The doctor told some stories of his adventures in the woods, and soon the supper bell rang.
“I’ll leave the rifle here in the room with you, Hans,” said Frank, as he went out, following the others.
“All righdt, Vrankie; id vill vatch me, so I vill peen safe. Don’d let me vorry apout dot.”
But when Frank Merriwell returned from supper he found Hans fast asleep, and the rifle——
Was gone!
Frank looked all round the room for it, thinking it possible Hans had arisen and looked at the weapon while they were down to supper, leaving it in some other place when he had finished inspecting it.
It was not to be found.
“What’s the matter, Merry?” grunted Browning, who had lazily followed Frank to the room, Diamond and Hodge having gone out for a stroll.
“Matter!” cried Frank. “Matter enough! My new rifle has vanished. It is gone!”