Being thus impatient, Frank made inquiries about a retired sea captain who lived in the neighborhood.
He was told that an old sea captain by the name of Tobias Barnaby lived about half a mile away. Barnaby was said to be queer, having considerable money, but being rather close-fisted and mean.
Frank was shown a path that led over a rise and through some timber to Barnaby’s home, and he immediately set off in that direction.
Merry’s curiosity seemed to increase as he hurried along the path. What friend of his could be stopping with this queer old sea captain? It was some one who had spoken well of him to Kent Spencer.
The timber through which the path passed was rather thick, and Frank did not obtain a sight of the old sailor’s home till he came out suddenly and saw the wood-colored roof of the old house showing amid the trees in a little hollow at his feet.
“Well, that’s a cozy nest!” he muttered, as he paused to admire the picture; “and the last place in the world where I should expect to find any one who knows me.”
At that moment he was startled by a sound that came from the midst of the trees near the back of the house.
“Go away and let me alone!” sounded the voice of a girl. “If you don’t—— Help! he-e-e-lp!”
The cry for help was uttered in a smothered, frightened manner, and it stirred Frank Merriwell’s blood from his crown to his toes.
“I think I am needed down there!” he muttered.