“We are with you, Merry,” declared several. “What is your little game?”
Then Frank proceeded to unfold his plan.
CHAPTER XXX.
YOUNG KIDNAPERS.
Back of Mrs. Henderson’s house was a yard that was surrounded by a high board fence. Over this fence several dark figures were cautiously making their way, having left the house by the back door.
Frank was in the lead, and he carried a blanket he had taken from the room of one of the freshmen. The blanket had been donated “for the good of the cause” by the enthusiastic freshman who had listened to Frank’s scheme, which was now being carried out.
Having climbed to the top of the fence, aided by others behind, Merriwell let himself down by his hands on the other side and dropped. Then he picked up the blanket, which was in a closely rolled bundle, that had been flung over in advance, and whistled a low signal to the others.
They followed him in turn, their blood warm at the thought of the danger and the adventure before them. They were Diamond, Rattleton, Browning and Griswold, making five in the entire party.
Others had begged to take part in the adventure, but Merriwell had declared that five was the greatest number that could work to advantage without danger of attracting attention.
Browning groaned as he clambered to the top of the fence and hung balanced there.