Hattie had fancied that her act was unobserved, for Hans Dunnerwust was attempting to tell a funny story, and he had snarled himself up in such a manner that everyone seemed shouting with laughter and giving their entire attention to him.
But Jack Diamond had not missed the girl’s act, and on his face there was a look of displeasure and anxiety. When Merry started to leave the room, the Virginian reached out a hand as if to stop him, but seemed to change his mind, for he let Frank go.
But Jack watched Hattie closely. He saw her join in with the merry throng and seem as light-hearted and gay as any of them. Indeed, Hattie and Mabel were leaders in their set.
Diamond did not mean to take his eyes off the dark-haired girl, but Browning came up, suppressing a yawn with an effort and said:
“I’m getting bored. When are we to make our escape?”
“Oh, very soon, I think,” said Jack. “It is getting late.”
“The party will not break up before twelve. Are we to remain and see the agony through?”
“I don’t know. Merriwell will settle——”
Diamond paused and began to look around the room, an expression of anxiety on his face.
“She’s gone!” he muttered.