“There is no joke about this. I should say Frank is ready to tell you about the whole thing. When he does, you’ll drop dead!”
“As much as that?” murmured Browning. “I haven’t made a will.”
“What do you wish to leave?” asked Harry, with a grin.
“My will; it’s all I have to leave, and I want to leave something.”
“Tell us about this business,” urged Rattleton, speaking to Frank. Merry had decided to do so, and he explained the whole affair in a few well-chosen words. Their amazement increased as he proceeded. It did not take them long to see that he was in sober earnest, and they listened breathlessly. When he had finished, they were indignant.
“And you never told us?” questioned Rattleton resentfully.
“Not a word!” came angrily from Bruce.
“I found out the truth by accident,” said Diamond.
“Is that the proper way to treat your friends, Frank?” asked Bruce almost sorrowfully.
Merry then explained how he was bound to secrecy as long as the metal ball was in his possession.