“And you will be soft with them if they do not let you alone,” growled Bruce. “I hope your experience of the other night is not going to make you worse than ever that way.”
As the days passed, Frank felt safer and safer. He saw the proctor sometimes, but, as a rule, Rudge pretended not to notice Merriwell.
One day they came face to face. For a single instant something like a smile came across Merry’s face. The proctor saw it, and it seemed to arouse his anger, for he exclaimed:
“I know what you are laughing about! It came near being no laughing affair! Some day, Frank Merriwell, I will get even with you for that!”
“Sorry to know you hold a grudge against me,” said Frank; “but I am glad to have one of my enemies come out boldly and declare himself.”
The proctor passed on without another word.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE THIEF IS CAUGHT.
Frank was calling on Paul Pierson when Harry Rattleton burst into the room like a whirlwind.
“Quick, Merry!” he cried. “The pickens is to-day—I mean, the dickens is to pay!”