During the greater part of the evening Frank and Mabel were together, while Bessie seemed to cling to Hodge, who appeared very well satisfied.
Several of the fellows Frank and Bart had met at the club were present, and it was natural that all should drift together after a time, and fall to discussing the affair between Merriwell and Hegner.
The boys were almost universal in positively declaring that Hegner was entirely in the wrong, and Frank was glad to know he was not blamed for what he had done.
While they were talking Hegner drifted past, but seeing Merriwell in the group did not pause.
A little later, however, Frank and his foe came face to face. Hegner turned as if to walk away, but whirled back swiftly, saying:
“You have had your turn; mine comes next. I won’t do a thing to you! I’ll make you sorry you ever saw the inside of the Fairmount Athletic Club!”
Then without waiting for Frank to speak he hastened away.
“That fellow is full of threats,” thought Merry; “and I fancy he means to make them good if he gets a chance. I must keep my eyes open, for he would strike a fellow behind his back.”
He found Bart talking to Bessie and Mabel, and they all went over to a distant part of the grounds, where there were to be fireworks on the lawn.
There was music, laughter and song. It was a night for youth and happiness. It was a night when a hand touch, the perfume of a breath, a half-understood whisper, the rustle of the leaves caused the blood to flow swift and warm in youthful veins.