Then he felt for Bart’s heart, but it seemed that there was not so much as a fluttering beneath his hand, and his fear turned to horror.
“He has killed Hodge!”
The words came in a hoarse gasp from Merry’s lips. And then, suddenly, he reproached himself.
“I was a fool!” he said. “If I had sworn out a warrant for the wretch and set an officer on his track, this would not have happened. I am to blame! Oh, but I will avenge my friend! I am aroused at last!”
Too late!
It seemed that the evening breeze whispered the words in his ear.
But the criminal must not escape.
At that moment several persons, attracted by the sounds of the conflict, came hurrying to the spot. They found Frank endeavoring to arouse Bart. To their questions Merriwell replied by telling them just what had happened and who were responsible.
“Why, it can’t be Walter Wallace who had anything to do with this!” exclaimed a Belfast man.
“He was concerned,” declared Merriwell; “but he is not the one most guilty. I do not fancy he knew one of his companions had murder in his heart. Find Parker Flynn. He is the one who must suffer for this!”