Frank Merriwell in Europe; or, Working His Way Upward

by Burt L. Standish

Frank was a trifle dazed. On his previous visit to the place, he had been told by the proprietor that all the men he saw lounging about were very desperate characters, but Bornier had not openly introduced them, recounting the crimes for which each was celebrated as he did so. The boy wondered if the proprietor of the place had held this in reserve that he might have something of a sensational nature to interest his guest on a second visit—wondered if this was Bornier’s custom.

But what caused the lad the greatest wonderment was concerning the truth of Bornier’s words. If the man spoke the truth, how was it he dared so boldly tell the crimes of his patrons, and how was it that none of them showed alarm at being thus exposed?

Surely, if Bornier spoke the truth, these men should be hiding from the police, and should not be gathered here in a place concerning which every officer in Paris must be perfectly informed.

With these thoughts came a momentary belief that the proprietor of the Red Flag was lying, and that these fellows were hired to sit there and look fierce that they might be shown to visitors and described as great criminals.

But Frank was a shrewd reader of character, and, looking over the faces of the rascals introduced, he was forced to confess to himself that they had the appearance of being able to commit all the crimes which Bornier had laid at their doors. They were of a certainty a most scoundrelly looking crowd.

These rascals bowed to the boy as they were introduced, but none of them offered to shake his hand, much to Frank’s satisfaction.

And now Merriwell began to doubt the wisdom of coming here unattended by a guide. He wondered if the rascals would not fancy they had a perfect right to rob him under such circumstances.

That, however, was not what troubled him the most. In the eyes of the women he had seen a threat, and in the eyes of more than one of the men he read a blood-thirsty desire.

Having been introduced, Frank ordered drinks, which were brought. He barely touched his lips to the contents of his glass, and then placed it on a table.

When he lifted the glass it seemed that every eye in the room was on him, and when he scarcely wet his lips with the liquid he fancied he detected anxiety, and this seemed followed by disappointment as he placed the glass upon the table.