“Is that proof?”
“His cap was floating in an eddy of the river, which must have carried his body down into a pond below.”
“But the body was not recovered, although a search was made for it, and, as yet, there is no absolute proof of his death.”
“If he had not been drowned, he must have been found.”
“I’m not certain of that. He is a crafty fellow, and he may have resorted to a trick to deceive Frank.”
“Why should he?”
“He was hunted, and Merriwell had practically run him down. He knew he could not escape unless he did so by strategy. The bicycle at the bottom of the river and the floating cap made it seem that he had plunged into the river. He knew, if he were not found, that the report of his death would go out. That would give him time to escape. He did not know but he was a murderer. It is probable that he believed he had killed you. He had every reason to resort to trickery, and I am inclined to believe that was his game. I do not think Parker Flynn is dead.”
“You astonish me,” said Hodge, slowly, “but you may be right. However, even though the wretch is alive, I do not fancy we need worry about him.”
“Why not?”
“He’ll not trouble us again.”