“It’s no use to play innocent with me, Roll.”

Roland uttered a savage exclamation.

“You get out of here!” he cried, taking a step.

Oliver did not stir.

“I’ll go when you give me what I am after,” he said.

“I’ll give it to you—in the neck!”

“Roll,” said Oliver quietly, “you can’t bluff me. I know you snatched a message from Frank Merriwell’s hand to-night, and you have it with you. I was accused, but Merriwell believed me on my word of honor.”

“That’s more than he would me,” said Roland, with a harsh laugh.

“You have only yourself to blame if no one will believe your word of honor,” said Oliver.

“Sermon, is it?” cried the other. “You’re always preaching nowadays, Oll.”