Hodge was sleeping soundly, and Dunnerwurst breathing heavily, on the verge of snoring, when Merry crept back into bed.
It was some time after that before Merriwell again closed his eyes in sleep. He longed to investigate the mystery, but the promise made to the veiled woman restrained him. He was inclined to fancy he had not slept at all when he was once more awakened.
Something soft and cold, almost clammy, was touching his cheek gently with a patting motion.
In a twinkling he was wide awake, but he did not stir.
He felt a presence near him and knew some one or something was bending over the bed!
A chill ran over him.
The touch on his cheek was like the cold hand of a dead person!
Then he heard a voice—that of a woman—which softly murmured:
“Sleep, my baby—sleep! Mother is near!”
Fear passed from Frank in a twinkling, and he stirred, making a grab at the hand that had touched him.