There was a mystery. Mysterious happenings were crowding fast.
Frank began to fancy that he understood why Browning had remained away from the hotel all day. The big fellow had been tracking Brattle. Frank sprang up, completely thrown off his guard for the moment. He did not stop to think it over. The Theater of the Republic was near at hand, and soon he was hurrying toward it.
As he approached the entrance, a man suddenly appeared at his side, and grasped his wrist, speaking a single word into his ear:
“Stop!”
Frank faced the man like a flash.
It was Mr. Noname!
“Stop!” commanded the Mystery. “You are going straight to your death!”
Needless to say, Frank stopped.
“You here?” he exclaimed.
“Yes—in time to stop you from falling into the trap. You have been summoned to enter that place. In there, behind a column which you must pass, stands a man with a dagger hidden in his sleeve. He means to place that dagger in your heart!”