Just as the curtain was going up on the first act, Frank was sent down to the dressing room to get something for one of the girls.
The door was just a bit ajar, and Merry bolted in quickly.
There was an exclamation of consternation, echoed by Frank.
Cassie was there. The sleeve of her left arm was thrust back, showing white above the line of black at her wrist. She was in the very act of using the little syringe.
The tiny instrument dropped from her fingers, and she staggered back a step.
“Merriwell!” she gasped.
Frank started to turn away, then hastily explained why he had come to the room. His manner told her he had seen and understood.
“Look here!” she hoarsely said, springing forward and clutching him by the arm; “I want you to promise me something.”
“What?”
“That you’ll keep mum.”