“I have been your best friend. You have made your choice by your conduct.”
Oliver had retreated to the door, still watching Roland, who now laughed and said:
“Get out if you want to; I sha’n’t try to stop you. I’ll not fight again over that old message. I don’t believe it amounts to anything, anyhow.”
Oliver unlocked the door cautiously, for he did not trust Roland, even then.
“I shall tell Merriwell the truth,” he said, “and I shall not ask him to let you off without punishment, as I have in the past. He may punish you or not, as he chooses. If he does not, it will be because he is the soul of generosity.”
Then he opened the door and disappeared quickly, closing it behind him.
Roland Packard laughed in noiseless triumph.
“Go it, you fool!” he whispered. “I have the message, and you have nothing but an envelope containing a lot of blank paper. I’d like to see Merriwell’s face when he opens that envelope!”
CHAPTER V.
CELEBRATION OF THE OLD GRADS.
The celebration was in progress. Frank Merriwell, with Inza Burrage at his side, was watching the fun from Vanderbilt. Frank’s heart was troubled because of the loss of the message, but his face was smiling.