murmured, pausing and looking about. “I would -you were with me now! You do not know it, but you are just as brave as -the bravest. There are times when you shrink from danger, appalled by -the thought of it, but always, at the supreme moment, your bravery -overcomes your timidness and you are bold as a lioness at bay.” - -This was true, and this Frank knew was the highest type of courage. The -person who never feels fear is brave, but his bravery is not nearly as -praiseworthy as that of the one who is frightened, but overcomes his -fears by force of will. The first has mere physical courage, but the -second is almost certain to possess both moral and physical courage. - -Elsie was of the latter class. That she was timid at times cannot be -denied, and that she shrank from danger must be confessed; but it is -just as true that she could conquer her timidity and shrinking, and -compel herself to face peril with steady nerves. There must be, however, -some powerful cause to lead her to this point. - -Frank paused near the spot where the encounter with the men had taken -place. As he did so, he became convinced that a muffled figure was -following him. This muffled figure had turned to the other side of the -promenade. - -All at once, quick as a flash, Merry whirled and darted across, his hand -falling on the man’s shoulder. - -“I beg your pardon,” he said, “but can you tell me———— Hello! I thought -so!” - -For he had obtained a fair look at the man’s face, and he saw it was -that of his assailant on Broadway. - -This person glared at Frank, hatred filling his eyes. - -“So you are following me about!” said Merriwell resentfully. “Well, it’s -becoming rather tiresome. Bought an overcoat since chasing me over to -Brooklyn, I see. I suppose you fancied that would be disguise enough to -fool me. Now, wait a minute; I have a question to ask you. What the -dickens do you want of me?” - -“I want—your life!” was the panting retort. “And I mean to have it!” - -Then the pursuer grappled with Merry. - -Once before Frank had fought for his life near that spot, but then he -had been attacked by two men. Both of those men, however, had been -scarcely less dangerous than this one, who fought with fury and -possessed astonishing strength. - -“Steady, fellow!” cried Frank, trying to hold the man off. “Are you a -raving maniac? Why do you wish to kill me?” - -“You know!” - -“I do not know.” - -“For her sake!” - -“That’s where you’re daffy,” declared Merry, getting a hold that enabled -him to baffle the efforts of the man for a time. “Why should you attack -me for her sake?” - -“Because you deserve death!” - -Frank was not obtaining much light, and he grew disgusted and angry with -the man. - -“I believe you’re a raving maniac!” he exclaimed. “Who is this girl, -anyhow?” - -“You know.” - -“I know her face, but I have forgotten her name.” - -“Bah! It will do you no good to lie!” - -The fellow did his best to hurl Merry against the iron rail and pin him -there. - -“Look here, man,” said Frank, exasperated, “I want you to tell me that -girl’s name. If you do that, I shall be satisfied.” - -“She may have given you a false name. If so, all the better for her. -Your stories and your sneers about her may not do her so much harm.” - -Now Merry was more than ever satisfied that he had a maniac to deal -with, and he kept constantly on his guard for any sudden move. - -“Man alive!” he said, “I’ve never told any stories about the girl. I’ve -never even known her well enough to sneer about her!” - -“It’ll do you no good to lie now!” panted the man. “You are one of them! -She told me about them? She met them in Boston, and they all wanted to -make love to her. Her father was an old fool to let her go to Boston, -but she would have her way and go. To take music-lessons, she said; but -I know she took other lessons there. You were one of her instructors, -and you whispered lying words of love to her. For those words you shall -pay!” - -With a quick wrench he had Frank against the rail, but Merry recovered -and held him off, even though the man’s muscles were magnificent. -Fortunately, the fellow was baffled by the muffling folds of the great -coat which he wore, and for that reason Frank was able to handle him -easier. - -“Where does she live?” asked Merry; but the question seemed to enrage -his assailant more than ever. - -Passing pedestrians had been attracted by the struggling men, but not -one of them offered to interfere. Now, however, arose the cry: - -“Here comes a Bridge cop!” - -“Good!” said Merry, with satisfaction. “I’ll turn this gentleman over to -him.” - -Immediately ceasing his attack on Frank, the fellow made a twisting -wrench and broke away. But when he turned to run toward the end of the -Bridge he saw a uniformed officer coming toward him on the jump. Then he -whirled back, but Frank Merriwell blocked his path. - -In sudden desperation, determined not to be captured, the man leaped -upon the parapet and prepared to spring down to the track along which -the trolley-cars passed below. - -Several who witnessed this desperate act also saw a car coming right at -hand, and shouted for him not to jump, thinking he would fall directly -before it. - -Frank sprang forward, to clutch the man’s long coat, but, with a cry of -defiance that sounded almost maniacal the fellow leaped. He struck -fairly on the top of the passing car, which carried him away, crouching -there and shaking his fist at Frank. - -“A madman beyond a doubt!” Frank exclaimed. - -The fellow had escaped, for the officer would not do anything until he -had questioned Frank and learned the meaning of what had happened. By -that time it was too late. - -When Merry finally resumed his walk over the Bridge his mind was in a -state of wonderment. He was much dissatisfied with himself for -permitting the man to escape, but he had fancied the fellow fairly -penned between himself and the officer, never anticipating the desperate -expedient to which the stranger resorted. - -Merriwell had again seen the face of the man fairly, and more than -before was he certain he had not been acquainted with the fellow in the -past. Of course, man and girl were connected somehow, and from the wild -words of the desperate stranger Frank inferred that he was in love with -her. - -That the man also believed Merriwell had somehow done the girl an injury -was also certain. He had spoken of Boston, and that set Merry to -thinking of the girls he had known there, but try as he might, he could -not remember that he had ever met this one there. - -“This business is becoming altogether too perplexing,” he confessed to -himself, as he swung along on his way over the great bridge. “If I had -plenty of time, I might make an attempt to solve it, but I doubt if I’d -feel repaid for my pains if I did so. I must go back to New Haven -to-morrow. Inza has left, and there is no real reason why I should -linger longer. Still, it is a nuisance to have to leave before I find -out the name of that girl and just why the man is so anxious to kill me. -If I had held him, the truth might have been forced from him.” - -He was not molested again during the walk, and he felt that adventures -enough for one day had befallen him. - -Leaving the Bridge at the New York end, he crossed to Broadway, and was -on the point of taking a car, crowded though it was, when a hansom cab -without a fare came along. He hailed it, and a minute later he was -seated inside, jolting northward. - -North-bound cars were packed, and the sidewalks were lined with -pedestrians hurrying homeward from their places of business. The cool -air fanned Frank’s glowing face and filled his lungs in a grateful way. - -This was New York, and to himself Merry confessed that it was the place -of places. He had traveled much, had visited hundreds of cities in both -hemispheres, had been pleased and fascinated by many other places, but -there was something about this great city that attracted him more than -any and all others combined. It was a city of rush and roar, of toil and -tumult, of poverty and wealth, of squallor and extravagance; it was not -a place of peace and gentle pleasures, such as old men enjoy; but in -every way it was such a city as fascinated the strong and determined -youth who was confident of his prowess and not afraid to meet a hundred -rivals all striving for the very goal he sought and desired. - -Frank knew this great city had swamped and overwhelmed thousands of -ambitious lads who came rushing to it fresh from the country, spurred by -ambition and lured by visions of triumphs and glories. He knew there was -that in New York which must tempt the weak and wavering, and lead them -to disappointment and failure. But he also knew that the steadfast and -bold, who possessed ability above the average of their fellow men, could -here find opportunities rarely met with elsewhere. If they grasped the -opportunity at the right moment, held fast without faltering or doubting -themselves for a moment, the reward they longed for must be theirs in -the end. - -Frank thought of the time soon coming when he would have to face the -world and make his way in some business or profession, for, even though -his father was a rich man, he was not the kind of youth to be content to -live on inherited wealth and be a nobody in the great workaday world. - -Thinking thus, the trip up Broadway seemed short indeed. Twenty-third -Street was congested where Fifth Avenue and Broadway cross, but the -hansom-driver plunged into the mass without hesitation. As a rule, -hansom-drivers are most skilled in working their ways through such jams, -and there might have been no trouble in this instance but that the horse -of another cab, passing in the opposite direction, suddenly bolted, and -there was a collision. - -In a twinkling, the cab containing Merriwell was overturned, and Frank -was thrown out. He struck so heavily that he was stunned, though he knew -men picked him up and carried him to the sidewalk, where they put him -down. - -Then he heard a cry, felt his head lifted, and, as through a dreamy -haze, he saw a beautiful face bending over him—the face of the -mysterious girl. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER IX - - THE GIRL FROM FAR AWAY. - - -It was like a dream to Frank, and he looked up at that face, which was -now filled with an expression of agony, as the girl’s lips moved, and he -heard her whisper: - -“My hero! my hero! Did I save you from the powder-keg only to see you -killed like this?” - -It was still a dream, but these words suddenly changed the scene, and he -was transported to the depths of a deep forest, far away in Maine, close -to the Canadian border. He saw himself helpless and bound fast to a keg -of powder in a deserted hut, while two brutal men hurried out by the -open door, one of them pausing and turning back long enough to say: - -“In one minute the fuse’ll reach the powder! Good-by!” - -Behind him he heard a spluttering, hissing sound, while over his -shoulder rose a mass of smoke. He could turn his head and see the -burning end of a lighted fuse that ran down into the keg. - -Those men had tied him there and lighted that fuse, their intention -being to blow him into eternity. He knew their murderous purpose would -be accomplished the moment the fire reached the powder. - -Outside, the forest was dark and grim, but he could see the sunshine -sifting through the trees, and to his ears came the chattering bark of a -squirrel. Life was very sweet to him, a mere boy on the brink of -eternity, but he could make no move to save himself. - -He tried to reach the fuse with his teeth, but in vain, and his horror -was unspeakable as he saw the gleaming speck of fire swiftly eating its -way along the smoking fuse. Even now, in his dream of that time, the -feeling of horror again seized upon him and benumbed his entire body. - -There alone, far from his comrades and the friends he loved, was he to -meet such a terrible death? - -A prayer rose to his lips, for he knew that in a few more moments no -human hand could save him. - -“God help me!” he breathed. - -But he did not cry aloud and shriek, for he believed himself far from -human beings who could hear and render aid, and he would not give his -enemies the satisfaction of hearing him express fear. If die he must, he -would die bravely. - -Then, outside the window, sounded a footstep. Then, at the broken -window, appeared the face of this girl. Instantly she seemed to -understand his peril. In her hand she had a revolver. There was no time -to run round the corner and enter the hut, for now the burning end of -the fuse protruded hardly more than an inch from the hole in the keg. -And so, quick as a flash, she had lifted the revolver and fired into -that room. - -That shot saved Frank’s life, for the bullet cut the fuse and the -burning end died out and did no harm. - -Then she came running into the hut and released him with a few swift -slashes of a gleaming knife. - -He was weak and numb, but her strong hands lifted him to his feet and -she urged him from the hut, telling him that the shot must be heard by -the two men, one of whom was her own father, while the other was a -despised suitor for her hand. - -She had brought a rifle, his own, which she put into his hands. As he -grasped it strength came back to him, and he knew that he owed his life -to this strange girl of the woods, whose father was a smuggler, and one -of the worst men in the business. - -As they emerged from the hut the two were seen coming toward the hut at -a run. They saw Frank come out, and one of them lifted a revolver and -fired at him. - -The girl had seen the movement, and, with a cry of warning and in an -attempt to keep the man from shooting, she sprang before Merry. A moment -later she fell into his arms, wounded by a bullet from her father’s -pistol. - -With an awful cry of rage, Merry had returned the shot, breaking the -man’s wrist. Then he had vowed to drop both men if they advanced another -step, and that had stopped them. - -He had feared the girl was dead, but she recovered, declaring the wound -of no consequence. Then she had breathlessly urged him to get away, -saying those men would surely kill him if he did not. He had consented -only when he knew that she had been hurt too much for him to take her -along. The best he could do was to leave her to the care of the men, for -her father loved her in his way, ruffian though he was. - -In that moment of their parting she had clung to him. He had made her -promise to write him and tell him just how much she was hurt. Then he -said: - -“It seems cowardly to leave you this way.” - -“You must!” she panted. “Good-by! I don’t know—perhaps—you may never see -me again alive. You won’t think worse of me—will you—if I ask you to—to -kiss——” - -She had been unable to say more, and she stopped, her cheeks flushed -with shame. - -What sort of fellow would he have been had he refused this request of -the girl who had saved his life! - -He pressed his lips to hers, and she whispered: - -“You are my hero, Frank! Good-by!” - -And so he left her. As he hurried along the dim old wood road he heard -her ordering one of the men to drop his rifle, vowing she would shoot -him if he did not. - -This adventure had been one of the most thrilling of Frank’s eventful -life, and often he had wondered if Hilda Dugan had died from the wound -received at her own father’s hands. If she had not, why had she failed -to write to him, as she promised? - -But now he knew Hilda Dugan was not dead, for it was she who knelt there -on the cold pavement and lifted his head to her lap, while all the -scenes of this thrilling adventure rushed through his mind in a moment. - -“Frank!” she whispered huskily, “are you badly hurt—are you killed?” - -Then he stirred and struggled to sit up. - -“I don’t think I’m hurt much,” he said. “The fall stunned me, that’s -all.” - -A crowd had gathered about, and both Frank and the girl were lifted to -their feet. Hands were brushing Merriwell’s clothes, but he paid no -heed, turning to the girl, who now seemed on the point of taking to -flight. - -“Hilda—Miss Dugan,” he said earnestly, “please don’t run away! You have -no cause to be afraid of me.” - -She was blushing with confusion and shame. - -“Oh, what have I done!” she whispered, thinking how she had flung -herself on her knees and lifted his head before this crowd. - -Two policemen were near. One asked Frank if he hadn’t better go to a -hospital and should he send in a call for an ambulance? - -“No, no!” exclaimed Merry. “Don’t do it, officer! I am all right—not a -bone broken, and scarcely an abrasion. Move these staring people along, -and then we’ll get away from here as soon as possible.” - -Then, as the two policemen scattered the crowd, Frank spoke to the girl. - -“You have done nothing unladylike, Miss Dugan.” - -“What will you think of me?” she gasped. - -“What I have always thought—that you are one of the bravest girls I ever -met. You saved my life once. Did you think I could forget that?” - -“I did not know.” - -“But you forgot to keep your promise—you never wrote me a line.” - -“I could not! When I thought it all over, I was so ashamed of myself -that I resolved never to write to you, and I thought we could never meet -again.” - -“You had no cause to be ashamed.” - -“Yes, I had. I was so bold! I saw it all afterward, and I knew how I -must look in your eyes.” - -“You saw it in a wrong light, Miss Dugan. I never thought of you as -bold. Indeed, I have thought of you in quite a different light.” - -“Truly?” - -“On my word of honor.” - -“I believe you!” she joyously exclaimed. “Nothing could make me doubt -you.” - -“Come,” said Frank; “the officer has scattered the crowd. I see my cabby -is being taken away in an ambulance. Poor fellow! And the one who ran us -down escaped. Well, you and I will take another cab to escape from the -curious eyes that are watching us.” - -Frank was himself again. He called a cab, assisted Hilda to enter, said -“Up Broadway,” and was quickly beside her. - -Frank’s head was still humming, and he was badly shaken up. Had he not -been an athlete in the finest possible condition it is probable he would -have been injured far more severely; but the fellow who can quickly -recover after being tackled while at full run on the football-field and -hurled heavily to the frozen ground is not easily knocked out by any -kind of fall. - -It is true that the man who keeps himself in the very best physical -condition can withstand shocks and injuries that would surely maim or -kill weak and flabby persons. This explains why time after time Frank -was able to endure without serious or permanent injury things which must -have wrecked and ruined a weakling. - -He had helped Hilda into a hansom, and now he was seated beside her. He -glanced at her, and his eyes told him she was even more attractive than -when he had seen her far away in the wilds of northern Maine. Often -since that meeting he had wondered if she would have appeared so pretty -to his eyes had he seen her first in a city, and now his question was -answered. - -Outdoor life had developed her till her body was graceful, supple, -athletic, and yet she was not coarse, for she had brains in that finely -shaped head, and she had known enough to use them to advantage. She had -been educated in a city school, but even then she had not been satisfied -till her father sent her to Boston, where she attended the Conservatory -of Music and came forth one of the most brilliant pupils. - -In the home of old Enos Dugan on that lonely island of Grand Lake was a -handsome rosewood piano of the very best make, and the music old Dugan’s -daughter could conjure from the instrument was the wonder and comment -from Vanceborough to Houlton. She could play wild dance tunes that set -the feet of all hearers to shuffling, or she could draw from the -polished box sad, sweet melodies which brought the unbidden tear welling -to the eye. Then, again, she could make the piano thunder and roar with -the wild music of Wagner till all the forest rumbled and boomed and -shuddered with the sound. Again, her fingers tinkled over the ivory -keys, and the piano laughed and sang like a dancing brook in the June -sunshine, drawing the birds and the squirrels to the open window, where -they listened in wonder and admiration. - -Few and ill-favored were the men freely permitted to visit the Dugan -home, but they sat and wondered to see Hilda’s white fingers fluttering -over the keys so fast that the eye could scarcely follow their swift -movements. To them it was a marvel they never understood. - -Hilda’s fame spread afar, but the sturdy youths of the region were brave -indeed if they ventured near Dugan’s island. Even the officers were -afraid of the man, and though he was reputed to be a smuggler, they -generally kept as far from him as possible. - -When Frank had first seen Hilda on board the little steamer that plied -on the lake, she was in company with a ministerial-looking man by the -name of Jones. This individual pretended that he was earnestly seeking -to spread the “holy light” in dark places, but Jones it was who aided -Dugan in capturing Frank, and Merry found that the pretended minister -was nothing more than one of the old smuggler’s chosen allies in crime. - -It was reported that Hilda Dugan was to marry this man, but Merry had -seen that his attentions were decidedly unpleasant to her. - -Sitting beside her in the cab, Frank fancied that her face was a trifle -thinner and more refined than when he had seen her last. He had -sometimes wondered in thinking of her if she had remained pretty or if -time had hardened and turned her into a woman of the wilds. Now he -realized that there was something in this girl that had battled with and -conquered the commoner part of her nature. - -For, as true as Enos Dugan was her father, there must be a coarse strain -in her. Merry wondered what sort of woman her mother could have been, -and he caught himself fancying her a sweet, gentle, delicate creature -who had been driven to an early grave by the wickedness of her brutal -husband. - -But even Merry had not seen all the sides of Dugan’s nature, for the -man, apparently a perfect ruffian, could be as gentle and tender as a -baby toward one he loved, and he had loved both his wife and his -daughter. For long years he had kept the truth from his wife, leading -her to believe him an honest trader, but one day, when an officer came -to arrest Dugan, the truth came out. The officer escaped with his life -because Mrs. Dugan begged her husband not to stain his hands with blood; -but from that time she shrank from him in terror, and within a year she -died. The shock of her horrible discovery that she was the wife of a -criminal killed her; at least, the men of the woods said so. - -Then, having buried his wife, Dugan disappeared with his baby daughter. -Years after he returned, and Hilda grew to budding girlhood near -Vanceborough, where she once attended school. Later, when the officers -became too troublesome and old Enos retired to the island far up the -lake, where his cabin was built so that one-half of it stood in Maine -and the other half in New Brunswick, the girl was sent away to school. - -Hilda’s return created a sensation, for she wore stylish clothes and she -was the prettiest girl ever seen in that region. The young men talked of -her, but the fear of old Enos kept them at a distance. - -As she sat beside Frank in the hansom cab her eyes were downcast and she -showed signs of painful embarrassment that was entirely foreign to her -usual self-possession. - -“We have escaped before the reporters could get hold of us, Miss Dugan,” -smiled Frank, “so we may keep our names out of the papers. That was one -object of my haste. Now, if you will tell me where you wish to go, I’ll -give further instructions to the driver.” - -She hesitated. - -“Never mind,” she said, still showing embarrassment. “It will be better, -perhaps, if you do not know where I am living.” - -Her words gave him a painful shock. Why should she wish to conceal from -him where she was living? The question brought all sorts of frightful -possibilities to his mind, but he tried to thrust them away. True, it -seemed most remarkable that she should be here in New York, so far from -her home, and the words of the stranger who had twice attacked him began -to sound again in his ears. He had been accused of doing her a wrong of -some sort, and did that mean—— - -“I’m afraid you do not understand,” she went on, beholding the look of -bewilderment on his face. “I hope you will not think it very strange, -but there is a reason why I do not wish you to know where I am -stopping.” - -“Very well,” he said. “That is your privilege, Miss Dugan, but I fear -you have no confidence in me.” - -“Oh, yes, I have!” she quickly cried. - -“Then——” - -“I don’t know! I can’t tell you everything. But—father is dead, and I am -here.” - -Enos Dugan, the smuggler, was dead! What had his life of lawlessness -availed him? Had he been able by his unlawful operations to get together -a fortune that placed this girl in comfortable circumstances? - -Again she seemed to read his thoughts, for she added: - -“He died poor. At least, that is the way it seemed.” - -“I am sorry,” said Merry sincerely, “for your sake. Was his death -sudden?” - -“Yes,” she nodded painfully; “he was shot by revenue officers.” - -This confession cost her an effort, but she went on: - -“He had no time to tell me if he had anything saved or hidden away. I -have thought that he had, but I cannot be sure. If he did, some one else -got it all.” - -“Who?” - -“You know the man. His name is Jones.” - -“Yes, I know the man,” said Merry grimly. “His name will be Mud if I -ever get another good chance at him. I’ve often wondered if—if you——” - -“Had married him? No! no! no! I have fought against it ever since. -Father tried time after time to compel me to, but I could get the best -of him, for, no matter what else he was, he did care for me. He really -thought Huck Jones would make me a good husband, and that was why he -wished me to have the man. Father had lived a life that made him see -everything in a wrong light. - -“He sneered at honest men, for he said they were like cowering curs that -did not dare fling themselves at the throat of their brutal master, the -law. Therefore he admired Jones because he would not be restrained by -the law. If my father had saved anything, that man Jones was the only -one who knew where it was hidden. After father’s death, finding myself -alone in the world and poor, I was in a desperate strait. Then Jones -forced his attentions upon me. He was not the only one. But I could not -marry any of them, and—I am here!” - -What had brought her to New York? What could a poor girl like her do in -that wicked, heartless city, where often a pretty face is a curse and -the purest heart falters, faints, and falls before the gnawing wolf of -hunger. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER X - - AN UNCONVENTIONAL GIRL. - - -Frank remembered that the people of Vanceborough had told him that Hilda -Dugan was rather wild and wayward. He also remembered that when he first -met her, there was something about her that had not quite pleased him, -even while it attracted him. Even then he had decided that there was -something in the make-up of this girl against which she would have to -keep constant guard, else it would lead her into folly. - -He could see that she had suffered, and something told him that even now -she was in trouble which preyed upon her mind. Then he thought of the -desperate fellow who had followed her and attacked him. - -“I was sure I knew you when I saw you first near Sixth Avenue,” he -declared. “Yet I could not recall your name. As a rule, I remember names -perfectly. In this case, however, the only time we ever met was up there -in Maine, and seeing you here, I was unable to think where and when our -meeting had taken place. It is not so very strange, for the surroundings -here are somewhat different from what they were in Maine.” - -“Still,” she asserted, “I knew you the moment my eyes rested on your -face.” - -“Did you?” - -“Yes.” - -“Yet you did not pause.” - -“No.” - -“You did not bow.” - -“No.” - -“You hurried on without a sign of recognition.” - -His manner was an accusation, and she bowed her head, as if ashamed of -what she had done. - -“It is plain,” said Merry gently, “that, for some reason, you did not -wish me to recognize you. What that reason was I will not ask, for it is -none of my business.” - -She made a feeble gesture of protest. - -“I was so startled—so astonished. I did not think of seeing you here, -and it was a shock. Yet—I knew you instantly!” - -She spoke the final words in a tone of triumph, and he almost fancied -she was reproving him for his failure to remember her name. - -“How could I forget?” she went on, her voice trembling a little. “You -have not changed—only—you’re a little older and—and—handsomer! -There—I’ve said it! I suppose it was bold and unladylike, but it would -come out.” - -Merry was compelled to laugh. - -“Miss Dugan,” he said, yet not after the manner of the common flatterer, -“you have given me the very reason why I did not remember you. You are -older and—handsomer. When I met you I thought you were—I won’t tell you -what I did think, for it will sound like a silly attempt to flatter.” - -“I’m glad you did not say it!” she exclaimed. “I know I’m not homely. -Frank of me to say so, isn’t it? But I do not believe in false modesty, -Mr. Merriwell, and I have sense enough to know what my mirror tells me. -Now, that is unconventional, you must confess.” - -It was, in truth, and something about it charmed and attracted him as he -had been charmed and attracted by this girl the first time he saw her. -She was not merely an ordinary girl who did the same things and said the -same things as other girls. She had ways of her own which made her seem -original and attractive and fascinating. To himself Frank confessed that -she possessed a most dangerous power of fascination if she but knew how -to wield it. - -“Rather unconventional,” he acknowledged, laughing. “But you have not -explained why you failed to bow to me when you recognized me on the -street.” - -“Perhaps I cannot explain, for it may be that I do not quite know -myself.” - -This was strange, and Frank feared she was trying to evade the point by -an adroit turn. - -“And you will not permit me to take you home?” - -“I have no real home in New York; I’m simply stopping here for the -time.” - -“You will not allow me to take you to your stopping-place?” - -“I think you had better not, Mr. Merriwell.” - -“It is for you to choose; but there is much we might talk about, and——” - -“Yes, yes—but—no—I will not!” - -She had seemed to waver for a moment. Frank’s thoughts flew swiftly. -They were approaching Forty-second Street. - -“Then, if you will not do that,” he said, “here is Shanley’s, just -ahead, and we can go in there.” - -“Oh, I am not dressed for it!” - -“You are dressed all right, Miss Dugan. It is early yet, and the swells -will not be out for some time. I hardly think we shall provoke ridicule -by our dress. Will you come?” - -“Oh, I’ve thought I’d like to go there, but I’ve never had a proper -escort, and——” - -“Can you make that excuse now?” - -“I didn’t mean that, but—but—what will you think?” - -It was rather remarkable for her to care what anybody thought, as Frank -realized, even though he had known so little of her; therefore her fear -lest he should think badly of her was a decided compliment to him, for -it told that she wished to stand well in his eyes, at least. - -“Miss Dugan, under the circumstances, I see no reason why we should be -extremely conventional and proper. We’ll stop at Shanley’s.” - -He signaled to the driver, who opened the little trap-door in the top of -the hansom and looked down, whereupon Frank told him where to stop. - -Merry assisted Hilda to alight, paid the driver and escorted her into -the brightly lighted restaurant. A colored man opened the door for them, -bowing as they passed in. They paused before entering the dining-room -for a boy to brush from Frank’s clothes some dust still clinging there. - -Merry chose to sit in a retired corner where they would not be -prominent, yet where they could command a good view of the room. Hilda -had asked him not to take a table near the front windows. She seemed to -fear that some one might observe and recognize her from the street. - -Frank wondered if she could be thinking of the desperate fellow who had -twice assaulted him. - -As they entered the brilliantly lighted room and followed the waiter who -preceded them to a table, Frank suddenly caught a full-length reflection -of his companion in a mirror. All in a twinkling he knew she was -wondrously beautiful and striking in appearance. Before that he had -known she was pretty, even beautiful, but not till that moment had he -realized the full extent of her beauty. She had a carriage that was -graceful and queenly, a figure that Venus herself might envy, a finely -shaped head, an abundance of dark hair and a complexion that all the -arts of make-up could not imitate. - -Frank saw some of the people at the tables turn to look at Hilda, the -men admiringly, the women not without a show of envy. - -When they were seated they fell to chatting again. - -“It’s all so strange,” said the girl. “My last memory of you is as I saw -you walking down that old wood road and vanishing into the forest. I -thought it probable we might never meet again.” - -“This world is very small, after all,” he said. “They say no one -realizes this so well as a person who has done a wrong act and tries to -get away somewhere where no one will know about it or ever hear that it -happened.” - -Again he fancied that she showed signs of confusion and distress, and he -wondered if he had touched upon an unpleasant point. He hastened to -continue: - -“Our first meeting was under most singular circumstances. You remember -how your little dog fell overboard from the steamer. You cried out for -Jones to jump for it, and, when he hesitated, you sprang in yourself.” - -“I remember,” she laughed, showing her fine teeth, surrounded by those -curving red lips. “I also remember that Huck Jones did not jump in and -get himself wet even then.” - -“No; he seemed afraid to spoil his ministerial clothes.” - -“The hypocrite! But some one else sprang into the water and swam to me. -Then—if I am right—after telling myself that that person should speak to -me first, I—I spoke to him! Isn’t that a humiliating confession to -make?” - -“Your memory is excellent, Miss Dugan,” smiled Merry. “I am sure I could -not tell which one of us spoke first.” - -“I did. I asked you why you jumped in after me, and you said you did it -in order to assist me. Then you complimented me on my swimming. But it -was a struggle to keep up till the steamer stopped and sent back a boat -for us.” - -“If I remember correctly, you did not seem to mind it at all.” - -“I think I did not let you know. You told me it was very foolish for me -to jump in after my dog. Then you asked how the dog happened to fall -overboard.” - -She stopped and gazed at him with suppressed laughter twinkling from her -splendid black eyes, and it was his turn to flush. - -“I remember that,” he confessed; “and I also remember that you coolly -told me the dog had not fallen, overboard—that you had thrown him over.” - -She continued to laugh silently. - -“You were convinced that ‘Elder’ Jones would not jump in after him, and -you wished to discover if I would be the one to take the plunge. I am -willing to confess that the dog might not have proved sufficient -inducement, but I could not resist the temptation after I saw you plunge -into the water.” - -Of a sudden the laughter died from her face and eyes. - -“I suppose it was a very reprehensible thing to do. I presume it was -extremely unladylike, and all that. It was by doing such things that I -came to have many unpleasant stories told about me. Just because I would -not fold my hands and be like other girls—soft, sappy, shy, shrinking, -and silly—people decided that I must be bad and fell to talking about -me. Now I will leave it to you, how else was I to make your -acquaintance? Perhaps I had no right to wish to become acquainted with -you, but I did wish to, and I am not ashamed to own it. - -“There was no one on that boat to introduce us. If I waited till the -trip was over, it was almost certain you would go your way, I would go -mine, and we’d never meet again. If I smiled and flirted with you openly -you would become disgusted and avoid me. Something about you made me -feel sure of that. I made up my mind that I’d find a way to become -acquainted with you—a way that would not make me seem bold and forward. -I found it. I threw my dog over, screamed, and jumped after him. I had -not misjudged you, for you leaped after me almost immediately. But then, -while we were in the water, I was conscience-stricken and confessed the -whole trick, which was a most foolish thing to do.” - -Her frankness fascinated and delighted him. From the first there had -been something about this girl that contrasted strongly with ordinary -girls, interesting Merry not a little. - -“I’m glad you threw the dog over,” he declared, with a laugh. - -“Even though it came so near costing you your life?” - -“It did not. I was following your father, any way, and should have -fallen into his trap just the same. Perhaps if you had not met me thus, -if I had not gone to your rescue, you would not have felt enough -interest in me to watch your father and Jones and be on hand to save my -life. So, you see, I should be very thankful that you tossed your dog -into the lake that day.” - -“Then,” said she seriously, “if you feel that way about it, I, too, am -glad I did it.” - -“If you had not, it is not likely we would be sitting here this -evening.” - -“But in one way, I fear, my meeting with you was a bad thing.” - -“Indeed? In what way?” - -“Just the same as my education may have been a bad thing. It put false -ideas into my head. What am I but the daughter of Enos Dugan, the -smuggler! I can never be anything else, yet I have entertained -aspirations and ambitions. I can never be a lady, for who would accept -me as such, knowing all about my parentage? If I had not received an -education, if I had been kept at home in the backwoods, if I had never -seen you, I might have married one of the many honest fellows who sought -to win me—I might have settled down and been content as the wife of a -Maine farmer. Now such a thing can never be. I have refused them all. I -have dreamed false dreams, and disappointment must be my punishment. -Sometimes I rebel against fate. Sometimes I am desperate, and I’ve even -thought of—suicide!” - -She whispered the last word, and he saw in her deep, dark eyes a look of -despair that stabbed him keenly. - -“You must not think such things, Miss Dugan!” he quickly exclaimed. “It -is not true that your situation is so terrible because of your father.” - -“Yes it is!” she declared, almost fiercely. “You know it is, Frank -Merriwell! Would you—would you want to—to marry a girl like me?” - -She looked at him defiantly, as if she knew he would not. - -“Miss Dugan,” he said, “if I really and truly loved you, if I knew you -were a good, true girl, I’d marry you even though your father were a -red-handed pirate!” - -There was no doubt but he meant it. Her bosom heaved, and she gave him a -look he never forgot. - -“I believe you,” she murmured softly. “It is just as I have ever thought -of you, and that is why you have been my hero since the day we first -met.” - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XI - - HUCK JONES. - - -This sort of talk had become far too sentimental to suit Merry, and he -was relieved when the waiter brought their orders. Over the oysters and -soup he chatted as brightly as he could, seeking to divert her mind, but -though she smiled at his bright sayings and jokes, he could see she was -still thinking of other things. Giving up trying to amuse her that way, -he suddenly asked: - -“Miss Dugan, do you mind telling me how you happened to be here in New -York? I do not wish to seem inquisitive, but——” - -“Perhaps you hadn’t better ask,” she said. - -“Of course you need not tell, but it seems strange that you are so far -from Maine. Are you alone in the city?” - -“At present—yes.” - -“You came here alone?” - -“Yes.” - -“When will you return to Maine?” - -“Never, I hope!” she almost fiercely exclaimed. “Why should I go back -there? My father is dead, and I have no home now. Back there I am still -known as the daughter of old Dugan, the smuggler. Here I am not known at -all. I can be anything I please.” - -Even as she said this a look of anxiety came to her face, and she added: - -“That is, I might be if poor Tom Stevens had not somehow traced me -here.” - -“Tom Stevens?” - -“Yes.” - -“Who is he?” - -“I fear he is a lunatic.” - -“Do you mean the man who attacked me on Broadway this afternoon?” - -“Yes.” - -“What is the matter with him? Who is he? and where did he come from?” - -“He was a schoolmaster in the town of Danforth, up in Maine.” - -“You knew him well?” - -“Yes, I met him in Danforth. He fell in love with me. I never gave him -encouragement, Mr. Merriwell. That is, I never encouraged him after I -found how crazy he was about me. I am afraid I smiled on him a little at -first, and flirted with him, thinking I was doing no harm. But I soon -found out that I had made a mistake, for he began to write to me, and -his letters were full of love. I answered one of them, and told him -frankly that I did not care for him, but that seemed to make him all the -more determined to have me. - -“He dared my father’s wrath and came to the island to see me. He tried -to plead with me, but I told him plainly I could never be anything to -him save a friend. Even then he would not give me up, and he swore to -win me. After that he haunted the lake, having given up his school. In -the fall some Boston sportsmen came down and camped in the woods on the -mainland opposite the island. Father acted as guide for them, and they -came to the cabin. I played for them on the piano, and they sang the -latest songs. They were afraid of father, and not one of them ventured -to be impolite or familiar, but Tom Stevens became insanely jealous, and -he actually attacked two of them one day. - -“For all that they were two to his one, he gave them a severe beating -and vowed he would kill them if they did not go away immediately. They -considered him a madman, and they did not stay much longer. I think he -always believed I had met them in Boston while taking music-lessons, and -invited them to come down and see me. After that Tom was worse than -ever, roaming the woods day after day with his gun. I saw him often -standing on some point of the mainland and watching the island, and I -became afraid of him. Father swore he would shoot the poor fellow, but I -made him promise not to do him harm. Now you understand all about Tom -Stevens.” - -Frank nodded. - -“And I think you are right in fancying him daffy, Miss Dugan. He must -believe me one of the Boston sportsmen, and he is determined to kill -me.” - -Then he told her all about his two encounters with Stevens on Brooklyn -Bridge. - -“He’s surely crazy as a loon!” she exclaimed. “You must be on your -guard, Frank—Mr. Merriwell. Don’t let him harm you. Have him locked up.” - -“I may do so more for your sake than for my own, as he must annoy you -greatly.” - -“He has frightened me once or twice. I was frightened to-day when he -flew at you on Broadway. When I saw you had struck him down, I hastened -away.” - -“Yes, you ran away from me. That was strange. I do not think I -understand your action even now.” - -“Perhaps I do not quite understand it myself. I have tried to explain -why I did not speak in the first place.” - -“But you have not been entirely frank with me, Miss Dugan,” he asserted. -“You have not told me everything. I know you have a right to be -reserved, but I am your friend, and you say you are alone in this great -city. You must need a protector. You have not told me how you happened -to come here, or if you are seeking work. You say your father left you -no money. What can you do here?” - -Frank was astounded to see her dark eyes fill with tears. - -“I am going to explain just why I am in New York and how I came to be -here. I told you that father persisted to the last in trying to force me -to marry that man Jones, and I also told you that I suspected my father -left money which fell into the hands of Jones. After father died that -man——” - -She stopped with a little gasp, her face turned very pale, and she sat -rigid in her chair, staring with fear-filled eyes at a man who was -advancing hastily across the room toward the table. - -That man was—Jones! - -Frank recognized the fellow at once as the smug-faced rascal whom he had -first seen in the guise of a country parson in company with Hilda Dugan -on the little lake steamer far away in Maine. - -There was a look of triumph and exultation on the face of the man, whose -eyes were fastened upon Hilda Dugan as he rapidly approached the table. -She shrank back and seemed about to utter a cry of fear, which, however, -she repressed. - -Merry started to rise quickly and step between her and Jones, but she -caught him by the arm, whispering: - -“Sit still! He has found me, but he will not dare touch me. Don’t make a -scene, please!” - -Scenes were quite as offensive to Merry as they could be to her, and so -he remained seated, though on the alert and ready to defend her -instantly if necessary. - -Jones, dressed from head to heels in black, came up to the table and -stopped, never taking his eyes off the girl. - -“So I have found you at last, have I, Miss Dugan?” he said in a low -tone, as he coolly sat down at the table. “A nice trick you played me, -but it was foolish of you to think you could lose me so easily.” - -“Pardon me, sir,” said Frank, “I will not permit you to address a lady -in my company in such an insulting manner. If you do not retire at once -and cease to annoy her, I’ll call an officer, and have you arrested.” - -Jones actually smiled. - -“I hardly think you will,” he said sneeringly. - -Frank longed to knock him down. - -“I swear I will!” he said, ready to keep his word. - -“If you do,” said Jones easily, “she will spend to-night in a cell.” - -The girl shuddered, and shrank away. Merry was startled and set back, -all at once struck by the fear that this girl had done something -criminal, else how dared the man speak in such a manner. - -“If she has,” thought Frank, “she will stop me.” And he turned as if to -call a waiter and ask for an officer. - -Again Hilda clutched his arm, panting: - -“Please don’t do it. It will do no good!” - -Jones stood by, triumphant, smiling, sneering. - -“Why don’t you call an officer, sir?” he asked. - -“I ought to, you miserable whelp!” muttered Merry, baffled. “I ought to -call one and demand that you be arrested for an attempt to murder me in -the Maine woods three years ago.” - -This gave the man a start, and he stared at Merry in astonishment. - -“You?” he said. “Why, who the dickens are you? Hanged if I don’t believe -you are the chap Dugan planned to blow up with powder! Yes, you are!” - -“Right! And you are the miserable dog who aided him in that little piece -of work. I am very sorry we met here. Had it been elsewhere, it would -have given me great satisfaction to thrash you till you begged like a -cur at my feet!” - -Jones showed his teeth. - -“That might not prove such an easy thing to do,” he snarled, in a low -tone. “So she fled to you, did she? And I suppose she is blowing you to -this feed off the boodle? Well, I’ve found her, and now she’ll have to -give it up! I’ve fooled with her for the last time. If she won’t marry -me, she can go; but first she must give me my doll.” - -Frank wondered if he had understood correctly. What could the man want -of a doll? Was it slang of some sort? - -The girl sat staring at Jones, as if in doubt about what she would do. -Frank longed to aid her in some way, but her fears had made him hesitate -about moving. - -“Where is it?” hissed Jones, fixing her with his eyes. “Give it to me! -If you do that I’ll leave you and trouble you no more. I shall be glad -to get rid of you, for you cannot be trusted.” - -She leaned forward. - -“You deceived me—or tried to,” she declared accusingly. “You told me -there were nothing but private papers hidden in her.” - -“So you have investigated?” he returned. “I knew it! It belongs to -me—every bit of it!” - -“I do not believe it.” - -“I swear it does!” - -“Even so, you are a criminal whom I might turn over to the officers.” - -“And you would turn yourself over to them at the same time, for you are -my accomplice.” - -This talk was very puzzling to Merriwell, who wondered what it could all -be about. - -“We are attracting attention,” said the girl. “Go away. I will meet you -to-morrow at ten o’clock.” - -“Don’t think me such a fool! I’ll never leave you again for a single -moment till that doll is in my hands.” - -The girl’s dark eyes flashed. - -“You may have to,” she said. - -“Oh, not much! You can’t slip me, for I know you now, and I’ll never -trust you again.” - -She began to tap her foot, while he stood there, cool and triumphant, -grinning down upon her. - -“Where is the money my father left?” she demanded, still in a repressed -voice, in order not to attract attention. “When you give me that you -shall have your old doll and its contents.” - -“He left nothing.” - -“I know better!” - -“Very well. It is folly to argue with a woman who has made up her mind -in advance. I will not contradict you.” - -“I want that money.” - -“I have no objections; want it as much as you like.” - -“You knew where it was hidden.” - -“Did I?” - -“Yes.” - -“That is news to me.” - -“While he was alive you dared not touch it, for you knew he would hunt -you down and kill you if you did. He had confidence in you, and so when -he died he left you to turn the money over to me. Not one dollar of it -have you ever given me.” - -“You have been dreaming dreams. But, perhaps, if you obeyed your father -and married me some of your dreams would have come true.” - -“That’s enough!” she said. “That is a confession that there was money! -You shall not rob me! When you give it to me you shall have your doll.” - -He remained calm and self-confident. - -“It is not a confession. There was no money, but I might have given you -some of my own, for I did care for you once, till I discovered how -treacherous you could be.” - -Frank felt more than ever like shaking the man, but was forced to remain -quiet and listen to his insolence. - -“Don’t talk to me of treachery!” breathed the girl, her face crimson -once more. “Why, I have understood you from the first, and I knew you -for just what you are—a two-faced scoundrel and a craven! You fawned at -the feet of my father, tempted many times to rob him of his ill-gotten -gains, yet prevented from doing so by the picture of him upon your -track, gun in hand. When he died, your fears ended, and you did not -hesitate to break your oath to him and rob his child. You are a -scoundrel all the way through! There is not one manly streak in you!” - -Still she had kept her voice down, but now Frank had observed that the -manner of the speakers and their earnest tones were causing curious eyes -to be turned in that direction. Had the restaurant been well filled such -a conversation must have been impossible without others to overhear it. - -Jones laughed shortly. - -“More of your dreams, young woman. It is useless to argue. All I want is -my property, and then I will leave you to this gallant youth, of whom -you have raved ever since the day he jumped into the water for you on -Grand Lake. Perhaps he will marry you, as you have hoped, but I have my -doubts.” - -It was with the greatest difficulty that Merry refrained from leaping up -and knocking the wretch down at once. - -“If the opportunity comes,” said Frank, looking Jones in the face, “I -shall make you beg the lady’s pardon for your insults.” - -Jones made a motion as if to snap his fingers, but refrained from doing -so. - -“Better not try it when the opportunity comes,” he advised. “You know -the occupation in which I have been engaged for some years, and it has -been my habit to carry a gun or knife where it will always be easy to -draw. I promise you to return your blows with bullets or cold steel.” - -“The threat of a coward!” said Frank. “But I am looking for the -opportunity just the same. If you pull a pistol or knife on me, it will -give me all the better excuse to thrash you within an inch of your -life.” - -Now, Merriwell knew Hilda Dugan must have talked of him often. Frank -also knew she had entertained wild hopes of meeting him again, and this -sneering creature beside the table had betrayed that she must have -sometimes told him she would never marry anybody but a youth like the -Yale man. - -Hilda was covered with mortification, knowing full well that Merry must -understand—must comprehend the secret love she had carried in her heart -ever since that day on Grand Lake three years before. - -“Let’s go!” she entreated, beginning to tremble all over. “I am afraid I -cannot stand it longer. I shall make a scene of some sort.” - -“And the dinner is spoiled already,” said Merry, motioning to a waiter. -“We’ll go.” - -“And I’ll go with you!” muttered Jones. - -Merry paid the check, assisted Hilda to don her coat, quietly tipped the -waiter who aided him into his, and turned with the girl to leave the -restaurant. - -Curious eyes followed them as they passed out. - -Jones was at their heels. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XII - - THE SECRET OF THE DOLL. - - -As they were passing out to the sidewalk Hilda’s hand fell on Frank’s -arm and her voice whispered in his ear: - -“What can we do? He is close behind. If you turn on him, he will meet -you with knife or pistol. It will be in the papers to-morrow. The whole -truth will come out, and I shall be arrested.” - -He saw that she, usually so brave, was in great terror of something, and -he did not believe her fear was inspired entirely by Jones. - -What caused it? - -Had this girl committed a crime of some sort that caused her to fear the -relentless hand of the law? - -Even so, he pitied her. Even so, he would stand by her and try to aid -her. What better could be expected of the daughter of Enos Dugan, the -smuggler! She had been brought up in an atmosphere of lawlessness; had -been taught as a little child that the law was an oppressor and that it -was not wrong to defy and defeat it. - -No matter what happened to her, she should not lack for a friend. She -had dreamed heroic things of this youth at her side, and he would not -disappoint her in the supreme moment. - -But Frank was uncertain of the proper course to pursue. He did not doubt -that she had spoken the truth in warning him that the man close behind -would be ready to meet him with a deadly weapon the moment they reached -the sidewalk. Not only that, but Merry had no heart for a street fight -while accompanied by a woman. - -How otherwise was Jones to be shaken? He would cling to them like a -leech. Frank was turning this over in his mind as they passed out by the -door and descended the steps to the sidewalk. - -The moment the sidewalk was reached Jones stepped forward till he was at -the other side of Hilda, saying: - -“We will all take a cab to the place where you are stopping. There you -can quietly hand the doll over to me. I give you my promise to depart -quietly and never trouble you again in case my property has been -returned to me in full. You will be free of me forever, and that is what -you have paid——” - -At that moment, with a snarling cry, a man who had been lingering in -front of Shanley’s launched himself on Jones, whom he clutched by the -throat. - -Frank had seen the figure dart forward and spring, and he swung Hilda -out of the way of harm. - -“You!” cried the assailant, as he grasped Jones’ throat. “You are the -worst one of them all! You would ruin her body and soul! But your time -has come!” - -“It’s Tom Stevens!” gasped Hilda. - -It was the maniac who had twice attacked Merry, and he was handling -Jones roughly just then. - -“Let go, you fool!” gasped the man who had been attacked. - -Then he twisted about and grappled with the other. A moment later both -were sprawling on the paving. Frank saw his opportunity. Grasping -Hilda’s arm, he quietly said: - -“Come!” - -He hurried her straight to the nearest empty hansom. - -“Down Seventh Avenue in a hurry!” he said to the driver, as he sprang in -after Hilda. - -As the hansom turned they caught a glimpse of one of the combatants, who -dragged himself from the other and ran toward them shouting. The whip of -the driver cracked, the horse leaped forward, and they were away, the -cool wind whistling into their faces. - -“A piece of luck,” said Frank. “If that fellow had not jumped on Jones -just then, I know not how we would have given him the slip.” - -“Have we?” asked Hilda, still agitated. - -“I think so.” - -“Are you sure?” - -Merriwell tried to look back. Then he rattled the little trap-door in -the roof of the cab till the driver opened it and looked down. - -“Look out, driver,” said Frank, “that we are not followed. Look back and -tell me if you think any one tries it.” - -A moment later the driver called down: - -“I believe somebody is coming after us in a hansom.” - -“Jones!” cried Hilda, clinging to Frank’s arm. - -“Dodge that hansom, driver,” said Frank, “and I will give you ten -dollars!” - -“I’ll try it, sir.” - -Into Fortieth Street they whirled, the horse flying along. Down Eighth -Avenue they sped for a distance, and then again they turned to the west. -Down Ninth Avenue cut the hansom for a single block, and then it doubled -back to Eighth. - -At every turn Frank and Hilda had been able to look back and see the cab -in pursuit, which held after them persistently. That is, at every turn -until the double back toward Eighth Avenue. When that was made the other -cab had not yet turned the corner into Ninth. - -“You are getting away from him, driver!” shouted Frank, having thrust up -the little door; but the wheels were rumbling over the rough paving so -it is doubtful if the man above heard or understood. - -Back to Eighth they went, and the driver promptly turned up the avenue. -But he wheeled to the west again at the next corner and was once more -driving toward Ninth. Frank laughed with satisfaction. - -“We struck the right man,” he said. - -“What do you mean?” questioned the girl. - -“This fellow must have done some dodging before, for he knows all the -tricks, and he can double on his own tracks in the most artistic manner. -He will earn his tenner, all right.” - -“Then do you think we’ll give Jones the slip?” - -“I think we have done so already.” - -At Ninth they turned northward and proceeded three or four blocks, when -the cab rounded a corner into a side street and the driver called down -that he had lost the fellow. - -“And earned your money handsomely,” declared Merry. “You shall get the -coin.” - -“Where will you go now, sir?” - -Merry consulted Hilda. - -“I shall permit you to take me home now,” she said. “I am going to tell -you all the story and ask your advice, for I am in sore need of it.” - -She told him the street and number, which he gave to the driver, who -took them to the destination. Merriwell paid the driver the ten dollars -in addition to his regular charge, and the hansom rolled away. - -“Here is where I have been hiding,” said the girl. “I have taken pains -to slip out and in when I fancied I would not be observed by any one who -might be looking for me. I did not like to let you come here, Mr. -Merriwell, but circumstances compelled me to do so.” - -“You know I stand ready to aid you, Miss Dugan, in any possible way.” - -They were on the steps, and she seemed hesitating over something. - -“Oh!” she finally exclaimed, “I wish I had a friend here!” - -“You have; I am your friend.” - -“I do not mean that. I wish I had a friend in this, house—a girl friend. -But even then, I could not trust the secret to her. It is for your ears -alone. Mr. Merriwell, you will understand better when you hear my story -and see what I have to show you. To make everything clear to you, I must -show you the doll.” - -Again the doll! - -“I am willing to look at it,” he said, with a laugh. - -“It is in my room,” she said, with sudden determination. “You must come -there to see it.” - -She had a key in her hand, and now she unlocked the door. Frank followed -her into the house. A dim light burned in the hall. But from above came -the sound of children at play. - -They ascended the stairs. A door was standing slightly open, and the -children’s voices came from that room. Hilda’s room was on the same -floor. Frank stood outside the door until she had entered and lighted -the gas. Then he came in, and she asked him to leave the door standing -open. The room was small and rather poorly furnished. - -“If there had been any other way, I would not have asked you here,” she -again declared. - -She gave him a chair and he sat down. From the distant room came the -sound of the romping children, shouting to each other as they played. - -Hilda’s trunk was in the room. She unlocked it and took something out. -When she turned to Frank she held in her hands a handsome wax doll, -which had been carefully and expensively dressed. - -“Here,” she said, noting the wonder in his face, “is what has caused all -the trouble.” - -All along he had fancied it might not really be a doll, but now he saw -it was. She smiled as she heard him whistle softly to himself. - -“Isn’t she handsome?” asked the girl. - -“Very pretty,” he acknowledged, his wonder increasing. - -“Oh, I think she is perfectly lovely!” Hilda declared, caressing the -doll. - -“Great Scott!” thought Frank. “Is the girl daffy, too?” - -“I’ve always admired dolls,” Hilda explained. “When I was a little girl -I had no doll save an old rag one, but I loved it and petted it and -talked to it, for it was my only companion during many a long, weary -day.” - -She sat down facing Frank and continued: - -“As I grew older my love for dolls seemed to grow with me, instead of -lessening. In Vanceborough, I had seen some dolls with china heads, and -to my eyes they were the most beautiful things in all the world. When -father brought one home to me I was filled with joy too deep for words. -But the china head was broken one day, and it nearly broke my heart at -the same time. I had heard of large wax dolls that closed their eyes -when put to sleep and said ‘ma-ma’ when squeezed, but such stories -seemed far too marvelous to be true. - -“However, when I went away to school I saw one of them, and then I could -never be satisfied till I had one for my very own. Of course I got it, -and I kept it many years, dressing and undressing it, talking to it, -telling it all my little secrets and having it to keep me from -loneliness there on that dreary island. Maybe you can see, living as I -did without other companions, that it was not strange that my love for -dolls clung to me as I grew to be a young woman. When I went to Boston I -took my doll and had it with me in my room, though I was careful not to -let people know much about it, for I had begun to be ashamed. - -“But Huck Jones, who was my father’s companion during so many years, -came to know all about my fondness for dolls. He knew it clung to me -even after I was a girl in long dresses. Sometimes he laughed at me and -tried to tease me about it, but I had a temper and I soon convinced him -that he had better keep still. - -“After father died Jones made arrangements to go abroad. He did so, but -all the while he led me to believe there was something coming to me when -he returned. I had refused to marry him, but I still hoped against hope -that he might relent and turn over to me a part of the money I felt -confident my father had left. - -“He wrote to me several times while he was on the other side. At last he -wrote that he was coming back by the way of Canada, asking me to meet -him in Montreal. His letter was most ingenious, for he promised to -reveal to me something I wished to know very much, and he added that he -had purchased the handsomest doll he could find in all Europe, which he -was bringing to me. - -“I met him as appointed. He had the doll, which he gave me, but he -refused to tell me the secret till we met again in Boston, for he -declared he had some business that would delay him a few days, while I -was to go on to Boston the following day. It seems that he had met a -lady with two charming children who would be on the same train with me, -and he urged me to permit the oldest girl, who was nine, to hold the -doll as much as she liked on the way to Boston. But I was to take the -doll when the time came for us to leave the train and care for it till -he met me at the Adams House. If the doll was in my hands and all right -he would tell me the secret then. - -“Well, I followed his directions. Everything went well, but I kept -thinking over his curious directions. As we crossed into the United -States the little girl was sleeping with my doll hugged to her heart. -She cried a little when she had to give it up as Boston was reached. - -“That night in my room at the Adams House I learned the secret of the -doll—the secret Jones was to reveal to me when we met. I also learned -that I had committed a crime. This doll looks pretty and expensive, does -it not? Well, Mr. Merriwell, I’ll wager you can’t guess how much it is -worth.” - -Frank shrugged his shoulders. - -“Ten dollars, perhaps,” he said. - -“Ten thousand, if a cent!” declared Hilda Dugan. - -He wondered if she could be in her right mind. - -“I knew you would stare!” she laughed excitedly, her face flushed and -her hands trembling. “But you will stare still more when I show you the -secret of the doll. Look!” - -She opened the doll’s dress, exposing the body, and then, as she touched -a hidden spring, a coverlike lid flew upward. - -The doll lay on its back across Hilda’s knees, and a cry broke from -Frank as he stared at it, for he saw that its body was literally stuffed -with glittering diamonds! - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIII - - HILDA GETS HER RIGHTS. - - -“Can they be real?” gasped Merry, amazed. - -“Of course they are!” cried the girl. “And I helped smuggle them into -the United States. Don’t you see through the trick now? I didn’t know -till after it was all over. Before I was a smuggler’s daughter, now I am -a smuggler! Do you wonder that I have been afraid? Do you wonder that I -have hidden myself away?” - -“But Jones——” - -“When I realized what I had done, what he had led me to do, I lost no -time in packing and hastening from Boston. I took the doll with me, you -may be sure, for I knew, as I know now, that its precious contents were -purchased with my father’s money and really belong to me.” - -“Then you are rich!” exclaimed Merriwell, still fascinated by the -glitter of the diamonds. - -She wrung her hands. - -“No, no!” she cried. “For though these diamonds belong to me, how can I -prove it?” - -Frank realized all the difficulties of her position and he was somewhat -bewildered himself, not finding a ready answer. - -“I have brought you here to advise me,” she went on. “You must tell me -what to do. I will not give these diamonds up to Jones. Yet I cannot -keep them. If I turn them over to the authorities, it is not likely I’ll -ever see them again, for am I not the daughter of a smuggler? Who will -believe my story?” - -Frank sat there in silence for a few moments. - -“It is the only thing you can do, Miss Dugan,” he said, at last. “I will -go with you to the custom-house. The question will be solved there. We -cannot solve it ourselves.” - -She seemed to hesitate, but he talked to her calmly, and soon convinced -her that it was the only way. - -“I will take your advice,” she said, at last. “At least, Jones shall not -have these gems.” - -She closed the opening and hid the precious stones from view. The doll -was wrapped in a cloak, and they prepared to leave the house, for Frank -advised immediate action. - -As they descended the steps to the sidewalk, a man who had been lurking -near rushed upon Merry. Tossing the bundle to Hilda, Frank turned to -meet the fellow, who cried: - -“I have finished one of the devils to-night with his own knife, and now -I’ll finish you before you complete your work of destruction!” - -It was Tom Stevens. Frank barely avoided the fellow’s rush, and Stevens -caught his foot somehow, plunging headlong against the stone steps as he -fell. He lay still. - -“He’s hurt!” cried Hilda. - -“Stunned, probably,” said Frank. “We’ll send an officer to care for him. -Let’s lose no time.” - -So, leaving him there, they looked for an officer, whom they soon found -and told him that a man had fallen and injured himself. - -Then they went on to the custom-house, carrying their precious burden. - - * * * * * - -Jack Diamond had fancied Merriwell was with Inza. He was not a little -surprised when Frank appeared and told his story. - -The following morning the newspapers told how Hilda Dugan had brought -the doll and its valuable contents to the custom-house, where she had -turned it over to the officers. Her complete story was included, but it -ended with the information that the smuggler, Jones, was dying in the -hospital, having been attacked in front of Shanley’s and stabbed by an -unknown man. - -In an obscure corner of the paper was an item about a strange man who -had been picked up on the steps of a house, having a fractured skull. -He, also, was in the hospital, and it was not thought he would recover. -This man was Tom Stevens. - -Jones did not last through the day, but before he passed away Hilda -stood beside him, and he confessed that the money with which he had -purchased the diamonds on the other side of the ocean had belonged to -her father and been left for her. - -This confession of the dying man was taken down by a stenographer, -written out in full, signed by Jones, and sworn to before witnesses. - -At Frank’s advice, Hilda had secured the services of an able lawyer, and -he was present when the confession was made. He congratulated her when -it was over and the paper was in his possession. - -“This fixes it very nicely,” he declared. “You will obtain your rights -now, Miss Dugan. Of course, the duty on the diamonds must be paid, but -the Government will be unable to hold them, for you were innocent of any -intent to do wrong, and you set yourself right by turning over the -diamonds to the authorities. I am informed there was over twenty -thousand dollars’ worth of stones, so you are a rich girl.” - -“And all because I took the advice of Frank Merriwell,” said she. “If I -had not, it would not have come out so well.” - -In the hospital she found Tom Stevens and saw that everything possible -was done for him. He did not know her, but he told her of a beautiful -girl far away in Maine whom he loved, but who cared nothing for him. Her -eyes were red from unshed tears when she left him. - -That evening Frank called on Hilda. He brought Jack Diamond along, and -the Virginian was afterward forced to confess that the girl from Maine -was as charming in her manners and conversation as she had appeared when -he first saw her on Twenty-third Street. - -“Yes,” Jack told himself, “she is much like Juliet, only she lacks a -certain refinement Juliet possesses.” - -At the same time Frank was thinking: - -“How much like Inza she is! I don’t think I ever noticed it before; but -she lacks a certain subtle charm that Inza possesses—something that -seems to belong to Inza alone.” - -And Hilda was thinking: - -“Jack Diamond is handsome, but he cannot compare with Frank Merriwell. -Frank is the handsomest fellow in all the world, and in the future, as -in the past, he’ll always be my hero.” - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIV - - FRANK’S INFLUENCE. - - -“Drop it!” - -Crash! - -The command had come like a pistol-shot. The glass fell instantly, -smashing on the polished bar, over which flowed the amber-hued liquid. - -“Merriwell?” - -Dick Starbright, pale as snow, turned as he gasped the name. - -“Starbright!” - -There was a world of surprise and reproach in Frank’s voice. - -Dick Starbright, standing at the bar of the Fifth Avenue Hotel, had -lifted the glass of whisky to his lips when Frank stepped into the room -and uttered the sharp command. The big Yale freshman dropped his glass -as if it had suddenly burned his fingers. - -Frank came forward, his eyes fastened steadily on Dick, who leaned -against the bar weakly, his pallor giving place to a flush of shame. - -“This is a surprise,” said Merry. - -“Rather!” choked Dick. - -“I thought you were in New Haven.” - -“I’m not.” - -“That is plain. But what are you doing here?” - -“I was on the point of taking a drink,” said Starbright, endeavoring to -regain his composure, “when the sound of your voice caused me to let the -glass slip from my fingers. Bartender, give me another glass. I’ll pay -for the one I broke.” - -The man behind the bar, who had been picking up the pieces of glass and -wiping the liquid from the polished wood, immediately sat out another -glass and the bottle of whisky. - -“What’s yours, sir?” he asked, looking at Merriwell. - -But Frank simply shook his head, standing quite still and watching Dick -Starbright, who, with a show of recklessness, proceeded to pour another -glass of whisky. But Dick’s hand was not quite steady, and there was a -look of shame on his face. However, having been detected in the act, it -was plain that he meant to brazen it out. - -“I know it’s useless to ask you to join me,” he said to Frank, but -without permitting his eyes to meet the pair that were regarding him -steadily with a gaze of mingled sorrow and reproach. - -“What has happened to my friends?” thought Frank. “Here’s Starbright -following in Diamond’s footsteps. I caught Jack just in time to pull him -up with a round turn, and now I’ve got another job on my hands.” - -With a pretense of defiant carelessness, the big Andover man lifted the -glass. Frank’s hand fell on his arm. - -“Wait a minute, Dick,” he urged gently. “How many drinks have you taken -before this?” - -“Not any,” was the answer that gave Merry a sensation of great relief, -for he knew that one drink was enough to set the fire raging in -Starbright’s veins and make him mad for more. - -“That being the case,” said Frank, in a quiet tone, “let’s talk this -matter over a little before you take the first one.” - -“It’s no use, Merriwell,” asserted the big, blond freshman. “I know what -you mean to say, but I’ve got to take this drink.” - -Now he gave Frank a defiant look, but his eyes drooped almost instantly. - -“You must be in a bad way if you feel like that,” said Merry, still in -that calm, unagitated manner. - -“The devil is in me!” confessed Starbright. “He is calling for whisky, -and I’m going to give him enough to drown him. Ha, ha, ha!” - -Merriwell did not remember ever having seen Dick in such a reckless and -desperate mood. There was a wild light in the eyes of the freshman, and -his air was that of one who cares not a snap what may happen, and would -not turn one step out of his path to avoid meeting death itself. - -Frank knew there was a cause for all this. He knew something had brought -Starbright down here to New York and thrown him into this exceedingly -reckless mood, and he wished to discover without delay what that -something could be. - -“It will take a lot of whisky to drown the devil,” said Frank. “I don’t -think there is enough distilled in the world to accomplish that feat. -Men have been trying to drown the old fellow in whisky ever since the -secret of manufacturing the stuff was first learned, and he has thrived -on it and grown stronger every year. In fact, the devil likes whisky -just as a child likes milk. To tell the truth, I believe whisky was an -invention of the devil, to begin with, and I know that more than -anything else it has served him as a snare for the unwary feet of -foolish human beings who fancy they can master it. But I’m not here to -deliver a temperance lecture, Starbright. I happened to look into this -place in search of Diamond, and I saw you. My boy, let me pay for that -stuff, but do not drink it now. Come up to my room, and we’ll have a -little talk. After that is over, if you are determined to drink, I’ll -not oppose you.” - -But Dick shook his head. - -“I know all that you would say, Merry,” he declared. “It’s all true. The -stuff is my one temptation and my curse. If I take this drink, I may go -straight to the dogs, but what of that! It will help me to forget that I -have been fooled by a pair of black eyes, and that I betrayed the best -friend a chap ever had. Down it goes!” - -Frank would not release the arm of the reckless freshman. - -“Not yet,” he said firmly. “You shall not take that stuff till I know -why you are so determined to drink it.” - -“Because I am a fool and a traitor!” - -“We’re all fools in one way or another, but traitors we are not.” - -“You know I’m a sneak, Frank Merriwell!” hoarsely said Dick. “I don’t -see how you can still entertain one friendly feeling toward me. If I -received what I deserve at your hands, they’d take me away from here in -an ambulance!” - -“If you had not told me that no liquor had passed your lips, I should -think you jagged already,” asserted Frank. “You are talking like a few -mixed drinks.” - -“I’m talking just what I think. My eyes are open at last.” - -“Well, if getting your eyes open has this effect on you, it will be a -good idea to shut them again.” - -“Not much! I have been fooled twice, and it’s going to be a long time -before I’m deceived again in the same way. Let me go, Frank. I want this -drink, and I must have it!” - -Frank knew that Dick would barely swallow the first drink when he would -want another. Then another, and another would follow, till the freshman -was howling drunk. - -Drink had been the curse that finally conquered old Captain Starbright, -Dick’s father, and it seemed that the craving for liquor had been -inherited by the son. But Dick fought against the desire, and fancied he -had overcome it until the time when his enemies at college succeeded in -drugging him and getting him started on a carousal just before a -football-game. - -Frank Merriwell had found Starbright in Rupert Chickering’s room and -rescued him, locking him up and watching over him while he grew sober, -though the “doped” lad had raved and prayed and begged for whisky. From -that time Dick had found it more difficult to keep in restraint his -desire for drink, but never until Merriwell discovered him at the bar of -the Fifth Avenue Hotel had he yielded to the tempter. - -Under ordinary circumstances, the mere sound of Merriwell’s voice had -been quite enough to cause Starbright to resist temptation, but now a -remarkable change had come over him, and he seemed determined to drink -even though it was right before Frank’s eyes, and in defiance of his -entreaties. - -Merriwell knew from this that the case was desperate, but he was -determined to keep the freshman from accomplishing his purpose. - -The barkeeper looked on in evident displeasure at Frank’s interference. - -“Why don’t you let him alone, young fellow?” he growled, glaring at -Merry. “He’s old enough to know his own business.” - -Frank turned his eyes and gave the barkeeper a single steady look, as he -grimly said: - -“And you are old enough to mind your own business. He is my friend.” - -The barkeeper gurgled in his throat, plainly longing to come over the -bar and attack Merry, yet fearing to do so lest he lose his position. - -Frank again turned to Dick. - -“My boy, for your own sake, you can’t afford to touch that stuff.” - -“Bah!” laughed Starbright. “What do I care about myself!” - -“Your career at college——” - -“Is liable to come to an end mighty soon.” - -“You should think of your friends.” - -“A man who will treat his best friend the way I treated you can’t be -appealed to in that way,” said Starbright almost sullenly. - -“But your mother, Dick—surely she has seen sorrow enough. For her sake!” - -The freshman turned pale again, and his hand shook. He put the glass of -whisky down. - -“I won’t drink it—now,” he huskily declared, as he flung some money on -the bar and turned away. “I tried not to think of her. I must get out of -here, Merriwell!” - -Frank had conquered, and he walked from the room with his arm passed -through that of the big Andover man. He took Starbright up to his room. -Diamond was not there, and thus they found themselves alone. - -“Sit down,” Frank invited, but Dick began to pace the floor like a wild -beast in a cage. His eyes were gleaming and the expression on his face -was one Frank had never seen there before. - -“I can’t sit down!” he said. “I must do something. I feel like smashing -something!” - -“If you feel that way now, how would you have felt after getting a few -drinks inside you?” - -“I’d been pretty sure to raise Cain. It’s likely I’d brought up in a -police-station.” - -“You must tell me what it’s all about,” said Merry. “You know I can be -trusted, for I am your friend.” - -The big, handsome freshman whirled about in the middle of the room, -flinging out his hand in a gesture of remonstrance. - -“There is no reason why you should be my friend!” he declared. “You did -everything you could for me when I first came to Yale. Even though I was -a mere freshman and you so far above me, you showed me such kindness -that they came to call me your protégé. I was proud of it, and I felt -that you were the finest fellow in the whole world. I wrote to my mother -and brother telling them all about you, and what you had done for me. I -swore I was willing to serve you, even to the cost of my life. I -believed it then, but after that, fooled, enchanted, fascinated, and -maddened by a pair of black eyes, I played the traitor to you! Now, why -should you remain my friend? I don’t know of a reason!” - -Frank walked up to Dick, placing his hands on the freshman’s shoulders -and gazing straight into his blue, eyes. - -“My dear boy,” he said, “some things happen in this world despite -ourselves. I know what you mean now, but perhaps you fancy you did me a -greater wrong than was truly the case.” - -“No; I did not do you a wrong!” was Dick’s surprising statement. “I -believe I did you a good turn; but, at the same time, it was a piece of -unfairness and treachery, for I knew you had cared for Inza Burrage—I -knew I had no right to come between you and her.” - -“You are strangely contradictory, Starbright. If you did not do me a -wrong, if what you did was a good thing for me, why should I not remain -your friend? Why should I feel resentment toward you?” - -“Because you do not know—yet. I know, for I have seen with my own eyes. -Oh, she is the handsomest girl in all the world, Merriwell, but she is -just as false and fickle as she is handsome!” - -Frank looked graver than ever. - -“You are excited and hasty, else you would not make such a charge -against her, Starbright!” he declared. - -“Excited I may be, but I am not hasty. I have a reason, Merriwell, you -may be sure of that. I don’t wish to get rid of any of the blame, but if -she were not fickle, why did she so readily turn from you to me?” - -“Because she felt certain that between us there could never be a tie -stronger than mere friendship.” - -“Why did she feel certain of that? Merriwell, are you saying this just -to make me feel less like a sneak?” - -“Not at all.” - -“Are you sure?” asked Dick, with great eagerness. “It would be like you -to treat a fellow generous in that way. How do you know Inza felt as you -say?” - -“She had told me so!” - -“When?” - -“Almost two years ago.” - -Starbright seemed more surprised than ever. - -“I can hardly believe it! Why, all the fellows thought her struck on -you! You seemed to be the only one she cared for.” - -“We were the best of friends, my boy; but it is the truth that Inza -herself told me we could never be anything but friends. I do not say -this to soothe your feelings, but because I do not wish you to regard -yourself or Inza in a wrong light. She had a right to like you, Dick, -and I don’t wonder that she did. You are——” - -The freshman stopped Merry with a savage gesture. - -“Don’t talk that way!” he cried. “Wait till you know everything! When -and where was it that she told you this?” - -“It was one year ago last summer, on the veranda of the little hotel in -the town of Maplewood, where I was managing a baseball-team. The season -had closed, and the time of separation had come. Inza had been spending -a few weeks in Maplewood. On the evening before the final game we were -together on the veranda, and, during the course of our talk, she frankly -and plainly told me that she had outgrown her first foolish infatuation -for me, and that in the future we were to be nothing more than the best -of friends.” - -Dick Starbright drew a deep breath, and then stepped back and dropped -heavily on a chair. - -“You—you’re sure you are not saying this just to—to make me feel less -like a—like a miserable scoundrel?” he begged huskily. - -“Surely not. Frank Merriwell is not in the habit of lying outright, even -for the sake of his friends. So you see your supposed treachery toward -me was nothing of the sort. More than that, you see Inza had a right to -prefer you, and it was none of my business.” - -“I—I wondered that you did not feel like shooting me,” said Dick, trying -to force a smile, but making a sorry failure of it. “Now I understand.” - -“Is it thoughts like these that have made you reckless and driven you to -the verge of drink, my boy?” - -Starbright shook his head. - -“They were not all,” he asserted. “There is another reason. I will -confess that I was tortured with jealousy after leaving you at the Grand -Central and starting for New Haven. I knew, or I thought I knew, that -you were going back to see Inza. You had shipped me off, to get rid of -me, so you could have a clear field. I told myself that, and it made me -furious at first. I continued to be tortured by such thoughts after -reaching college. I could not study, sleep, train, or do anything. I was -in a frightful condition. Worse than everything was the thought that you -were with Inza and I had no right to interfere. I could not endure it, -and I soon decided to come back here and set myself right with you. I -saw it was the only thing that would enable me to rest with an easy -conscience. That is what brought me to New York, and now you know why I -am here.” - -Starbright seemed relieved. - -“My dear boy,” laughed Frank sympathetically, “you have been giving -yourself no end of unnecessary worry and trouble. But now you know it -was all right.” - -“Perhaps it would have been better if I had remained in New Haven,” said -Dick, still looking gloomy, greatly to Frank’s wonderment. “Then I -should not have learned the truth concerning her, even though I -continued to think myself a scoundrel.” - -“What do you mean?” asked Merry, puzzled by the freshman’s words and -manner. - -“I don’t like to tell you, Merriwell. I’m not going to tell you. But I’m -done with her! She can’t play fast and loose with me! I’m glad you -stopped me from taking that drink, for I’d been sure to make a fool of -myself, but I am done with Miss Burrage forever!” - -He had risen, and now he was pacing the floor again, his blue eyes -flashing and his fair face pale with the emotion that possessed him. - -“Are you daffy, Starbright?” exclaimed Merriwell, beginning to lose -patience. “You have fancied there was a reason why you should not care -for Inza; and now, when you find there is no such reason, you declare -you will have nothing more to do with her.” - -“But there is a reason, Merriwell! Don’t let’s talk of it. It makes my -blood boil!” - -Frank caught hold of his companion and brought him to a halt. - -“Look here,” he said sternly; “you’ll have to talk of it, for I am going -to know what you mean. I believe Inza thinks a great deal of you, and I -do not believe you have a right to speak of her in such a manner.” - -Merry was astounded when the big freshman whirled on him like a raging -lion. - -“You don’t know!” burst from Dick’s lips. “You have seen nothing but her -fine qualities. You have not observed the other side of her character. -She’s a flirt! She takes delight in deceiving men! I believe she has -deceived you, just as she did me! Oh, yes! she’s handsome, but she’s -fickle. I know what I’m talking about, Merriwell! Don’t try to stop me! -I know you’ll say I’m crazy, but I’m not! I have seen something with my -own eyes that settles everything between that girl and myself! I am done -with her, Frank Merriwell—done with her forever!” - -Then Frank gripped the gigantic Andover man, and, despite Starbright’s -remarkable strength, quickly sat him down on a chair. - -“See here!” exploded Frank, a look in his eyes that the other had never -seen there before, “do you know, man, that you have stepped over the -limit? How dare you talk to me in such a way of Inza Burrage? I have -known her since she was a girl in short dresses, and she is as pure as -the stars. Man, you cannot speak of her thus before me! You are my -friend—at least, you have been. I will not listen to such words from the -lips of anybody. She is not treacherous, and she does not take delight -in deceiving men.” - -Dick Starbright was appalled by the terrible earnestness of Frank -Merriwell. He sat there, staring up at Merry in wonderment, while in his -heart he was saying: - -“You told me you did not care for her, but you love her—you love her! I -see it now! You may not know it, Merriwell, but you love her!” - -He gave himself a slight shake, as if flinging off a spell. - -“All right,” he said huskily. “I am willing that you should think so.” - -But his manner of saying this made Frank more furious than ever. His -face hardened and his grip on Starbright’s shoulders was like iron. - -“By Heaven!” he said harshly; “you shall think so! You shall say so with -your own lips! You shall take back everything you have thought and said -of her that was not in praise of her. I swear it!” - -It is possible that for a single moment Starbright thought of opposing -Merriwell with physical force, but the inclination passed swiftly, and -he sat there in silence, a look of defiance on his almost boyish face. - -“Go ahead!” he muttered. “I know what I’ve seen!” - -“Now you must tell me what you mean by that, man. There can be nothing -held in reserve now, Starbright—tell everything! It is the only way.” - -“All right; but I did not mean to tell—you force it from me.” - -“But be careful!” warned Merry. “I shall investigate. Make no charge you -cannot back up.” - -“It’s not much of a story. When I landed at the Grand Central, I saw -Inza there. She did not see me. She was there to meet some one. The one -she met was a handsome young man about your age, Merriwell. She ran to -him with outstretched hands, and he caught her in his arms. I stood -transfixed, and I heard her call him ‘dear Walter!’ Oh, I heard it, -Merriwell! He kissed her, and she kissed him again and again! It was -love she showed in her face and eyes and in her voice. It was love in -her kisses! I was turned to stone when I saw it. I watched them leave -the station, enter a cab, and depart. Then I awoke. But I was half-mad, -and a little while after that you found me at the bar of this hotel.” - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XV - - HAPPY JACK. - - -Frank’s face was very pale, but in his eyes still burned the strange -fire that had startled and quelled Starbright. He straightened up and -stood looking down steadily at Dick, for some moments remaining silent. -At last he said: - -“Are you sure you have not been drinking?” - -“Dead sure of it,” asserted the freshman quickly. “I known what I saw -and heard, Merriwell. Now, what do you think?” - -He seemed to fancy Merry must cave in, but Frank quietly said: - -“Just what I thought before.” - -“Why, she——” - -“She is perfectly square and upright. She has deceived nobody. She never -deceived me in all her life, and I refuse to believe any wrong of her. I -have perfect and absolute confidence in Inza Burrage.” - -Again Starbright inwardly exclaimed: - -“You love her—you love her! If you did not, you would not have such -perfect confidence in her. Perfect love gives perfect confidence. You -cannot fool me, Merriwell.” - -Frank turned and paced the floor slowly, seemingly buried in deep -thought. - -“Walter?” he muttered, as if asking himself a question. And then over -and over he repeated, “Walter, Walter?” - -“That was the name,” said Dick. “And he was a tall, handsome fellow, -with dark hair and eyes. He looked as if he had been much exposed to the -weather, for his face was brown. Who is he, Merriwell? Who does she know -by the name of Walter?” - -Frank shook his head. - -“I can’t say,” he confessed. - -“Then it is somebody of whom she has never told you,” said Dick, as if -this aided in proving her deceit. “Why didn’t she tell you about him if -you were such firm friends?” - -“I don’t know.” - -The freshman half-fancied Merriwell was weakening. - -“What if you had seen what I saw?” he cried. “Would you not have -doubted?” - -“No!” said Frank instantly. “Nothing could make me doubt Inza!” - -Starbright fell back, breathing heavily. - -“She has fooled him completely!” he whispered. “It is my duty to open -his eyes, for he loves her. And I—she can never be the same to me -again!” - -“Why didn’t you speak to them?” asked Frank, having paused to face Dick. -“Why didn’t you make yourself known?” - -“I couldn’t.” - -“Couldn’t?” - -“No.” - -“Why not?” - -“I was too thunderstruck to do anything. When they left the station arm -in arm, I followed slowly, and saw them get into the cab. As the cab -started off I sprang forward, but it was too late.” - -“Well, you may depend on it,” said Frank, “that Inza can explain -everything.” - -“You do not doubt her now?” - -“Not the least, for I know her.” - -“You must know where she is stopping. It will be easy to find out if she -can explain.” - -“But I do not know where she is stopping. I cannot spend the time just -now to tell you everything that happened after you left for New Haven, -but it became necessary for her and her father to leave the hotel in -Brooklyn and go out on Long Island. They did so, but returned very soon. -Day before yesterday I went over to see them, but found they had left -Brooklyn once more, and I did not learn whither they had gone. So, you -see, I do not know where to find Inza.” - -“Nor do I.” - -“Then it is plain that we will have to let the matter rest a while. You -will say nothing about it to any one, Starbright?” - -“Little danger of that.” - -“You will let liquor alone?” - -“I will.” - -“I am certain that everything will be cleared up in time, and Inza must -never know how you doubted her. I would not have her know it for worlds, -for she likes you, Dick, and it would hurt her more than you can dream.” - -Starbright felt rebuked, but Merriwell’s words did not alter his -conviction that Inza was fickle, and had deceived them both. - -Only a short time before Dick had been played with and thrown over by -Rosalind Thornton. Before that time he was a big-hearted, trusting boy; -but his treatment in that case had awakened his suspicions and shattered -his absolute and unswerving faith in all girls. Now he fancied he knew -them very well, and his knowledge was not of the kind to lead him to -trust them. - -Despite his physical perfections, despite his wonderful feats of -strength and skill, Starbright was still a very callow youth, greatly -given to sudden impressions, and there was much for him to learn before -he could develop into a steady, level-headed man. He was to be taught by -experience that it is always very foolish, and sometimes decidedly -dangerous, to jump at conclusions without clue and careful investigation -of all cases. - -There was a step at the door, which swung open to admit Jack Diamond, -who sauntered in, dressed in the swellest possible manner and carrying a -cane. - -“Hello!” exclaimed the Virginian, pausing. “Didn’t know you had a -caller, Merriwell. Am I intruding?” - -“Of course not,” said Frank. “You know Starbright, Jack.” - -“Starbright—of course! Why, how are you, Starbright? Glad to see you, my -boy.” - -Jack shook hands heartily with Dick. - -“I thought you were on the other side,” said the freshman, trying to -appear cool and composed. - -“That’s where I would be if I were not a fool,” declared Jack, forcing a -short laugh. - -Frank gave the Southerner a quick look, observing that Jack’s face was -flushed and his eyes filled with a light of joy. - -“What’s happened, old man?” asked Merry. “You look as if you had heard -good news.” - -“So I have.” - -“Mind telling?” - -“I guess not. I made an ass of myself, Merriwell, and I’ve just found it -out. To-day I received a letter from Juliet.” - -“Really?” - -“Yes; here it is.” - -Diamond triumphantly drew it from a pocket near his heart. - -“I’ll not let you read it,” he said, laughing, “for I think any man a -cad who permits his friends to peruse his love-letters.” - -“Then it is a love-letter?” cried Frank. - -Jack nodded happily. - -“Decidedly so!” he said. “In it Juliet has shown me what a great big -chump I am. The man was her cousin, whom she had not seen for some time, -as he had been in India. She was offended by my manner and words, and -would not explain. That’s spirit for you, Merry! By Jove, I like it! -Isn’t she like Inza! When I continued to be a duffer she grew more and -more angry, which was perfectly natural. She was determined to punish me -by letting me think she meant never to speak to me again. But she did -not think I would jump out of London in such a hurry, and she was -appalled when she learned I had gone. Ha, ha! - -“Well, she kept still just as long as she could, and then she wrote me -this letter. She says she tried hard not to write it, and that she was -determined to burn it after it was written; but she posted it instead of -burning it, and now all the clouds are cleared away. I’ve just written a -long reply, asking her forgiveness and begging permission to resume my -suit. Gentlemen, I’m going back to London, and I’ll marry that girl just -as soon as she’ll have me! I’m going to hurry up about it, too, before I -make a fool of myself again and lose her for good.” - -“Old man, I congratulate you!” cried Frank, as he grasped Jack’s hand. -“But let this be a warning to you never again to entertain doubts of her -without positive, absolute, and incontrovertible proof.” - -As Merry said this he looked at Starbright, who flushed slightly and -turned away. - -Diamond was happy indeed. From the depths he had been lifted to the -heights, and he felt that he was a very lucky fellow. He freely -expressed himself to that effect. - -“It’s more than I deserve,” he declared. “She would have treated me -right if she’d refused ever again to have anything to do with me. I -don’t know how I am going to set myself right in her eyes, and I shall -feel guilty when I meet her. Merry, you must be the best man when we are -married.” - -“If it is possible, it will be a great pleasure,” smiled Frank. - -“Oh, you’ll have to make it possible. But for you I’d never met her, you -know. You have brought me all my good fortune, just the same as you -bring good fortune to every one of your friends.” - -Starbright had resumed his seat. There was a look of bitterness on his -handsome, boyish face, but the happy Virginian did not observe it. -Frank, however, could read Dick’s thoughts, and he knew the freshman had -told himself that the Inza matter could not turn out after the manner of -the misunderstanding between Jack and Juliet. - -To Merry it seemed that this reconciliation between the Virginian and -the English girl had happened at just the right time to serve as an -object-lesson. Diamond had been foolishly jealous, had not trusted -Juliet, and now he realized the full extent of his folly. - -“Boys!” cried Jack, “I’ll blow you to dinner to-night! Why, I want to do -something to make others happy, I am so happy myself! Where’ll we -go—Del’s?” - -Starbright shook his head. - -“I can’t go,” he said. “I’m in training, you know, and it won’t do.” - -“Training!” cried Diamond. “What, this early? Yes, I remember. But how -happens it you are here?” - -Dick did not feel like making an explanation just then. - -“Business—er—business, you know,” he faltered. - -“Well, a square feed will do you good, now that you are away from the -training-table. Oh, that training-table! It gives every man a great -appetite.” - -But Starbright had no appetite. - -“We’ll let you blow us at another time, Jack,” smiled Frank. “I don’t -feel like stuffing myself to-night.” - -“You never feel like stuffing yourself,” said the Virginian resentfully. -“Ever since I can remember, you have been eating coarse bread, dodging -pastry, eschewing pork and veal, and living like a dyspeptic.” - -“With the result that I am as little like a dyspeptic as a man can -possibly be. I eat coarse bread because there is little nutriment in -white bread—all the important food-elements having been removed with the -bran. The man who bolts his food is digging his own grave.” - -“Hear, hear!” cried Diamond. “A lecture on diet by the great expert, -Frank Merriwell! Look at him! Behold him! He is a perfect man, and all -because he never ate improper food. Go thou and do likewise.” - -Frank laughed a little. - -“You are putting it pretty strong,” he said. “Merely eating the proper -food will not make any man an athlete or give him perfect health. He -must conform to other rules and regulations; he must take proper -exercise, and he must not disregard the natural laws of health. A fellow -who fancies he can indulge in excesses and retain his health is fooling -himself in the worst way.” - -“My dear fellow,” smiled Jack, “down in my country we are hospitable. We -fling open our doors and invite our friends. Tables are loaded with the -fat of the land, and every guest is supposed to take hold and eat his -fill. You would find yourself out of order down there, with your rules -and regulations.” - -“Not at all. I should eat with the others, but I’d take care to eat -slowly and not overload myself. That’s all. I have no use for cranks, -but a man may stick to what he knows is right, and avoid what he knows -is wrong, without giving anybody the right to dub him a crank.” - -“Oh, I suppose that’s so, Merry. We all know you’re all right. But not -every fellow can take care of himself and build himself up as you have -done, though I reckon you were cut out for an athlete at the start.” - -“That’s where you suppose wrong. I was a weak boy, with poor health and -an imperfect body. When I realized that such was the case, I set about -trying to find out what to do to build myself up. It was slow work at -first, for sometimes I went wrong. Even after I got on the right track -my progress was so slow that it was disheartening. Sometimes I fancied I -was not advancing at all; but I stuck to it and won out in the end.” - -“Well, we’re willing to give you all the credit you deserve,” said Jack; -“but when a fellow has a stomach like an ostrich, what’s the use of -dieting? When one can eat any old thing without having it hurt him, why -should he deprive himself of the things he likes, and settle down on a -coarse-food diet?” - -“When a chap is growing, he demands more food than when he arrives at -maturity, but that food should be of the nature best calculated to make -a perfect man of him. I am certain that it would be a better thing for -the boys of this country if they were aware of this.” - -Starbright was paying little attention to Merry’s words, for his -thoughts were all of a dark-eyed, beautiful girl whom he believed fickle -and false. - -Merriwell had seemed to welcome the opportunity to talk of something far -removed from the subject of his conversation with the freshman. However, -he noted the moody look on the unusually good-natured face of Dick, and -he rattled on with his talk to prevent Diamond from observing and -commenting. - -“Why don’t you start out lecturing to the boys and young men of the -country, Merry?” smiled Jack. “I know they would turn out in multitudes -to hear you speak, and I think you might do much good.” - -“Perhaps you are right,” acknowledged Frank. “A man might spend his time -in a less profitable manner.” - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVI - - THE MAN INZA MET. - - -Starbright was moody. Nothing seemed to arouse him from the dispirited, -downcast state into which he had fallen. Being a big, strong fellow, in -robust health, such an atmosphere was strange to him. Frank could not -remember having seen the fellow just like that but once before, and that -was when he was recovering from the spell of dissipation into which he -had been thrown by the drug given him by his enemies. - -Diamond had never seen Dick in a gloomy mood, and he was surprised by -it. He tried to rally the freshman, saying he must be in love; but -Starbright simply frowned and shook his head. - -Dick was thinking of Inza as she had appeared to him once, and as she -appeared to him now. - -“They’re all alike!” he thought bitterly. “Rosalind was like Inza in -many ways, and she threw me over for Dade Morgan. When she found out -what a scoundrel Morgan was she tried to make up with me, but I was not -quite so big a chump as she imagined. I think Inza is even worse than -Rose, for she has deceived Frank right along. He is so honest and square -himself that he never suspects others of deception. It’s useless to try -to convince him, for he believes in that girl implicitly. - -“I’m sorry for him, but it’s plain he is desperately in love with her, -even though he may not really know it. Why, I fancy he’d marry her -to-morrow if she’d have him! That being the case, he is in danger, for -she is liable to decide at any minute that she’ll have him. If she -should, she’d find a way to let him know it and to lead him into a -proposal. How is that to be prevented? The only way is to convince him -beyond the shadow of a doubt that she is a treacherous, heartless flirt. -But how can I convince him? I must find a way. I will.” - -Starbright still seemed to feel that he had done Merriwell a wrong, and -this added to his sense of duty toward the youth who had befriended him -when he first came to college. Having become convinced that Merry would -be led into a snare in case he ever married Inza, Dick determined to -find a way to prove to Frank that the dark-eyed, haughty girl was -unworthy of him. - -“I must do it, even though it makes him despise me,” mentally decided -the big Andover man. “It will be nothing more than an act of pure -friendship.” - -Jack Diamond’s story of his mistake had made not the slightest -impression upon Starbright. Frank had hoped it would open the youth’s -eyes to the folly of jumping at conclusions, but it had not, for Dick, -like old Captain Starbright, his father, was hard-headed and set, once -having formed an opinion. - -A man of this character is almost always successful in life if he gets -started on the right track, for he will stick and hang like a bulldog -until he wins; but give him a wrong start, let him bend his energies in -the wrong direction, and he will persist in a bull-headed way in -carrying out plans that any one and every one else can see are certain -to bring disaster upon him. - -The bulldog determination and stick-to-it-iveness is all right if it is -properly combined with reasoning ability. But the person who says he is -right because he thinks so, and refuses to listen to reason or argument, -is certain sooner or later to butt his head against a stone and knock -out what few obstinate brains he possesses. There are men so constituted -that they persist in declaring they are right, in the face of positive -evidence to the contrary. Sometimes they shut their eyes so they may not -see the evidence. This sort of bulldog persistency is simply -“foolishness.” - -Frank knew Dick was brooding over the affair, and he thought a walk in -the open air might do the big freshman good. Thus, after they had eaten, -during which Jack and Merry seemed in a very agreeable mood, not a -little to Dick’s wonderment, Merriwell proposed a walk. - -Diamond, however, stated that he had many letters to write and thought -he had better be about them at once. - -“I’ll have to run down home for a day or two before going across,” he -said. “I shall leave you to-morrow, Merriwell. To-night I shall spend in -getting things straightened out here.” - -So Frank and Dick left the hotel together. They made a handsome “pair” -as they strolled along the street—shoulder to shoulder. Starbright was -larger, but he was not a whit more finely developed, and there was a -certain air of confidence and assurance about Merriwell that was not -possessed by the big fellow. At a glance a discerning person could see -that Frank was the natural leader and a born commander of men. - -They walked up Broadway, attracting considerable attention and causing -more than one head to be turned that the owner might follow them with -his or her eyes. - -“Things have conspired to hold me here in New York long after I had -thought of returning to college,” said Merry; “but I’m going back with -you to-morrow, Starbright.” - -“I’m glad of that,” said Dick listlessly. - -“Your voice did not sound as if you were very glad.” - -“Nevertheless, I am, Frank. All the fellows will be delighted. Why, -things are at loose ends there. Everybody is wondering what keeps you -away.” - -“Are they?” - -“Yes. The baseball men are worried to death, and there is a general air -of suspense and dread over the place.” - -Frank laughed. “I fear you are making it too strong, Starbright. Yale -got along all right before I came, and I am sure she will continue to do -so when I’m gone.” - -“But you know what happened when you were away—you know how she slumped -the year you were out of college.” - -“The same thing might have happened had I been there.” - -“Nobody believes it. All point to the fact that you straightened things -out in a hurry when you came back.” - -“That is giving me too much credit.” - -“Nobody thinks so. Yale never in her history had such a football-team as -she did last season. Not once was she defeated. Harvard had the best -team she ever put onto the field, yet Yale beat her. I say Yale, but I -mean Merriwell, for it is certain Harvard would have won that game had -you not risen from a sickbed and appeared on the field at the critical -moment in the last half. You won the game for us, Merriwell, by the most -remarkable play ever seen on a football-field, jumping clean over the -head of a tackler. What other man could have done that?” - -Starbright was beginning to forget Inza, and life and animation were -coming back to him. - -“It was a very lucky trick,” said Merry, with no show of false modesty. - -“Lucky! It was astounding, and the strange thing is that not a single -newspaper report described it. All reports say you dodged Fulton, the -Harvard tackler, when in truth you dodged him by jumping over him as he -flung himself forward to grasp you about the body. I think that was a -clean case of robbing you of the credit that was your due.” - -Again Frank laughed. - -“Who cares as long as Yale won!” he cried. - -“Everybody cares at Yale. I tell you, Merriwell, you’ll find you are the -thing when you get back there! You had enemies once, but they’re all in -the soup now. Not even the Chickering set dares breathe a word against -you in public, for they know it would mean tar and feathers. You’ll find -the professors ready to take off their hats to you. And everybody is -kicking because this is your last term at the old college.” - -“My boy, you make me afraid to go back there; but I hope it is not as -bad as you say, for I couldn’t stand it. I don’t want anybody bowing -down to me. I’m just plain Frank Merriwell, and nothing more.” - -“Which means that to-day you are the greatest and best-known young man -in this country. Oh, I’m not putting it on too thick! Can you wonder -that Yale dreads to lose you? Can you wonder that your absence has -produced no end of worry?” - -Frank knew Starbright was sincere. He had entertained a feeling of -resentment toward the freshman because of his suspicions concerning -Inza; but now Merry realized once more that Dick was scarcely anything -but a big, impressionable boy, and must be regarded as such. - -“I shall be sorry to leave without seeing Inza or hearing anything about -her,” admitted Frank. - -Instantly the cloud returned to Starbright’s face. - -“Inza!” he muttered bitterly. - -They had reached Thirty-third Street. - -“Let’s walk down Sixth Avenue,” said Merry, and they turned that way, -leaving Broadway, glowing with thousands of electric lights, behind. - -Over their heads rumbled the elevated trains, beneath the trestles of -which ran the surface trolleys. The avenue looked dark and dingy in -comparison with “Beautiful Broadway,” for at night the portion of -Broadway between Twenty-third and Forty-second Streets is really -fascinating and attractive. - -On Broadway the greater part of the pedestrians had been well dressed -and fashionable in appearance. Barely had they turned into Sixth Avenue -when the general appearance of the people changed. - -Dick suddenly clutched Frank’s arm with a crushing grip. - -“Look!” he excitedly breathed, seeming to quiver from head to feet. -“There he is!” - -He pointed to a bearded man who had paused to look at the chronometer in -the window of a jeweler’s small shop, having in hand his own watch, -which he was setting to correspond with the correct time. - -“Who is it?” asked Frank quietly. - -“The man Inza met at the Grand Central!” hissed Starbright. “The one she -called Walter! That is the man!” - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVII - - INZA’S STRANGE ACTIONS. - - -“Sure?” questioned Merry guardedly. “Don’t make a mistake, my boy.” - -“Dead sure!” asserted Dick excitedly. - -The man wore a full beard, dark and wavy. Despite this beard, Merry -could see he was a young man. His clothes were of dark material and -fitted him loosely, but there was nothing slouchy in his appearance. -Instead of that, his general air was that of a person who was rather -particular about his appearance. The “misfit” of the clothing was -suggestive of London. His overcoat was very loose, but it was of fine -material. He wore a soft black hat set squarely on his head. - -“Have you ever seen him before?” questioned Dick. “Do you know him?” - -“I do not seem to remember him,” confessed Merry. - -“He’s a stranger to you! She never told you anything about him. You see! -And you trusted her!” - -Frank felt like rebuking Starbright, but at this moment the man turned -away, and walked briskly down the avenue. - -“We’ll follow him,” decided Merry quietly. - -“Yes!” panted Dick. “He may take us to her! Then you can demand an -explanation!” - -“Don’t think I shall make such a fool of myself, my dear fellow. If she -saw fit to make an explanation, I might listen; but I have no right to -make any demands on her, and I shall not be an ass.” - -“Well, I have a right!” - -“I hardly think so.” - -“But I have! Why not?” - -“Because you do not trust her, Starbright. When you cease to trust Inza, -you forfeited your rights to demand anything of her.” - -Dick gasped. - -“What are you talking about? If I still trusted her, there would be no -need for me to ask her to explain.” - -“Exactly,” nodded Merry. “As you do not, you have no right to ask her. -That puts you out of it. I hope she is not badly smitten with you, my -boy, for I hardly think you deserve to win her.” - -This was plain talk, and it struck home. Starbright felt the wound -rankle in his heart, and again he bitterly resolved to convince Merry -that Inza Burrage was not all she had been fancied to be. - -The man in advance was moving briskly. Frank and Dick kept a certain -distance behind him. - -“You’ll find out!” said the freshman. “Don’t take your eyes off him! -You’ll find you have been fooled by her!” - -“Enough of that!” commanded Frank sharply. “I will listen to no more of -it! If it were not that I wish to convince you of your shameful mistake, -I’d not take the trouble to follow this man, for I trust her fully and -completely.” - -Starbright was silenced. - -The stranger kept straight down Sixth Avenue till Twenty-third Street -was reached. As he approached that corner, a handsome, well-dressed girl -came quickly toward him. - -It was Inza, who, apparently, had been waiting for him there. - -“There she is!” panted Starbright. - -“Silence!” ordered Frank. - -She ran up and grasped the stranger by the arm, and they plainly heard -her say: - -“Oh, Walter, I’m so glad you’ve come! Three men have followed me all the -way from the house and persisted in speaking to me. They hung around and -annoyed me when I paused here, where you promised to meet me.” - -The man uttered an exclamation of anger. - -“Where are the whelps?” he demanded. - -“There they are!” said Inza, pointing at a trio of men who looked like -sports and fighters. An instant later the stranger had walked straight -up to the men, and then—— - -Smack! smack! smack! - -Swift as thought, he slapped the faces of each one of them. - -“Perhaps that will teach you to mind your own business and let a lady -alone, even though she may not be accompanied by an escort!” he cried. - -The men were astounded by this treatment, but they recovered quickly, -and the leader—a big fellow with a heavy black mustache—made a jump and -delivered a swinging blow at Inza’s companion, growling: - -“Take that, you big stiff!” - -But the stranger skilfully parried the blow, and gave the fellow one on -the chin that sent him staggering. - -The others, however, set on him both together, and both hit him, one -succeeding in tripping him at the same time, which sent him to the -sidewalk. Instantly one of the young ruffians lifted a foot to give the -fallen man a kick. - -About that time Frank Merriwell got into action, followed closely by -Dick Starbright. Merriwell’s fist crashed on the jaw of the fellow who -was on the point of kicking Inza’s protector. Down the man went, -dropping like a log. - -Starbright grasped the other fellow by the neck and shook him as a -terrier shakes a rat. - -The one who had been struck by the stranger had recovered by this time, -and he aimed a vicious blow at the freshman. - -Dick would have been hit fairly under the ear, but Merriwell was too -quick, and the man with the black mustache was sent staggering with a -thrust. - -Then Starbright flung his man aside and turned to see if his assistance -was needed. He found Frank assisting the fallen stranger to rise. - -The fellow with the black mustache saw Frank stoop, and he aimed a -vicious kick at Merry’s face, springing forward to deliver it. - -Starbright’s heavy hand caught this chap by the neck, and then the big -freshman drove the toe of his foot into the fellow’s back, fairly -lifting him from the ground. - -The astounded ruffian uttered a shout of rage and pain. - -“You’re a great kicker,” said Dick. “How do you like some of your own -medicine?” - -He had not released his hold, and he proceeded to lift the fellow again, -using his right foot this time. - -“Ow!” howled the bewildered and amazed masher. “Ow! Don’t! Ow! You—ugh!” - -Dick used his left foot, and again the fellow howled. - -“Help, help!” roared the ruffian. - -“Calm yourself,” advised Starbright. “I do not need help. I am able to -attend to your case without assistance.” - -Then, he repeated with the right foot, and the kick seemed to raise the -man two feet from the sidewalk. - -“You’re killing me!” groaned the masher, trying to twist round, but -finding himself helpless in the grasp of the Andover giant. - -“Not at all,” said Dick. “I intend to only about half-kill you. That -will be enough to teach you a wholesome lesson.” - -And then he kicked with both feet in quick succession, and did not cease -till the demoralized masher was limp and helpless. Then Dick held him -up, steadied him on his feet, and grimly said: - -“I’ll give you two minutes to get out of sight. Steady! If you don’t -hustle away, I may take a notion to overhaul you and kick you some more. -I have enjoyed kicking you very much.” - -The fellow staggered away when Dick released him. - -Turning, Starbright found that Merriwell had easily handled the other -two fellows and put them to flight. - -“The opportunity was just what I’ve wanted,” muttered Dick. “I’ve been -longing to kick somebody for several hours.” - -Of course, this encounter had attracted attention, but its sudden -termination without police interference seemed to disappoint the crowd, -which began to melt away in short order. - -Inza had stood aside while Merriwell and Starbright disposed of the -three men, but now she came forward and spoke to them, although seeming -not a little astonished and distressed. - -“I’m so glad you were on hand to help us!” she said. “If I’d been a man, -I think I should have enjoyed taking part in that!” - -“I think I owe the gentlemen thanks,” said the stranger. “They were too -many for me, and it’s lucky somebody happened along to help me out. I -must say you disposed of them very finely.” - -Starbright was scowling at the stranger, but Frank laughed quietly. - -“I assure you,” said Merry, “we enjoyed the pleasure.” - -“But Frank, Dick,” said Inza, plainly bewildered, “I thought you both in -New Haven.” - -“As you see, we are not.” - -“But how does it happen?” - -“I was detained in the city,” Merry explained, “and Dick ran down to—to -see me and to take me back.” - -“Why doesn’t she introduce her bearded friend?” Starbright was asking -himself. - -Frank wondered a little over this, but fancied Inza had forgotten in her -excitement caused by the encounter. - -“Well, it’s a great surprise,” said Inza. “I thought you both many miles -away.” - -“Haven’t a doubt of it,” thought Dick. - -“We expect to return to New Haven to-morrow,” said Frank. - -The stranger was silent now, having stepped back a little. He stood -looking at Frank in a rather peculiar and penetrating manner. - -“To-morrow?” repeated Inza, her embarrassment seeming to increase, as -she looked from Frank and Dick to the strange man. - -The latter shook his head slightly. With his eyes wide open for every -move, Merry saw this, and knew it was a signal to Inza. - -“Yes,” nodded Merry. “I called at your hotel in Brooklyn to see you, but -found you were gone.” - -“Yes, we—we left there after we supposed you had returned to New Haven. -We’re stopping in New York for a few days.” - -“Near here?” inquired Merry, with deferential politeness. - -“Yes—quite near.” - -Again Inza looked toward the man in the background, and again Merry saw -the stranger shake his head a trifle. - -“We’re going to leave the city very soon,” Inza hurried on, as if -anxious to say something, but finding herself quite at a loss for words. -“I’m truly glad to see you both. Oh, Dick! what a horrid scowl you have -on your face!” - -“Have I?” murmured Starbright, bowing. - -“Why, you big boy! don’t you see it does not disturb Frank at all? I’m -sorry I—I can’t invite you to call; but you—you are go—going away so -soon—you know—of course——” - -Usually Inza was quite self-possessed, but now she floundered badly. - -“We might be able to stay longer, Miss Burrage, if——” - -“Miss Burrage, indeed!” cried Inza resentfully. “Why do you call me -that, Dick? Why are you so formal? You’re not a bit like yourself.” - -“And I fancy you are not just like your usual self,” Dick returned. - -“Why, of course—of course, I—I was flustered by that horrid affair. A -street-fight! But it could not be helped, and the men had insulted me.” - -“The scoundrels!” exclaimed Frank, rousing again at the thought of it. -“They got off altogether too easily!” - -The stranger had turned and walked away a short distance. Seeing this, -Inza, who appeared more perplexed and distressed than ever, said: - -“I must go! I’ll see you both at New Haven during the Easter holidays, -for I expect to be there then.” - -Starbright was glaring after the stranger, and did not seem to hear her -words. Merry, however, was giving her the closest attention, and he -quickly said: - -“That’s right, Inza—do come. Everybody will be delighted to see ‘the -Mascot of the Crew.’” - -She held out her gloved hand. - -“And you?” - -“You know how pleased I’ll be,” he said, taking her hand. - -She gave his fingers a little pressure, while she tried to smile into -his eyes. - -“I know,” she murmured; “but—there was a time——” - -What did she mean? She stopped short, forced a laugh, said “good-by,” -and turned to Dick. - -“Good-by, Dick,” she said, offering her hand. “I hope you make the -ball-team this spring.” - -He actually seemed to hesitate about accepting her hand, but it was only -for a fraction of a second. Then he bent low over her fingers, his hat -lifted, murmuring something polite—but frigid. - -Inza hastened to the stranger, took his arm, and accompanied him -westward along Twenty-third Street. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII - - THE MYSTERIOUS LITTLE STICK. - - -“Well,” said Starbright grimly, “what do you think about it now?” - -“Just what I thought before,” answered Frank calmly. - -Dick seemed astonished. - -“Impossible!” he exclaimed. “Why, Merriwell, didn’t you see how confused -she was? And she did not introduce him! She was all broken up about it.” - -“For which I was very sorry.” - -“Well, hanged if I can understand you, Merriwell! It must be plain to -you now that she has fooled us both.” - -“Nothing of the kind is plain to me, Starbright. I have known Inza -Burrage a long time, and I trust her fully.” - -Dick flung out one hand in a gesture of despair. - -“There are none so blind as those who will not see,” he said. “Talk -about obstinacy! Why, Merriwell, you cannot explain her actions! -Everything demanded that she introduce the man, and yet she did not. -What have you to say to that?” - -“Simply that there must have been some good reason why she did not.” - -“And when she spoke about our calling, and I said we might call, she was -more confused than ever. She did not wish us to call, and you know it.” - -“I think you are right about that.” - -“Why didn’t she wish it?” - -“You know as well as I.” - -“Did she act natural?” - -“No.” - -“Aren’t appearances against her?” - -“They seem to be,” Merry was forced to confess. - -“And still you have confidence in her?” - -“I trust her fully, Starbright. That girl has been my friend and I have -been hers ever since we first met in Fardale. I have saved her life on -more than one occasion. In return she watched beside me when I was -raving and delirious with a fever that threatened to end all in this -world for me. It was her care that brought me back to life and health. -And then, when I—forced to earn my living by daily labor—when I had no -work and no money, she got work for me. - -“When people who regarded a day-laborer as something far beneath them -refused to recognize me, she found a way to compel them to do so. -Starbright, that girl has been to me the best friend a man could have! -Do you think I would doubt her now? I trust her as fully as I would -trust my own mother, were she living! She has a reason for anything she -has done, and a good reason it will prove to be. I am willing to wait -until she explains. If she does not see fit to explain, I shall still -believe in her!” - -Dick Starbright was silenced at last. He wondered at the great faith of -Frank Merriwell, and again he told himself: - -“He loves her! There is no longer a doubt of it. And love is blind! It -is useless to make a further attempt to open his eyes.” - -Then, after a little, he spoke aloud: - -“You may be right, Merriwell—I hope you are. Nothing could give me -greater satisfaction than to know you had made no mistake. That’s all I -can say.” - -“Then we will say no more about her. Do you understand? Do not speak to -me again of her, Starbright!” - -Inza and her mysterious escort had disappeared along the street as Frank -and Dick turned to leave the corner. Then Merry stooped and picked up -something lying on the sidewalk. - -It proved to be a peculiar little black stick, about five inches long, -having strange characters, like hieroglyphics, upon it. - -“What is it?” asked Dick. - -“Hanged if I know!” confessed Merry, gazing at it curiously. “It’s a -queer thing, anyhow.” - -“Those characters look like Chinese writing,” said Starbright. - -“Something,” nodded Frank. - -They gazed with increasing curiosity at the little black stick. - -“Well, I’m going to keep it,” said Frank, as he dropped it into his -pocket. “It is a curiosity, at least.” - -They walked eastward to Broadway, neither of them having much to say. -Near the Fifth Avenue Hotel they paused at a lighted window, and Frank -took the stick from his pocket to examine it again. Standing there, he -turned it over and over, feeling a strange sensation of mystery settling -upon him. - -“Starbright,” he said, “I’d give something to know just what sort of a -find I’ve made.” - -“I don’t think it will ever prove very profitable,” said Dick. - -Two men were passing at that moment. They were dressed in ordinary -clothes, but beneath their hats were coiled queues, for they were -Chinamen. - -One of them espied the stick in Frank’s hand. He seized the other, held -him fast, and pointed. Both stared in great excitement. Then they darted -forward with catlike footsteps. - -It happened that Starbright saw them in time, and he knocked aside the -yellow hand that was outstretched to grasp the mysterious stick. - -“Look out, Frank!” - -The other fellow tried to snatch the stick, but Dick’s warning cry had -put Merry on his guard. - -“No, you don’t!” said Frank, springing back. - -“Glivee tlo me!” chattered the Celestial, his face betraying the -greatest excitement and eagerness. - -“Get out!” returned Merry. “Why should I give it to you?” - -“I wantee it! I wantee it! Give tlo me!” - -“Yah, yah!” chattered the other. “Yah, yah!” - -He danced in great excitement. - -“I don’t understand that kind of talk,” Merry confessed. “Chinese is not -one of my accomplishments.” - -“Glivee tlo me!” commanded the other, his hand still outstretched. - -“Is it yours?” asked Merry. - -The Chinaman nodded madly. - -“It b’longee tlo me,” he asserted. - -“Where did you lose it?” - -“Yah, yah!” chattered the other again. - -“Where did you lose it?” persisted Merry. - -“Me no lemembal,” said the one who spoke pidgin-English. “Me lostee it. -Glivee tlo me!” - -“Not unless you can satisfy me that it belongs to you,” asserted Frank -obstinately, for he had conceived a desire to retain possession of that -curious stick. “If I knew it belonged to you, I’d give it up in a -minute.” - -Again the Chinaman nodded as if his neck worked on hinges. - -“B’longee tlo me,” he asserted. “Glivee klick! Melican mlan gitee into -double if no glivee klick.” - -“Yah, yah, yah!” parroted the other, still dancing. - -Frank put the stick into his pocket. - -“I think I’ll keep it a while longer,” he said. “I am stopping here at -this hotel. If you wish to find me to-morrow, come round early and show -this card.” - -He offered his card to the one who could talk some English. The other -gave a howl and chattered something that sounded like a command. - -A moment later both Chinamen made movements as if to draw weapons from -beneath their coats. - -“Look out for them, Merry!” burst from the freshman. “They cut -sometimes!” - -He sprang upon one of the Celestials, and Frank grasped the other. - -“Bounce them!” shouted Dick. - -Biff! biff!—two kicks, two howls, and two Chinamen went flying toward -the gutter. - -“Let’s retire before we get into further trouble,” suggested Frank -laughingly. “This is getting altogether too swift for me.” - -They turned to enter the hotel, but the Chinamen had picked themselves -out of the gutter, and came running across the wide walk. - -The two Yale men turned, expecting a furious attack; but, instead, the -Celestials threw themselves on their knees and bowed down at the feet of -Frank, jabbering strangely. - -“Well, of all the queer things that ever happened, this takes the first -money!” gasped Starbright, staring in astonishment at the prostrated -Chinamen. - -The heathens were bowing low, now and then pressing their foreheads to -the cold flagging of the walk, while they chanted in a strange, -chattering monotone. - -“I’m in it!” laughed Frank. “I think I must be a Joss.” - -“Oh, gleat Melican mlan,” sobbed the one who could speak English, -“glivee up to us an’ we pay heepee mluch.” - -“Hello!” whistled Frank. “Now the thing has a money-value! What do you -think of that, Dick?” - -“It’s marvelous!” asserted the Andover man. “I don’t know what to think -of it.” - -It was a very queer adventure, and Merry found something fascinating -about it, for it was mystifying. - -The Chinaman who could make himself understood continued to implore -Frank to give up the stick, increasing his offers of money with -bewildering swiftness. - -“Glivee tlo hundal dollal—thlee—floa—fivee!” he declared. “Pay quickee! -Glivee up.” - -“Well, it seems that I’ve found a prize,” said Frank. “Five hundred -dollars for a little black stick? You are crazy, John! Get up and stop -that business of wiping your face on the sidewalk.” - -“Will glivee?” - -Now, five hundred dollars was an object, but Frank was willing to give -the stick up for nothing the moment he was convinced that it belonged to -either of these men. If it did not belong to them, there must be -something very remarkable about it to cause them to offer five hundred -dollars for it. - -“I don’t believe the heathen has that much money to his name,” said -Dick. - -“Yes, yes!” asserted the Chinaman eagerly, straightening up, but -remaining on his knees. “Glot monee. Look!” - -He exhibited a wad of bank-notes and bills. - -The actions of the Chinamen had attracted attention, and Frank felt like -getting away. - -“I don’t want your money,” he said. “Come to me to-morrow and bring my -card. I’ll see you then, and, if you can convince me that the stick -belongs to you, you shall have it.” - -But the Chinamen seemed filled with terror at his desire to leave them. - -“We glo now! We keepee with you,” they said. - -“Not to-night,” came firmly from Frank. “Come, Dick.” - -But when they entered the lobby of the hotel, the Chinamen followed like -two dogs. Not relishing this, Frank called attention to them, and they -were promptly compelled to leave the place. - -“There,” said Dick, with a breath of relief, when the Chinamen were -gone. “I’m glad to get rid of them. What in the name of all that is -wonderful do you suppose they wanted of that queer little stick? I -believe that one of them would have paid the five hundred for it.” - -“I believe he would have paid more,” said Frank. “He went up to five -hundred with a rush. It would have been scarcely less surprising had he -offered five thousand.” - -“And I was sure at one time that they were going to draw weapons on us. -I believe they did mean to do so.” - -“If so, they quickly changed their minds. Let’s go up to the room and -see if Diamond is there. We can look the stick over, and see what can be -made of it.” - -Diamond was not in Frank’s room. When they had removed their overcoats, -Frank produced the remarkable stick, and they began to inspect it. Merry -fancied there might be a hidden spring that would cause it to fly open -and reveal a secret of some sort, but a search failed to show that there -was anything of the kind connected with the stick. Indeed, the stick -appeared to be nothing more than a simple piece of solid black wood, -upon which were some very strange characters. - -While they were engaged in examining it there came a knock on the door. -On opening the door, Merry saw a hotel-boy, behind whom stood the -stranger who had accompanied Inza. - -“I beg your pardon, Mr. Merriwell,” said this man; “but I took the -liberty to come right up with the boy. You have something that belongs -to me.” - -“I have?” - -“Yes.” - -“What?” - -“That!” - -The man had stepped forward and was pointing at the little black stick -in Frank’s hand. Starbright uttered a smothered exclamation. - -“I’m in luck to find it,” said the stranger, passing the boy and -entering the room. “I congratulate myself.” - -“This?” muttered Frank—“this yours?” - -“It is. I presume you must have picked it up on the sidewalk near where -the encounter with those mashers took place?” - -“Yes.” - -“I thought I lost it there.” - -“You dropped it?” - -“I did. But I did not discover the loss till some time later. When I did -so, I turned about and ran back to that corner. You had gone.” - -“Then what?” - -“I searched all around for it, but could not find it.” - -“After that?” - -“I tried to find you. I hastened along Twenty-third Street, and I was in -luck. After turning into Broadway I saw you.” - -“The Chinamen——” - -“Were doing their best to get you to give up the stick. If you had shown -an inclination to do so, I was determined to step forward and object, -even though it would place my life in the greatest peril.” - -“Place your life in peril? How?” - -The bell-boy had disappeared, and Frank closed the door, which the -stranger left open on entering. - -“The life of any American, or any man not a Chinaman and a member of a -strange secret order, is in constant peril if that stick remains in his -possession,” asserted the stranger seriously. - -The mystery was growing deeper. - -“Then my life must be in peril?” questioned Frank. - -“It is.” - -“And this stick is somehow connected with a Chinese secret society?” - -“Exactly. It was stolen three years ago from a temple in the very heart -of China. Since then members of the order, which is the largest and most -powerful in the whole world, have searched for it everywhere. It somehow -fell into the hands of an Englishman whom I had the good fortune to -befriend. He lost every dollar he possessed at Monte Carlo and blew out -his brains. Before doing the latter trick, however, he gave me the -stick, telling me its real value, and I have treasured it highly ever -since. It was in my pocket when the encounter took place on that corner, -and somehow it fell out.” - -“I have no doubt that it belongs to you, sir,” said Frank, “and, -therefore, I shall take pleasure in restoring it to you. But why did -those two Chinamen make such efforts to obtain it?” - -“They must be members of the society.” - -“That is something I do not fully understand at the present time, but -the high priests of the society are sorcerers and magicians of the -highest degree, and with that stick they somehow work out their most -difficult feats of magic. Without it they are powerless to do the -mightiest things.” - -“I am beginning to understand how a superstitious Chinese society might -come to set a great value on the thing, but I fail to see why it should -be of any remarkable value to an American or an Englishman.” - -The stranger smiled a mysterious smile. - -“Some Englishmen and some Americans are superstitious,” he said. “The -man who owned this stick formerly was a gambler. When it came into his -possession he was down on his luck. While he possessed it he made a -fortune. Money rolled in on him. Everything seemed to come his way.” - -“But fortune turned against him at last and he lost all.” - -“Yes.” - -“Did not that cure him of his superstition?” - -“Hardly. He carried it to death. He claimed that he lost because at the -proper time he failed to do the proper thing in connection with the -stick.” - -“But why did he kill himself? With such a marvelous talisman in his -possession, he should have believed himself able to regain all he had -lost.” - -“Not all. Money he might have regained, and he knew it, but not his -wife. When he lost his wealth he lost her, also. She was young and -beautiful, but heartless. She loved a man for what he could give her. -When my friend lost his last dollar over the table, he had her near him. -He looked into her eyes, and saw anger and disgust there. He knew she -hated and despised him for losing his money. He also knew she had been -greatly admired by the Prince of Monaco. - -“Then he resolved to make one last stand. He spoke to the prince, called -him aside, offered to stake his wife against a sum equal to one hundred -thousand dollars. The prince quietly accepted. The cast was made, and -again my friend lost. Perhaps that was the real reason why he put a -bullet in his head. Before he died he gave me this stick, and told me -all about it—that is, he told me all he knew about it. Not everything -can be known by a person outside the mysterious order to which it -belongs. I have heard that not everything can be known in the order, -save to a very few high priests. But every member of the order is sworn -to protect and guard the stick with his life, and they believe a failure -to do so means ever-lasting torture for the one who fails.” - -“That explains the queer actions of the two Chinamen,” said Merry. - -“And makes me dead sure they were reaching for weapons when their hands -went under their coats,” nodded Starbright. - -“I was watching their every move,” asserted the stranger. “I feared they -would attack you with knives, and I was ready to chip in if they did.” - -“But if they did not——” - -“I preferred keeping in the background, for I did not care to have those -Chinamen discover I was the real owner of the stick.” - -“But you are not the real owner!” exclaimed Starbright. “It does not -belong to you at all! You have acknowledged that!” - -The stranger looked surprised, and then frowned darkly. - -“If I am not the rightful owner, there is no rightful owner in this -country. I am an American, and I lost that stick. I presume you will -give it to me, Mr. Merriwell?” - -“It seems to me that it is Frank’s duty to return it to the society from -which it was stolen in the first place,” said Dick grimly. - -The stranger looked startled, but there came to his face an expression -of sudden savage determination. - -“I hope Mr. Merriwell will not agree with you,” he said instantly. “I -have proved that I lost it, and——” - -“You have confessed that it was stolen, in the first place.” - -“Well?” - -“A receiver of stolen goods——” - -“Be careful, sir!” - -Frank saw that Dick was willing to get into trouble with the -stranger—that he was seeking it. It is probable that the stranger -understood this, also. - -“You are going a little too far, Starbright,” said Merry sharply. “This -gentleman has satisfied me that he lost the stick. Whether it rightfully -belongs to him or not is not a question for me to decide. I know no -members of the secret society——” - -“The two Chinamen.” - -“May or may not be members. It is possible they are enemies of the -society.” - -“That is true,” nodded the stranger, “though it is not likely.” - -“If enemies of the society,” pursued Frank, “they might wish to get hold -of the stick in order to obtain a power over the rightful owners.” - -“Even if they are members of the society,” said the stranger, “that is -not a reason why Mr. Merriwell should return the stick to them.” - -“Why not?” - -“Because that society stands for all that is bad in China. It has ever -been opposed to Christianity, and is the persecutor of Christian -missionaries. It was at the head of the late Boxer rising. It did its -best—or its worst—to kill every missionary in China. The destruction of -this society, which lives and thrives on all that is superstitious, -magical, heathenish, and degrading, would aid in the advancement of -Christianity in China more than any other thing possibly could. Without -the aid of this little black stick their head men cannot work their most -powerful charms or perform their most amazing feats of black magic. Now, -decide whether the stick should be returned to them or not.” - -“If not,” muttered Starbright, “it should be destroyed.” - -“And the man who destroyed it would forever have a hideous shadow -hanging over him, as such an act would doom him to strangulation by some -member of the society, and every member is sworn to know no rest till -the guilty one is found and punished. The persistence with which these -men follow up such a hunt is terrifying. They are like bloodhounds on -the scent.” - -“You have said quite enough,” laughed Frank. “Had you not said half as -much, I should have returned the stick to you. I have no fancy to be -harassed and hunted by a lot of Chinese thugs. Here, sir, is the stick.” - -The stranger bowed low and expressed his thanks as he received the -mysterious little article from Merry’s hand. - -“But now,” he said, as he slipped it into his bosom, “it will be well -for you to be on your guard, Mr. Merriwell.” - -“What do you mean?” - -“The stick has been seen in your possession.” - -“Well?” - -“You will be hunted and dogged by men determined to obtain it from you.” - -“Whew! Then I am not getting rid of the hoodoo when I give it up to -you?” - -“No.” - -“But I shall tell them I have given it up.” - -“To whom?” smiled the stranger, in a mysterious way. “You do not know my -name. You do not know where to find me. You do not know anything about -me. You see——” - -“Then why don’t you give your name?” cried Starbright. - -“Because I do not wish to—because this trail must be broken here. I do -not wish to be hunted by those cursed Chinese cutthroats!” - -“Was that the reason why you did not give your name when we first met a -short time ago?” - -“Perhaps so; perhaps not.” - -“It was not!” roared Dick. “I know the reason, and I——” - -“Stop!” commanded Frank, his eyes flashing. “You are forgetting -yourself, Starbright!” - -The big Andover man stood glaring at the stranger, who was quite -unmoved. Dick’s eyes were gleaming, and he seemed to long to attack the -possessor of the mystic stick then and there. - -“Your friend is excitable, Mr. Merriwell,” said the unknown. “Why should -he care to know my name?” - -“Oh, I have a reason!” asserted Starbright. - -“And I have a reason for declining to give it—just now. Some time, -perhaps, I may choose to make myself known to Frank Merriwell.” - -Merry felt convinced that he had seen this man before—that he knew the -man. In vain, however, he tried to remember when and where they had met. - -“Don’t bother about it,” said the other, as if he surmised that Frank -was trying to recall him. “It’s of no consequence, and you may be -mistaken.” - -Merry shook his head. - -“I know I have seen you some time,” he said unswervingly. - -A faint smile seemed to hide itself in the stranger’s beard. - -“Still I assure you it is of no consequence.” - -“But it’s very perplexing. I have a way of remembering faces perfectly.” - -“But you cannot see much of my face.” - -“That’s so! The beard hides it! If it were not for that beard I might -recognize you.” - -“Possibly. If I shave the beard, I may come round to see you. Just now I -have to leave you, for I have an appointment that must be kept. This -night the little stick may pass from my hands forever.” - -“You—you will get rid of it?” - -“If I get my price.” - -“Who wants it?” - -“A certain half-crazy doctor who dabbles in things occult and -investigates everything mysterious. He is believed to be a wizard and -sorcerer by many who have seen him work his strange incantations. But -the man has located diamond-mines, found buried treasure, and is -wonderfully wealthy. Thus his black art has paid him in a certain way, -though some claim he has sold himself to the devil to obtain his ends. -He wants this stick. He found out about it a number of years ago, and -once he nearly lost his life in an attempt to steal it from the temple -where it was kept. It is possible the thing was stolen afterward at his -instigation, but failed to reach his hands.” - -“He knows you have it?” - -“I have communicated with him, making the claim. He has promised to -investigate. If I can convince him that I speak the truth, he will pay -me liberally for it. Liberally means that he will give up a fortune just -to get the stick into his hands, for he fancies it will enable him to -explore all the dark things he has hitherto found impregnable.” - -“Well, if I were you,” said Frank, “I should lose no time in getting to -him and making a trade.” - -“I think I shall not. It is most fortunate for me that you found the -stick to-night. I am indebted to you, and if I can pay the——” - -Merry cut him short with a gesture. - -“Don’t speak of pay! I’m glad to get rid of the thing!” - -The stranger laughed and retreated toward the door. - -“Perhaps I shall be,” he said. “Good night.” - -He opened the door and turned to go out. Then he leaped backward, for -just outside the door stood a tall Chinaman! - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIX - - FRANK’S FAITH UNSHAKEN. - - -Before Merriwell or Starbright could make a move, the stranger leaped -forward again, his hand having plunged into a pocket and come out. He -gave it a flirt, and something struck the Chinaman fairly in the eyes. - -With a cry of pain, the Celestial clapped his hands to his eyes and -reeled backward. Quick as a flash, the stranger shot past him and was -gone. - -This had happened so swiftly that Merriwell and Starbright could do -nothing. When they rushed out of the room the stranger had vanished and -the Chinaman was groaning and jabbering with pain. - -“What’s the matter?” asked Frank. “What did he do?” - -“Puttee out eyles! Yi! yi! Oh, glivee watal quickee! Oh! oh!” - -They dragged the Chinaman into the room and Merry soon had some water on -his face. - -“Red pepper!” cried Frank, as he detected the powder on the clothes of -the Chinaman. “That man threw it in his eyes!” - -“Yi! yi! yi!” yelled the Celestial. “Oh, eyles burnee likee led-hot -fial! Oh, pooal John go to die velly quickee! Hi-yi!” - -The yells of the frightened fellow soon brought people to investigate, -and Merry explained what had happened. - -The Chinaman belonged in the kitchen. How he came to be on that floor -was a mystery, and he would not tell. All he seemed able to do was to -howl with pain. - -When the Celestial had been removed and the excitement was over, Merry -flung himself on a chair, laughing outright. - -“I fail to see what you are laughing about,” cried Starbright, who was -striding up and down the floor. - -“Well, if things to laugh about have not happened this night, they never -did!” declared Frank. - -“Then you see things in quite a different light from what I do.” - -“It all depends on the mood a man is in how he looks at things, my boy,” -said Merry. “In certain moods a tragedy may seem like a comedy.” - -“Look here, Merriwell,” said Dick, stopping where he could face Frank -squarely. “I want to know what you think about this matter now.” - -“What matter?” - -“This Inza Burrage business.” - -Frank stopped laughing. - -“Do you think just the same thing that you did?” persisted Dick. “Have -you not changed your mind in the least?” - -“Why, I have seen nothing to cause me to change my mind.” - -“You haven’t?” - -“No.” - -“Not even after this fellow came here and refused to state his name or -make any explanation?” - -“Not even after that.” - -“Well, you are queerly constructed. You trust her still?” - -“Fully!” - -“Do you think that man just the sort of a companion for Inza?” - -“I don’t know.” - -“He is a comrade of gamblers, the possessor of stolen property, a -creature without a name!” - -Frank was silent. - -“Perhaps,” Dick went on, “he is a gambler himself. It is likely he may -be, else why should he have a friend who was a gambler?” - -Still Merry did not speak. - -“It would not surprise me to learn that he is an escaped convict or a -criminal wanted for some great offense.” - -Merry’s lips tightened. - -“How do you know he is not, Frank?” Dick demanded. - -“Because he was with Inza!” Frank exclaimed. “That is quite enough to -satisfy me, Starbright. I would trust her with my life, and nothing can -shake my confidence in her.” - -“Nothing?” - -“No! It is useless to talk!” - -“You would refuse to believe if I placed proof before you!” - -“You’ll never be able to place such proofs before me.” - -“We’ll see! That creature with his sorcerer’s stick has aroused me. I -swear I’ll not leave New York till I find out his name and all about -him!” - -Dick was in earnest. - -“When you find out, if you do, you may discover that you made a fool of -yourself,” said Merry quietly, as he rose. “I think he told about all he -knew concerning the mystic stick. I also think the Chinaman outside the -door was listening to what passed in here. That being the case, it’s -likely he belongs to the secret order. His companions notified him, and -he was trying to keep track of the stick. If so, it is pretty certain he -knows it has passed from my hands to another, and will so report it. I -am glad of that, for I do not care to be tracked about by a lot of crazy -Chinks who may take a notion at any time to knife a man in the back.” - -Starbright scarcely seemed to hear Merriwell’s words. He had turned now -and was pacing the floor, a dark look on his face. - -After watching his companion a few moments, Merry sat down at the little -table and began to write some letters. - -When Jack Diamond came in it was nearly eleven o’clock, and both Dick -and Frank were there, Starbright having taken a room in the hotel. - -Diamond was in a gay humor, though he retained his air of politeness and -dignity. He told stories and cracked jokes, being joined by Merry, who -did not seem to have a care in the world. - -“Everything is attended to,” Jack asserted. “To-morrow I shall slip down -to old Virginia. Gentlemen, that is the State for you! It’s an honor to -have been born in Virginia and of good parents. I am not sure I’ve -always been an honor to my parents or to my State, but I mean to be in -the future.” - -Frank smiled. - -“I see you are feeling like yourself once more, Jack,” he said. - -“But our mutual friend Starbright seems off his feed,” observed the -Southerner. “What ails him?” - -There was a knock on the door, and Frank cried: - -“Come in.” - -A boy entered with a card, which he gave to Merry. When he saw the name -on it, Frank leaped to his feet, uttering an exclamation of surprise. - -“Inza?” he gasped. “Here at this hour! What does it mean?” - -Then, turning to the boy, he inquired: - -“Who accompanied the lady?” - -“She is alone,” was the surprising answer. “She came in a cab and asked -to see you without a moment’s delay.” - -“Something is wrong!” declared Frank, getting his hat and overcoat. Then -he hastened down to the ladies’ parlor, where Inza was waiting for him. - -Inza was pale and somewhat agitated when Frank reached her. - -“What is it, Inza?” Merry asked. - -“Oh, Frank!” she said, “I am afraid something terrible has happened -to—to Walter!” - -“Walter?” - -“Yes; you know—he is——” - -“The gentleman who was with you?” - -“Yes.” - -“What makes you think anything has happened to him?” - -“After he came here and found you had picked up the stick he returned to -the house with it in his possession. Then he told me he was going to see -that crazy doctor about the stick, and he promised to return by ten -o’clock. It is now long past eleven, and he has not returned. I knew it -would not do to let father know about it. Father had retired for the -night, so I slipped out of the house without his knowledge, and here I -am. I came to you because I thought you would know what to do.” - -Her words had conjured strange, gruesome visions before Merriwell’s -vision. Frank had heard from the man’s lips the story that revealed the -peril of any one who might possess the little black stick. Was it not -possible that, for all of his trick in dodging the Chinaman at the door, -he had been tracked down by members of the secret order and slain? Was -it not possible the stranger might be dead somewhere in the dark streets -of New York with the strangler’s cord about his neck? - -Inza saw Merry’s lips tighten and she gave a little cry of fear. - -“You are afraid!” she said, clutching Frank’s arm. “Oh, why did he ever -meddle with that terrible thing! What if he has been killed!” - -A pain shot through Frank’s heart, for her words and her agitation -plainly showed that she loved the stranger. Could it be possible that -Starbright was right? - -“No! no!” Merry cried in his heart. “I will not believe it yet—I will -not!” - -“You must help me save him, if we can!” panted Inza. “I know the address -of the crazy doctor, and we will go there. Perhaps he is there! Perhaps -we shall find him unharmed!” - -More than ever did she betray that she loved this mysterious man, and -Frank could not hold back the words which forced themselves from his -lips: - -“You care for him very much—you love him?” - -“Yes! yes! yes!” she cried. “And you must help me find and save him, -Frank!” - -Starbright was right! The face of Frank Merriwell was pale as death, and -he stood for a moment like a man turned to stone. With a great effort he -flung off the spell that seemed to have seized upon him. - -“I’ll help you!” he promised. “Inza, I—I’ll do—anything—for you!” - -As they left the parlor they found Jack Diamond and Dick Starbright -waiting outside. - -“Is there anything we can do?” asked the Virginian. - -“Yes,” said Frank instantly; “you can come along, both of you, for you -may be needed. Is the cab at the door, Inza?” - -“Yes.” - -Two minutes later all four were in that cab, and soon it was rattling -swiftly toward a street and number Inza had given. - -As they rolled along Frank explained to Diamond and Starbright what had -brought Inza to the hotel. Diamond had known nothing of the affair till -now, and it was necessary to make an explanation to him. This took up -most of the time until the cab had rumbled down into a dingy and dirty -street not far from Bleecker. At last it turned a corner and stopped. - -As the door was opened and Frank jumped out there came a sudden cry of -fire and out from a dark doorway plunged two figures. They were -Chinamen, and they fled across the street. Near at hand was a Chinese -laundry. From somewhere over the laundry came the muffled cries of fire. - -“This is the place!” panted Inza, pointing. “See—there is the doctor’s -sign! His office is up there somewhere! Ah! Look! look! It’s all afire -inside! Walter—he is in there! Save him! save him!” - -Behind the curtains which had been drawn at the upper windows there was -a hideous red glare. - -“Fire!” shouted Diamond. - -“Come on!” rang out Frank’s voice. “Take care of her, somebody! The -other one come with me!” - -Merry had decided that the doctor’s office must be on the first floor -above the laundry, but there he found himself in a dark corridor and he -could not seem to tell from what direction the cries came. He paused a -moment to try to locate them, and then felt his way forward with his -hands. - -“Where are you?” he shouted, at the top of his voice. - -Smoke was beginning to creep into the corridor. Then he saw a gleam of -light through a crack, and, a moment later, he found a door. From beyond -that door came the cries. - -Merry tried to open it, but it was locked. Then he backed off and flung -his shoulder against it with all the force he could muster. There was a -splintering crash, and he reeled headlong into the room where the fire -was raging. - -The place was filled with smoke, through which the flames looked yellow -and tigerish. Immediately Merry dropped on his knees to get beneath the -mass of smoke, which filled the room. - -“Help!” - -Through the haze he saw two forms stretched prostrate on the floor, and -he crawled toward them. - -“He is there!” he told himself. “She loves him!” - -Two men lay on the floor, bound hand and foot. One had been struck over -the head and was bleeding and unconscious. The other did not seem to be -injured, and he it was who had uttered the cries. - -It was the man Inza called “Walter.” Without doubt the other man was the -crazy doctor. - -“You!” cried Frank, looking into the eyes of the man. “She brought me -here to rescue you!” - -“Well, you’re just in time, Merriwell,” said the other. “You’ll have to -hustle to do the little job, for that fire is spreading nicely.” - -Frank was appalled by one mad thought which clutched him. He might -rescue the old doctor and leave this fellow for the time. Of course, if -he got out safely with the doctor he could come back for the other man. -Why should he not do this? He was in no way bound to save the fellow -whom Inza loved. - -Yes he was! He had given her his word, and Frank Merriwell never broke -his word, no matter what the result. - -Then Merry caught up the stranger and staggered to his feet, starting -for the door, which was not easy to find again. He succeeded, however, -and ran full into Starbright, who had followed him. - -“Here, Dick!” cried Merry, coughing and choking. “This is the man we -came to save, but there is another in here. You take this chap and I’ll -go back for the other.” - -Starbright relieved Merry of his burden, but he cried: - -“Be careful, Merriwell! Be sure to get out of that place! This old -building is a tinder-box, and it is going to burn flat in a hurry!” - -Merriwell had not waited to listen, but he groped his way back to the -spot where the unconscious man lay on the floor. - -“What if I do not get out!” he thought, as he lifted the limp body. “I -have saved him for her, and she will be happy!” - -But he found his way out and staggered down the stairs, being met by -Diamond, who had found his way into the place to follow and help Frank -get out. - -“Well, this is what I call being in the nick of time!” observed the -Virginian, with satisfaction. “I hope you’ve not left anybody behind?” - -“Not unless there were families in the place.” - -“There are none,” assured Jack. “Man told me outside. Upper part is used -by some kind of a medicine company.” - -When they reached the street they found a fire-engine had just arrived -on the scene. - -Inza was discovered bending over the stranger, who seemed pretty well -used up. As they drew near they saw Starbright standing a few feet away, -staring at Inza, a strange look of shame on his face. And they heard -Inza sobbing: - -“Oh, Walter, my brother! I thought you could not escape!” - -“Her brother!” gasped Frank, astounded. “Why, it’s Walter Burrage, who -disappeared years ago and was supposed dead. I knew the fellow at -Fardale!” - -In a moment everything was explained, save the strange manner in which -Inza had declined to introduce Walter to Frank and Starbright, and the -man’s own reticence in regard to his name. - -Starbright came over to Frank. - -“He’s her brother!” he said. “Merriwell, I’m going to shoot myself! -There will be one fool less in the world!” - - * * * * * - -Of course Starbright did not shoot himself, but he was thoroughly -ashamed. But Inza never knew from the lips of Frank Merriwell that the -handsome freshman had ever suspected her. - -Walter Burrage had entered the army after leaving Fardale, and had -become entangled in an affair that threatened to send one of the higher -officers to prison for a long term. Burrage was in full possession of -evidence that would have brought about this result, therefore he was -implicated, disgraced, and given a chance to escape, being compelled to -promise that he would never return to the United States. - -The disgrace had affected Bernard Burrage so that he gave out the -impression that his son was dead, and Walter was never mentioned by -either himself or Inza. - -But Walter broke his pledge and came to the United States to find the -old doctor who would pay a high price for the queer stick. He made his -father and sister promise not to let anybody know his true name. - -Walter had been tracked by members of the secret order, and while he was -negotiating with the doctor the trailers came in upon them, captured -them both, secured the stick, bound them, set fire to the place, and -fled. - -The old doctor died in the hospital the following day from the wound on -his head, given him when he was struck down by the Chinamen. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XX - - STARBRIGHT SPEAKS OUT. - - -Frank Merriwell and Dick Starbright sat alone in Merry’s room in the -Fifth Avenue Hotel. It was long past midnight, and, despite the exciting -adventures of the last few hours, Jack Diamond had retired in an -adjoining room and was already wrapped in the arms of slumber. - -In the morning, Frank and Dick expected to start for New Haven and Yale, -but this had not prevented them from remaining up to talk over the -strange happenings of the day. The freshman was eager to talk, and Merry -gave him an opportunity. - -There was a burden on Starbright’s mind, and the big, open-hearted youth -felt that it would be impossible for him to sleep till he had freed -himself of the load. - -Having slipped to the door of the adjoining room and closed it quietly, -Dick came back and stood before Frank, who looked at him questioningly. - -“Merry,” said the big freshman, “I am not worthy of her!” - -“You mean——” - -“Inza.” - -“I thought——” - -“I know I am not worthy of her, for I doubted her.” - -There was a look of shame on the face of the big fellow that touched -Merry deeply, yet, believing Dick was entitled to feel shame, Frank did -not speak. - -“At first I doubted you,” the Andover man went on. “I had no right to do -that, for it was I who came between you and Inza.” - -Merriwell made a gesture of protest. - -“Don’t stop me!” pleaded Dick. “I know what I am saying. I also know -that I never really won a place in her heart. I may have aroused her -admiration by something I did, and she liked me; but that was all, and I -know she did not love me.” - -“How do you know?” - -“I can’t tell you just now; but I know it now—there isn’t a doubt about -it.” - -But Frank could not feel so sure, and he shook his head. - -“If you were anybody but yourself you would see it, too,” asserted -Starbright earnestly. “She loves you, Frank—she has always loved you. I -know that!” - -“Oh, my dear boy, you are quite wrong!” quickly cried Frank. “She has -told me with her own lips that her affection for me was merely that -which a sister might feel for a very dear brother.” - -“And did you think she would tell you anything else unless you were the -first to speak?” demanded Dick. “You are astute and far-seeing, Merry, -but in this matter you have been blind as a bat. She is proud. Do you -think she’d let you know how much she cared for you, thinking as she did -that you cared more for another? Of course she would tell you she could -never be anything but a sister to you.” - -Dick smiled in a dry way, but that smile gave him pain of which Frank -knew nothing, for the big, handsome blond athlete had been deeply -smitten by the dark eyes of Inza Burrage, and the sacrifice he was -making now was costing him the effort of his life. - -Dick Starbright possessed physical courage, as he had often -demonstrated; but, caring for Inza as he did, it now took great moral -courage for him to abandon his last hope of ever winning her. - -But he had become convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt that he was -unworthy of Inza, and that Frank was the worthy one. More than that, he -believed that Frank, without being entirely aware of it himself, loved -Inza. - -On top of this came the conviction that Inza had loved Frank all along, -though her pride had caused her to try to hide the secret in her heart, -being satisfied that Merry cared more for Elsie. Having fought against -her liking for Frank, it was but natural that Inza should, to aid her in -her struggle, turn to some other youth whom she admired. - -Circumstances had made the other one Dick Starbright. Satisfied that she -would be doing the right thing toward Frank and Elsie by appearing to -care for another than Merry, Inza’s conscience had not troubled her in -the least. - -She had not been false and fickle; she was true to her convictions of -right. Never had she given Starbright a reason to be certain that she -cared for him in any other way than as a friend. Indeed, she had told -him that was the only way she cared for him or ever could care for him. - -But Dick, like any man thus encouraged, had hoped for something more. -His jealousy had been aroused when Frank remained behind in New York. -Tortured by the thought that Merriwell was with Inza, he had finally -rushed back to the city. - -Then came the adventures which opened his eyes, convinced him that Frank -truly loved Inza and was worthy of her, and led him to resolve to -withdraw from the field at once. - -Inza knew nothing of Starbright’s doubts concerning her, but from the -lips of her brother she learned that he owed his life to Frank -Merriwell, who had groped through flame and smoke to find him helpless -in the burning building and bear him forth. - -And now Starbright, having seen himself in his true light, and having -discovered Frank’s secret, made a noble resolve to take himself out of -the way without delay. This had led him to remain up long after Jack -Diamond retired, seeking an opportunity to talk privately with Merry. - -Dick’s words gave Merriwell a shock. Could it be true the freshman was -right? Could it be true Inza had loved him all along, but had sought to -hide her love from his eyes? Further, was it true that he had loved -Inza—that he still loved her? - -As he asked himself these questions, he felt a strange sensation -creeping over him, thrilling him from his head to his feet with the same -old emotion he had experienced one moonlight night in dear old Fardale, -as he leaned over the gate in front of Inza’s home and kissed her for -the first time. - -Was it love stirring and reawakening within his heart? - -Frank sat like one under a spell, a rapt look of pleasure on his -handsome face as he seemed to live over again that happy hour of a -moonlight night in Fardale, far away. He saw Inza as she looked then, -leaning on the gate, the white moonlight showing the sweet, girlish -outline of her high-bred oval face, and he remembered the look he saw -within her dark eyes just before he impulsively pressed his lips to -hers. - -That kiss—the memory of it had been with him always! Sometimes it seemed -that he had tried to forget, but still it clung to him. In times of -peril it sustained him and gave him hope; in times of distress it -soothed him and gave him comfort. When his life hung in the balance, as -it had more than once, and it seemed that there was no hope, the memory -of that kiss over the gate had kept the spark of hope alive in his -heart, had caused him to continue the battle, had kept him from ever -giving up. - -Now it seemed that for the first time he fully realized this. Now for -the first time he understood that in moments of frightful peril, when -there seemed absolutely not a ray of hope, he had hoped on and had not -given up because he thought of Inza—because he must see her again. - -The thought struck home to him with convincing force. Through all the -years since they plighted their love in the moonlight at Fardale he had -loved her. Through all the years since then her influence had been over -him, making him better, stronger, nobler. She had been his guardian -angel, saving him scores of times from deadly perils. Her love, her -influence, her spirit had hovered near, even though the width of the -world separated them. - -No wonder Frank Merriwell sat there like one entranced, wondering that -he had never realized this before, bitterly condemning himself for his -blindness. - -His face must have expressed much, for Starbright was silenced and -turned quietly away, leaving Frank to meditate on this wonderful thing -which had dawned upon him like a glorious light in a dark place. - -The love of Inza had been pure and noble and uplifting. He had felt it -thus, and to it he owed much that he had become. Now, at this late hour, -after all that had happened, he knew it was for Inza he had striven and -struggled. For her he had worked to make himself physically and mentally -great. For her he had labored night and day to conquer all things, -surmount all obstacles, reach the loftiest heights. - -What a revelation it was! He saw how her influence had uplifted him -above the level of common men and had placed him on a pinnacle where -those below looked up at him in wonder and admiration. - -For truly in his short life no other man had ever reached the height of -absolute manhood and popularity attained by Frank Merriwell. Not that -others had not equaled him, but never had their names and fame spread -abroad like his. From one end of the United States to the other, from -East to West, the name Frank Merriwell was a synonym of all that was -noble and grand and desirable in a manly way. - -Men spoke of him as “the representative American youth,” and boys -everywhere tried to pattern after him, live like him and lift themselves -high in the scale of manhood as he had done. His example had been a -noble one, and it is probable that it had done more good for the boys of -the country than that of any other living American. Other men had -acquired fame by struggling and battling all their lives; some being -great generals, some becoming leaders in grand causes, some occupying -the highest office it is in the power of the people to give; but not one -of them had ever obtained such universal fame, such absolute admiration, -such honor and respect as this beardless youth who had simply worked to -perfect himself, to be just and merciful to all, and to uplift his -fellows instead of pushing them down. - -In most ways this is a beautiful world, but there are many bad things in -it, many things to cause suffering, sorrow, and regret. One of the most -unpleasant is the constant struggle, the incessant battle for supremacy. -In this unceasing battle that is taking place day after day all the -wickedness, deceit, treachery, greed, and corruption of human nature is -flagrantly exhibited. Men resort to any means to accomplish their ends -and exalt themselves above their fellows. They lie, steal, betray, and -destroy without compunction and without mercy. That they may mount -higher, they pull scores down, trample hundreds beneath their feet. And -when they have reached the pinnacle for which they have sacrificed their -manhood and destroyed their better nature—they die. - -Then, what a grand thing it is to see one who is fighting on in a -perfectly fair and honorable way, who refuses to pull a single weak -wretch down, who holds out his hands to the faint and faltering and -draws them up with him, as he mounts step by step on the joyful journey -to the top. - -Such a person, if he is human, will find many things to sadden him, for -some he has helped will show envy and jealousy when they find they -cannot keep pace with him on his upward way. When they have to fall -behind they will sneer at and malign him, forgetting often that but for -his aid they might have gone to the bottom and been obliterated beneath -the merciless feet of the trampling, swaying, striving horde down there. -For it is true of human nature that one whom you have helped, one whom -you have tried to uplift, will almost always be the first to feel -jealousy when he sees you rising above him. - -Although this is true, it should deter no one from holding out a helping -hand to the needy whenever possible, for he will find that the joy of -the action is its own exceeding great reward. - -Frank had never hesitated when an opportunity offered to aid a fellow -being. He had ever been merciful to the extreme with his enemies. Often -he had thus caused those enemies to regard him as weak and yielding, but -when they had pressed him to the very verge and he realized that further -leniency was worse than folly, they had found him hard as iron. - -But he had been rewarded for the course he pursued. The lads who were -his firmest friends had once been his enemies, and it seemed that the -more they hated him and tried to harm him in the long ago the better -they loved him, and the more devoted they were now. - -For example, Hodge had once been his most malignant foe, ready to do -anything to harm him; but Frank believed he saw in Bart something that -did not appear to other eyes, believed the passionate, head-strong youth -had in him the making of an admirable man, and he had refused to bring -on Bart the punishment and disgrace merited a score of times. At first, -Hodge had believed Frank weak and lacking spirit, but slowly his eyes -were opened and he finally saw Merry in the true light. Then he realized -that his lenient foe was the possessor of moral and physical courage, -and was so far his superior in every way that he felt small and -miserable and mean and contemptible by contrast. For a time, being proud -and obstinate, Bart continued to try to fight on as Frank’s enemy, but -he was forced to surrender at last, and he became Merry’s firmest -friend, ready in a moment to sacrifice life for him. - -One such victory was enough to satisfy and reward Frank for all his -defeats. But that one was not all. Strangely enough, nearly all his -intimate friends had been won to him in a similar way, his “flock” being -made up mainly of those who had once been his bitter enemies, among whom -were Diamond, Browning, and Badger. Harry Rattleton alone had been his -true and constant friend from their first meeting, and often Frank -wondered if Rattleton’s affection for him was as deep and sincere as -that of the others. - -And now, thinking of all that he had done, Frank could see that he had -been urged on by a strange, subtle influence that remained always with -him—the influence of the dark-eyed girl who had given him her maiden -kiss of love over the gate that moonlight night in Fardale. It is true -that man seldom makes much of himself, seldom mounts to great heights -unless behind him is the influence of a woman. He may without woman’s -influence become a miser, a Shylock, a money magnate, and a wrecker of -human lives; but he seldom becomes noble, honored, loved, and cherished -in the hearts of his fellow men unless behind him is the influence of a -good, true woman urging him on to the splendid deeds which uplift him. - -At times Merry had seemed to realize the presence of that subtle -influence, and then had risen vague visions of the many girls he had -known, with Elsie and Inza the most prominent. Elsie, by her gentle -ways, had crept into his heart, and, for a time, it had seemed that she -had excluded Inza. Not that she had meant to do such a thing, for Elsie -Bellwood, sweet, gentle, loving, would have died rather than wrong the -girl who had been her friend. But Elsie was human, and all who are human -make mistakes. Inza was no less human, and her spirit and pride had led -her into blunders as great—perhaps greater—than those of Elsie. Was that -a reason why Frank should not love her? Rather, was it not a reason why -he should love her more? - -It seemed that his love had been pent-up and suppressed all these years; -but now, in a single moment, Dick Starbright, by a few simple words, had -torn away the dam, and it came rolling down upon Frank’s heart in a tide -that was overwhelming and irresistible. He felt himself seized and swept -away with the released tide, against which it was useless to battle. - -“It’s true!” he told himself, in sudden joy. “I do love her!” - -But Elsie! - -He felt a sudden chill run over him, and it seemed that his heart stood -still. What of her? He was forced to confess to himself that for a long -time he had fancied he cared more for sweet, gentle Elsie than for Inza. - -And had he not given Elsie reason to believe such was the case? Had he -not placed himself in an awkward position, a position from which he -could not manfully withdraw? - -No wonder he was chilled! No wonder his heart seemed to stop beating! No -wonder he sat there like one turned to stone, the expression of -happiness having left his face and the light of joy vanished from his -eyes. - -Frank groaned aloud, causing Starbright to start and turn slightly. If -Dick had meant to speak he was checked by a single gesture Frank made, -and he settled back once more to let the tortured youth fight out the -battle with himself and solve the problem if he could. - -Merry rose and paced the floor, seemingly having forgotten Dick -entirely. His aspect plainly indicated that a terrible tumult stirred -his soul, but his teeth were set, his jaws squared, and no further sound -came from his closed lips. - -Starbright had seen him look somewhat like this before in times of -severe trial, but never quite so awe-inspiring and intense. Not even in -the mighty contest against Harvard on the gridiron had such an -expression rested in Frank’s face. - -His mind was running over the past, and he was weighing every word and -act in the balance, feeling that the deciding hour of his life had come. -He might have sought to put it off had he been weak and faltering; he -might have resolved to wait and let circumstances work out the solution; -but, instead, he set himself to weigh everything carefully and decide -what was the thing he must do. He would cut out his course for the -future and try to follow it to the end. - -To do this he was compelled to compare his emotions toward the two -girls, for whom he had cared so much. His feelings toward Elsie were -those of deep tenderness, and the thought of her awoke all the gentler -side of his nature. He had felt her tremble in his arms in a time of -frightful peril, had felt her cling about his neck, confident that he -could save her, and the memory of her quivering form, her soft, round, -clinging arms, thrilled him with the same old emotion he had mistaken as -love. - -Was it love? - -He knew now that always and ever she would have a place in his heart, -which she had won there by her sweet disposition and her gentle, -self-sacrificing ways, but—did he love her? - -Then he thought of Inza, and he was carried away by the rush of feelings -that came upon him, so that, in a twinkling, all thought of Elsie had -been banished, and he was unable to compare this surging emotion with -the gentle feeling of tenderness he had entertained toward the other -girl. - -This was love! Instantly in his heart was established the conviction, -which, however, did not give him immediate satisfaction and relief. - -Elsie had trusted him. Would he not be betraying her if he turned back -to this girl who had been his first—and he now knew—his only true love? - -Then, like a flash, came thoughts of some events that had happened on -Cumberland Island, off the coast of Georgia, not many weeks before. He -remembered how, when he was on the very verge of speaking out to Elsie -herself, she had told him there was another who had a claim upon her. He -thought of the encounter with Hodge that had followed and of their talk -alone on the beach. At that time, having been led into a false -conception of his regard toward Elsie, Frank openly told Bart he loved -her and regarded Inza with a feeling of friendly affection. In return, -Bart had unburdened his own heart, explaining how he had been led to -reveal to Elsie his passion for her—a passion he had meant to suppress -and hold in check. Thus they, the dearest of friends, stood revealed to -each other as rivals for the same girl. - -Rivals—yes! Enemies—no! For had they not spoken freely and then clasped -hands, swearing that whatever happened they would remain true to each -other! - -Having thought about this, Frank fell to pondering on Elsie’s words and -actions at the time and later. As he pondered, the conviction grew upon -him that, beyond a doubt, she had discovered that she did not love him -as intensely as she imagined. Possibly she had been carried away by the -burning passion of Bart’s love for her. - -But, ever faithful and true, having learned that Inza seemingly cared -for Starbright, Elsie had resolved on a course of self-sacrifice which -she fancied would be the only honorable course she could pursue. She -would crush back any rising passion in her heart, she would not permit -herself to care for Hodge, and she would not marry Frank. She would -remain single! - -Frank knew well enough how many girls say in joking mood that they will -never marry, but something had convinced him that Elsie was in sober -earnest, having made that resolve when she decided that it was the only -course for her to pursue. - -Such being the case, it was probable that when she found Frank no longer -held a fancied claim upon her she would give up to the dictation of her -heart and surrender to Hodge, which would bring untold happiness to the -dark-eyed lad. - -Having reached this point, Frank came over and sat down, a sigh of -relief escaping him. - -“Well?” said Starbright inquiringly. - -“I hope it is well,” said Frank. “I can talk no more about it to-night. -Let’s go to bed.” - -But, somehow, Dick was satisfied. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXI - - FRANK AND INZA. - - -All night Frank dreamed of Inza. In the morning he received a brief -message from her. Her father had been taken ill again and was convinced -that he could not withstand the attack. He was pleading to see Fardale -again before he died, and Inza and her brother had resolved to take him -back there if he could endure the journey. She could not leave him, but -would not Frank and Dick come to her that she might thank them for -having saved her brother? - -Walter wanted to see them, also. - -Dick at once declined to go, but told Frank that he must go. At first, -Merry urged Starbright to come along, but the big fellow shook his head, -saying: - -“No, Frank; it would be folly for me to go there—much better for me to -stay away. You must understand that. I must keep away from her.” - -It was useless to urge him to go, so Frank gave it up. They saw Diamond -off first, as Jack made an early start. He was in a royal good humor. - -“You must come across for the occasion when it comes off, Merry,” he -smiled, speaking of his marriage to Juliet Reynolds. “You know you are -to be the best man.” - -“I can’t promise absolutely, old fellow,” said Frank; “but I’ll come if -I can. We can’t be sure of the future.” - -“All I know is that I owe everything to you, for I might have blown in -my last dollar gambling if you had not pulled me up with a round turn. -Had I done so, my conscience would not have permitted me to accept -Juliet’s invitation to come back. I should have regarded myself as -entirely unworthy. Merriwell, I can never repay you for what you have -done!” - -“You have already.” - -“How?” - -“With your smiling face, your happiness, the change that has come over -you. It’s enough!” - -They shook hands like brothers, and then parted. Many things were to -happen before they met again. - -Frank and Starbright had intended returning to New Haven by an early -train, but Dick decided to wait, now that Merry was to call on Inza. - -Merriwell found Inza in a family hotel near the park. She had been -waiting for him, and at first she did not seem to notice that Starbright -had not accompanied him. - -“I was afraid you could not come,” she confessed, as she gave him her -hand and looked into his eyes. “And I have so much to thank you for!” - -“Don’t thank me, Inza! You know I would do anything for you—anything in -my power!” - -“Would you?” - -“Haven’t I proved it many times?” - -“Yes, yes! And last night you were the one my mind turned to when I felt -sure Walter was in trouble and danger. He says he owes his life to you. -You must let him thank you. He is with father now.” - -“It seems so strange that you have a brother. I can hardly realize it.” - -“Hush! It is not known here that he is my brother. He is supposed to be -my cousin. You know it is dangerous for him to be in this country. He -might be arrested.” - -“I’ll take care not to let the cat out of the bag. I had thought him -dead so long that I never dreamed he could be a bearded man like that. I -remember him only as a slight, dark-eyed stripling at Fardale.” - -Fardale! The mention of that magic word seemed to give them both a -thrill, bringing to them a rush of delightful memories. Her cheeks -flushed and her bosom heaved, while a soft sigh escaped her lips. - -How beautiful she was! Frank had ever regarded her as the handsomest -girl he knew, but at this moment, with the remembrance of those old, -sweet days stirring within her heart she seemed far more lovely than -ever before. - -He was seized by a sudden desire to clasp her to his heart at that -moment and declare the passion which had been reawakened within his -soul; but he realized that such a sudden action might baffle his -purpose, and with a mighty effort he held himself in restraint. - -“I have been thinking of those days in Fardale,” she said softly. - -“Have you?” - -“Yes.” - -“So have I.” - -She lifted her eyes, and the look she saw in his face surprised her not -a little. It was the old, old look of admiration—more than admiration! -The moonlight had revealed to her that look the night he kissed her over -the gate in front of her home in Fardale. - -Then he might not have held himself in check, but she fell back a bit -before him, and he fancied her movement was one of repulsion. - -Something told him that it would be a terrible blow if she were to -repulse him now. And it was possible she still cared for Starbright—or -thought she cared. - -“Go slow, Frank Merriwell!” something seemed to whisper in his ear. “You -have given this girl every reason to think you cared more for another, -now be careful not to make a break that may cause her to doubt your -sincerity.” - -And so, by his own good sense, he was restrained. - -“Why should you be thinking of Fardale?” she asked, her girlish -curiosity aroused. - -“Why—why, I don’t know, exactly. Something—some talk brought it to my -mind.” - -She was surprised to note that he, usually so direct and -straightforward, seemed rather confused and faltered somewhat. - -“Those were happy days,” she murmured softly. - -“In truth, they were!” he exclaimed. “We did not dream how happy at the -time.” - -“Nor did we dream of the strange things to happen in the future. I often -think, Frank, that I can never again be quite as happy as I was back -there.” - -“I have thought the same, Inza.” - -“Oh, but you,” she said—“you have everything to make you happy!” - -“Have I?” - -“To be sure.” - -He longed to tell her then that there was one thing he did not -possess—one thing that would make him happier than all else. The words -rose to his lips. Had he spoken them a direct proposal must have -followed. At that moment, however, one of the guests of the house looked -into the parlor, which was sufficient to deter him for the time. - -Somehow, this repression of his feelings simply seemed to make them more -intense, as is usually the case with every one. Now that he feared to -speak out, he longed to do so most intensely. He inquired for Mr. -Burrage. - -“I am truly worried about him,” Inza declared. “These spells of illness -are becoming more frequent, and he feels that he may not live long. That -is why he was seized by a sudden desire to see Fardale again.” - -“Perhaps it will do him good to visit your old home. I hope so.” - -“I hope so, too, Frank. If father should die——” - -She stopped with such an expression of pain on her face that all the -sympathy and pity of his nature stirred. - -“Don’t worry, Inza; that will not happen for many years to come.” - -“We cannot be sure. I should be left alone in the world.” - -“Not alone, for your brother——” - -“Hush! He must go away again—must leave the country. If he were -recognized and apprehended, the blow would be sure to completely undo -father.” - -Her trouble and distress affected Frank and compelled him to say: - -“You know, Inza, that you may ever depend on me. If anything happens, I -shall be ready to help and befriend you.” - -“I have no doubt of that, Frank. Somehow, I’ve been wishing you were -going back to Fardale with us, if only for a single day.” - -His heart leaped at the thought. To be in Fardale with Inza once more! -To visit the dear old spots with her! She was watching his face, and she -suddenly exclaimed: - -“Why don’t you come, Frank? Can’t you? You can go along with us. Please -come!” - -Her hand was on his arm, and they were alone again. He secured that hand -and looked deep into her eyes. - -“Do you really wish me to come?” - -“Of course I do! It would be splendid! And I’m sure you could give -father strength and courage to bear up and withstand the journey.” - -A struggle was taking place within his heart, for he knew that already -he had remained away from college far longer than he should. He had -obtained permission to leave for a time, but surely it had been -anticipated that he would return before this. - -“Do come with us, Frank!” she urged. “If you wish, you may leave us as -soon as we arrive there.” - -He could not resist such pleading. - -“I’ll do it, Inza!” he exclaimed. “I’ll go back to Fardale with you!” - -Frank found Mr. Burrage sitting bolstered in an easy chair, wrapped -about with blankets and made easy with pillows. Walter Burrage was with -the invalid. He advanced at once, his hand outstretched, and greeted -Merry. - -“Mr. Merriwell,” he said, “I am glad you have given me this opportunity -to thank you for saving my life.” - -“Don’t speak of that!” urged Frank. “I was glad to be of service, and——” - -“You came just in time. The fire was gaining rapidly, and those Chinks -had left us perfectly helpless, bound hands and feet. I’ve been to the -hospital to see the doctor whom they tapped on the head, and they say -there is no chance for him to recover. His skull is fractured. The -police are looking for the Chinamen, though they are not informed of all -that happened. The Chinese secret society has recovered that infernal -little black stick, which I brought to this country to sell to Doctor -Dennoval, and I shall never lay eyes on it again. But for the fact that -I knew the doctor would pay a large sum for it, I should never have -ventured into the United States at this time. Even now I’m afraid my -concern with this affair may bring about my recognition.” - -“My boy! my boy!” fluttered the invalid. “They have no right to harm -you! I am sure you never did anything wrong, and——” - -“There, there, father!” came soothingly from the lips of Inza’s bearded -brother. “I did not mean to reawaken your fears. It’s all right. I can -do better in Australia than in this country, and——” - -“But I am an old man, and I should have my only son near me. It is hard -to be unjustly separated from him.” - -“Frank has agreed to make the journey to Fardale with us,” said Inza. “I -invited him.” - -“I’m glad he is going along,” murmured the sick man. - -“And so am I,” nodded Walter. “We’ll have an opportunity to talk over -the old days at the academy. It’ll be good to have a boyhood friend to -chat with. I’ve often thought of those days and wondered what had become -of Frank Merriwell, who was the leader in every honest sport at the -academy.” - -“If I can stand it to travel so far,” came wearily from Mr. Burrage. “It -was folly for me to leave the old home and wander over the world in -search of health. The search has been vain, and I’m going back to die!” - -“To get well, you mean,” put in Merry cheerfully. “The atmosphere of the -old home will give you new life and courage.” - -“Do you think so?” eagerly asked Mr. Burrage. - -“Of course it will! Why shouldn’t it? Your old friends will be glad to -see you again.” - -“That’s true. I believe you are right. The thought of it buoys me up.” - -Inza gave Frank a grateful look and soon found an opportunity to whisper -to him: - -“I knew you could do him good. You always have a way of putting new life -and courage into anyone.” - -He smiled at her. - -“You should hear the wonderful things Inza has been telling me about -you, Merriwell,” said Walter. “Why, if she has not been romancing, you -are the most wonderful fellow in the whole world.” - -“Not that,” declared Merry. - -“But you are a wonderful athlete, and your fame has spread over the -country. Yale must be proud of you. But it was the only thing to expect -from Frank Merriwell, of Fardale. I remember that you were constantly at -work building yourself up and trying to become physically perfect. Nor -did you spend your whole time at this to the neglect of your studies, -but you never wasted time—you were forever doing something.” - -“That’s the secret of success,” smiled Merry quietly. “The fellow who -wastes his time wastes his chance of success. Prize-fighters have -muscular development, but usually little mental development. The perfect -man seeks both by giving his body and his mind just the proper amount of -work and rest.” - -“By Jove!” cried Walter, his eyes flashing; “you should be a teacher of -your theories, Merriwell. I believe you could do an immense amount of -good in the world.” - -“Yes, yes,” murmured the sick man, “I believe so, too. If I had known -what to do when I was young, if I had built my body up properly, I’d not -be here to-day, a wretched, worn-out invalid. It was ignorance that -brought me where I am.” - -Frank felt that Mr. Burrage spoke the simple truth. He was a man grown -old and broken down before his time—a piece of machinery out of repair. -And all because he had not in early life built himself up properly to -withstand the strain that came upon him in later years. - -This is the great error made by thousands and hundreds of thousands. In -their youth they fail to understand the need of building for themselves -strong, sound, healthy bodies to help them fight to a successful finish -the battles of life. As boys and girls they may feel exuberant, strong, -and they fancy that they will “grow” to be what is right and proper. -Then it is that they should be told that if they neglect developing -themselves they will grow up with their parents’ physical imperfections -plainly marked and pronouncedly apparent. - -The weak spots will remain weak—they may become weaker. The strong -points will not keep the weak parts from giving out and breaking down -when a heavy strain is brought upon them. And what good is a perfect, -handsome engine with a broken piston-shaft? The engine cannot run till -it has a new shaft. Unfortunately, the human engine cannot be repaired -thus easily. When a breakdown occurs, the result may mean that the -engine stops forever. - -“Fardale did much for me,” declared Walter; “but I must confess that I -was influenced greatly by your example, Merriwell. I know you did lots -of good in that school. And now I have found that boys and young men all -over this country are profiting by your example. Everywhere they are -beginning to work regularly to make themselves stronger and handsomer -and better. It’s a great thing, Merriwell, to know that you are doing -this for the youth of the land.” - -As of old, Frank was unable to keep the warm color from mounting to his -face. - -“I fear you are giving me altogether too much credit,” he protested. - -“Not if all reports are true. Inza tells me there are ‘Frank Merriwell -Athletic Clubs’ everywhere, the members of which are bound together by -pledges that compel them to do each day a certain amount of work to make -themselves physically perfect.” - -“Why, the papers are full of it!” Inza declared. She was sitting beside -her father and holding one of his hands. “Hardly a day passes that I do -not read something about it.” - -“You seem to have brought about a revolution in America, Merriwell,” -smiled Walter. - -“Well,” said Merry, “it is high time such a revolution took place, for -disaster graver than commercial depression and financial panic has begun -to threaten us.” - -“You mean——” - -“Degeneration. It is a fact that Americans are great money-makers, and -the struggle for wealth has threatened to put an end to all efforts for -health. Already the signs of such decay as has befallen other powerful -nations in the past have begun to appear all over this broad land. Men -are thin-legged, small-necked, narrow-chested, weak, bespectacled, -dwarfed, undeveloped—and yet they seem quite unaware of the fact that -they are lacking in the very points that go to make up perfect manhood.” - -“You’re right,” nodded Walter. “Go on.” - -“Our forefathers lived simpler and plainer lives, and therefore they -were better developed, hardier, handsomer. Sometimes we hear that the -span of human life has increased in the last decade—that men live longer -to-day than formerly. This may be true, but it is because our medical -skill is far greater, our homes are more comfortable, and we are less -exposed to the things that destroy life. But take this generation and -put it back into the conditions that existed sixty years ago and our -weaklings would go to the wall by thousands. The time has come when -somebody must sound the warning note and bring the young men and the -boys of the land to a realizing sense of the danger that threatens.” - -“That is sound truth and common sense!” cried Walter, “and you, Frank -Merriwell, are just the one to do the work. Why don’t you take it up?” - -“I have thought of it,” confessed Merry. - -“Oh, what a grand thing that would be!” cried Inza. - -“Grand, indeed!” echoed her brother. “Think of devoting a life to the -improvement and elevation of humanity! Why don’t you do it, man? The -boys of the country will listen to you when you speak, for they already -recognize you as the representative and physically perfect young -American. You can lecture——” - -“That is first-rate, but I have a plan of reaching far more boys and -young men than by lecturing.” - -“How?” - -“Through a book.” - -“Splendid!” - -Inza clapped her hands. - -“That’s it!” she nodded. “You should do it, Frank—you should write a -book that will tell the boys just what to do.” - -“I think I shall as soon as I find time. Almost any boy may become a -wonderful athlete if he knows how to go about it, and where is the boy -who does not long to have a splendid, handsome body—who does not desire -to be admired and recognized as a leader among his fellows. If the -ordinary boy knew just how to go about it, he could accomplish this. If -I ever write that book, I’m going to tell the boys just how to do it.” - -“Such a book would have been worth millions to me in my younger days,” -earnestly declared the invalid. “Had I possessed it I’d not be here now, -a broken-down man.” - -It was a sad thing to hear him utter those words, and Frank realized -their absolute truthfulness. Bernard Burrage had given out long before -there was a necessity for such a thing, and now, even if he were to live -some years, he must drag along in suffering and pain, punishment for the -neglected opportunities of his youth. - -Had he built himself up properly years before he might have remained -robust and healthy to the end of his days, vigorous in his declining -years. - -The conversation now turned to other matters, and when Merry left it was -with the promise that he would be on hand when they were ready to start -for Fardale. - -So Starbright returned alone to Yale. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXII - - THE YOUNG SOLDIER. - - -“Inza Burrage—is it possible?” - -Inza started and looked up. - -The speaker, a straight, finely formed youth, had paused by her seat on -the train. As there was no Pullman car on the train that ran to Fardale, -Mr. Burrage had been made as comfortable as possible with cushions and -was sitting opposite Inza, who was riding backward. - -The one who uttered the words recorded wore a uniform of the regular -army, but he was scarcely more than a boy in years, though he had a -light-brown mustache. His face was bronzed by exposure to all sorts of -weather. - -“I can’t be mistaken,” he said, looking down at her. “This must be Miss -Burrage?” - -There was something faintly familiar about him, and yet she did not know -him. - -“I am Miss Burrage,” she acknowledged; “but you have the advantage, -sir.” - -He laughed. - -“Is it possible I have changed so much?” he said, offering his hand in a -manner that betokened the utmost confidence. “Look at me closely, Miss -Burrage.” - -She permitted him to take her hand, but still she failed to recognize -him. This seemed to amuse him still more. In truth, she was somewhat -agitated by the sight of the uniform he wore, for Walter was on that -train, having gone forward to the smoker, Merry accompanying him. - -“You knew me in Fardale,” he asserted. “I’ve been wondering if I’d meet -any old friends there.” - -Then he looked closely at the invalid, and again lifted his hat, saying: - -“Mr. Burrage, I think?” - -“Yes, yes,” huskily murmured the sick man, who also was alarmed by the -appearance of the uniform. “Though, like my daughter, I fail to -recognize you, sir.” - -“That is not so very strange on your part,” said the young soldier, as -he coolly seated himself on the arm of Mr. Burrage’s seat; “but it is a -trifle surprising that Miss Burrage should fail to recognize me.” - -“You attended the military academy at Fardale?” questioned the girl. - -“I had that pleasure. Old Gunn hauled me over the coals many a time, and -Scotch used to make me toe the mark. By the way, I hear that Professor -Scotch is dead.” - -“It is true.” - -“Too bad! He was quite a jolly old boy, as we could raise hob with him. -Haven’t you recalled my name yet, Miss Burrage?” - -“No,” she reluctantly confessed. - -“Why, I was a particular chum to your brother at the academy.” - -Mr. Burrage stirred nervously. - -“You were Walter’s friend?” said Inza. - -“Correct. We entered the army together. Too bad Walter got into that -muss. I’ve been stationed in the Philippines. Home on furlough. Suppose -I’ll have to go back. Beastly country in some respects. No pretty women -there, and women make or mar any country.” - -There was something about the air of the fellow that did not please -Inza. - -“Well, I see it’s no use for you to try to guess,” he rattled on. “I’m -Swift—Roy Swift. Now you remember me?” - -Still she did not remember at first, but after a time she recalled -Swift, whom she had known but slightly among many other cadets at the -academy. - -“It’s strange you should forget me so completely,” he said. “I could -never forget you.” - -He spoke the words in a very significant manner, bending on her such a -meaning look that the blood rushed to her face. - -“I remember the day I first saw you at a picnic in old Snodd’s grove,” -he went on. “I’ve always remembered you just as you looked then. I -thought you the prettiest girl I had ever seen. Since then it——” - -“You must have seen thousands of pretty girls,” she broke in, trying to -turn his conversation. “Have you had many adventures in the -Philippines?” - -“I have seen more than thousands,” he declared; “but never one of them -all as pretty as you were that day, Miss Burrage. This is not flattery; -it is the sincere truth. I have thought of you millions of times, and -you have ever come to me as a truly representative American girl.” - -“Thank you,” she said, not exactly pleased by his bold words of praise. -“I’m sure you are altogether too complimentary.” - -“Oh, not at all! I know a pretty girl when I see one! I tell you plenty -of pretty girls have flung themselves at me, but I’m still single, you -see. In every case, I could not help comparing the girl with one I had -first seen at the picnic in Snodd’s grove, and, as a result, none of -them caught me.” - -He laughed and twirled his mustache, his pose being one calculated to -arouse admiration. Evidently Roy Swift had lost none of his conceit -since the old days at Fardale, when he regarded himself as “strictly the -proper thing.” - -Inza was displeased. She felt like immediately showing her scorn for -this boasting fellow, but something held her in check. - -Swift knew her brother. More than that, he knew all about the trouble -into which Walter had been drawn, and he might recognize the unfortunate -fellow on sight, even though Frank Merriwell had failed to do so, for he -knew Walter was not dead, while Merry had been led to so regard him. - -Such being the case, it was far better to be careful not to arouse the -resentment of a fellow who might have it in his power to injure Walter. -So Inza bit her lips and remained silent. - -“I’ve been trying to get off on furlough for some time,” Swift went on; -“but it has been very difficult. When I did get away, after visiting my -people, I continued to think of the friends in general whom I had known -in Fardale—and of you in particular. Then I determined to visit the old -place. That’s how I came to be on this train. I presume you have been -away from home on a visit of some sort.” - -“We do not live in Fardale now.” - -“Ah, indeed? Then you are going there on a visit?” - -“Yes.” - -“How fortunate! Truly, it seems that Providence has brought this about. -How disappointed I would have been had I gone there and not found you, -Miss Burrage!” - -“My father has traveled much for his health,” said Inza. - -“And, having failed to find it, I’m going back to Fardale to die,” -declared the invalid, in a weak voice. - -“Oh, not so bad as that, I hope!” cried Swift. “You don’t want to give -up that way. The man who gives up and says ‘die’ usually has his way. I -knew a fellow in our company who felt that way just before a skirmish. -He got it, all right. The little yellow devils soaked him in four -different places, and he just lay down and groaned, ‘I knew it was -coming!’ Then he croaked. If he hadn’t felt certain he was booked, it’s -possible he might be living still.” - -“Folly,” declared Bernard Burrage. “His time had come, and he was -forewarned. It is true with me. I have had the warning.” - -“Please—please don’t talk that way, papa!” begged Inza, the color going -out of her face. - -“Forgive me, child,” he murmured. “I forgot.” Then he relapsed into -silence, and sat looking out of the window at the snow-bound world. - -Swift shook his head, but there was a mist in Inza’s eyes and she gazed -through a blurring veil at the father she had ever loved, despite his -faults. - -For Bernard Burrage had not been perfect. Once there had been a time -that, with a persistency that seemed a craze, he had done his best to -marry his beautiful daughter off to a wealthy man. His false view of -life had led him to fancy he was best providing for her if he secured -her a rich husband. - -Perhaps he was not so much to blame, for he had felt the spirit of these -days which has seized upon womanhood. He understood how the woman of -to-day loves luxury, ease, show, society, position, and all that, and -how thousands of them are ready and willing to sell body and soul for -that which they covet. - -In the past it was different. Then girls married because they loved, and -they were willing to do everything in their power to aid their husbands -in the struggle to rise. Then the question was not if the man could -support them in the style to which they had become accustomed, but the -girl was ready to take him, if she loved him, “for better or worse,” to -cast her fortunes with his, to rise with him or to fall with him. - -But Bernard Burrage had not looked at marriage in this way, and he did -not give his daughter credit for having more heart and soul than that of -the average modern girl spoiled by longings for wealth and social -position. - -In this he had made a great mistake, for Inza Burrage would not have -tied herself to any man merely for riches or social standing. And she -had baffled his every effort to accomplish his purpose until at last he -gave up. - -“Often,” said Swift, “I’ve wondered if you were married yet, Miss -Burrage.” - -“Oh, dear, no!” said she, turning toward the window to brush the mist -from her eyes. “I’ve not thought of such a thing.” - -“I’m glad you are not,” he declared, in his very meaning manner. “There -was a caddish young chap at the academy whom you seemed to care for, but -I fancied you would outgrow that.” - -She looked at him inquiringly. - -“A caddish person whom I seemed to care for?” she questioned. “You can’t -mean Bart Hodge?” - -“Oh, no!” - -“Then I’m sure I can’t conceive whom you do mean. Will you please name -him.” - -“Why, Frank Merriwell, of course,” smiled the young soldier. - -Inza’s eyes flashed. - -“I’d like to know for what reason you call him caddish?” she exclaimed, -the flaming color leaping to her cheeks and her dark eyes flashing. - -“Oh-ho!” murmured Swift, as he saw how he had aroused her. - -“I thought you were one of his friends at the academy,” said Inza. - -“Never that,” declared the youth with the bronzed face. “I was not an -open enemy, but I never liked him.” - -“Why not?” - -“Oh, for various reasons.” - -“Name one.” - -“Well, it is not my habit to chase after a fellow that everybody else is -chasing.” - -“Then the boys at the academy used to chase after Frank Merriwell?” - -“Oh, he had a crowd that hung round him and seemed to think he was the -proper thing.” - -“And that is your only reason for disliking him?” - -“Not by any means. But he was an upstart. You must remember that he was -below me at the academy, and I graduated some time in advance of him. I -never had much to do with him, for upper-classmen do not associate -freely with plebes.” - -By this time Inza was thoroughly aroused. - -“It might have done you unspeakable good if you had associated with him -more,” she said. - -“In what way?” - -“He was a perfect gentleman,” she declared; “and gentlemen always set a -good example.” - -That did not seem to ruffle Swift in the least. Indeed, her stinging -words ran off him as water runs from a duck’s back. - -“Ha! ha!” he laughed. “It’s plain you were fooled by the fellow, just -the same as many others who did not see much of him.” - -That made her long to express herself still more plainly, but Inza was a -lady above everything else, and she could hold herself in restraint -under certain conditions, for all of her passionate nature. - -“I hardly think I was fooled; but I am certain you were deceived, or -that you are inclined to maliciously misjudge him. I do hope it is not -the latter case.” - -“Thanks. I wouldn’t put myself to the trouble to misjudge him, for I do -not regard the fellow as worth judging at all.” - -That was hard to bear! Had Inza been a man she might have placed her -hand on Roy Swift’s collar just then. - -“I am sure he made a good record at the academy!” - -“But did not graduate.” - -“His guardian died.” - -“Still, he might have remained in the academy.” - -“The provisions of his uncle’s will gave him a better opportunity to -secure an education. Professor Scotch was appointed his guardian, and it -was arranged that he should travel while being tutored by the professor. -He was fitted to enter college.” - -“You seem to know all about his affairs, Miss Burrage. It is plain that -you did take a very strong interest in him.” - -“Why shouldn’t I? Do you think I’d forget one who saved me from the jaws -of a mad dog? I saw him fight that dog with nothing but a pocket-knife! -From that hour I took an interest in him that has never relaxed, and I -am proud of it now.” - -“Oh, well, it’s all right,” smiled Swift, in an easy way. “I did not -know I was hurting you, else you may be sure I’d not said so much. But, -of course, I must continue to think what I like about him.” - -“That’s it—you think what you wish to think, not what is the truth about -him.” - -“Oh, Miss Burrage!” - -“I know it!” she persisted, her dark eyes flashing. “Do you imagine that -you are showing a liberal spirit, Mr. Swift? Don’t you think you are -making yourself seem rather small and mean?” - -“Inza!” exclaimed her father restrainingly. - -“Don’t be disturbed, papa,” she said, soothingly. “I can take care of -this case very well.” - -Again Swift laughed. - -“By Jove!” he cried; “you are the same spirited girl as of old! I don’t -wonder Merriwell was crazy over you!” - -How offensive he was! Yet he seemed to fancy he had said something to -please her. - -“I have said,” she reminded, “that he was always a gentleman. Those who -associated much with him imbibed something of his spirit. You should -have known him better, Mr. Swift.” - -“Oh, well, let’s let him drop,” he urged. “He is of no particular -consequence. I’ve heard he’s working all the time to make himself -popular in college.” - -“He does not have to work to become popular. He is a natural leader, and -men flock round him because they cannot help it. He was captain of the -eleven last fall, and Yale did not lose a game. It had the greatest -football-team ever put on the gridiron.” - -“And, of course, he won all the critical games? Ha, ha, ha!” - -“He won the most critical game, the one against Harvard. Everybody has -given him credit for that.” - -“He must be a high-stepper now!” - -“He is as modest as ever.” - -“Then he’s not very modest, for he was forever putting himself ahead.” - -“He never put himself ahead in the world, sir! Others put him there. -They recognized his abilities and made him a leader. This spring he is -captain of the Yale nine.” - -“It’s a wonder that he’s not on the crew, also!” - -“He has been on the crew in the past, and he keeps himself in such trim -that he can take an oar at any time. If anything happens that he is -needed, as has happened in the past, I have no doubt but he will pull -with the crew in the great race.” - -“A modern marvel, to be sure! Why, he’s the athletic wonder of the age!” - -“In some respects he is,” she agreed defiantly. “But he is a gentleman, -as well as an athlete. You should meet him again, Mr. Swift; it would do -you a world of good.” - -By this time he was beginning to feel the sting of her repeated -insinuations, and he bit his lips, though continuing to smile. - -“I haven’t the least desire to meet the fellow again, Miss Burrage. In -fact, I would not turn one step out of my course to do so, though, as a -rule, I’m fond of meeting anybody who ever attended Fardale.” - -“He must have offended you greatly, sir?” - -“Oh, not at all!” - -“I presume you are not naturally envious?” - -“There was nothing about him that I could envy, Miss Burrage. I found -him offensive, that’s all.” - -“But you will confess that he was brave?” - -“Why should I?” - -“The mad-dog affair proved that. Would you have fought that mad beast -alone, with a coat wrapped round your arm to protect it from the -creature’s jaws, and a jack-knife for your only weapon? Frank Merriwell -did that.” - -“Because he was too frightened to run away,” laughed Swift. “I heard -that at the time, and I believe it was told to me by a fellow who -afterward became very chummy with him, Bart Hodge.” - -“Hodge hated him at the time, and he would have told anything to injure -him. Hodge ran, and I was left to face the dog alone. Frank saw it. He -tore off his coat, wrapped it round his left arm, and, with the knife in -his hand, fought the dog till Mr. Snodd came and shot the beast.” - -“Then he fainted,” laughed the young soldier, with a sneer. - -“But not till he had saved us, and his fingers were fastened on the -throat of the dog with a regular death-grip, his knife having been lost -in the struggle. Oh, I’ll never forget how white and still he was as he -lay on the ground!” - -She shuddered a little, and Swift laughed again. - -“And you’ve been ready to stand up for him ever since, which shows how -loyal you are. I admire you for it, Miss Burrage. He should appreciate -it, but I suppose he’s like all conceited fellows, and they seldom think -much of their best friends. For it is a fact that Merriwell always was -conceited.” - -“Thank you, sir!” said a quiet voice. - -Frank Merriwell was standing near. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII - - THE RAILROAD WRECK. - - -Walter Burrage accompanied Merry, and they had entered the car and -approached while Inza was talking with Swift. - -“As you have been expressing your mind so very freely concerning me,” -said Frank, in a calm, restrained tone, “let me tell you that there are -persons in this world who have not sufficient judgment to discern -between conceit and self-esteem, and the man who does not possess a -certain amount of self-esteem never can win the regard and esteem of his -fellow men. Others are not liable to judge you higher than you judge -yourself.” - -“Which is wisdom straight from the shoulder,” put in Walter Burrage; -“And I’ve found the people with the greatest amount of conceit are -forever jeering at others for being conceited.” - -Swift had straightened up, flinging his shoulders back and assuming a -military attitude, everything about him proclaiming self-consciousness -and pride in his fine appearance, for he truly was a well-built young -man. - -“I beg your pardon,” he said, looking at Frank. “I did not know you were -within hearing. But it is an old and true saying that ‘listeners seldom -hear good of themselves.’” - -“Which is an insinuation that I was intentionally eavesdropping, and is -on a par with your recent slurring observations concerning me.” - -Now Inza was showing her satisfaction, which, however, was not unmingled -with apprehension and dread as she glanced from Swift to her brother. - -“I’m sure I have a right to my opinion,” said the young soldier, trying -to return Merry’s steady, searching look, but finding it no easy task to -meet those penetrating eyes. - -“But you may find, sir, that it will be better for you not to express -your opinions with too much freedom.” - -“My tongue is my own, and I shall use it as I choose.” - -“Then do not blame it if it gets you into trouble.” - -“And many a man has found himself in a peck of trouble by talking too -much,” put in Walter Burrage, thinking at the moment of himself and his -own misfortune. - -Roy Swift seemed to recognize something familiar about Walter’s voice, -for he turned and looked searchingly at Inza’s brother. After a moment a -light dawned upon him and he showed astonishment. - -“Can it be you, Burrage?” he exclaimed. “By Jove! it is. I’m glad to see -you, old man! You haven’t forgotten me—Swift?” - -He held out his hand to Walter. - -“No, I haven’t forgotten you, Swift,” was the reply; “but I don’t care -to shake hands with you unless you are ready to take back your words -about my friend Frank Merriwell.” - -The soldier frowned and looked angry. His first impulse was to tell -Burrage to go to a warm climate, but the presence of Inza held him in -check. Inza also led him to quickly decide to be conciliatory, and, -forcing a laugh, he said: - -“Oh, all right, my dear boy! I’m ready to do anything to promote peace -and harmony. Perhaps I was hasty, and I’ll swallow the words—just to get -a grip on your hand.” - -This was scarcely a satisfactory apology, and Walter Burrage might have -continued to decline to accept the proffered hand had he not observed -the look of anxiety on the beautiful face of his sister and divined its -meaning. - -“All right, Swift,” he said, permitting the young soldier to grasp his -fingers. “I didn’t think you a cad in the old days at the academy, and I -don’t wish to think so now.” - -“We all have our likes and dislikes,” said Swift significantly. “Now, -for instance, Mr. Merriwell never liked me very much, and so why should -I like him?” - -“If I do not like a man,” said Frank, “it is not my way to sneer about -him behind his back. I have a way of saying to his face what I have to -say.” - -Swift flushed, and it was plain that he longed to make a savage retort, -but he did not consider such a course wise just then. - -“I am not seeking a quarrel with an old schoolmate,” he declared, “so -let’s talk of something else. How in the world do you happen to be here, -Walt?” - -Ignoring Frank, he turned to Inza’s brother. Inza drew Merry down on the -seat beside her father, saying in a low tone: - -“I’m sorry Walter came in with you, for I do not trust Roy Swift. A word -from him to the ones interested would get Walter into a dreadful scrape. -I told Walt it was dangerous for him to accompany us to Fardale, but he -did not seem to think so, and he laughed at my fears.” - -Frank did his best to reassure her, telling her there was no reason why -Swift should wish to injure her brother. - -While they were talking thus there came a sudden jarring shock, followed -by a frightful crash, and the passengers were hurled from their seats as -the car plunged down an embankment. - -A part of the train had left the track! - -At the first jar Merry had leaped to his feet, the reeling car flung him -fairly over the back of a seat. Then came the terrible shock that -followed. - -For a moment Frank was stunned. He had heard the sound of splintering -wood, and for a few moments an awful silence followed. - -Then rose the shouts of the injured and the groans of the dying, for the -engine and three cars of the train were piled in a splintered, shattered -heap in the ditch at the foot of the embankment, and one of the three -was the coach occupied by Merriwell and the others. - -Frank stirred, and found one leg pinned down. All around him seemed to -be débris. He heard the cries of the injured, and the sound chilled his -blood. - -“Inza!” - -That was his first thought. - -“Where is she?” - -Still pinned fast, he tried to look around in search of her. - -There were shrieks for help. He saw a man crushed and silent beneath a -heavy mass that had flattened his chest. The horror of it all began to -dawn upon him. - -Then Frank struggled with sudden desperation to set himself free and -find the girl he now knew he loved. He wondered for one moment if his -foot and ankle had been crushed, but only for that one moment did he -think of himself. - -“Inza!” he gasped. “Where are you? I pray she has not been killed—she, -my own sweetheart!” - -A man with an ax began to smash furiously with it to break a way to -freedom. It was Roy Swift, and he seemed frantic with terror. In his -furious haste to escape from the wreck he several times came near -hitting Frank on the head with the ax. - -“Hold on, Swift!” cried Merry. “You can get out there all right in a -moment. Just help me get my foot free here, will you?” - -The young soldier gave him a look, and then snarled: - -“Take care of yourself!” - -Then, having made an opening large enough, he dropped the ax and crawled -out. - -“You cur!” said Frank. “That’s the kind of a man I fancied you were!” - -Then he managed to reach the ax, with which he set about freeing his -foot. He was forced to work carefully, in order not to injure himself, -but he set the foot at liberty very soon. - -All this time he had been thinking of Inza, and now he set out to find -her. He called her name, crawling and forcing his way through the -wrecked car toward the point where he fancied she must be. - -A shrieking woman caught hold of him. He saw she, also, was held fast by -broken timbers. - -“Help me!” implored the woman. - -Frank’s clear eyes discovered that there was a way to set her free. Out -came his knife, and he quickly cut away a part of her skirt that had -held her helpless. Three blows with the ax knocked aside a timber and -enabled Merriwell to lift her to her feet. He told her how to find her -way out. - -Then he continued his search for Inza. His heart sank lower and lower -with each moment. Before him seemed an impassable barrier of splintered -and broken timbers. Was she beneath that mass? - -The thought was enough to sicken him, but his heart did not fail. -Selecting a weak point, he began his assault, and soon cleared a space -through which he could force his body. - -“Inza!” - -Was that an answer? No, it was one of the many cries of distress coming -from every side. Then the terrible conviction that she must be somewhere -beneath that twisted and splintered mass fastened on him again. For once -in his life, Frank seemed to lose his head. For once he was not his -usual cool, calculating self. - -He smote the timbers with the ax, he tore at them with his fingers, he -flung his body against them. - -“Inza!” he huskily shouted. - -Then, almost beneath his feet, he found her! - -Down on his knees he went, seeing her pale face dimly, finding her still -and senseless. - -“Inza, my sweetheart!” he groaned. “Merciful Heaven! is she dead? Have I -lost her thus?” - -He lifted her beautiful head and kissed her unresponsive lips. He -whispered loving words in her ears. He pressed her to his throbbing -heart and begged her to give one sign of life. - -She had not been crushed beneath the timbers, but had fallen between two -of the seats, which had served to protect and shield her. Still, -something must have injured her severely, for she was not a girl to -faint from fright. - -A smell of smoke came to Frank’s nostrils, telling him of a new and -frightful peril—fire! - -He lifted the unconscious girl and started to escape with her. This he -found a difficult thing to do, but with a sort of desperate persistency -he kept at it till he had reached the spot where a smashed opening in -the side of the car permitted him to crawl forth with Inza to the open -air. - -The spectacle he beheld was appalling. The cars and engine were piled -one upon another in a shattered mass which had already taken fire. - -As Merry placed the unconscious girl gently on the ground, calling for a -doctor, Inza stirred, moaned, and opened her eyes. Instantly he had her -in his arms again. She saw him and recognized him. - -“Frank!” she whispered faintly, like the sighing of a distant breeze. - -“Inza!” he answered—“Inza, my sweetheart, my love!” - -A look of untold happiness appeared on her beautiful face. It had been -long, long years since such words passed his lips, but now once more he -called her his sweetheart, as he had that night over the gate in -Fardale. - -And there was far more in his tone than in the mere words. His voice -spoke all the deep passion of his nature, and in that moment she knew -once more that his heart belonged to her, and to her alone. - -She did not realize at once what had happened. She knew some dreadful -thing had taken place, but, somehow, she felt that it had restored to -her the lover of her girlhood days, and she was happy. His arms were -about her—those iron arms which had won many a hard-fought battle for -Yale, and that brave heart that had never faltered or known fear in the -face of the mightiest obstacle or danger beat against her own. - -There was a step close at hand, and a man stopped near them. - -“So you got out, Merriwell!” said a voice. “Is that Inza? Is she hurt?” - -It was Swift. - -One look of scorn Merry gave the fellow, but no word did he speak in -reply. - -Now the black smoke was rising and the fire was crackling like a joyous -fiend. Still, from that fearful wreck came the cries of the poor -wretches who were held fast in that trap of death. - -“Walter!” cried Inza, realizing at last what had happened. “Where is -he?” - -“I do not know,” confessed Frank. - -“My father?” - -Merry shook his head. - -“He is in there!” she screamed, sitting upright. “They are both there! -Oh, my brother!” - -A man with his clothing torn, and one arm hanging helpless at his side, -staggered toward him. - -“Inza!” he hoarsely shouted, joy in his tone. “I could not find you! I -thought you still in there!” - -It was Walter Burrage, badly bruised and having a broken arm, but alive -and not dangerously hurt. He fell on his knees and clasped his sister’s -hand. - -“Take her!” said Frank Merriwell hoarsely—“take her, quick!” - -“What are you going to do?” - -“I’m going back in there to look for your father!” - -“The cars are burning!” - -But Frank heeded this not the least. Thrusting Inza upon her brother, he -sprang up and turned toward the wreck. - -One of the trainmen saw Merry’s movement, saw the grim look of -determination on his white face and the glare in his eyes. He grasped -Frank, demanding; - -“What’re you goin’ to do, young feller? Don’t get crazy!” - -Frank grasped the man’s wrists and flung him off, sending him reeling. -Then he crouched and plunged headlong through the very opening by which -he had escaped from the wreckage. - -“Mad as a March hare!” gasped the trainman. “He’ll roast in there, for -the whole thing will be a roaring bonfire in less than five minutes! -He’s a goner!” - -Inza had watched him, and now she was seized by a frightful terror lest -he had indeed gone to his death. He had called her sweetheart again as -of old! He had held her clasped in his strong arms! She had seen the old -love-light in his eyes! And now he was gone! - -“Walter,” she sobbed, “he’ll not come back! Look! See the fire! He will -be burned to death!” - -Perhaps for the first time in her life she was seized by a terrible fear -that Frank would fail to accomplish his purpose. Always before, under -the most trying circumstances, she had maintained perfect confidence in -him, perfect faith that he would triumph in the end and come forth -unscathed. - -“He was a fool!” declared Roy Swift, who still was near. - -“He’s the bravest fellow in the whole world!” declared Inza. “You -escaped, but you thought of no one save yourself. He rescued me, and now -he has gone back there, risking his own life in an attempt to find and -save my father from a frightful death.” - -Swift was silent, but he mentally told himself: - -“That’s the end of the fellow! He’s gone back into the jaws of the trap, -and he’ll never come out! The fire is spreading swiftly.” - -“There’s a chance for him, Inza,” Walter declared, wishing to keep her -courage up. “But father may have been taken out already. We can’t tell -till we investigate.” - -She rose to her feet and stood staring at the spot where Frank had -vanished, her hands clenched, her face pale as death, her bosom heaving. - -“He loves me!” she mentally cried. “I know it now! Oh, why did I let him -throw his life away!” - -Blacker rolled the smoke against the wintry sky. In the west the sun -broke through a bank of clouds and shot a bar of yellow light across the -snowy fields. - -Was this Frank Merriwell’s funeral-pyre? Was this to be the tragic -ending of the most remarkable youth of the New World? - -There rose a sudden shout. Men sprang forward to assist some one from -the wreck. Then, with his clothes torn, his hands bleeding, but with -triumph written on his determined face, Frank Merriwell, of Yale, -reappeared. - -In his arms he bore Bernard Burrage! - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV - - “A MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY.” - - -There were plenty of old friends in Fardale who were ready and willing -to take Bernard Burrage in and do all in their power for him, but Alvin -Brander was on hand with a comfortable sleigh to bear Inza’s father from -the station when the next train came in over the line from the place of -the wreck. - -Inza accompanied her father, of course. Frank Merriwell, Roy Swift, and -Walter Burrage, the latter with his left arm in a sling, were also on -the train, but they decided to stop at the hotel. - -Of course, they were heroes to the villagers, who had thousands of -questions to ask about the wreck. Not a few of the injured had belonged -in Fardale, or were known there, and one among the four killed outright -had once lived in the little village. It was a mighty sensation for a -town of that size. - -Frank was remembered and recognized by many. Some recognized Swift. But -no one seemed to know Walter Burrage, who registered at the hotel under -a fictitious name. - -Mr. Burrage, strange to say, had received very few bodily injuries in -the catastrophe; but mentally he had been given a terrible shock, and -his condition was regarded as critical. The following morning, however, -the inquiring and solicitous villagers learned that he seemed somewhat -better. - -Walter Burrage tried to avoid Swift, but this he found rather difficult, -for the young soldier refused to be dodged. And so, biding his time, -Swift caught Walter alone in his room after the latter had visited his -father and Inza that morning. The young man in uniform walked right into -the room, with an air of easy assurance that was a trifle annoying. - -“Good morning, Burrage,” he said loudly. - -“If you don’t mind, it will please me for you to call me by the name I -have registered under—Burton,” said Walter, in a low tone. “You know I -do not care about being recognized here, and I depend on this beard to -serve as a disguise.” - -“Rather careless of you, to say the least,” declared Swift. “But I’m -perfectly willing to call you any old thing you like. It doesn’t matter -to me, and I’m your friend, you know.” - -“I hope you are.” - -“Oh, I am—your particular friend. How is your arm this morning, old -man?” - -“Well, you may be sure it doesn’t feel pleasant.” - -“Sorry. But you were lucky to get off so easy.” - -“That’s right,” agreed Walter. - -“You have a way of bumping into hard luck, you know,” said Swift, taking -a seat and lighting a cigar before offering one to his companion. “Have -a smoke?” - -Walter declined. - -“That little affair which obliterated you from the map of the United -States was very unfortunate,” pursued the soldier, without guarding his -voice in the least. - -“What are you trying to do, man?” demanded Walter, a flush in his cheeks -and his eyes flashing. “Are you determined to tell these people here who -I am?” - -“Not at all. Just carelessness of me. But it would be a bad thing if it -got out, wouldn’t it? You’d be nabbed and have to stand trial. They’d be -sure to convict you, and you’d get ten or twenty years. I say, Walt, old -chum, you’re running a deuce of a risk coming here.” - -“You don’t have to tell me that. I know it well enough. But I’ve been -hungry for a sight of the old places and of my father, sister, and -friends. You don’t know what it is, Swift, to be an outcast, a man -without a country. I don’t suppose I’d felt half so bad if I’d thought I -might come back any time without fear of anything; but the knowledge of -what was hanging over my head the moment I placed my foot on the soil of -the United States made me wild to see the land in which I was born, my -native land, the land I love!” - -“Don’t believe I’d felt that way in your place. I’d felt that I didn’t -care a rap for a country where I had been treated in such a shabby -manner.” - -“Did you ever read Edward Everett Hale’s wonderful story, ‘The Man -Without a Country’?” - -“Naw! I don’t read stories. They’re such rot!” - -“Some are; some are not. The one I speak of seems to me the greatest -story ever written, for I am much like the poor wretch in that story. He -railed against his native land, cursed it, expressed a wish to never set -foot on its shores again. As he was an officer in the regular army, this -was regarded as treason. He was tried and condemned to eternal -banishment from the United States. He had said that he wished never -again to hear the name of his country, and in the decree of his -punishment it was directed that never again should he hear it. - -“He was sent to sea on a vessel of the American Navy. From the time the -shores of the United States vanished from his view until his death, he -never saw it more. He was transferred from ship to ship, so that always -he was kept in foreign waters. Orders were that no one should ever speak -to him of the United States. Further than that, no book, newspaper, or -printed matter of any sort bearing any information or telling anything -about the United States was permitted to reach his hands. - -“He never received a letter from a single friend in his native land. He -was in every way ‘a man without a country.’ What was the result? Soon -his feelings began to change. He longed to know something about the land -of his birth. What was taking place there? It was all unavailing for him -to try to find out. His questions remained unanswered, and finally he -ceased to ask them. But always in his eyes there was a look of such -unspeakable longing as to touch the heart of every one who saw him. - -“In the last vessel to which he was transferred he remained a very long -time. When he died it was found he had made himself an American flag, -which hung where it would be constantly before his eyes in his -stateroom. He had drawn as well as he could a map of the United States, -that he might remember how broad and grand was the land he had cursed. -But since his banishment vast tracts of the West had been added to the -country he had lost, so the map really showed that grand land as only -about one-fourth as large as it really was. - -“Of these changes he knew nothing. Mighty events had taken place, but of -them all he remained in absolute ignorance. But his love for his lost -country had grown with the years till no man ever loved it more, and -each night as he knelt before that hand-made flag, the glorious stars -and stripes, he prayed with all his heart and soul for the welfare of -the land he would see no more. In his dying moments the weight of his -terrible punishment was lifted from him, for one who was with him told -him of the stupendous changes that had taken place, of the mighty -advances the United States had made in every way, and his eyes filled -with joyous tears, while he lifted his thin old hands in thanksgiving to -God. And at last he died and was buried at sea, without ever again -seeing the shores of the land he had cursed, the land he had grown to -love with all his soul. What do you think of that story, Swift?” - -“Bah! A ridiculous yarn, devised by the brain of a man who was looking -for notoriety.” - -“Nothing of the sort! It appealed to me as no other story ever did.” - -“Circumstances made it appeal to you. But the ‘hero’ of the yarn was a -fool! Think I’d love a country that did such a thing to me? Well, I’d -die cursing it!” - -“Then something tells me that, even though you wear the uniform of your -country now, you have little real love for it in your heart.” - -“Oh, I’m not a fool, Burrage! I’m a soldier in the regular army, and -haven’t I a chance to see how this country uses her subjects? I think I -have! There are lots of poor devils out in those islands who love the -States even less than I do.” - -Walter’s dislike for the fellow was increasing rapidly. - -“I don’t believe it!” he cried. “If it is true, they should swap places -with me. How gladly I’d do that! I’d rejoice to take the uniform of a -common soldier if I might fight beneath the flag I love. I have felt -that I, too, am a man without a country. It is a terrible feeling, -Swift! One gets to hankering for the sight of Yankeeland till it seems -that he’ll go daffy!” - -“Oh, if I’d been treated as you have, I’d go to England and become a -naturalized citizen.” - -“Which is proof enough that you have no real love for your own land in -your heart. That is something I’ll never do. Some day the whole affair -in which I took part may be cleared up, and I may be able to come home -without sneaking back in disguise. Then how gladly I shall come!” - -“All right! We’re not all alike. You’ve been to see your father this -morning?” - -“Yes.” - -“How is he?” - -“Far better than I expected.” - -“He was not hurt in the accident?” - -“Not much, although he was badly shaken up.” - -“And your sister?” - -“She’s quite well.” - -“By Jove! I thought she was done for when I saw Merriwell creep out with -her! That gave me a terrible jolt! Do you know, Burrage, you have a -confoundedly handsome sister?” - -“Yes, I know Inza is a beautiful girl,” confessed Walter, though he did -not like the manner in which Swift had spoken. - -“She’s a peach!” the soldier declared. “I’m dead smashed on her, my -boy!” - -“Better not be.” - -“Why?” - -“I don’t think she likes you very well.” - -Swift flushed a little, but forced a laugh. - -“That’s because I expressed my mind concerning that fellow Merriwell. I -didn’t know I was touching her so hard. But for the unpleasantness of -the situation, I’d stood by my statements. I never liked him. See here, -is Inza in love with that duffer?” - -Walter shrugged his shoulders. - -“Better not let him hear you speak of him like that. I don’t know -whether she is in love with him or not.” - -“Well, he’s smashed on her.” - -“How do you know?” - -“Oh, didn’t I hear him talking to her when he knelt beside her after -escaping from the wreck. She had not recovered, and he thought she was -dead. He gave himself away then.” - -“Well, if Frank Merriwell is in love with my sister, I am very glad.” - -“But marriage does not always follow love,” said Swift, in a mean, -insinuating way. - -Walter Burrage whirled on the fellow, his face dark with anger. - -“Don’t make any nasty talk like that!” he exclaimed. “I have only one -arm, but I won’t stand for it, Swift!” - -“Oh, I didn’t mean anything!” the soldier protested. “But I was led to -understand that Merriwell and Inza are not engaged.” - -“I do not know whether they are or not. If I did, I might not tell you, -for I regard it as none of your business.” - -Then Walter walked out of the room and left Swift there. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXV - - SWIFT DECLARES HIS PASSION. - - -“Oh, I’ll bring you down off your high horse, confound you!” muttered -Roy Swift, as he followed Walter Burrage from that room. “If your sister -does not lower her high head in short order, I’ll make her do it—or land -you behind bars!” - -Leaving the hotel, he made his way straight toward the house of Alvin -Brander, on the outskirts of the village. There was a brass knocker on -the door of the old-fashioned house, and Swift pounded it vigorously. A -servant appeared, and Swift pushed right into the hall, saying: - -“Tell Miss Burrage that a friend wishes to see her.” - -“Will you give me your name?” - -“Frank Merriwell.” - -He was shown into the stiff old parlor, with its haircloth furniture, -picture-album, case of wax flowers, and chromos on the walls. There he -seated himself comfortably and waited. - -He was not compelled to wait long. On the stair there was a flying -footfall and Inza appeared, her face showing her pleasure, while she -exclaimed: - -“Oh, Frank, I’m so glad you————” - -Then, as he rose, she stopped short and stared at him, a look of -surprise and consternation on her handsome face. - -“Mr. Swift!” she cried, in disappointment. - -“Yes,” he laughed. “Quite a joke on you, wasn’t it? Ha, ha, ha!” - -She drew herself up proudly, her eyes flashing. - -“A joke, sir?” - -“Why, yes; you thought you were coming down to see Merriwell. Ha, ha! -That was a joke!” - -“I must say you have very peculiar ideas of a joke! You gave a false -name.” - -“Perhaps the servant misunderstood me.” - -“No; you gave your name as Frank Merriwell. You knew I was engaged -caring for my father, and might not find time to come down. It was a -trick!” - -“But you could find time to come down for Merriwell?” - -“He is a friend—he saved my life and the life of my father yesterday.” - -“Which any one else might have done in his place.” - -“What did you do?” - -“Unfortunately, I was separated from you by the accident, and I could -not find you.” - -“What did you do when you knew my father was back there in that burning -wreckage—when I appealed to somebody to save him?” - -“I did not know where to find him.” - -“Nor did Mr. Merriwell.” - -“I think he did know, else he would not have succeeded so finely.” - -“He did not!” - -“He has told you that to make the act seem all the braver and grander in -your eyes. He knows how to play his cards.” - -Her lips curled. - -“I’ll not listen to such talk about him! I must return to my father.” - -“Wait!” - -“I cannot stop, sir. You must excuse me.” - -She was going. - -“Miss Burrage, your brother is in great peril.” - -That stopped her. - -“Walter!” she exclaimed. “He is in danger?” - -“Yes.” - -“What do you mean?” - -“Just what I say.” - -Now she came back a few steps, and he was satisfied. - -“What is the danger?” she haltingly asked. - -“The danger is that he will be arrested. You know for what. And in case -he is arrested he will be tried and condemned. A term of ten or twenty -years must follow.” - -She had straightened up to hear these words. For a moment she did not -speak, and then, in a tone that indicated an effort to self-control, she -asked: - -“Has he been recognized here in Fardale?” - -“Not yet; but one word from any one who knows him will set the law on -his track.” - -“From any one who knows him? Who is there who would betray him? Is it -possible you mean that you——” - -He stepped toward her quickly. - -“I mean, Miss Burrage, that I love you!” he declared boldly. “Wait—you -must listen! Understanding your brother’s peril, you will not refuse to -listen!” - -She put up a hand to check his advance. - -“Mr. Swift,” she panted, “is it possible you are threatening me?” - -“Not that! But I am desperately in love with you, Inza, and I was -determined to find a way to make you listen to me.” - -“Brave man!” - -Her words and her look cut him deeply, but he would not be checked. - -“I have loved you all the years since I left Fardale. In all my -wanderings I have never found another like you, Inza!” - -“Call me Miss Burrage, if you please, sir!” - -“You can’t hold me in check that way! You do not know Roy Swift, else -you would not try. I have seen you again, and I find you far handsomer -than you were in the old days. My heart is torn with love, and I have -sworn that you shall be mine!” - -He was shaking with the intensity of his feelings. In his bronzed cheeks -there was a wild flush, while his eyes gleamed with a burning light. -Inza was alarmed, but she did not show it. - -“You had better withdraw your oath,” she calmly said; “for I shall never -be yours. You have fancied something that is quite impossible.” - -“You must—you shall!” he cried. “I will not give you up to Frank -Merriwell! He shall not have you! Inza, when my grandfather dies I shall -be a rich man. I did not have to enter the army. I did that of my own -accord. I shall be able to give you anything you want if you will marry -me.” - -“Mr. Swift, I would not marry you if you had all the wealth of -Rockefeller!” - -“I swear you shall never marry him! I am desperate, Inza! Think of your -brother! With a word, I can send him to prison!” - -“And prove yourself a dastard!” - -“A man in love will do anything to win the object of his passions. If -you would save your brother, you must marry me!” - -“You coward!” - -She took a step toward him, her hands clenched, and hissed the words -through her white teeth. He actually fell back a step before her intense -scorn and contempt. - -“Then you are willing to see him branded as a criminal—willing to see -him suffer? His arrest will be the death-blow of your old father! Think -of that! Are you not willing to sacrifice yourself to save both your -brother and your father? Have you not that much love for them?” - -“You coward!” she repeated, withering scorn in her dark eyes. “If my -brother were here now——” - -“But he is not! Nor is Frank Merriwell here! You do not know the passion -you have awakened in the heart of Roy Swift! If Merriwell were out of -the way———— By Heaven! he may be out of the way!” - -“Would you——” - -“Let him keep away from me! I go armed, and I will not hold myself -responsible! If Merriwell were here now——” - -“He is!” - -Frank himself strode into the room. He had come to the house with young -Jim Brander, who had let him in without ringing. In the hall Merry had -heard what was passing in the parlor, and there was a terrible look on -his face as he strode toward the soldier. - -Swift leaped backward, his right hand jerking out a pistol. With a -spring, Frank was on him, grasped his wrist and wrenched the weapon from -his hand. - -“I think you have been drinking this morning, sir,” he cried grimly, as -he held the other helpless and turned toward the door. “Jim, fling open -the front door.” - -Jim Brander, who had been peering into the room, hastened to obey. Merry -quickly carried the resisting fellow from the parlor, saying as he did -so: - -“You have made some very nasty threats, Swift, but you had better think -twice before you attempt to carry any of them out. And if you annoy Miss -Burrage again, I’ll thrash you till you’ll need a doctor for a week.” - -Then, having reached the front door, he proceeded to kick Roy Swift down -the steps. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI - - HAPPY HEARTS. - - -Humiliated and infuriated, Roy Swift left, swearing vengeance. As soon -as he got back to the hotel, he took to drink. He seemed in a great -hurry to fill himself with whisky, and as he grew intoxicated still -wilder schemes began to revolve in his head. - -“I’ll be even with Merriwell!” he vowed. “He shall not have her! I swear -it!” - -He was one of the kind that grow desperate as they become intoxicated. -In a disgraceful condition, he hunted up Walter, who, as yet, knew -nothing of the affair at Brander’s. - -“Burrage,” said Swift, “I’m going to marry your sister!” - -Walter looked at him a moment, and then said: - -“Swift, you are disgustingly drunk. I advise you to get into a room and -stay there till you sober off.” - -“Don’t need your advice. I’m going to marry your sister. That is -business. I swear by everything high and low that I will have her! Frank -Merriwell shall not!” - -Then he turned and made off. - -That afternoon Inza left the house to go to the post-office. Within ten -rods of the door she was startled to hear the hoof-beats of a horse -behind her. Turning quickly, she saw Roy Swift, mounted on a bay horse, -coming straight toward her, his face flushed and his eyes gleaming. - -She tried to get out of the way, but she could not avoid him. She -thought he meant to run her down and trample her beneath the feet of the -horse, but he swerved aside, bent from the saddle, caught her up -somehow, and flung her across the horse before him. - -Then, in this manner, holding her helpless, the intoxicated fellow went -tearing through the village, yelling like a wild Indian. - -Frank was with Walter Burrage when Swift passed the hotel. Merry saw him -and dashed out to the street. In front of the hotel a horse was hitched, -being harnessed into a sleigh. - -Out came Merry’s knife, and with wonderful swiftness he cut that horse -clear from the sleigh. Onto its back he flung himself, starting in -pursuit of the liquor-maddened kidnaper. - -It was a wild race through the village and out into the country beyond. -From the top of a hill, Fardale Academy and the buildings surrounding it -might have been seen, but neither pursued nor pursuer looked in that -direction. - -Frank found that Swift was drawing away, the horse on which he was -mounted being far superior to the animal Merry had appropriated. In vain -Frank urged on the horse he bestrode. - -Then he saw the intoxicated kidnaper turn from the regular road into a -road that led down to a little lake where some ice-cutters had been at -work. They had made the road hauling ice to the village, where it was -stored. In his delirium, Swift had mistaken this as the main highway. - -When Merry reached that point, the bay horse was tearing down toward the -lake. Frank pursued now with a hope that something might happen to -baffle Swift. - -Out onto the ice-covered lake rode the kidnaper. He did not seem to see -the spot where the men had been cutting ice, and dashed straight into -it. The thin ice crashed through beneath the feet of the horse, and it -plunged into the water. - -Then Frank Merriwell madly urged his own horse down the hill. When the -lake was reached, he flung himself from the animal’s back and dashed to -the edge of the opening in the ice. - -Inza was clinging to the horse, which was keeping its head above the -surface. - -Swift had disappeared. - -The solid ice ran close to the spot where the horse had plunged through, -and Frank soon succeeded in getting hold of Inza and helping her out. - -That evening Inza received Frank at Alvin Brander’s. The facts of her -last thrilling adventure had been carefully kept from her father, who -was resting easily. - -Inza herself had been sorely shaken, but her brave spirit kept her up, -and her healthy body had made it possible for her to endure it all -without being overcome. - -Indeed, to Frank it seemed that she looked more charming than ever. She -shuddered when she thought of the fate of Roy Swift. - -Somehow, Frank was uneasy. He could not seem to bring himself to speak -of the things which sought utterance. - -“Inza,” he said, “do you think you dare venture out this evening? It is -a beautiful night and not very cold.” - -“Yes,” she said, “I believe it will make me feel better.” - -So, a little later, they were walking together, her gloved hand resting -on his arm. The white moon looked down at them and smiled, while the -knowing little stars winked wisely at each other. - -Frank’s heart was strangely full. Still, something sealed his lips. - -“This is our street,” said Inza, as they turned down the old familiar -way. “You know we used to live down here a short distance?” - -How well he knew it! - -“I wish you were living here now, Inza, and that I was a cadet at the -academy.” - -“Would you like to live the old days over, Frank?” - -“Would I? They were the happiest days of my life!” - -“And of mine!” - -They came to the old home, and paused where they could see it as -revealed by the moonlight. - -“It needs repairing,” she said sadly. “I hear it is for sale. The people -who lived here have moved away, and it is empty.” - -A strange fancy came to him. - -“I believe I will buy it!” he exclaimed. - -“Oh, do!” she cried. “That would be just splendid!” - -“Would you like to live here again, Inza?” - -“Nothing in this wide world could make me happier!” - -“Nothing, Inza?” - -Her head drooped. After a moment she murmured: - -“Well, I did not mean just that, Frank.” - -“Here is the old gate,” he said, drawing her toward it. “Don’t you -remember a certain evening years ago when we stood here by the gate?” - -“I shall never forget it!” she declared, slipping from him and passing -through to the other side. “I was in here and you out there, just as we -are now.” - -“And it was a beautiful moonlight night, but the trees had leaves on -them and cast a shadow here, so the moon could not see what happened -that night.” - -She laughed, in spite of the fact that her heart was beating very fast. - -“Inza,” he went on, “you were my sweetheart then, and now I know I have -loved you ever since. Inza, dearest, do you love me? Will you marry me -when I leave college?” - -The moment had come. She felt herself shaking all over. Her voice was -not steady as she asked in a very low tone: - -“Are you certain, Frank, that you love me more than any one else in the -world—more than Elsie?” - -“I have not the least doubt of it. I know now that I have always loved -you more than any one in the world.” - -“Then I will marry you, Frank!” - -There being no baffling leaves on the trees, the delighted old moon this -time saw what it had failed to see one moonlight evening over that gate -years ago. - - - THE END. - - -No. 70 of the MERRIWELL SERIES, entitled “Frank Merriwell’s False -Friend,” by Burt L. Standish, has a thrilling boat race in which Frank -helps his side to victory in spite of the efforts of his false friend to -keep him out of the race. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - ------------------------------------ - ------------------------------------ - - _Adventure Stories_ - _Detective Stories_ - _Western Stories_ - _Love Stories_ - _Sea Stories_ - - ------------------------------------ - ------------------------------------ - - -All classes of fiction are to be found among the Street & Smith novels. -Our line contains reading matter for every one, irrespective of age or -preference. - -The person who has only a moderate sum to spend on reading matter will -find this line a veritable gold mine. - - - ---------- - ---------- - - - - - STREET & SMITH CORPORATION, - 79 Seventh Avenue, - New York, N. Y. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - ● Transcriber’s Notes: - ○ Missing or obscured punctuation was silently corrected. - ○ Typographical errors were silently corrected. - ○ Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation were made consistent only - when a predominant form was found in this book. - ○ Text that was in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_). - ○ The use of a caret (^) before a letter, or letters, shows that the - following letter or letters was intended to be a superscript, as - in S^t Bartholomew or 10^{th} Century. - ○ Superscripts are used to indicate numbers raised to a power. In - this plain text document, they are represented by characters like - this: “P^3” or “10^{18}”, i.e. P cubed or 10 to the 18th power. - ○ Variables in formulæ sometimes use subscripts, which look like - this: “A_{0}”. This would be read “A sub 0”. - - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Frank Merriwell's Trust, by Burt L. 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