But for the fact that it would have seemed cowardly to back out at this stage of the game, Frank would have abandoned the whole project then and there. He was a person who seldom felt presentiments, but now a warning of coming evil seemed to oppress him. All his life he had observed that first impulses and first impressions were best, and now it seemed that something bade him stop at this point and wash his hands of the affair.
Frank refused to heed this warning.
“Come,” whispered Diamond, “what are you waiting for, Merry?”
“Nothing.”
Again the water gurgled chokingly. The shadow was deep down there below the bridge. Distant lights made glimmering streaks like wavering pencil marks upon the bosom of the river.
Frank looked down. For a single instant his imagination pictured a dark form floating on the water.
“We can’t stay here long,” said Bruce. “It must be near time for a train.”
“Ready!”
The word came from Merriwell’s throat, but it was husky, and he choked a bit. He was angry at himself and gave himself a savage shake.
The captive seemed to realize that something unpleasant was before him, and he shrank back.